Amy Krouse Rosenthal and the Power of Love

I don't know how many times I've heard a dying person say, " I'm glad I'm going first because I can't imagine living without my beloved husband/wife/companion."

Which although it's exactly how I feel, always makes me feel a little guilty or wonder whether I'm being a bit selfish.

So I give thanks for the life of Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

Omar Khadr and the Power of Love

For most of his 29 years Omar Khadr's life has been an absolute nightmare.

Dragged off to Afghanistan, caught up in the horror of war, badly wounded, jailed and tortured in Guantanamo, abandoned by his own government.

And his struggle for justice continues.

But now at last it seems that horror story will have a happy ending.

Valentine's Day and the Society of the Lonely

Well it's Valentine's Day,  and as usual I don't want to write about it, and I do.

For while I don't want to be seen to be encouraging that garish orgy of chocolate boxes, sappy sentiment, and heart shaped balloons. 

The horror, the horror.

And for me Valentine's Day came early this year...



It is a great excuse to talk about the lonely. 

The Paris Massacre, the Children, and the Flowers

It's hard enough for an adult to understand the horror of the Paris massacre. Or how some people can be so cruel and vicious.

So imagine being a parent in that city, and having to try to explain that horror to children.

So I have to say I thought this dad did a really great job.

It's a Great Day to be Irish

It's a great day to be Irish. A great day for human equality, a day when love defeated  hate. 

Ireland became the first country in the world to adopt same-sex marriage by popular vote as 62 per cent of the electorate backed a referendum, official results showed on Saturday.

Somewhere the spirit of its gentle poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, who was broken by bigotry, must be smiling.

As are so many gay people...

St Valentine's Day and the Misery Bears

Well today was Valentine's Day. But there were no stuffed bears, or chocolates, or even cards in this house.

One... because we don't go for that corporate bullshit. Two... because Sébastien and I are BOTH saving to get to Cuba. Or anywhere but Con Canada.

And three... we don't want to further annoy any of our single friends by admitting that we're in love. Because they spent most of the day telling us how much they HATE St Valentine's Day. And all those sweaty couples and pinky things. 

And we don't want to end up like St Sebastian...

Cupid's arrows may gently tickle eh? But those look PAINFUL.

But anyway...here's what I tell them. Yes it's true. Valentine's Day can be a lonely day.

And yes, sometimes it can even be un BEARABLE...



And yes, sometimes no matter how hard you try.

Love can be frustrating.

When the object of your affection doesn't respond.

But just because it works for me, doesn't mean you have to be a couple to be in love.

Or a frustrated squirrel. Or a misery bear.

Just love yourself, get out there, and pass it on.

Because I understand it's contagious...



Yup. Love is free... pass it on. I think we can all agree on that eh?

Happy love day everyone...

Recommend this post at Progressive Bloggers

Valentine's Day and the Song of Love

Well today is Valentine's Day and I hardly dare blog about it. Because so many bloggers seem to hate Cupid's Big Day.

I mean REALLY hate it

And they're not alone.

But for me it's different. When I was a young teenager I was the only one in my class who didn't get a Valentine's card. And I would have given anything to get one. Or send a card to someone and say I love you.

But gay boys couldn't or didn't do that. Not in high school anyway.

And I didn't get a card today either. Although I did send out a few to some of my friends who don't have a special someone.

But in a few hours when my Valentine comes home from work I WILL get to say "I love you Sébastien. Happy Saint-Valentin mon amour !!!!! "

Eat lots of chocolates.

And in a cynical take it for granted world celebrate the little Cupid...












Whose lucky BRILLIANT shot made my Valentine dream come true. Just when I had almost given up.

Oh yeah I know... and I believe in a better world too... so that makes me a HOPELESS romantic. And I realize that not everyone has a Valentine...or wants one. I realize the day itself is tacky and too commercial. I know what it's like to feel left out....and lonely.

And that so many of my gay brothers and sisters are still fighting for their love to be recognized.



















But in a world so full of hate and violence, a day that celebrates love can't be all that bad.

And it doesn't have to be a stuffed teddy, or flowers, or a even a card.

Or an opera or a great symphony.

Just a simple song that says love is for EVERYONE...



Remember chocolate is good for you.

Happy Love Day everyone !!!