Monday, July 25, 2016

A small, random act of kindness & Gishwhes

I'm not so well off that I can throw money around. I can't even throw money at my own problems enough to make them go away.

Along with financial, I also have a plethora of medical and family issues, but in the grand scheme of things, I'm doing alright.

These issues have limited my activates, and although I really, really, really wanted to, my medical issues specifically had me questioning my ability to join & participate in Gishwhes 2016.

At the last moment (before the deadline extension) my would-be team co-captain encouraged me once again to sign up, and I did!! I am the 15th member of Team LeRadis. (TheRadish).

As is my nature, I let the excitement take hold and wash over me.



On the weekend, I headed out to forage for food and stopped in at the local Dollar Store.

Whilst parking, I noticed a colourful shopping bag near the garbage bins at the back end of the lot. Upon further scrutiny, I saw that there was a person tucked beside the bins, sleeping (I hoped). He was on the ground, face down. There was a cardboard box with the words "Help Please".  I couldn't see his face, and I couldn't tell  how old he was or get any idea about the person at all.

I've seen homeless folks before, of course, but I wasn't in an area that this is normally seen. I just wasn't expecting to see it, and it shocked me, and hit me hard.

I proceeded to park and go about my trinket shopping, but I couldn't get the image out of my head.

As I trundled through the Dollar Store I found a Big Red Tennis Ball - 'What a great idea' - I thought - 'for a larger than life Radish mascot for our Gishwhes team!'  

As I roamed the store looking for more supplies for my new project, I stumbled into the food isle. I couldn't help but think of the man by the garbage bins. 

I kept walking, looking. I started to get thirsty. I couldn't help but think that the man by the garbage was probably thirsty too.

I strolled thought an isle with school supplies and a few knapsacks.

I stopped.

What was I doing?

Here I am picking up stuff - for fun - for a Gishwhes Team mascot - and some dude is sleeping beside a garbage bin. It didn't seem right.

Somehow, for reasons that are very apparent, the image of Misha (and his kids) popped into my head...

In March 2015, Misha brought his kids along to hand out coffee, doughnuts, and gift certificates to the homeless.

I picked up a knapsack and headed back to the food isle.

I stared  to add some more stuff to my basket;  a few cans of chicken and ham (no can opener needed) some crackers, fruit cups, bottled water...  and some cold Gatorade from the fridge by the cash.
I grabbed some wet-wipes and a toothbrush, toothpaste too.

I don't know what this guy needs, and I sure can't solve all his problems - but food and a little dignity might be nice, ya know?

Paid for my haul and packed the knapsack.



I was a little nervous, but I hopped in my car and wrote a note....
"Looks like you're having a hard time.
Hope this helps.
Hope things get better.
Don't give up."

I drove towards the garbage bin and saw that the man was awake, now crouched.
I (snapped a pic. and) got out of my car, hesitantly, heart racing.



"Excuse me sir."
I had to say it a few times before he looked up.

I handed him the bag, but he didn't take it.
"This is for you. There's some food, drinks and other things. I hope it helps."

His eyes widened in disbelief and he shook his head.

"This is for you..." I offered the bag again.

He spoke and I didn't quite understand, but his body language was clear.
Something  like "This is for me? really?"

He still wouldn't take it, so I placed it by his other bag and I said again " For you, I hope it helps."

He looked at the bag and back at me and nodded a "thank you" and spoke something again, in broken English and I began to walk back to my car.

He then made a little cheering motion and a big smile. I smiled too, and he did the cheer motion again.

I mimicked the cheer motion with a big smile and got into my car.

We waved at each other as I drove away. I think he was happy, grateful. 

I don't know if I anything in that bag was of any help - probably, at least the water.

But maybe what was inside wasn't what mattered - maybe it was some other living person on the planet acknowledging that he was there, and offering some sort of kindness... I don't know.

...but I know that I cried on my way home.


p.s. I think Misha would approve.








...be kind.



Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Follow up to TEDx

The Kanata North BIA's April publication features the TEDxKanata Breaking Barriers on the front cover.




There is also a 2-page article withing, in which I am mentioned, by name.


Very proud to have been a part of this event!



Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

TEDxKanata 2016

My TEDxKanata Adventure.

WOW! What a great experience - fantastic evening with inspirational, brave, and innovative speakers. My love affair with TEDTalks is is well known to some, and I was honoured to have been a part of the TEDxKanata event.



It all started when I saw the promotions on Twitter several months prior to this year's events. The process to buy a ticket isn't as simple as one might think. I had to fill out an application explaining why I wanted to go, and why I felt I was deserving. If they felt I was deserving enough, I would be invited to buy a ticket.

So,  I filled out the application, but I'm not a scientist who's made a miraculous breakthrough , or an entrepreneur who has revolutionized the way we do business. In fact, I don't believe I'm particularly more special or deserving than any average Joe on the street. But I applied anyway. Truth was, even if I was one of the chosen few, I wasn't sure I could afford it. $100/ticket was a steep price for me. But I applied and figured I would decide what to do in the off chance they scraped the bottom of the barrel of applications, and found mine. I would cross that $100 bridge when and if I came to it.

But then I notices a contest. Design a backdrop for the TEDxKanata stage (with certain criteria and within a specific budget) and get tickets to the event. This gave me hope.  I am, after all, a graphic designer and that is, at least in part, what I do for a living. This should be easy... no??

I worked and toyed with a few ideas, but that budget restraint was pretty tight, so I had to be creative.

Finally, I entered my backdrop design idea, with estimated budget, and waited.
  And waited.
     And waited.

And then a month before the event, I received an email. I had Won!! Holy Smoke!

I was stoked, for sure, but it also meant a heck of a lot of extra work for me to get done.

I met with Deborah from TEDxKanata and we had a great brainstorming session about a few tweaks and the expectation and limitations of the venue, stage and backdrop.

And so it began. My original design was, for the most part, still intact; a specific graphic to be swapped out to match the promotional material they've been using for the event.

My design consisted of 2 elements:

1. The large 8' x 20' backdrop, printed and installed on 5 sheets of coroplast, then mounded together with more coroplast "struts" for strength.  As the theme of the event was Breaking Barriers, the design for the backdrop was of a brick wall tumbling down to reveal the event's graphics and theme text.

2. 25 3-dimensional faux bricks that would bring the illusion of the tumbling wall into the fore-ground. These brick props could also be used for souvenirs able to be signed by speakers.

I've created and produced many graphics over the years, but I've never made a fake brick.

My initial thought was foam - but foam is surprisingly expensive, so I found another way.


Tissue Boxes!!

Perfect size and reasonably priced.

Step one was to remove the tissues and seal the boxes back up. I have a plan for the tissues!

Next step was to print a decal with the TEDxKanata event logo & info to be stuck to the bricks, giving an area appropriate for writing or signing.





Now for the fun part.



Using the tissues emptied from the boxes, along with some water and glue, the long process of texturizing the brings can begin.

Layer after layer, side after side, one at a time. The process was slow, but not hard. The longest part was the drying time.



Once the sides were texturized, the next step was painting. Again, slow process with a lot of drying time.





I had help!  Many hands make light bricks - true in this case anyway.



Of course we can't forget about the actual backdrop. Part of the challenge was to have the bricks in the printed image and the 3D faux bricks look similar.

Printing the backdrop, after a few tests, went fairly smoothly.



But the printing was only part of that challenge.

Installing a 4' x 8' print onto coroplast isn't without its own issues.
Thankfully, I and the folks I work with, know a thing or two.



Steady hands, a few good felted squeegees and an hour later, the 5 4' x 8' panels were done.



The day prior to the event - backdrop set-up imminent - final check.
  • 3D Bricks?   Check
  • 5 panels?      Check
  • Bracing material?       Check
  • Various tools and adhesives for set up?     Check


Excellent!  Time for setup!

The TEDxKanata event was taking place in the BrookstreetHotel's Ballroom on Thursday, March 31st, 2016. By the time we arrived for set-up, on Wednesday evening, the stage, seating, lighting, cameras, and recording equipment  were already in place. Also there, were the official 3D TEDxKanata letters. It was impressive. I had to take a breath and enjoy the moment. I was here and I was a part of it.

I don't get out much, and this was a really big deal for me.
But I didn't have time to bask in the glow of TED for long, we still had work to do!

Sorting out the panels, and preparing the struts was first on the list.

   


 We were pretty happy when we raised the first panel!



But then things got tricky. Aligning each panel to every other panel wasn't easy, but with a little persistence and some light persuasion, it all came together... eventually.



Huge thanks to my helpers!!!




About 3 hours later, it was up and we were done for the day.

We planned to arrive well in time on Thursday,  to make any last minute adjustments before the event, and we did. We dispersed the remaining 3D bricks and began to relax.  Even by then, we had had some great feedback about how the stage turned out.

The evening was fantastic; filled with inspiring stories of brave people pushing boundaries and breaking barriers.

TEDxKanata and others were Live Tweeting the event too! Here's but a taste...










The 3D bricks were scooped up quickly by guests and organizers alike. I think they were a Huge Hit!



Thanks and congratulations to everyone involved for such a great opportunity and wonderful event.




Cheers!!

Highlights from TEDxKanata


Mucho Thanks to DNG TjS CG and ATD!!



Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels: , , ,

Monday, January 25, 2016

Weekend Wonder


This past weekend, I was in visiting a family member recovering from an operation at Elisabeth Bruyère in Ottawa. On Saturday,  while playing games to pass the time, we heard over the loud speaker that there would be a bit of entertainment; someone would be playing the piano in the dining area on the 6th floor. Happy for the distraction, we gathered our things and headed over.

We weren't sure what to expect, but the room was rather full already, by the time we arrived.

The volunteer piano player was running late, so one of the other visitors kept us entertained with a few Christmas songs.  The group tapped their feet and sang along, ignoring the odd off key note. The audience was made up of  patients and visitors alike and the support  and encouragement was palpable.

We didn't wait long until the volunteer piano player arrived; Heidi Li (thought I'm not entirely sure of the spelling). She apologized for being late, and got right to business with a beaming smile, introducing her first piece: Hallelujah.

I was blown away! I've always loved music and live music even more.

Heidi took the room on an awe-inspiring sound journey.  People closed their eyes and allowed themselves to drift and sway with the music. It was awesome to witness.

The rest of her set was equally as powerful, spanning several genres,  including "Kiss the Rain",   "Bridge over Troubled Waters", a piece from "Pocahontas"  and several selections from Chopin.
With each new song, the patients and guests were, for a moment, released from their wheelchairs in the hospital dining room there were sitting in, and allowed to float free with each note Heidi played.
As powerful and beautiful as the music Heidi played; and as bright and comforting as her smile, Heidi does this every Saturday. She comes in on her own free time and volunteers to play the piano for whoever would like to listen. The regulars know her and greet her with enthusiasm (and cake), and look forward to her arrival.

There were other volunteers there as well, they helped with seating and rolled the folk in wheelchairs, making sure everyone was comfortable, allowing everyone to join in.

No one wants to be in the hospital, but these volunteers do their best to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

I was rejuvenated and inspired. I can only imagine others were as well.


Big thanks to the volunteers and a special thank you to Heidi, I hope to see you again.


Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyful Kwanzaa, Festive Festivus, Radiant Rigatoni...


What every you celebrate, I hope it's happy, joyful and full of family and friends.

I choose to celebrate family, friends and being alive. 

Being together and bringing each other joy and comfort is what's really important. And in my humble opinion, it's not just a holiday thing, it's year round. Being there when times are fantastic as well as when we are at our lowest.

I wish everyone happiness and joy every day, not just at the holidays, but year round.

And fun.

You can't forget the Fun!!

Over the past several weeks, I've been working on a special present for friends of mine. They don't have a tree topper for their Christmas tree, and they couldn't seem to find the right one. 


I hope they like it!

 Merry Merry and Happy Happy.

See you again in 2016.


Cheers
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Happy Pre-Hallowe'en Eve!

October 29th

It's been a while since my last blog post, but not as long as you might think.
I've been very busy and have even started another blog site.
careerreboot.blogspot.com

You see, September marked the first ever gathering of the Ottawa Career Reboot Group. It's a bi-weekly group that meets at the library on Monday evenings, to share and compare notes on bettering career fulfillment and opportunities. I'll admit that it was my brain child, and that I volunteered to facilitate the group. I realized that this type of service/event/resource was typically only accessible during regular business hours, making it difficult for folks not available during the day to access.

The first meeting, Sept 14th, was fantastic and we has 3 participants. The topic for the first meeting was appropriately "where to start" and delved into setting goals and limits.

Two weeks later at the next meeting, we had 4 people! The topic was all about resources, specifically what what the library had to offer - all free of charge, of course.

This week's meeting, Oct 26th, our third, we had an astounding 15 people join us. The talk was Taking the Fear out of Networking and it was a hit!

I was amazed to see so many new faces and I honestly hope the word gets out to those who might find the group useful.

I've been busy getting organized and crating the website (also a twitter account - twitter.com/OttawaReboot). I've made some great connections already and I hope the community grows.

Aside from the Reboot Group, I attended a networking event a few weeks ago, with great success and will be entering the NYCMidnight Short Screenplay Challenge this weekend.

I'll get my thinking cap on and eat my Alpha-Bits to help me avoid writer's block.


Until Next Time, stay safe and keep smiling!

Posted by at No comments:

Friday, September 18, 2015

The Day I called the Cops on God.


The day God wanted in, and I called the cops.

A few years ago, late, late at night, maybe 1 am or there abouts, there was a tapping on my door.

I was half asleep and my TV was on, so I didn't hear it at first. It got louder, but it didn't grab my attention until it became banging. 
Someone was trying to break in!!

Frightened, I threw on the first thing I snagged and grabbed the best weapon I could find; not my baseball bat, not my ski poll, not a knife... my TV remote!!

I approached the door. The pounding was persistent and I could see the door warp with each blow.

I was shaking, but I had my trusty remote in hand. "Who's There?" I screamed.

The reply came booming through the walls and door.
 "GOD!"

I was startled, and more than a little confused, so I asked for clarification.
"What do you want?" I shouted.

Again a reply boomed.
"To come in."

Perhaps I was too frightened and confused and still a bit groggy, but I felt sure, if it was God, he wouldn't need to pound the door down to get in. Surely he was all-powerful and could simply unlock and open the door, or perhaps pass right through it. I felt I needed to confirm his identity.

So, still confused, and hoping for clarity I shouted again "Who are you?"

Again, he repeated his original answer. "It's God."

Confounding my confusion I shouted again, " And what do you want?"

Now frustrated, he replied with angst "To come in..."

I shook my head and regarded my TV remote; it wouldn't be much help against any mortal being, much less God Himself.
I considered the time and, realizing I had on only an ill-fitting robe, I decided to refuse the Lord entrance to my house at what seemed to a very ungodly hour.

I shouted again, with authority.  "I'm calling the cops!"

God seemed very confused and answered back in a some-what meeker voice "What...?"

I stood firm, if still shaking, and shouted back "I'm Calling the Cops!!"

God seemed very dejected and dissuaded at this point and promptly left my stoop.

I did call the cop. They showed up soon after. They patrolled the area and filled out a report.
They didn't find God.

Nothing more really came of it.

My poor door had a few new cracks in the frame, but I was able to patch it up and reinforce the area with a brass plate.

God has not returned since then.


True Story.



In retrospect, he may have said his name was Rod, or maybe Todd, and he was probably a drunken college student at the wrong address, just looking to go to bed.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)