Leaving Home Behind
I’d say I grew up in an average middle class 2 parent family in Calgary, where mom stayed home when she needed to and also worked at times. Living in the same neighborhood growing up and attending one school from grades 1-8 and another for grades 9 - 12, life was very stable. Our stable environment also included all our friends and neighbors. Nothing much changed in our world.
So what do we do after graduation! My friend, Donalee, and I decided we wanted to leave home. We settled on moving to Banff. So off we went, well armed with care packages from home, on our first adventure into the big wide world.
We found a lovely cabin to rent and we both got jobs at the local bakery after promising the owner that we would not up and leave without giving him notice. Had many a breakfast of a jelly donut we’d fill with extra jelly. I bought my first pair of blue jeans. Many hours were spent listening to Gordon Lightfoot, Buffy St. Marie, and Joan Byez records. My parents would come to visit, always bringing more care packages from home. Life here was stable.
In September we started talking about moving on. Our first plan was to stand on each side of the Trans Canada Highway and whoever got a ride would be the way we would go. We settled on hitchhiking to Vancouver. So on September 30, we told our boss that we were leaving at the end of September. We boxed up our belongings and shipped them to Vancouver by Greyhound. Traveling light, we made it to Vancouver in 2 rides. The second ride was with a traveling salesman who took us on his sales route each day through the interior of B.C. Each night he would drop us off in Kamloops at the Y.W.C.A. where we would hand wash our clothes. Five days later we arrived in Vancouver.
We got a room at the West Pender Hotel. There was a wonderful place we were told about where people spent all night listening to music. They feed us peanut butter and jam sandwiches for breakfast. Once there was a band that played Heh Jude where the drummer did a 10 minute solo.
We got to know the hotel clerk and his friend. One day we were sitting in their room drinking scotch and then beer. Boy did I get sick, all over his friends bed. All the while denying that anything was wrong, I never get sick I said.
Donalee answered an ad for a room for rent and moved. In December, traveling by train, we went back home for Christmas. In tow was Andy, a boy I had met and was taking back home for Christmas. There was a guy playing a guitar on the train that made the trip memorable.
Andy was warmly welcomed by my parents. In January he continued on his journey never to be heard from again.
In January Donalee decided to stay put. I still wanted to return to Vancouver. So, off I went. I rented the room in the house that Donalee had lived in. I got a job at a printing company. A few months later I answered an ad on a bulletin board at a laundry mat for room and board. That’s when I met Ruth and her family that included a boyfriend, her two boys, her father and his girlfriend. She worked at the Penthouse Club as a cigarette girl. They lived in a big old house on East Broadway, closer to my job.
I started dating Ray, a guy at work. One night he stood me up and Ruth suggested that I should go to the singles dance as I was all dressed up anyway. After 1 dance, the first guy that had asked me to dance, Edward, reappeared with his drink and sat down. I noticed another guy a couple tables away laughing at us. He motioned to me asking if he should come over to rescue me. That is how I met Walter, my future husband. We were married August 1st, 1970 in Calgary. We moved from Vancouver to Squamish and then to Port Alice on Vancouver Island. A marriage that was supposed to last till death do us part, lasted 2 years.
I now found myself running back home to my parents in Calgary. I got a job at a bank data center and eventually rented a room a few blocks from home, in the house of a co-worker who lived with her parents. After a couple of years I took the train to Toronto to visit with my cousins and old neighborhood friends for the summer. I would spent a few days with my dad’s cousins in Scarborough. Marg cooked and baked from scratch. Left over’s were kept and used in the next day’s meals. Then I would spend a few day’s with Win, Ket and Jimmy in Etobicoke. There any food left over after a meal went into the garbage. That is until I stopped them from throwing out the left over Kraft Dinner one night. I loved eating Kraft Dinner cold the next day, even for breakfast.
I used to babysit Ket and Jimmy when they lived next door to us in Calgary. Now Ket and I became great friends. We took a train trip once to Quebec City for the Winter Carnival and the bunch of us stayed at the Hotel Frontenac. But I get ahead of myself.
Summer over I went back to Calgary, to pack up and move to Vancouver. I got a temporary, till I found something else, job with the Vancouver office of the Market Research company that ‘Auntie’ Marg worked for in Toronto. This was the beginning of a long career.
A couple of years later, I ended up driving east in January with Marilee, who was moving to Toronto to go to University. That journey is a whole other story in itself. Maybe that’s the one I should be telling.
My life in Toronto, a whole other story in itself. Marilee and I rented a suite on the top floor of a house. I went to visit my ‘Aunt’ at her job and started working there that day. A few years later I met Alan and moved to Quesnel, B.C. but first moving back home with my parents in Calgary.
So I ask, do we ever really leave home behind!
December 1, 2008 Memoir Writing Homework > Young Adult Story 1
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
THE RIDE TO TORONTO
The Ride To Toronto
It was 1975 and I was living in Vancouver. I had met Marilee at work. We had done a couple of Market Research surveys together when one day she told me that she was looking for a couple of people to share costs and help drive her jeep to Toronto where she was going to go to University. I volunteered. A friend showed us everything there was to know about cars. He had us change a tire and check the oil etc.
We packed her jeep to the roof. There was just enough room for someone to stretch out diagonally across the top of everything to get some sleep. A man answered her ad and became the third driver. He was meeting us in Calgary at my parents, after he went to Edmonton. The plan was to take shifts driving with one of us getting some sleep.
January 1st, Marilee and I headed to Calgary. Our friend had not taught us anything about fuses blowing, which happened to us while driving late at night near Cache Creek leaving us with no head lights. We flagged a car down and learned about fuses from that kind gentleman. He switched fuses around so we had head lights.
Randy hadn’t taught us about thermostats either. Turns out the jeep had a summer thermostat installed in it, which was why we couldn’t get any heat from the heater. The dealer at Cache Creek didn’t have one in stock so we bundled up in sweaters and coats, gloves and scarves pressing on, planning to get one when we got to Calgary. We stopped in Banff at the Hot Springs pool to get warmed up. Coming down the hill from the pool we were sliding around on the snowy icy road and went into the ditch. Putting it into 4 wheel drive got us out. Driving into Calgary we were stopped at a police check and asked for a driver’s license, which we said was in our purse back there somewhere. We explained we were close to my parents place, our destination and explained about the thermostat problem explaining why we were scraping ice off the inside of the windshield and dressed in all our clothes. The guy waved us on.
When we were telling my parents about the thermostat, my dad asked why we hadn’t just put some cardboard in front of the radiator. A fix that I hadn’t remembered and Randy hadn’t taught us.
Joe, arrived a couple days later from Edmonton. Winter thermostat installed, we were ready to head east. We also had some cardboard in front of the radiator and had to stop at Chestermere Lake, just east of Calgary, to let things cool down because the radiator boiled over.
Somewhere along the way we dipped down into the U.S.A. After a few days we noticed Joe was not sleeping. He told us that he can’t sleep in a moving car. I remember one time late at night when he was driving through a small town, he stopped in the middle of an intersection when the light was green and then continued on when the light turned red.
On one of Marilee’s driving shifts, the jeep started slowing down. We happened upon a truck stop where we were told we needed a new part. They would order it and it would be shipped out by Greyhound. The truck stop had rooms so we rented one for the 3 of us. It was here that Marilee and I had a chance to talk about Joe’s driving and decided to tell him that he couldn’t drive anymore if he didn’t sleep.
The mechanics were in slow gear, close to being in reverse. The part didn’t arrive on the bus the next morning and after nagging them, it was suggested they could install something else, somehow. Just then another Greyhound bus pulled in and the ordered part was delivered. Job completed and a good night’s rest, we were on our way again.
We made a stop to visit with Marilee’s friends in Madison, Wisconsin, before returning to Canada where we headed for Toronto. We dropped Joe off. Turned out he didn’t have enough money to pay his share either.
Marilee and I rented an apartment on the top floor of an old 3 story house. I went to visit my Aunt Marg where she worked and started working there the same day.
I spent a few years living and working in Toronto. I took a driving trip to Florida with my bosses brother. Summers were spent at the cottage country. I eventually met Alan and moved back to live with him in Quesnel, B.C. after moving back home to Calgary.
There are many stories within the stories. Memories all in this present moment. Relationships and friendships that have come and gone, all but forgot.
So this is how I landed in Toronto on this life journey of mine.
Dec 1, 2008 Memoir Writing Homework Assignment > Young Adult Story 2
It was 1975 and I was living in Vancouver. I had met Marilee at work. We had done a couple of Market Research surveys together when one day she told me that she was looking for a couple of people to share costs and help drive her jeep to Toronto where she was going to go to University. I volunteered. A friend showed us everything there was to know about cars. He had us change a tire and check the oil etc.
We packed her jeep to the roof. There was just enough room for someone to stretch out diagonally across the top of everything to get some sleep. A man answered her ad and became the third driver. He was meeting us in Calgary at my parents, after he went to Edmonton. The plan was to take shifts driving with one of us getting some sleep.
January 1st, Marilee and I headed to Calgary. Our friend had not taught us anything about fuses blowing, which happened to us while driving late at night near Cache Creek leaving us with no head lights. We flagged a car down and learned about fuses from that kind gentleman. He switched fuses around so we had head lights.
Randy hadn’t taught us about thermostats either. Turns out the jeep had a summer thermostat installed in it, which was why we couldn’t get any heat from the heater. The dealer at Cache Creek didn’t have one in stock so we bundled up in sweaters and coats, gloves and scarves pressing on, planning to get one when we got to Calgary. We stopped in Banff at the Hot Springs pool to get warmed up. Coming down the hill from the pool we were sliding around on the snowy icy road and went into the ditch. Putting it into 4 wheel drive got us out. Driving into Calgary we were stopped at a police check and asked for a driver’s license, which we said was in our purse back there somewhere. We explained we were close to my parents place, our destination and explained about the thermostat problem explaining why we were scraping ice off the inside of the windshield and dressed in all our clothes. The guy waved us on.
When we were telling my parents about the thermostat, my dad asked why we hadn’t just put some cardboard in front of the radiator. A fix that I hadn’t remembered and Randy hadn’t taught us.
Joe, arrived a couple days later from Edmonton. Winter thermostat installed, we were ready to head east. We also had some cardboard in front of the radiator and had to stop at Chestermere Lake, just east of Calgary, to let things cool down because the radiator boiled over.
Somewhere along the way we dipped down into the U.S.A. After a few days we noticed Joe was not sleeping. He told us that he can’t sleep in a moving car. I remember one time late at night when he was driving through a small town, he stopped in the middle of an intersection when the light was green and then continued on when the light turned red.
On one of Marilee’s driving shifts, the jeep started slowing down. We happened upon a truck stop where we were told we needed a new part. They would order it and it would be shipped out by Greyhound. The truck stop had rooms so we rented one for the 3 of us. It was here that Marilee and I had a chance to talk about Joe’s driving and decided to tell him that he couldn’t drive anymore if he didn’t sleep.
The mechanics were in slow gear, close to being in reverse. The part didn’t arrive on the bus the next morning and after nagging them, it was suggested they could install something else, somehow. Just then another Greyhound bus pulled in and the ordered part was delivered. Job completed and a good night’s rest, we were on our way again.
We made a stop to visit with Marilee’s friends in Madison, Wisconsin, before returning to Canada where we headed for Toronto. We dropped Joe off. Turned out he didn’t have enough money to pay his share either.
Marilee and I rented an apartment on the top floor of an old 3 story house. I went to visit my Aunt Marg where she worked and started working there the same day.
I spent a few years living and working in Toronto. I took a driving trip to Florida with my bosses brother. Summers were spent at the cottage country. I eventually met Alan and moved back to live with him in Quesnel, B.C. after moving back home to Calgary.
There are many stories within the stories. Memories all in this present moment. Relationships and friendships that have come and gone, all but forgot.
So this is how I landed in Toronto on this life journey of mine.
Dec 1, 2008 Memoir Writing Homework Assignment > Young Adult Story 2
Monday, December 01, 2008
Auntie Philippa
Auntie Philippa
It was like I woke up one morning and started remembering my life. Just bits and pieces to begin with. As I got older, family stories began to fill in the blanks.
When I was 6 years old, we moved into to a bigger house two streets over and at the other end of the same block.
I have many memories of my life growing up in the ‘small’ house. My younger brother and I slept in bunk beds in one of the two bedrooms. One family story is that we used to live in the garage when mom and dad first brought me home from the hospital.
It was a safe, quiet neighborhood. We were told not to bother the people in the big old house next door that was surrounded by tall evergreen trees. They had no kids and we rarely saw them. Years later I heard a story that, that couple were ‘not married’, which would have been a big deal in the 1950’s. It was an era of keeping things from the kids to shelter and protect them. Like not taking kids to funerals so they wouldn’t get upset or be somehow scarred for life. And all along, kids knowing something is not right and wondering what they did wrong.
Like when Auntie Philippa vanished from our lives. I remember Auntie Phil and Uncle Jake visiting regularly and I was always excited to see them. I don’t really know the how or why, but I do know that Auntie Phil influenced my life. She was one of those corner stone bricks of my foundation. Maybe she played with me and paid attention to me. Or maybe it is as simple as the gift of the doll that was as big as I was. I cherished and loved that doll for years. I even rescued it from the garbage when mom tried to throw it away.
As time went by, Uncle Jake began visiting with Marlene. She was nice too. They eventually got married and had kids.
Years later, more bits and pieces of the puzzle were revealed. Turns out that Auntie Phil was my mom’s best childhood friend and they weren’t our Aunt and Uncle after all. And Philippa and Jake had gotten a divorce.
To this day the story continues to change dimensions. Through the years I have wondered if I should contact and visit Auntie Phil. Does she know she had this impact on me?
Writing this has also opened my eyes and now has me wondering how this was from my mom’s perspective. There must have been lots of conversations and decisions made at the time. One more example of doing the best you can with what you know at the time.
It was like I woke up one morning and started remembering my life. Just bits and pieces to begin with. As I got older, family stories began to fill in the blanks.
When I was 6 years old, we moved into to a bigger house two streets over and at the other end of the same block.
I have many memories of my life growing up in the ‘small’ house. My younger brother and I slept in bunk beds in one of the two bedrooms. One family story is that we used to live in the garage when mom and dad first brought me home from the hospital.
It was a safe, quiet neighborhood. We were told not to bother the people in the big old house next door that was surrounded by tall evergreen trees. They had no kids and we rarely saw them. Years later I heard a story that, that couple were ‘not married’, which would have been a big deal in the 1950’s. It was an era of keeping things from the kids to shelter and protect them. Like not taking kids to funerals so they wouldn’t get upset or be somehow scarred for life. And all along, kids knowing something is not right and wondering what they did wrong.
Like when Auntie Philippa vanished from our lives. I remember Auntie Phil and Uncle Jake visiting regularly and I was always excited to see them. I don’t really know the how or why, but I do know that Auntie Phil influenced my life. She was one of those corner stone bricks of my foundation. Maybe she played with me and paid attention to me. Or maybe it is as simple as the gift of the doll that was as big as I was. I cherished and loved that doll for years. I even rescued it from the garbage when mom tried to throw it away.
As time went by, Uncle Jake began visiting with Marlene. She was nice too. They eventually got married and had kids.
Years later, more bits and pieces of the puzzle were revealed. Turns out that Auntie Phil was my mom’s best childhood friend and they weren’t our Aunt and Uncle after all. And Philippa and Jake had gotten a divorce.
To this day the story continues to change dimensions. Through the years I have wondered if I should contact and visit Auntie Phil. Does she know she had this impact on me?
Writing this has also opened my eyes and now has me wondering how this was from my mom’s perspective. There must have been lots of conversations and decisions made at the time. One more example of doing the best you can with what you know at the time.
Brace Yourself
BRACE YOURSELF
Childhood stories have long reaching arms that link and shape our present day decisions. These ‘now’ moments link to past moments and to the anticipation of future moments.
When I was 11, my parents made decisions for me. This time they were told, by the trusted family dentist, that I needed braces. I remember that my parents had been concerned that my younger brother, Gerry, would need braces. No worries about me. I had no warning. I was there for the regular dentist visit. All of a sudden the dentist was saying that my brother would probably get his teeth knock out playing sports so not to bother with braces for him. But that I should go to an orthodontist because as the x-rays showed, I needed braces.
So began my 3 year journey of pain, humiliation and embarrassment. Four teeth pulled to make room in my mouth. In the 1960’s, braces were a mouthful of metal linking the teeth together. There was a ‘retainer’, a contraption worn outside the mouth that hooked onto the braces and put more tension on the teeth to get them moving faster. Luckily I didn’t have to wear the retainer in public, only every night while I slept.
The ridicule at school was relentless. There was also a boy with braces. He was popular, part of the “in” crowd. I was in the “out” crowd. The other kids were always trying to get us to kiss, laughing that our braces would get locked together. I started smiling without showing my teeth. My life, as well as my teeth, was reshaped.
The final product of decent looking straight teeth promised to better my life. More issues arose in my adult life. At a dental check-up years later, I was asked if I had had braces. The evidence on the x-rays showing short roots told the story. Apparently it was found that back when I had braces the teeth were moved too fast which caused this damage. Things are done differently these days. Or the time I went to the old family dentist for a check-up when I was back home for a holiday. He told me to come back for another appointment to get 2 cavities filled. I never did. Money was part of my decision making. Years later at an appointment with a new dentist, there was no mention of any cavities. Who was right, the old trusted family dentist who once made me stand in the coat closet because he didn’t believe he was hurting me and that I had no reason to be crying or this stranger! In later years I had found out that yes, some people have more sensitive teeth. And again a few years after that, at yet a third dentist, there was no mention of any cavities. This time I spoke up and told that dentist that I had been told that I had 2 cavities. He checked again and found nothing. So now should I be angry with the trusted family doctor or all of us for trusting him. Or had my body somehow fixed the cavities that the old family dentist had found!
Then there was the specialist that took cancer patients. I had been told about her by another patient who also told me that it was important for Cancer patients to get regular dental check-ups, something that I had never heard before. This dentist was as wonderful as Valerie had said she was. For the 1st time I looked forward to my annual dentist appointments. Then one year this dentist said I needed to get the back tooth pulled. She found it too difficult to clean it. It would be more convenient for her if it was removed.
Money still being a big part of my decision making process, I decided not to get the tooth pulled. The following year, the dentist was clearly irritated that I had not followed her instructions and that the tooth was still there. She informed me that she was no longer taking regular patients and that I would have to find another dentist as this would be the last visit with her. All the fears of being abandoned came flooding back. It took a few years and a filling to fall out to get me to a dentist again. And then not regularly, mostly for some emergency like my Thursday appointment after the ‘Memoirs Writing’ class where I got the idea for this homework assignment, even though I like the new dentist I had found.
As I reflected on my decisions, I wondered whom do I believe – the orthodontist of my youth that would have removed that tooth if it should have been or the present day dentist who wanted to make things more convenient for her. The choice was clear. Again money played a part in this decision after all it had cost my parents over $2000 for my braces.
In my 40’s and 50’s I began healing unresolved issues by looking at my parent’s perspective, understanding that they made sacrifices to pay for my braces. Understanding the broader picture has shifted things. I hear something different now when my mom continually asks me if I am taking care of my teeth.
My mouthful of teeth fall short in this day and age of teeth whitening products and porcelain veneers pushing us to believe that we need them to have the perfect smile. The end of this many layered childhood story has yet to be discovered. Will I circum to the voices of advertisements or will money issues again save me from myself!
Lynn Keeling
November 16, 2008
Childhood stories have long reaching arms that link and shape our present day decisions. These ‘now’ moments link to past moments and to the anticipation of future moments.
When I was 11, my parents made decisions for me. This time they were told, by the trusted family dentist, that I needed braces. I remember that my parents had been concerned that my younger brother, Gerry, would need braces. No worries about me. I had no warning. I was there for the regular dentist visit. All of a sudden the dentist was saying that my brother would probably get his teeth knock out playing sports so not to bother with braces for him. But that I should go to an orthodontist because as the x-rays showed, I needed braces.
So began my 3 year journey of pain, humiliation and embarrassment. Four teeth pulled to make room in my mouth. In the 1960’s, braces were a mouthful of metal linking the teeth together. There was a ‘retainer’, a contraption worn outside the mouth that hooked onto the braces and put more tension on the teeth to get them moving faster. Luckily I didn’t have to wear the retainer in public, only every night while I slept.
The ridicule at school was relentless. There was also a boy with braces. He was popular, part of the “in” crowd. I was in the “out” crowd. The other kids were always trying to get us to kiss, laughing that our braces would get locked together. I started smiling without showing my teeth. My life, as well as my teeth, was reshaped.
The final product of decent looking straight teeth promised to better my life. More issues arose in my adult life. At a dental check-up years later, I was asked if I had had braces. The evidence on the x-rays showing short roots told the story. Apparently it was found that back when I had braces the teeth were moved too fast which caused this damage. Things are done differently these days. Or the time I went to the old family dentist for a check-up when I was back home for a holiday. He told me to come back for another appointment to get 2 cavities filled. I never did. Money was part of my decision making. Years later at an appointment with a new dentist, there was no mention of any cavities. Who was right, the old trusted family dentist who once made me stand in the coat closet because he didn’t believe he was hurting me and that I had no reason to be crying or this stranger! In later years I had found out that yes, some people have more sensitive teeth. And again a few years after that, at yet a third dentist, there was no mention of any cavities. This time I spoke up and told that dentist that I had been told that I had 2 cavities. He checked again and found nothing. So now should I be angry with the trusted family doctor or all of us for trusting him. Or had my body somehow fixed the cavities that the old family dentist had found!
Then there was the specialist that took cancer patients. I had been told about her by another patient who also told me that it was important for Cancer patients to get regular dental check-ups, something that I had never heard before. This dentist was as wonderful as Valerie had said she was. For the 1st time I looked forward to my annual dentist appointments. Then one year this dentist said I needed to get the back tooth pulled. She found it too difficult to clean it. It would be more convenient for her if it was removed.
Money still being a big part of my decision making process, I decided not to get the tooth pulled. The following year, the dentist was clearly irritated that I had not followed her instructions and that the tooth was still there. She informed me that she was no longer taking regular patients and that I would have to find another dentist as this would be the last visit with her. All the fears of being abandoned came flooding back. It took a few years and a filling to fall out to get me to a dentist again. And then not regularly, mostly for some emergency like my Thursday appointment after the ‘Memoirs Writing’ class where I got the idea for this homework assignment, even though I like the new dentist I had found.
As I reflected on my decisions, I wondered whom do I believe – the orthodontist of my youth that would have removed that tooth if it should have been or the present day dentist who wanted to make things more convenient for her. The choice was clear. Again money played a part in this decision after all it had cost my parents over $2000 for my braces.
In my 40’s and 50’s I began healing unresolved issues by looking at my parent’s perspective, understanding that they made sacrifices to pay for my braces. Understanding the broader picture has shifted things. I hear something different now when my mom continually asks me if I am taking care of my teeth.
My mouthful of teeth fall short in this day and age of teeth whitening products and porcelain veneers pushing us to believe that we need them to have the perfect smile. The end of this many layered childhood story has yet to be discovered. Will I circum to the voices of advertisements or will money issues again save me from myself!
Lynn Keeling
November 16, 2008
Gems from Louise Hay book
Gems from Louise Hay book
Confusion, a head full of questioning. No room for the answers. Around and around I went. Not wanting to ask, questioning the answers when they were able to fit in. Ah, what a journey.
So simple. The trick is to remember. To love myself in the moment. To lighten up on myself. To love the process no matter how yucky it feels. To trust myself and my abilities. To trust the bigger picture. To trust the universe. To trust God.
Sometimes I notice that I don't ask because I don't want the answer yet. So I give myself permission to "distance" myself for the moment. Trusting that the right time for me will come soon. All is well. All is as it should be in each and every moment.
So, I got around to asking my valued friend the questions I had been struggling with. His simple reminder was the key. I wasn't trusting myself. When the shoe fits... shifts happen in an instant.
He suggested I get the Louise Hay book and look up the various parts of the body. SMILE !!! Of course I already have that book. Dah!!!
It still took me a day to get around to taking it off my bookshelf and scan through it. What a laugh. My story in print already. LOL
So now I am off to write a stack of cards of affirmations from the book.
Keep well. Feel free to connect with me. Lets discover the reason you found this site.
Creator of my lifes journey in love. LynnK
Confusion, a head full of questioning. No room for the answers. Around and around I went. Not wanting to ask, questioning the answers when they were able to fit in. Ah, what a journey.
So simple. The trick is to remember. To love myself in the moment. To lighten up on myself. To love the process no matter how yucky it feels. To trust myself and my abilities. To trust the bigger picture. To trust the universe. To trust God.
Sometimes I notice that I don't ask because I don't want the answer yet. So I give myself permission to "distance" myself for the moment. Trusting that the right time for me will come soon. All is well. All is as it should be in each and every moment.
So, I got around to asking my valued friend the questions I had been struggling with. His simple reminder was the key. I wasn't trusting myself. When the shoe fits... shifts happen in an instant.
He suggested I get the Louise Hay book and look up the various parts of the body. SMILE !!! Of course I already have that book. Dah!!!
It still took me a day to get around to taking it off my bookshelf and scan through it. What a laugh. My story in print already. LOL
So now I am off to write a stack of cards of affirmations from the book.
Keep well. Feel free to connect with me. Lets discover the reason you found this site.
Creator of my lifes journey in love. LynnK
REFLECTions
Reflections
REFLECTions by Lynn July 13, 2006
Reflective idea’s spring forth to my conscious awareness, as I continue to enjoy Brigid Ting’s Level 3 “T.T. in the Garden” workshop held on July 8 + 9, 2006. My many on going ah ha moments, began to surface before the weekend and continue on as I struggle to write this, noticing my need to get it perfect by selecting the perfect words that say what I mean them to say. So much for, “keeping it simple”, “being detached from outcome” and following the rule of “not using 2 words when 1 will do”.
I have discovered that it is easier to document someone else’s story, partly because I am not emotionally invested. So, as I again re center, I will choose to get on with ‘it’.
The steps of T.T. can be useful tools for writing. Especially when documenting a profound experience that we are emotionally attached to, such as documenting a T.T. case study.
Centered and grounded, I can objectively document coming from a place of detached non judgment with no expectations of outcome and a clear intention with conscious attention.
Assessing, reassessing, clarifying, readjusting and rewriting thoughts that are presented.
Unruffling / Modulating by rebalancing, smoothing out the rough edges. Taking away what is not needed and adding to what is needed. Creating a balance, a streamlined report that captures the essence of the event.
Stopping, when there is nothing more needed to be said.
These steps can also be used during conversations, developing our ‘sustained centering’ muscles as we practice active listening. Re centering when we notice we have tuned out and have no idea what was just said. Or when driving / walking / cycling by being in the moment, actively aware of the present, instead of missing the journey from point A to B. A valuable exercise is, to do an assessment of our centering process.
Let’s become more consciously aware of our assessing and re assessing process that we are automatically involved in, in every moment. Noticing when we slip into judgment for example.
Practice rebalancing by streamlining our conversations. Remembering “less is best”.
Actively enhance brainpower by engaging in reading, writing, creating. Do crossword puzzles, memorize things, take courses, play music, sing. Do something new / different each day. Learn and use a new word everyday. And the list goes on….
Language is also part of the T.T. process and T.T. steps can be used to analyze language.
Centered and grounded, we keep our words short and simple, avoiding over explaining. It might be wise to take time to center before dialoguing with a client. Setting aside ego and facilitating the client’s process.
Assessment skills continually monitor client’s responses. Assessment includes total communication experience – ie. body language, what’s not said, etc.
Unruffling / Modulation – listening to and adjusting to client’s needs. Listening to and honoring client’s process. ie. touch / no touch. Offering suggestions and giving client permission to accept what they want.
Stopping dialogue and getting on with T.T. Honoring self. ie. Choosing not to do T.T.
The T.T. assumption that energy follows thought is another segment of language worth looking at. Confirmed by reassessing, directing energy flow with our thoughts changes the energy field.
It stands to reason, that this power of thoughts applies to all our thoughts. What we think manifests. ie. Negative self talk – I can’t relax, becomes a truth. Our body hears this and obeys. We are right.
“Repetitive” thoughts are like nagging ourselves into creating what we ask for.
Developing language skills means examining what we want and don’t want. Changing our thoughts and spoken words to reflect the reality that we desire. Taking an honest assessment and reassessments of ourselves.
Making changes. Keeping it simple. Small changes / shifts / steps. ie. sitting in a different place, picking up glass with other hand, opening door with other hand. Anything that will remind us that we are making a bigger change. Setting ourselves up for success. Using affirmations for example. ie. “No blame, no guilt, no regrets.” Changing language, ie “should” to “could”. Being patient and gentle with ourselves. Treating ourselves like we would like others to treat us. Treating others like we would like to be treated by others. Letting go of judgment and expectations, blame and guilt.
Using the tool of our breath to connect. It’s free and always with us.
Observing. Noticing the coincidences that surround us. Learn from networking and sharing with others. And just as in T.T., ending with a dialogue, getting feedback. Finding out what works and what doesn’t.
So, I invite you to share your assessments and your own reflective stories.
REFLECTions by Lynn July 13, 2006
Reflective idea’s spring forth to my conscious awareness, as I continue to enjoy Brigid Ting’s Level 3 “T.T. in the Garden” workshop held on July 8 + 9, 2006. My many on going ah ha moments, began to surface before the weekend and continue on as I struggle to write this, noticing my need to get it perfect by selecting the perfect words that say what I mean them to say. So much for, “keeping it simple”, “being detached from outcome” and following the rule of “not using 2 words when 1 will do”.
I have discovered that it is easier to document someone else’s story, partly because I am not emotionally invested. So, as I again re center, I will choose to get on with ‘it’.
The steps of T.T. can be useful tools for writing. Especially when documenting a profound experience that we are emotionally attached to, such as documenting a T.T. case study.
Centered and grounded, I can objectively document coming from a place of detached non judgment with no expectations of outcome and a clear intention with conscious attention.
Assessing, reassessing, clarifying, readjusting and rewriting thoughts that are presented.
Unruffling / Modulating by rebalancing, smoothing out the rough edges. Taking away what is not needed and adding to what is needed. Creating a balance, a streamlined report that captures the essence of the event.
Stopping, when there is nothing more needed to be said.
These steps can also be used during conversations, developing our ‘sustained centering’ muscles as we practice active listening. Re centering when we notice we have tuned out and have no idea what was just said. Or when driving / walking / cycling by being in the moment, actively aware of the present, instead of missing the journey from point A to B. A valuable exercise is, to do an assessment of our centering process.
Let’s become more consciously aware of our assessing and re assessing process that we are automatically involved in, in every moment. Noticing when we slip into judgment for example.
Practice rebalancing by streamlining our conversations. Remembering “less is best”.
Actively enhance brainpower by engaging in reading, writing, creating. Do crossword puzzles, memorize things, take courses, play music, sing. Do something new / different each day. Learn and use a new word everyday. And the list goes on….
Language is also part of the T.T. process and T.T. steps can be used to analyze language.
Centered and grounded, we keep our words short and simple, avoiding over explaining. It might be wise to take time to center before dialoguing with a client. Setting aside ego and facilitating the client’s process.
Assessment skills continually monitor client’s responses. Assessment includes total communication experience – ie. body language, what’s not said, etc.
Unruffling / Modulation – listening to and adjusting to client’s needs. Listening to and honoring client’s process. ie. touch / no touch. Offering suggestions and giving client permission to accept what they want.
Stopping dialogue and getting on with T.T. Honoring self. ie. Choosing not to do T.T.
The T.T. assumption that energy follows thought is another segment of language worth looking at. Confirmed by reassessing, directing energy flow with our thoughts changes the energy field.
It stands to reason, that this power of thoughts applies to all our thoughts. What we think manifests. ie. Negative self talk – I can’t relax, becomes a truth. Our body hears this and obeys. We are right.
“Repetitive” thoughts are like nagging ourselves into creating what we ask for.
Developing language skills means examining what we want and don’t want. Changing our thoughts and spoken words to reflect the reality that we desire. Taking an honest assessment and reassessments of ourselves.
Making changes. Keeping it simple. Small changes / shifts / steps. ie. sitting in a different place, picking up glass with other hand, opening door with other hand. Anything that will remind us that we are making a bigger change. Setting ourselves up for success. Using affirmations for example. ie. “No blame, no guilt, no regrets.” Changing language, ie “should” to “could”. Being patient and gentle with ourselves. Treating ourselves like we would like others to treat us. Treating others like we would like to be treated by others. Letting go of judgment and expectations, blame and guilt.
Using the tool of our breath to connect. It’s free and always with us.
Observing. Noticing the coincidences that surround us. Learn from networking and sharing with others. And just as in T.T., ending with a dialogue, getting feedback. Finding out what works and what doesn’t.
So, I invite you to share your assessments and your own reflective stories.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Robert Schuller Book Report
My journal entry about Robert Schuller's book "You Can Become The Person You Want To Be"
On the front cover there is a picture of Robert Schuller. He is welcoming me to join him on this journey. He is there to guide and support me. Pointing out the way. Gesturing politely to walk past him and go ahead. The look of joy on his face says he is happy to see me, he is saying 'glad you made it'. He is instilling confidence, peace, serenity - a sense of ease. 'Let's continue the journey' - doesn't feel like the beginning, more like 1/2 way through the walk. He is joining me as an invited guest. I don't even stop. He just joins in. Falls easily into step beside me - like someone joining a jogger midway through their run. Easy. Feels right. Comfortably in the right place at the right time. Willingness, excitement, bubbling with joy. Joyful bubbles reaching every cell of my body. Strength, empowering. Looking forward to the learning and releasing. The choice of the color green for the cover speaks healing to me.
The words 'Make Every Hour Your Hour of Power' invites me to strive for more. To pack more punch into every hour. The words are a recipe for success. I have a choice - I can dilute the recipe or I can spice it up. One way to get more power into the hour is to dump the garbage. Lighten the load. Do some personal house cleaning. We only move twice in this lifetime, once into this physical body, then at the time of death, out of this physical body. We accumulate a lot of 'stuff' between moves. The 'stuff' accumulates between lives and carries over to the next life. That's lots of potential garbage.
The name, Robert, translates to correct, proper, the right way. Not Bob or Rob, but Robert. H. for herd. Schuller - shoo, is a gentle nudging sound.
Now, for the title - 'You Can Become The Person You Want To Be'
YOU - Who? Me.
CAN - 'You Can' Empowering affirmation. A statement of fact. There is always a way.
BECOME - What a glorious invitation. Permission granted. Not 'BE', but 'BECOME'. A possibility, a journey, involves action from the 'YOU'.
THE - encompasses everything. All. Nothing is impossible. 'THE', all encompassing. That's it, nothing more. 'THE' is everything.
PERSON - Focusing on something specific. More powerful. Focusing increases the energy. Defines which person, 'THE' person. Leaves no question - not wishy washy - very specific.
YOU - puts the responsibility back where it belongs, on my shoulders. I am the one who has to do it. The one responsible. The one 'its' up to. My choice.
WANT - Want, desire, strive for, purpose. What we work towards our whole life. 'WANT' breaks down barriers. 'WANT' finds a way. 'WANT' keeps us going - keeps us motivated. 'WANT' is bigger than the problems.
TO - Statement of truth, fact. 'TO' puts a period on the statement. Adds punch. Musical sounding statement. Rhythmic, flowing, easy.
BE - be, not do. 'BE'. Instruction how. Key is to 'BE'. That's the answer. Just 'BE'.
Emphasizing different words of the title each time I say it, gives the sentence a different meaning even though it is the same sentence.
Well, that covers the front cover.
Now for the first page. START DREAMING! Step 1 'START'. Answers the question. Start, is an action. Yes, yes, yes. Puts me in a positive frame of mind. Start what? 'DREAMING'! Dreaming is the key to succeeding. Another gentle noodge. START DREAMING!
March 1999.
On the front cover there is a picture of Robert Schuller. He is welcoming me to join him on this journey. He is there to guide and support me. Pointing out the way. Gesturing politely to walk past him and go ahead. The look of joy on his face says he is happy to see me, he is saying 'glad you made it'. He is instilling confidence, peace, serenity - a sense of ease. 'Let's continue the journey' - doesn't feel like the beginning, more like 1/2 way through the walk. He is joining me as an invited guest. I don't even stop. He just joins in. Falls easily into step beside me - like someone joining a jogger midway through their run. Easy. Feels right. Comfortably in the right place at the right time. Willingness, excitement, bubbling with joy. Joyful bubbles reaching every cell of my body. Strength, empowering. Looking forward to the learning and releasing. The choice of the color green for the cover speaks healing to me.
The words 'Make Every Hour Your Hour of Power' invites me to strive for more. To pack more punch into every hour. The words are a recipe for success. I have a choice - I can dilute the recipe or I can spice it up. One way to get more power into the hour is to dump the garbage. Lighten the load. Do some personal house cleaning. We only move twice in this lifetime, once into this physical body, then at the time of death, out of this physical body. We accumulate a lot of 'stuff' between moves. The 'stuff' accumulates between lives and carries over to the next life. That's lots of potential garbage.
The name, Robert, translates to correct, proper, the right way. Not Bob or Rob, but Robert. H. for herd. Schuller - shoo, is a gentle nudging sound.
Now, for the title - 'You Can Become The Person You Want To Be'
YOU - Who? Me.
CAN - 'You Can' Empowering affirmation. A statement of fact. There is always a way.
BECOME - What a glorious invitation. Permission granted. Not 'BE', but 'BECOME'. A possibility, a journey, involves action from the 'YOU'.
THE - encompasses everything. All. Nothing is impossible. 'THE', all encompassing. That's it, nothing more. 'THE' is everything.
PERSON - Focusing on something specific. More powerful. Focusing increases the energy. Defines which person, 'THE' person. Leaves no question - not wishy washy - very specific.
YOU - puts the responsibility back where it belongs, on my shoulders. I am the one who has to do it. The one responsible. The one 'its' up to. My choice.
WANT - Want, desire, strive for, purpose. What we work towards our whole life. 'WANT' breaks down barriers. 'WANT' finds a way. 'WANT' keeps us going - keeps us motivated. 'WANT' is bigger than the problems.
TO - Statement of truth, fact. 'TO' puts a period on the statement. Adds punch. Musical sounding statement. Rhythmic, flowing, easy.
BE - be, not do. 'BE'. Instruction how. Key is to 'BE'. That's the answer. Just 'BE'.
Emphasizing different words of the title each time I say it, gives the sentence a different meaning even though it is the same sentence.
Well, that covers the front cover.
Now for the first page. START DREAMING! Step 1 'START'. Answers the question. Start, is an action. Yes, yes, yes. Puts me in a positive frame of mind. Start what? 'DREAMING'! Dreaming is the key to succeeding. Another gentle noodge. START DREAMING!
March 1999.
We Are All Links In A Chain
This is my way of sharing with you a seemingly insignificant moment in time. It was that moment that I first met Sheri. No, this isn't a story about 'love at first sight'. It's a story about a chance meeting that starte a chain of connections that brought joy to others. Others not even connected to this part of the chain.
It all starte one morning at the end of the Vancouver Cancer Clinic's Relaxation Group when I spoke to Sheri for the first time. As well as dealing with her own husbands cancer treatments, Sheri's sister in laws father, Charlie, was upstairs in the clinic in a coma.
Later, in the clinic's cafeteria, Sheri introduced a couple of us to her sister in law, Jane and Janes mother Mary. Sheri had told them about the Relaxation Group. To make a long story short, I made a connection with Mary and she accepted my offer of Therapeutic Touch. I left her resting on the extra bed in her husbands room. The next morning when I went to visit Mary, I was excited to see that Charlie had come out of his coma. When Mary introduced me to her husband, he stuck out his hand and said 'hello'. Just then his nurse came in so Mary and I went to the chapel in the clinic. We had a wonderful talk. Back at Charlie's room, I left saying I would drop by later.
I went on to the Relaxation Group where I ran into Sheri and her husband. They were pleased to hear that Charlie was awake. When I went back to Charlie's room later, Mary had gone home. I asked Charlie if there was anything I could do for him before I left and he pointed to me and said 'sing me a song'. That's when I offered to go find Katherine, the clinics Music Therapist. I found Katherine in her office and told her my story. She happened to be on her way to that floor and said she would drop in on Charlie. I went back to tell Charlie that the Music Therapist would be by shortly. Then I ran into Sheri in the cafeteria and told her about the 'sing me a song' request. She offered me a ride home, so we both went back up to Charlie's room where Sheri was meeting her husband. When we arrived, everyone was singing along with Katherine and her guitar. It was one of those beautiful magical moments and I was grateful to be part of it.
This is a story I have told many times to others that will probably never get to meet the 'links' in this part of the chain. I continue to relive the joy long after the moment has past when sharing the story touches the hearts of those who hear this inspiring tale of serendipity at work. And then there are the other 'links' down the chain that I may never get to meet, that will be touched in some way by one of the 'links' who heard my story.
So, to all the Sheri's out there in the world - that means you - you do make a difference. You may mean more than you may ever know, to people you may never meet. You are a 'link' in the chain.
April 8, 1998
It all starte one morning at the end of the Vancouver Cancer Clinic's Relaxation Group when I spoke to Sheri for the first time. As well as dealing with her own husbands cancer treatments, Sheri's sister in laws father, Charlie, was upstairs in the clinic in a coma.
Later, in the clinic's cafeteria, Sheri introduced a couple of us to her sister in law, Jane and Janes mother Mary. Sheri had told them about the Relaxation Group. To make a long story short, I made a connection with Mary and she accepted my offer of Therapeutic Touch. I left her resting on the extra bed in her husbands room. The next morning when I went to visit Mary, I was excited to see that Charlie had come out of his coma. When Mary introduced me to her husband, he stuck out his hand and said 'hello'. Just then his nurse came in so Mary and I went to the chapel in the clinic. We had a wonderful talk. Back at Charlie's room, I left saying I would drop by later.
I went on to the Relaxation Group where I ran into Sheri and her husband. They were pleased to hear that Charlie was awake. When I went back to Charlie's room later, Mary had gone home. I asked Charlie if there was anything I could do for him before I left and he pointed to me and said 'sing me a song'. That's when I offered to go find Katherine, the clinics Music Therapist. I found Katherine in her office and told her my story. She happened to be on her way to that floor and said she would drop in on Charlie. I went back to tell Charlie that the Music Therapist would be by shortly. Then I ran into Sheri in the cafeteria and told her about the 'sing me a song' request. She offered me a ride home, so we both went back up to Charlie's room where Sheri was meeting her husband. When we arrived, everyone was singing along with Katherine and her guitar. It was one of those beautiful magical moments and I was grateful to be part of it.
This is a story I have told many times to others that will probably never get to meet the 'links' in this part of the chain. I continue to relive the joy long after the moment has past when sharing the story touches the hearts of those who hear this inspiring tale of serendipity at work. And then there are the other 'links' down the chain that I may never get to meet, that will be touched in some way by one of the 'links' who heard my story.
So, to all the Sheri's out there in the world - that means you - you do make a difference. You may mean more than you may ever know, to people you may never meet. You are a 'link' in the chain.
April 8, 1998
Richmond Hospice Training - Eulogy
Lynn was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She attended Kensington Road Elementary and Queen Elizabeth Jr/Sr High School. She earned many badges in Brownies. In high school she enjoyed being in the curling club and also curled with her parents in the credit union league. As a teenager, she enjoyed baby-sitting and volunteering as a candy striper at an old age home. Summer and weekend jobs included a shampoo girl in a beauty salon, a car hop at the local A&W and a cashier at a swimming pool.
Over the years, Lynn worked at various jobs such as at a bakery, a Tastee Freez, printing shop and bank data centers. Most of her working career was spent in the Market Research business as a supervisor/office manager both in Vancouver and Toronto.
She had many fond memories of tobogganing down the North Hill and being pulled on the toboggan behind the family car on the ice of Chestermere Lake east of Calgary. Vacations were spent camping, first in a tent, then in a tent trailer.
Around 6 years old, their little red wagon full of belongings, off they went down the back alley to help the family move from 3rd Ave. N.W. to the other end of the block on 1st Ave. where she got her own bedroom. The family took in borders, two of which were from Holland which explains where the wooden shoes came from.
One summer holiday while visiting her good friend Donalee in Cochrane, who is now a nurse, (and who had the measles at the time) Lynn twisted her ankle in a gopher hole while chasing a kite. Donalee rubbed her swollen ankle with horse liniment every hour. Three months later an x-ray showed a broken bone which was later operated on.
At the end of high school, Donalee and Lynn moved to Banff together and worked in a bakery. They sure enjoyed the 'care packages' Lynn's parents brought with them when they came to visit. From Banff, the 2 of them headed to Vancouver - hitch hiking. They made it in 2 rides. The second ride was with a traveling salesman who took them on his route around B.C.'s interior with him. Five days later they arrived in Vancouver. Then a train ride back home to Calgary for Christmas with Andy in tow (a guy Lynn met in Vancouver). The Keeling household was always open to wandering souls. Donalee ended up staying in Calgary. Lynn left for Vancouver again in the New Year where she found a job at a printing company. Between living in Toronto, Squamish, Port Alice, Calgary and Quesnel, she always migrated back to Vancouver.
Her marriage to Walter in 1970 lasted 2 years. Friendships that lasted from that relationship knew her for 13 years as Lynn and Alan. And then along with friendships from that relationship, finally as Lynn and Ralph.
With Ralph came his 3 adult children Todd, Ted and Trudy with her husband Rob and grandson Justin. And many wonderful memories of camping with Ralph's 2 brothers and their wives. In 1997 the three couples in three camping vehicles started out on an across Canada adventure together. Following Route 66 back across the U.S., six months later Ralph and Lynn arrived back home.
Travel being a priority, Lynn and Ralph enjoyed many cruises that included the Panama Canal, Alaska and Caribbean. They enjoyed their Thousand Trails camping membership. Life with Ralph included belonging to the Unity Church where she also volunteered.
Lynn's life was a journey of personal growth searching for and finding the purpose she came to earth for. Over the years Lynn's interest in holistic health lead her to many workshops and groups. In 1992 a cervical cancer diagnosis lead her to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic. It was her dream come true, a medical institution which taught and used complementary therapies. She benefited greatly from the Music and Art Therapy sessions and the relaxation group. Lynn eventually started volunteering at the clinics relaxation groups and took the Therapeutic Touch workshops. She also had training in reflexology, craniosacral therapy and reiki. By 1998, she was participating in the Holistic Night groups and was involved in various Hospice groups. Lynn facilitated various relaxation groups and healing retreats. Always willing to learn, she especially enjoyed the weekly Mask Making workshops she attended.
In her early 50's, Lynn wrote many best selling books including the popular 'How To' series where she shares her life story. She traveled extensively giving seminars and workshops around the world. She made many appearances on talk shows such as Oprah. She was a regular radio personality on Vancouver's first Holistic Healing Radio Station.
Always walking her talk, she was an incredible example of a human being. Lynn pasted away peaceful in her sleep at the age of 94. Lynn, you are missed.
There is one last request - Lynn wants to clear up one last lie. Donalee and Chuck, she wants you to know that - yes, she did help spread honey and cracker crumbs around your room on your wedding night. She is sorry she lied to you, but she sure had fun doing it.
April 7, 1999
Over the years, Lynn worked at various jobs such as at a bakery, a Tastee Freez, printing shop and bank data centers. Most of her working career was spent in the Market Research business as a supervisor/office manager both in Vancouver and Toronto.
She had many fond memories of tobogganing down the North Hill and being pulled on the toboggan behind the family car on the ice of Chestermere Lake east of Calgary. Vacations were spent camping, first in a tent, then in a tent trailer.
Around 6 years old, their little red wagon full of belongings, off they went down the back alley to help the family move from 3rd Ave. N.W. to the other end of the block on 1st Ave. where she got her own bedroom. The family took in borders, two of which were from Holland which explains where the wooden shoes came from.
One summer holiday while visiting her good friend Donalee in Cochrane, who is now a nurse, (and who had the measles at the time) Lynn twisted her ankle in a gopher hole while chasing a kite. Donalee rubbed her swollen ankle with horse liniment every hour. Three months later an x-ray showed a broken bone which was later operated on.
At the end of high school, Donalee and Lynn moved to Banff together and worked in a bakery. They sure enjoyed the 'care packages' Lynn's parents brought with them when they came to visit. From Banff, the 2 of them headed to Vancouver - hitch hiking. They made it in 2 rides. The second ride was with a traveling salesman who took them on his route around B.C.'s interior with him. Five days later they arrived in Vancouver. Then a train ride back home to Calgary for Christmas with Andy in tow (a guy Lynn met in Vancouver). The Keeling household was always open to wandering souls. Donalee ended up staying in Calgary. Lynn left for Vancouver again in the New Year where she found a job at a printing company. Between living in Toronto, Squamish, Port Alice, Calgary and Quesnel, she always migrated back to Vancouver.
Her marriage to Walter in 1970 lasted 2 years. Friendships that lasted from that relationship knew her for 13 years as Lynn and Alan. And then along with friendships from that relationship, finally as Lynn and Ralph.
With Ralph came his 3 adult children Todd, Ted and Trudy with her husband Rob and grandson Justin. And many wonderful memories of camping with Ralph's 2 brothers and their wives. In 1997 the three couples in three camping vehicles started out on an across Canada adventure together. Following Route 66 back across the U.S., six months later Ralph and Lynn arrived back home.
Travel being a priority, Lynn and Ralph enjoyed many cruises that included the Panama Canal, Alaska and Caribbean. They enjoyed their Thousand Trails camping membership. Life with Ralph included belonging to the Unity Church where she also volunteered.
Lynn's life was a journey of personal growth searching for and finding the purpose she came to earth for. Over the years Lynn's interest in holistic health lead her to many workshops and groups. In 1992 a cervical cancer diagnosis lead her to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic. It was her dream come true, a medical institution which taught and used complementary therapies. She benefited greatly from the Music and Art Therapy sessions and the relaxation group. Lynn eventually started volunteering at the clinics relaxation groups and took the Therapeutic Touch workshops. She also had training in reflexology, craniosacral therapy and reiki. By 1998, she was participating in the Holistic Night groups and was involved in various Hospice groups. Lynn facilitated various relaxation groups and healing retreats. Always willing to learn, she especially enjoyed the weekly Mask Making workshops she attended.
In her early 50's, Lynn wrote many best selling books including the popular 'How To' series where she shares her life story. She traveled extensively giving seminars and workshops around the world. She made many appearances on talk shows such as Oprah. She was a regular radio personality on Vancouver's first Holistic Healing Radio Station.
Always walking her talk, she was an incredible example of a human being. Lynn pasted away peaceful in her sleep at the age of 94. Lynn, you are missed.
There is one last request - Lynn wants to clear up one last lie. Donalee and Chuck, she wants you to know that - yes, she did help spread honey and cracker crumbs around your room on your wedding night. She is sorry she lied to you, but she sure had fun doing it.
April 7, 1999
Relaxation Program - My Story
Relaxation, meditation, Therapeutic Touch, are all useful tools.
Swollen ankles = swollen legs = aches and pains in knees, hips and back. After a hysterectomy and radiation treatments for cervical cancer, my G.P. and radiation oncologist both said that there was nothing I could do with the swelling of my legs and that I would just have to put up with it. They prescribed that I eat less salt, drink lots of water and sit with my legs up. They said it would be worse in the hot weather. Lunching with other patients in the V.C.C. cafeteria after one of the regular relaxation groups, I learned:
1. something can be done.
2. the sooner I did something, the better.
3. many patients recommended the same physiotherapist.
I had many successful appointments with the recommended physiotherapist which included a leg pump machine. The swelling decreased and the aches and pains went away.
The Relaxation Group also introduced me to Therapeutic Touch. Learning T.T. has given me a tool to barter with. I can do exchanges with other body/energy practitioners. I have had sessions that I probably wouldn't have had because of cost, which includes Craniosacral Therapy which I have found most beneficial. T.T. has saved me money. Research shows that I also physically benefit when I do T.T. on someone else.
Having something as comforting as T.T. to offer someone that I am visiting makes me feel useful. I have also been able to teach T.T. to patients and their family and friends. Having something as simple as 'foot stroking' to do makes them feel useful as opposed to useless.
Learning T.T. has changed my life. To begin doing T.T. I take a moment to take care of myself by grounding and centering. Choosing to be in the present moment with the other person the center of my universe for our time together, not thinking of grocery shopping etc. When I am grounded and centered, I find that I respond to lifes situations instead of reacting. I can use this step on it's own anytime and anywhere. Store line ups, red lights, difficult situations, missed buses etc. are experienced differently now. Life changes because I have changed. I continue to become more confident in my abilities and to be more tolerant and accepting of myself and others. Using T.T., I continue to learn to tune into and trust my intuition. Being in the present moment is a connection with clarity and answers. I am more aware of my life's journey.
These joys and benefits are also reflected in the practices of meditating and journalling which I continue to learn at the relaxation groups.
Networking with others is where I learned that there was a question to ask, let alone what the question should be. The new lunch table friends that I continue to make are a valuable resource socially and supportively.
July 8, 1999
Swollen ankles = swollen legs = aches and pains in knees, hips and back. After a hysterectomy and radiation treatments for cervical cancer, my G.P. and radiation oncologist both said that there was nothing I could do with the swelling of my legs and that I would just have to put up with it. They prescribed that I eat less salt, drink lots of water and sit with my legs up. They said it would be worse in the hot weather. Lunching with other patients in the V.C.C. cafeteria after one of the regular relaxation groups, I learned:
1. something can be done.
2. the sooner I did something, the better.
3. many patients recommended the same physiotherapist.
I had many successful appointments with the recommended physiotherapist which included a leg pump machine. The swelling decreased and the aches and pains went away.
The Relaxation Group also introduced me to Therapeutic Touch. Learning T.T. has given me a tool to barter with. I can do exchanges with other body/energy practitioners. I have had sessions that I probably wouldn't have had because of cost, which includes Craniosacral Therapy which I have found most beneficial. T.T. has saved me money. Research shows that I also physically benefit when I do T.T. on someone else.
Having something as comforting as T.T. to offer someone that I am visiting makes me feel useful. I have also been able to teach T.T. to patients and their family and friends. Having something as simple as 'foot stroking' to do makes them feel useful as opposed to useless.
Learning T.T. has changed my life. To begin doing T.T. I take a moment to take care of myself by grounding and centering. Choosing to be in the present moment with the other person the center of my universe for our time together, not thinking of grocery shopping etc. When I am grounded and centered, I find that I respond to lifes situations instead of reacting. I can use this step on it's own anytime and anywhere. Store line ups, red lights, difficult situations, missed buses etc. are experienced differently now. Life changes because I have changed. I continue to become more confident in my abilities and to be more tolerant and accepting of myself and others. Using T.T., I continue to learn to tune into and trust my intuition. Being in the present moment is a connection with clarity and answers. I am more aware of my life's journey.
These joys and benefits are also reflected in the practices of meditating and journalling which I continue to learn at the relaxation groups.
Networking with others is where I learned that there was a question to ask, let alone what the question should be. The new lunch table friends that I continue to make are a valuable resource socially and supportively.
July 8, 1999
Love Letter To Myself
I love you. I just want to like you. I want to like the things you do. I want to like the way you are. I want to be consumed by your passion for me and you consumed by my passion. My passion that bubbles below the surface waiting for your every touch. Your every look. Like a book melting us together on the pages of love. I want to express my love to you. Eloquently. Graciously. With joy and abandonment. Consuming you, consuming me till we become one. Harolding from the roof tops, every mountain, every valley my love for you. Growing and expanding with each breath. Connecting one with another and that connection reaching out into the universe. Deep down into mother earth herself. Cleansing and healing. Recycling the past wounds. Healing as no other has been healed before. Clever, cagey - still reaching. Seeing the dream - reaching, seeing - stretching. Falling with love, not 'in' it. Taking part in your growth as you take part in mine. Hand in hand. At arms length. Giving each other room to grow. At times even letting go. Letting go. Caring enough to just let go. Let go and watch me soar. To the sky, to the shore, to the stars above. Heaven help us when I come back and it's your time to soar. I will need the strength and courage it took you to let me go. I will know you will be there even when it's your time to soar. And I will be rejoicing and cheering you on. Seeing you go higher and farther. Reaching your star. And in that moment I will love you even more. Sweet is each moment of each day as I grow fonder and closer and pray for your well being as well as my own. I own these feelings of true pure love, my darling. And I am joyous in my sharing them with you. For you see my love, you care. You see me as I really am. My faults are beauty in your eyes. My world has a different perspective from your eyes. I am labeled differently in your world. I reflect from a different light. I see me and the beauty of me in your face. You give me parts of me I knew not before. I drinketh in the sweetness I am, for you shower me with praise and your love. I charish the touch of you. Your hugs, that special twinkle in your eye. Hold me dear one so I can let you go.
1995
1995
Surrey Hospice Training Homework - Eulogy
Lynn's life journey began in Calgary, Alberta with parents Madeleine and George Keeling. Brother, Gerry, arrived 1 1/2 years later. When 6, the family made their only move - to a bigger house 2 blocks away - with the kids helpfully hauling belongings down the alley in their little red wagon. Lynn attended Kensington Road Elementary school for grades 1 - 8. There she was in the school choir - as a needed body, but told not to let any sound out of her mouth. She went to Brownies where she earned many badges and went on camping trips and had rabbit stew. A week after starting grades 9 - 12 at Queen Elizabeth Jr/Sr High School, she was home sick with Chicken Pox for 3 weeks. During these years, Lynn joined the girls curling club at school and was a member of the credit unions curling team with her parents. On a sleep over in Cochrane, at her friend Donalee's (who had the measles at the time) Lynn tripped in a gopher hole while chasing a kite. Donalee, the future nurse, rubbed her swollen ankle every hour with 'horse linament'. Three months later, x-rays confirmed there was a broken bone in the ankle, which was eventually operated on.
After high school, Lynn and Donalee ventured out together. First moving to Banff where they worked in the bakery and were grateful for the 'care packages' from home. October found them hitchhiking to Vancouver. December found them back home for Christmas. Then, on her own, Lynn returned to Vancouver, the city she would return to again and again throughout her lifetime.
Lynn has lived in Calgary, Banff, Vancouver, Toronto, Vancouver, Squamish, Port Alice, Calgary, Toronto, Quesnel and Vancouver. A far cry from her childhood life. Her journey included working at many jobs, finally leading her to Market Research work.
In 1970, she became Mrs. Walter Sobistiansky for 2 years. It was during this time that she met couples like Fred & Joan and Ron & Natasha. Over the years they would find Lynn reappearing in their lives as Lynn & Alan and finally as Lynn & Ralph.
Willingness to learn and grow led Lynn to many classes, workshops, courses, groups - as either the student or as the facilitator. Among them were reflexology, psychic healing, leatherwork, macrame, exercise, yoga, meditation, Unity, co-dependency, Tai Chi, exercise and most resently Therapeutic Touch and Cranialsacral Therapy.
September 1992, the journey led to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic for radiation treatment. There, Lynn found the clinics relaxation support group, art and music therapists and Therapeutic Touch workshops. Her dream come true - alternative therapies in a medical institute. Lynn spent many years helping with the relaxation group, touching and being touched by the lives of many people. Over the years she facilitated workshops in communities around the country on relaxation groups and Therapeutic Touch. Many of these while she was traveling and camping with Ralph.
Lynn died peacefully at home in her sleep of old age after a long and fruitful life. She will be missed by the many friends she left behind and welcomed by all those that went on before her.
March 1997
After high school, Lynn and Donalee ventured out together. First moving to Banff where they worked in the bakery and were grateful for the 'care packages' from home. October found them hitchhiking to Vancouver. December found them back home for Christmas. Then, on her own, Lynn returned to Vancouver, the city she would return to again and again throughout her lifetime.
Lynn has lived in Calgary, Banff, Vancouver, Toronto, Vancouver, Squamish, Port Alice, Calgary, Toronto, Quesnel and Vancouver. A far cry from her childhood life. Her journey included working at many jobs, finally leading her to Market Research work.
In 1970, she became Mrs. Walter Sobistiansky for 2 years. It was during this time that she met couples like Fred & Joan and Ron & Natasha. Over the years they would find Lynn reappearing in their lives as Lynn & Alan and finally as Lynn & Ralph.
Willingness to learn and grow led Lynn to many classes, workshops, courses, groups - as either the student or as the facilitator. Among them were reflexology, psychic healing, leatherwork, macrame, exercise, yoga, meditation, Unity, co-dependency, Tai Chi, exercise and most resently Therapeutic Touch and Cranialsacral Therapy.
September 1992, the journey led to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic for radiation treatment. There, Lynn found the clinics relaxation support group, art and music therapists and Therapeutic Touch workshops. Her dream come true - alternative therapies in a medical institute. Lynn spent many years helping with the relaxation group, touching and being touched by the lives of many people. Over the years she facilitated workshops in communities around the country on relaxation groups and Therapeutic Touch. Many of these while she was traveling and camping with Ralph.
Lynn died peacefully at home in her sleep of old age after a long and fruitful life. She will be missed by the many friends she left behind and welcomed by all those that went on before her.
March 1997
Remembering Wondering Moments
Hi there.
I am remembering so many "Wondering Moments", aka "God Moments" that I am using this moment to start recording them in no particular order, just as they come to mind.
1. Setting up the lynnshealing group site I had to choose a category. I tried healing, wellness, support and a few other choices. Nothing fit. Then I thought of 'prayer'. It fit. I followed the rest of the steps and successfully created the site. While looking at the home page for the first time, I noticed the Sponsored By section at the bottom of the page. There were 3 ads. The 1st one being Unityonline.org. These ads change. I usually ignore the ads. I truly felt like I was in the right place at the right moment. This is truly amazing when as some of you know, the Unity Church is the one we go to. I have been meaning to get around to phoning our local church and the Silent Unity prayer line. So, I clicked on the link and clicked the 'requested a prayer' button. They pray 24/7 for 30 days.
2. My beautiful 'haircut' story. The simple act of waking up to awareness and choosing to release and let go of control / manipulation and choosing to trust the bigger picture led to a magical experience that was far beyond anything I had imagined. Again being in the right place at the right time, in the hands of an angel hairdresser. Even the detail of the man that was supposed to be next, asking to wait for the other hairdresser is a miracle within the miracle. And how easy it was to find a picture of a hairdo that we both loved. One of the 1st we looked at. Life is so easy and spectacular when we just remember to get out of our way. I am truly blessed.
3. I am now thinking of all the building blocks I have put into place over the years. All a strong foundation for me now. The relaxation group, a wonderful group that reflects back my words to me just when I need to hear them. Reminders like "This is a new day" / "to lighten up" (Angels can fly cause they take themselves lightly) / "to practice what I preach". A flexible group that generously opens to experiencing whatever I am wanting to play with in the moment - which at this time is my drum.
4. My drum. Ralph bought it at a Thrift store for $15. I had it for a few months just sitting there unused. I wasn't sure how to play it or how to take care of it. Then I went to my friends Kathy and Harry's workshop, Shaman Inside. We were invited to bring our drums. Marvelling at the timing here - I had a drum. I learned about my drum and have begun a relationship with it. It feels like being in a love affair. It is healing me and I am healing the drum. Sound is becoming a big part of my healing journey. I am learning to use my voice and the drumming facilitates that. And the relaxation group gives me a safe place and space to explore and play.
5. I first started playing with energies years ago, by asking for an easy parking space when I got in the car. Try it, it works. Then one day, I had to drive around the block 3 times before finding a parking space. As I got into the elevator I met the person that I needed to see and had hoped to magically run into. AH HA !!! I was too early - that's why there was no parking space.
2004
I am remembering so many "Wondering Moments", aka "God Moments" that I am using this moment to start recording them in no particular order, just as they come to mind.
1. Setting up the lynnshealing group site I had to choose a category. I tried healing, wellness, support and a few other choices. Nothing fit. Then I thought of 'prayer'. It fit. I followed the rest of the steps and successfully created the site. While looking at the home page for the first time, I noticed the Sponsored By section at the bottom of the page. There were 3 ads. The 1st one being
2. My beautiful 'haircut' story. The simple act of waking up to awareness and choosing to release and let go of control / manipulation and choosing to trust the bigger picture led to a magical experience that was far beyond anything I had imagined. Again being in the right place at the right time, in the hands of an angel hairdresser. Even the detail of the man that was supposed to be next, asking to wait for the other hairdresser is a miracle within the miracle. And how easy it was to find a picture of a hairdo that we both loved. One of the 1st we looked at. Life is so easy and spectacular when we just remember to get out of our way. I am truly blessed.
3. I am now thinking of all the building blocks I have put into place over the years. All a strong foundation for me now. The relaxation group, a wonderful group that reflects back my words to me just when I need to hear them. Reminders like "This is a new day" / "to lighten up" (Angels can fly cause they take themselves lightly) / "to practice what I preach". A flexible group that generously opens to experiencing whatever I am wanting to play with in the moment - which at this time is my drum.
4. My drum. Ralph bought it at a Thrift store for $15. I had it for a few months just sitting there unused. I wasn't sure how to play it or how to take care of it. Then I went to my friends Kathy and Harry's workshop, Shaman Inside. We were invited to bring our drums. Marvelling at the timing here - I had a drum. I learned about my drum and have begun a relationship with it. It feels like being in a love affair. It is healing me and I am healing the drum. Sound is becoming a big part of my healing journey. I am learning to use my voice and the drumming facilitates that. And the relaxation group gives me a safe place and space to explore and play.
5. I first started playing with energies years ago, by asking for an easy parking space when I got in the car. Try it, it works. Then one day, I had to drive around the block 3 times before finding a parking space. As I got into the elevator I met the person that I needed to see and had hoped to magically run into. AH HA !!! I was too early - that's why there was no parking space.
2004
Learning and Growing
Looking back, I can see that I have been learning and growing ever since I can remember. In the beginning this learning and growing was about adapting to my surroundings. Survival techniques that served me well at the time. Survival techniques that were getting in my way in this present day moment. Time to let go and release what needed to be let go of and released, so I could continue learning and growing as a spiritual human being.
The journey has been a process of 'learning' something (intellectual level) and then 'getting' it (spiritual level). 'Learning' it, is a process of waking up, becoming aware, of hearing what I am ready to hear. Processing. 'Getting' it, is a process of waking up spiritually. 'Getting' it, is simply being. Connecting with the universal (God) flow, my knowing self. Getting in tune. Fine tuning. Being quiet and hearing. Learning to connect. Making the connection. Listening. Listening to my intuition. My knowing self. Trusting that knowing part of me. Valuing that wise knowing self of me. Hearing that wise wonderful part of me that is connected to the universe (God). That part of me that is connected to all that is. My connection to the oneness of the universe. That part of me that knows all the answers, that knows all the questions. That effortless part of me that is in the flow, connected - that knowledgeable part of me that just needs me to listen - slow down and listen. That part of me that will be heard when I am ready to hear it. When the time is right in the process (journey).
I have a sense that I saw things clearly as a very young child and was bewildered that others didn't see things I saw. I turned off, shut down. The emotional hurt and frustrations were too much. I was sensitive and didn't know how to handle it all. I chose to turn the switches off - disconnect. A survival technique that I needed at the time. Disconnecting a bit at a time. Many switches turned off over the years. A journey of finding the switches and turning them off throughout my life. Then awakening and reversing the process - now a journey of finding the switches and turning them back on. Reconnecting the circuits. [a good definition of awakening - awareness] Shutting down and then powering back up process. [definition of life, journey] Meditation = key to waking up - awareness, making the connection, reconnecting, strengthening the connection.
Process of allowing - allowing the creativity to flow. Allowing others to 'be'. Allowing ourselves to 'be'. Allowing ourselves and others to 'be' where we are in our journeys. To be thankful for all our experiences. No judgment. All experiences are 'good' because we learn from them. There is no 'bad'. It is all relative - dependent on whose eyes are seeing the experience. Gratitude. Being grateful for the experience, the lesson. Grateful to everyone that contracted with me to be part of the experience. Awareness of the great love involved for the sacrifices to be made. Being grateful for my part of the experience. Grateful for the process (journey) of learning and growing.
July 8, 1999
The journey has been a process of 'learning' something (intellectual level) and then 'getting' it (spiritual level). 'Learning' it, is a process of waking up, becoming aware, of hearing what I am ready to hear. Processing. 'Getting' it, is a process of waking up spiritually. 'Getting' it, is simply being. Connecting with the universal (God) flow, my knowing self. Getting in tune. Fine tuning. Being quiet and hearing. Learning to connect. Making the connection. Listening. Listening to my intuition. My knowing self. Trusting that knowing part of me. Valuing that wise knowing self of me. Hearing that wise wonderful part of me that is connected to the universe (God). That part of me that is connected to all that is. My connection to the oneness of the universe. That part of me that knows all the answers, that knows all the questions. That effortless part of me that is in the flow, connected - that knowledgeable part of me that just needs me to listen - slow down and listen. That part of me that will be heard when I am ready to hear it. When the time is right in the process (journey).
I have a sense that I saw things clearly as a very young child and was bewildered that others didn't see things I saw. I turned off, shut down. The emotional hurt and frustrations were too much. I was sensitive and didn't know how to handle it all. I chose to turn the switches off - disconnect. A survival technique that I needed at the time. Disconnecting a bit at a time. Many switches turned off over the years. A journey of finding the switches and turning them off throughout my life. Then awakening and reversing the process - now a journey of finding the switches and turning them back on. Reconnecting the circuits. [a good definition of awakening - awareness] Shutting down and then powering back up process. [definition of life, journey] Meditation = key to waking up - awareness, making the connection, reconnecting, strengthening the connection.
Process of allowing - allowing the creativity to flow. Allowing others to 'be'. Allowing ourselves to 'be'. Allowing ourselves and others to 'be' where we are in our journeys. To be thankful for all our experiences. No judgment. All experiences are 'good' because we learn from them. There is no 'bad'. It is all relative - dependent on whose eyes are seeing the experience. Gratitude. Being grateful for the experience, the lesson. Grateful to everyone that contracted with me to be part of the experience. Awareness of the great love involved for the sacrifices to be made. Being grateful for my part of the experience. Grateful for the process (journey) of learning and growing.
July 8, 1999
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Landscape of Wellness
by Lynn Keeling Nov 2008
Let’s take a look at the landscape of the Monthly Seniors Wellness Clinics.
You are welcome to join us at the monthly Wellness Clinics, where practitioners gather to offer a variety of wellness services to the public.
There is a team of retired nurses taking blood pressures and answering your medical questions.
You can make an appointment for a manicure / pedicure at a cost of $10 / $15.
Explore the experience of energy work for a suggested $8.00 donation.
There is Reflexology, an ancient therapy that involves finger and thumb pressure on the feet, hands and sometimes, ears. The feet, in particular, provide a map of the entire body, with different parts of the sole connecting to various organs, glands and limbs. The pressure stimulates the flow of energy through the body so that healing can take place naturally. Reflexology is used to treat many conditions and illnesses, including digestive and circulatory disorders, migraine, back pain and stress related diseases.
Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a safe, gentle holistic practice that balances the energy field of the body to support the natural healing process. Scientific studies show that it increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, lowers high temperatures, and reduces restlessness. It has been found particularly effective in treating circulatory, lymphatic, muscular-skeletal, and some mental disorders, while alleviating stress in the central nervous system.
There are many other options that may be available, such as Reiki, Healing Touch, Integrated Healing, Massage and facials to name a few. We are one of 8 monthly Seniors Wellness Clinics in Richmond.
Treat yourself to a relaxing experience while supporting this wonderful program.
Let’s take a look at the landscape of the Monthly Seniors Wellness Clinics.
You are welcome to join us at the monthly Wellness Clinics, where practitioners gather to offer a variety of wellness services to the public.
There is a team of retired nurses taking blood pressures and answering your medical questions.
You can make an appointment for a manicure / pedicure at a cost of $10 / $15.
Explore the experience of energy work for a suggested $8.00 donation.
There is Reflexology, an ancient therapy that involves finger and thumb pressure on the feet, hands and sometimes, ears. The feet, in particular, provide a map of the entire body, with different parts of the sole connecting to various organs, glands and limbs. The pressure stimulates the flow of energy through the body so that healing can take place naturally. Reflexology is used to treat many conditions and illnesses, including digestive and circulatory disorders, migraine, back pain and stress related diseases.
Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a safe, gentle holistic practice that balances the energy field of the body to support the natural healing process. Scientific studies show that it increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, lowers high temperatures, and reduces restlessness. It has been found particularly effective in treating circulatory, lymphatic, muscular-skeletal, and some mental disorders, while alleviating stress in the central nervous system.
There are many other options that may be available, such as Reiki, Healing Touch, Integrated Healing, Massage and facials to name a few. We are one of 8 monthly Seniors Wellness Clinics in Richmond.
Treat yourself to a relaxing experience while supporting this wonderful program.
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