Life Coaching, Observations, Reflections, Things that make you go hmmmmm
Starring in to the shadow of yourself, ’tis somewhat like starring in to the abyss.
Lyric
Got changes on the mind
Not making them blind
Need a plan that’s been defined
Figured out some things
Left others behind to die
If we’re telling the truth
Knew them both long ago
Rainbows over waterfalls
Heartaches under sunbeams
Smiles pasted on never wear off
Lookin’ for space in between
Somehow someway says the reason
Key inside of me keeps turning
Wound tighter than I’d ever been
Visions aren’t hallucinations
Got changes on the mind
Not making them blind
Now a plan that’s been refined
Theory worked real well
Putting it in to practice
Read all the detour signs
Even heeded the damn things
There aint no battle cry
I’m all out of quiet desperation
Door got closed on the what it is
Wide open to a siren dream
Still a pile of things to do
Goodbyes ‘ill maybe get sent
There’ll be a few to see
Done it all and now I’m free
Those changes on the mind
Didn’t make them blind
Got a plan that’s perfectly mine
G.R. Hambley ©
June 27, 2018
I get nerve blocker shots every week. This journey in pain management takes place on June 19th.
I’m never in good humour on a shots day. My “snarkasm” level is high. Snarkasn is a couple steps above sarcasm. I’m agitated. I’ve related this adventure to people and a few wonder how I do this all the time, my response (with a look) is how can I not.
I’m making my way over to the docs OFFICE and it occurred to me that I haven’t shown the other side (East side) of the Market. I’m usually on the west side when I’m there, afternoon sun thing. The west side has two levels, so you can be out of the sun if you care to,
As I get to the office one of the good coffee elves was coming the other way. We chat a bit and I wasn’t pleased that the elf didn’t care to change places with me for an hour. The elf was forgiven later in the day.
On checking in, reception tells me they’re running half an hour late. This adds to the already giant pain in the ass that I already have. If I say I have a “PITA”, it is usually a literal “Pain In The Ass” and not figurative.
I don’t even count how many shots I get at each session anymore. It was 10 or 12 shots. It’ll be the same give or take a couple next week, and the next week…
I do the exit blood pressure check set my next couple appointments and leave.
It’s now past 1:00 pm and with the Market being so close, I know where I’m headed for lunch.
I’ve touted the Market and its Fare before. It was always the savoury. On this day I decided lunch was going to be a dessert. I went critical thinking on this when I saw the selections as I was cutting through to get to the upper west side picnic tables.
Eve’s Temptations and these are just a few!
Having availed my self of one of Eve;s baked goods and a fork I headed for the sunshine.
There are a few late lunchers scattered around and plenty f space to be somewhat solitary. A place to relax and enjoy the peace.
Yes this is the city core. Yes there are city noises that are usual and unobtrusive. The burbs and the boons got there sounds too, I’ve never been a fan of that high tension wire whine.
I pick my spot and make myself comfortable with my “Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble” and Ginger Beer.
After that little slice of delicious I pull out my book and start thinking about poetry.
I truly hope as an artist and teacher cursive writing is never lost. My penmanship isn’t anything to write anyone about and I love it.
Writing, especially by hand, involves a lot of not looking at the page. I do not like strike outs in my handwritten pieces. Each line and how it works with the direction of the piece is considered. When I put the line down that’s how it stays.
I had put my pen down and was looking around. Not really seeing and not really missing anything I’m seeing. The art of paying attention and not if you like.
I see one of my community friendlies coming my way and the individual stops when they get to my table. We wind up in a discussion about relationships and examining things from a different perspective. We talked about the emotionality of the matter. The triggers and drivers of behaviour and what may be trying to be accomplished.
It isn’t always easy to step outside yourself when you’ve been wounded. Sometimes we all need to bounce off another person.
I’m pleased to say that my friend went away in a much better frame of mind than when they arrived.
Me, I went back and added the 4th line to what I’m working on before toddling off.
The poetry started in the sunshine and it shall finish in the sunshine.
G.R. Hambley ©
June 25, 2018
Working Title – Whiny Awards
You’re not yourself when you’re whiny. Unless of course you’re a manipulative then you are yourself and thanks for being one of those exceptions that proves the rule.
I appreciate that Snickers has taken the Coke Concept and gave it legs, legs that you can kick people with.
We also have the ignorant whiner, those of any RITE, the “Radical Left” for example. Yes, that does mean Liberals because a flake by any other name is still whining, liberally. I’m old school, back in the day when “Flake” was more than enough.
I do appreciate that to a Liberal or Demoncrat (not a typo), that a Conservative “RANT” may appear to be a whine, it isn’t.
The thing is, with a conservative on a rant, you can get through to them with a “Constervation”. Yes, it was me that added that word to Urban Dictionary.
This chatter actually took place. Names and genders have been changed to satisfy the emotionally controlling snowflake safe space demands.
HE SAID
Ran in to a buddy. He took them for me.
SHE SAID:
Clearly, that was written by the Swedish Chef- not the French!
So… you’re whiny today?
HE SAID:
I’m never whiny. It’s for the awards I’ll hand out.
Buddy and I were having that conversation. A film project he’s doing. We were talking about dispositions.
SHE SAID:
I admit, you didn’t look very whiny in the photo, thus I had to ask.
When will you be handing out said awards? That would be quite the ceremony!
HE SAID:
You think it’ll be appreciated that I used both official languages?
Hey, have you folks got 1 yet?
SHE SAID:
I appreciate it.
Of course we don’t have one here- that would require the general population to actually learn something! You know, put in the effort…
HE SAID:
SNARKASM!
For those of you looking to use derivatives “En Francais”…
pleurnichard – crybaby
du pleurnichard – the whiner
avec pleurnichard – with whimper
In the moment I’m not sure whom or what to hand out the “1st Whiny” to. You know for certain I’ll be working on it. This is just a sample image. I think the final art work will be a bit creepy cuz whiny sure gives me the creeps!
G.R. Hambley ©
June 23, 2018
There are changes taking place so that PC speech will recognize all facets of speech and not just what the hyper-sensitive ilk insist on hearing.
Yes, sometimes the hardest part is coming up with a title!
Yah Think!?
Supposedly well trained liberal minds recognize pain’s exhortations
Accounting of no accountability sails majestically in to the sea of pique
Recounting the voyage of the “I did damned well”, without humility
Coarse course corrections have been evaluated and plotted
Another not quite so fine production performance of the Bard’s work
Sherlock’s awareness solicits a defecation notification
Modicum of decorum, no; tempered yes, with fire, as required
G.R. Hambley May 25, 2018 ©
Sailing unawares on your way today
Moving with a purpose only you know
Maybe it’s finally something that’ll be real
At least enough so you can make believe
Glamour girl gets her skirt caught in a twirl
Hair flip with the hapless I’m helpless giggle
Set free by the kindness of one of your strangers
Off you go leaving a wake of stalking heads
Should’ve taken the umbrella because,
because it looks like pain
I can see and it looks like,
like you’re headed for hell
Not a place for you,
you’re not going to fare well
You can trust me because,
because everyone knows I’m insane
Surprised to hear voices calling cats
Treats herself that the slights just imagined
Tricks of conscience kick start the reality train
Night scares turn over in to stormy days
Loving so many who don’t love her
Doesn’t understand how to be alone
She can’t stand going home on her own
No other girls she can tell her fears
She’s only one way to hide from voices
Taking solace in some lucky one’s arms
You look down, she tells you she loves you
You get up telling her you can’t love her
Should’ve taken the umbrella because,
because here comes the pain
I can see and it looks like,
like you’re already in hell
Not a place for you,
you’re already not doing well
You can trust me because,
because like you, I’m insane
G.R. Hambley ©
February 26, 2018
I wake this morning and I am now in my 60th year on this little blue planet 3rd from the sun. Doesn’t feel much different than yesteryear but it is!
It’s so cold in this country the Calgary Zoo took the Penguins inside. Yet, I go out and forage coffee. Priorities my good reader, priorities. Writing can not be done without coffee. No it can’t, hush yourself!
Last year and in previous years, I would write in two things at the same time, narrative and poetry. This behaviour has continued in to this year I’m pleased to say.
Sneak peek of the poetry… it aint close to there yet!
Should’ve taken the umbrella because it looks like pain
I can see and it looks like you’re headed for hell
I see it’s not a place where you’re going to fare well
You can trust me because everyone knows I’m insane
It’s good to be me!
Here in Ontario, I’m expecting it to be frigid until June 7th. Gonna get real warm that day, and if you’re of the liberally minded RITE, I don’t see you liking it one damn bit.
I took a cab late last year and the driver was real sociable. For all you immigrants, just because I’m Canadian it doesn’t mean I like frickin’ winter! I like winter in the country where it’s pretty. I like winter in California where you go visit the snow! Been there, done that, short pants 70-degree weather.
Winter in the city is mostly ugly. The snow don’t stay as it was purely driven very long.
This narrative interlude is complete. Poetry is staring me in the face. Word!
G.R. Hambley 01/01/2018 ©
I was given what you’re looking at as a Birthday Gift a number of years ago. I’ve carried it ever since.
Someone I know somewhat closely was in a quandary. In a head-space that someone else laid on them.
That my friends is what we call an “Emotionally Controlling Act”. If you’ve read enough of my stuff, you know that behaviour does not fly with me!
I took my Talisman out of my pocket and did a few shots. I looked at it a few ways. Looked at it in the colour version you see and desaturated to Grey Scale or B&W if you like.
The Grey Scale is starker more statement than feeling. Go ahead and try it for yourself.
I sent the someone I’m somewhat close to the colour version. It’s warmer, more embracing. The warmth and embracing is what I believed was needed.
My gift was very well received and the one I’m somewhat close to will be exhibiting.
I’m glad.
G.R. Hambley ® December 07, 2017
At 9:31 am on Wednesday November 22, 2017 I clicked “Complete” on an exam. From that moment on and forever more, I am a Teacher of English.
I was a poet before I became a Coach and I remained a poet. In the journey to this point I had a moment where I knew, I’m a writer. The poet still burns brightly within me. Now I am “Officially” a Teacher and the heart of the poet continues to beat madly.
Poetry is my gift. I can just do it and do it well. Poetry is important in language. The educators stress the importance of bringing poetry to the classroom. I know the learners I get will leave with an understanding of the importance of poetry that other learners won’t get because they don’t have me.
I have a teaching philosophy and you can read it.
The Word. I love “The Word”.
I hope to infect others with love of “The Word”.
Gary Hambley, Teacher of English.
It’s The Final Countdown
Here I am staring at the final assessment. There is a bit more to go but this is the gold ticket to the Wonka Factory. Wilder or Depp, take your pick.
A long time ago in a lifetime far away, I had it all figured out. Ultimately, I wanted to teach. A split second on a highway and life going on, the plan changed. The wanting to teach was dormant for a time but it never went away.
I’m already a Teacher. Those who have talked to me already know it. Very soon, the world is going to know I’m a teacher.
I’ve done a lot of work in the last 3 months. There have been a couple serious impediments that required serious attention. That attention was given by both sides. I’ll write more when it’s all said and done with the elective courses.
I’ve even designed a new card for myself. The card has my phone number and email on it so I’m not posting it.
The exam has a 2 hour time limit. I’m tempted to pop it right now and get it done. And I remind myself that is not the way to take on a final.
Me and “The University of Toronto Faculty of Education”. Well aren’t we the pair. Who saw that happening?
No man is an island. This is for you “Good Friend”. Me and Mr. Donne are smilin’ atcha.
‘No man is an iland,
intire of it selfe;
every man is a peece of the Continent,
a part of the maine;
if a clod bee washed away by the Sea,
Europe is the lesse,
as well as if a Promontorie were,
as well as if a Mannor of thy friends
or of thine owne were;
any mans death diminishes me,
because I am involved in Mankinde;
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee
How many of y’all knew that bell is attached to that island?
Other friends have contributed their verse to this journey of mine and I thank them.
Part of my telling of this journey is in the hope of being inspirational. More so for the older than the younger.
I’m 60 on my next birthday and parts of the world can be seen with English.
My last statement was not an, “If I can do it you can do it” statement because I don’t do that shit.
Life doesn’t end until it ends. If you are happy armchair quarterbacking, then you keep on quarterbacking from your armchair.
One of the conclusions I came to is this and it has correlation with Life Coaching, you need life on you. You shouldn’t be allowed in a classroom to teach until you’re 45. In this province it is 16 to drive and 19 is the legal drinking age. No reason you can’t set an age restriction for teaching.
I have studying to do and I am living proof you can teach an old dog new tricks, if that old dog is willing to learn.
G.R. Hambley ©
November 18, 2017
Damn Elves!
Here on the 2nd day of November in the year of our lord 2017, the frickin’ coffee elves are playing Ho Ho tunes. We are not amused! Had this happened yesterday on all saint’s day, I might of risked a couple of my 6 wings and beatified a couple elves.
I told one of the elves, with this music, in 7 – 10 days there are going to be dead elves. The Elf thought I was kidding when I asked if there were any spare holes lying around.
Canada and this is how it is supposed to work, We have the Grey Cup game and parade the last weekend of November and the next weekend is Santa Claus parades all over the Great White North.
I was referring to the corporate elf and not the good service elves who take such good care of us for the spare holes.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
I haven’t said much about the TEFL course I’m taking of late. It’s moving along with a few glitches. I was in the course doing work when an unannounced site overhaul was implemented. Yes I let them know of my displeasure.
The powers that be there hit my, “You pissed me off” switch. I’ll tie this in to the “just because I don’t do this anymore it doesn’t mean I got stupid” category. In January of 2000 I interviewed to be the web director for the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. I’ve said this before and I’m saying it again. When I walked in to the man’s office he had the piece I did on his desk. He’d checked me out. He told me, “Artistically and creatively you’re the best”.
Anyone care to question as to whether or not I know my shit?
The typography is much better. The previous was soft pastels on a white page. In the course they talk about meeting the needs of the learners. I wonder if the PC people seeing to those needs ever considered when the site was being built, a little thing that afflicts some people called “colour blindness”.
I see extremely well. Might explain why among other things, I’m a damn good photographer and observational writer. So, if the design is bothering me…
Lemme ask y’all a question I already know the answer to because I know how to run a web site. Should your clients be notified prior to a major alteration to the site and when that change is going to take place?
It also brings me to you never know what someone has when you encounter them. This bunch hit the “PC enough to frost you flakes” mentality. They thought I should be more understanding because they did tell you in the site as it was taking place.
I showed them I know how to take electronic notes and the course is repetitive on making sure your students have that skill.
Here’s another question for y’all, do you think I’d have even been on the site if I’d known changes were going to take place? And who does a major change in the middle of the day?
Mostly it’s good. Don’t get me wrong, mostly it is good and I’m enjoying the learning path immensely.
Blade Runner 2049
I went and saw the film yesterday. My film maker buddy and I talked about the film a little bit and we both commented on the 2-hour 44-minute running time.
When the film ended I went, “What, over already?”. I liked the film and didn’t notice the running time at all. There was a scene setting that made me think Chernobyl. Somewhat fitting when I checked email and discovered fallout. I’m a big boy, I can handle it.
Learning Path
I’ve been looking at all kinds of teacher’s helpers and apps as part of my own diligence. Found some really neat stuff in my web travails.
I have been to teacher dedicated sites and joined a couple.
Some great resources that are free or of low cost.
“Good Friend” just checked in with a response to something I said. My “Restraint” is being admired. And oddly a song comes on the FM that “Good Friend” made it clear there would not even be the risk of an ear worm taken. Also, oddly or not, and that means you “Good Friend”, that response of yours had to do with school
The response was just a tad more vociferous than what I related.
TEFL Handbook by the “TEFL Handbook Team”. Strange I do indeed find it that they spell “Tire” with a “Y”. No not at the end. I’ve browsed through this thing and with what they say is coming you got a powerful tool at low cost.
This one is fun, “Preposition” by The Brazillions. It’s multipurpose too.
The “Hangman” game aint bad either.
Listening skills are big on this path. I don’t just listen with my ears. I listen with my eyes as well and have done such for a very long time.
Canadian Politics
I haven’t been following to closely the last few weeks. Everybody in the damn country knows the level of incompetency at the Federal Level and take comfort in the fact there are less than 2 years remaining for Trudeau 2.Doh.
Here in Ontario the blustering of the Wicked Witch Wynne goes on. You’d think a witch of this magnitude would understand a few plums can’t do the job you need the flying monkeys for! Less than a year until the electorate dumps the water over her pointless head.
I needed a small rant today. Sometimes you have to rant and it’s more than okay. Blow the shit out and shower it away.
Back to the studying right after I check and see if a light has gone on.
© Gary Hambley – all rights reserved
Certified Professional Coach
Teacher of English as a Foreign Language (pending, but not for long)
transitionu 
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