Monday, December 30, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
CHRISTMAS DAY 2013
What a beautiful day it was, with the snow falling gently from the sky, resting lightly on the tree branches, covering the waiting earth in a blanket of white. It all looks beautiful especially when it is freshly fallen.
I took the 2:01 Aberdeen bus to get there and had baked angel cookies. I wrapped two of them up in waxed paper to give to the bus driver as he was working on Christmas day. I brought some more to Christmas dinner as well. There still remains a few for my company coming on Friday.
Angel cookies are a very old recipe which was from my mother and I have cherished it all these years. I remember going to her recipe box and copying out my favourite recipes as a young woman and have used them since that time. I am most grateful that I did that as they would have been lost and they are great and practical recipes. I have shared several with my dear sister-in-law and daughter and they have become treasured recipes for them as well.
Our host, Ken, served crackers and cheese, pida bread (not home made) and two different types of bought hummas. While we nibbled away at these delectable treats, we had a lovely chat. He is a very nice host.
Thanh arrived around 4 p.m. and the two fellows reminisced about Redeemer College-University and people that they know. They also talked about business as both of them are businessmen with their own businesses. It is good that they reconnected after so many years.
Once dusk started, Ken switched on the lights for the tree and it looked so wonderful! Jody has a way with decorations - she is very artistic in things like that.
We all had a nice time just chatting away, most of the talking was done by the two young men which was fine by me.
Ken made a special kind of chicken which I have heard of but never tasted. It was amazing to watch him how he prepared it and to taste the results. I think it was called beer can chicken but instead of alcohol, he used a tin of chicken broth which made it extremely moist.
.
I took the 2:01 Aberdeen bus to get there and had baked angel cookies. I wrapped two of them up in waxed paper to give to the bus driver as he was working on Christmas day. I brought some more to Christmas dinner as well. There still remains a few for my company coming on Friday.
Angel cookies are a very old recipe which was from my mother and I have cherished it all these years. I remember going to her recipe box and copying out my favourite recipes as a young woman and have used them since that time. I am most grateful that I did that as they would have been lost and they are great and practical recipes. I have shared several with my dear sister-in-law and daughter and they have become treasured recipes for them as well.
Our host, Ken, served crackers and cheese, pida bread (not home made) and two different types of bought hummas. While we nibbled away at these delectable treats, we had a lovely chat. He is a very nice host.
Thanh arrived around 4 p.m. and the two fellows reminisced about Redeemer College-University and people that they know. They also talked about business as both of them are businessmen with their own businesses. It is good that they reconnected after so many years.
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| Jody's wonderful Christmas tree |
Once dusk started, Ken switched on the lights for the tree and it looked so wonderful! Jody has a way with decorations - she is very artistic in things like that.
We all had a nice time just chatting away, most of the talking was done by the two young men which was fine by me.
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| My son Ken (left) and Thanh (right) |
Ken made a special kind of chicken which I have heard of but never tasted. It was amazing to watch him how he prepared it and to taste the results. I think it was called beer can chicken but instead of alcohol, he used a tin of chicken broth which made it extremely moist.
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| Ken and I |
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| Thanh took these shots |
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| Thanh's meal - ham and chicken |
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| The chicken sitting on top of a tin of chicken brother which makes it moist as it cooks. Instructions: Ken used a marinade sauce, spread it all over the chicken, put the opened tin of chicken broth in the cavity of the bird and stuffed the opening in the top of the bird with onions. He then cooked it for an hour and a half I think. I was concerned about the tin part of it but there was no danger whatsoever from what he had learned. It was quite an interesting experiment and the taste was wonderful. Ken had some desert as well and of course, there were my angel cookies. Thanh drove me home for which I was most grateful as the bus only runs every hour on holidays and it is now cold weather in Canada. Thanks for dropping by. Company coming on Friday for desert and coffee so had better get baking again! |
Saturday, December 21, 2013
A guest for lunch on Sunday
In spite of the freezing rain warnings, my guest Rosie is still planning to come for lunch tomorrow after church.
She sure is one brave lady!
I don't think I will venture out once the freezing rain comes. It hasn't started yet but is due late this afternoon and will continue into Sunday.
I hope to go to St. Paul's candlelight service on Sunday night with Mohammed and Thanh but we will wait and see what the freezing rain does to the side walks. I can walk there.
December sure is turning out to be a real winter month!
I heard that the grocery stores are packed due to the storm warnings. I am glad I prepared beforehand as there was plenty of warning.
I remember the time in Montreal when the snow was higher than my window (basement apartment) and I couldn't get out to go home for Christmas. It was a very sad Christmas that year, just George and I and the baby Anna. We had not prepared for eating at home on Christmas day and thus, although we had some food at home, it definitely was not something special.
This life lesson taught me to always have extra food in for the winter months just in case one could not get out. I still carry that memory and that lesson learned and am glad to say that I am 99% prepared for such a situation should it ever occur again.
Right now I am making homemade bread and some cookies for my guest. The main course is already done.
I hope she enjoys it.
She sure is one brave lady!
I don't think I will venture out once the freezing rain comes. It hasn't started yet but is due late this afternoon and will continue into Sunday.
I hope to go to St. Paul's candlelight service on Sunday night with Mohammed and Thanh but we will wait and see what the freezing rain does to the side walks. I can walk there.
December sure is turning out to be a real winter month!
I heard that the grocery stores are packed due to the storm warnings. I am glad I prepared beforehand as there was plenty of warning.
I remember the time in Montreal when the snow was higher than my window (basement apartment) and I couldn't get out to go home for Christmas. It was a very sad Christmas that year, just George and I and the baby Anna. We had not prepared for eating at home on Christmas day and thus, although we had some food at home, it definitely was not something special.
This life lesson taught me to always have extra food in for the winter months just in case one could not get out. I still carry that memory and that lesson learned and am glad to say that I am 99% prepared for such a situation should it ever occur again.
Right now I am making homemade bread and some cookies for my guest. The main course is already done.
I hope she enjoys it.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Christmas get together in our party room 2013
As usual, it was very nice. Lynne, who is on the Board, organized yet another great together.
It even went over time which shows that people were having a good time.
Here are some shots.
There were quite a few people who dropped in and I was able to chat with several people and enjoy their company.
We had some stimulating conversations while we munched on so many good things to eat.
All in all, a lovely afternoon spent with compatible people.
It even went over time which shows that people were having a good time.
Here are some shots.
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| Party room tree decorated by Marcel and Robert |
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| The courner where the sweets and drinks were kept. |
There were quite a few people who dropped in and I was able to chat with several people and enjoy their company.
We had some stimulating conversations while we munched on so many good things to eat.
All in all, a lovely afternoon spent with compatible people.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Snow, snow, go away.....
Alas, there was a winter storm warning since last night and when I awoke this morning, the ground was covered in white.
It was our Tower Poetry Society Christmas party this afternoon and I fully intended to go. I baked a cake for the pot luck and due to the snow, I decided to take a taxi. I hung onto the taxi line for what seemed like ages, but when I finally got through, there was at the very least, a half an hour wait before a taxi could come.
At that point, I decided it was too risky to go out as I might not get a taxi home from the party as the snow was still coming down very heavily.
I called our hostess and explained what was happening and she had had so many cancellations. One couple only had turned up from Stoney Creek. They sure are brave!
Alas, all dressed up and nowhere to go! Ah well, winter is like that.
Tonight Thanh has arranged for the gentleman, whose cat I look after when he goes away on business, to walk with me over to the gala event. We are lucky that it is not too far and most of it will be indoors. Formally dressed and wading in high snow is not too easy, to say the least.
I am very grateful for that and appreciate Thanh's thoughtfulness.
I sure hope this winter storm will not keep people away but it continues to be really bad out there as of 3:26 p.m.
It is our building's party tomorrow afternoon so I don't need to go out at all tomorrow.
Thanks for reading this little blurb, keep safe in the whirling snow and if you are driving, drive very slowly!
It was our Tower Poetry Society Christmas party this afternoon and I fully intended to go. I baked a cake for the pot luck and due to the snow, I decided to take a taxi. I hung onto the taxi line for what seemed like ages, but when I finally got through, there was at the very least, a half an hour wait before a taxi could come.
At that point, I decided it was too risky to go out as I might not get a taxi home from the party as the snow was still coming down very heavily.
I called our hostess and explained what was happening and she had had so many cancellations. One couple only had turned up from Stoney Creek. They sure are brave!
Alas, all dressed up and nowhere to go! Ah well, winter is like that.
Tonight Thanh has arranged for the gentleman, whose cat I look after when he goes away on business, to walk with me over to the gala event. We are lucky that it is not too far and most of it will be indoors. Formally dressed and wading in high snow is not too easy, to say the least.
I am very grateful for that and appreciate Thanh's thoughtfulness.
I sure hope this winter storm will not keep people away but it continues to be really bad out there as of 3:26 p.m.
It is our building's party tomorrow afternoon so I don't need to go out at all tomorrow.
Thanks for reading this little blurb, keep safe in the whirling snow and if you are driving, drive very slowly!
A fantastic party last night
Hanna and Gerhard graciously opened their home to our ladies group. There were ten or eleven of us who enjoyed their hospitality.
Gerhard went out with one of the other husbands so it was just the ladies.
I took a shot of Hanna's lovely set table and a few of her decorations for Christmas.
We all get along so well, it was a real pleasure to be there.
We all chipped in to order Chinese food and it was lovely and more than enough for all of us. Hanna made some wonderful desserts and served coffee and two types of tea.
I took the bus up there but was fortunate enough to be offered a ride home by two people. I was grateful as it was becoming slippery outside by the time I walked to her place from the bus stop.
We all agreed that going to Hanna's place was much nicer than going to a restaurant for a meal and I think that this may become a tradition for our group.
Thanks for dropping by.
Gerhard went out with one of the other husbands so it was just the ladies.
I took a shot of Hanna's lovely set table and a few of her decorations for Christmas.
We all get along so well, it was a real pleasure to be there.
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| Hanna's Christmas table |
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| I have always loved this |
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| Their window display |
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| The advent krantz |
We all chipped in to order Chinese food and it was lovely and more than enough for all of us. Hanna made some wonderful desserts and served coffee and two types of tea.
I took the bus up there but was fortunate enough to be offered a ride home by two people. I was grateful as it was becoming slippery outside by the time I walked to her place from the bus stop.
We all agreed that going to Hanna's place was much nicer than going to a restaurant for a meal and I think that this may become a tradition for our group.
Thanks for dropping by.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Downtown Hamilton Christmas decorations 2013
Marcel and Robert have been very busy decorating our main entrance for Christmas. They are so artistic and do such a good job.It looks fabulous.
It will be our annual Christmas get together soon in our party room. I always look forward to that as well.
Since I had taken pictures of our building all decked out, the other day I decided to take a walk around Gore Park and take some snapshots.
It is very wonderful to see the decorations up again and to see people coming down town to view them. The old fashioned fire engineer clanged in with its fire bell going. An old fashioned ambulance with its siren going also rushed into Gore Park.
Here are some of the pictures I took.
I especially love to see the children enjoying all the activities down town. Jackson Square is all decked out as well so many people go and shop there after the activities in the park.
Thanks for dropping by and have a very good day.
It will be our annual Christmas get together soon in our party room. I always look forward to that as well.
Since I had taken pictures of our building all decked out, the other day I decided to take a walk around Gore Park and take some snapshots.
It is very wonderful to see the decorations up again and to see people coming down town to view them. The old fashioned fire engineer clanged in with its fire bell going. An old fashioned ambulance with its siren going also rushed into Gore Park.
Here are some of the pictures I took.
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| The Merry-go-round |
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| Down further in the park |
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| the manger scene |
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| A special event in the park for Christmas |
I especially love to see the children enjoying all the activities down town. Jackson Square is all decked out as well so many people go and shop there after the activities in the park.
Thanks for dropping by and have a very good day.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Another wonderful weekend!
I am so blessed with dear friends and have been blessed to have come to live in Hamilton which was my son's idea after my 3rd TIA. I love the smaller community of people and have so many friends and also acquaintances now after living here almost 11 years this February 1st. I was very happy to receive Liz's invitation. I puzzled what I could add to the feast and Nonni and I put our heads together and came up with the following.
I made home made pida bread (without a bread machine) and put caraway seeds in it. Nonni and I brought a combined item, she made her wonderful humus and I made my pita bread. Both items went over very well.
Nonni picked me up and brought me home which was very good of her. Liz had made so many wonderful things to eat and the house was packed to the gill. Everybody was friendly and I knew some of the people there and met other new people.
Some beautiful ladies sang some carols and then a dear little girl read something. She was really brave to do that in front of so many people.
Nonni and I left at 9 p.m. I am so glad that I know both of these dear ladies as they have enriched my life and I hold both of them in esteem and with loving thoughts.
If that was not enough, it was my Club's Christmas brunch today (Sunday). My reservation was for 10:30 and Thanh and I sat together in the lounge area. There were several families there also which was nice as I prefer to be where I can see little ones. The children were so well behaved and all dressed up for the occasion.
The brunch was up to the Club's usual high standards and was superb.
The main course was very appetizing as well , from Omelettes individually made to order, egg benedict, turkey, ham, roast beef, roast potatoes and vegetables, noodle dishes, soups and you name it and it was there. I was amazed by the chef who prepared the omelettes, he made three pans full at a time. He put plenty of olive oil on the bottom of the pan, then threw in whatever vegetables you wanted in it. I chose onions so he sautéed them then added the egg mixture and on top of that he added the grated cheese. The gas flames were rising high but he was not disturbed by that. He had many takers of his wonderful omelettes, each one different. I wish my omelette's would turn out that well. He used a heavy iron pan as well.
I particularly enjoyed seeing the children sit on Santa's lap and talk to him. They were adorable!
All in all, a wonderful event and tomorrow evening is another event. David Haskin's book launch. On Saturday evening, it will be Thanh Campbell's book launch and I have an invitation for that. It is a formal event, with evening clothes required.
My cup runneth over and I am most grateful for all my many blessings.
Thanks for dropping by and please come again when you have the time.
I made home made pida bread (without a bread machine) and put caraway seeds in it. Nonni and I brought a combined item, she made her wonderful humus and I made my pita bread. Both items went over very well.
Nonni picked me up and brought me home which was very good of her. Liz had made so many wonderful things to eat and the house was packed to the gill. Everybody was friendly and I knew some of the people there and met other new people.
Some beautiful ladies sang some carols and then a dear little girl read something. She was really brave to do that in front of so many people.
Nonni and I left at 9 p.m. I am so glad that I know both of these dear ladies as they have enriched my life and I hold both of them in esteem and with loving thoughts.
If that was not enough, it was my Club's Christmas brunch today (Sunday). My reservation was for 10:30 and Thanh and I sat together in the lounge area. There were several families there also which was nice as I prefer to be where I can see little ones. The children were so well behaved and all dressed up for the occasion.
The brunch was up to the Club's usual high standards and was superb.
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| Santa and I |
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| A small sample of the many delicious deserts |
I particularly enjoyed seeing the children sit on Santa's lap and talk to him. They were adorable!
All in all, a wonderful event and tomorrow evening is another event. David Haskin's book launch. On Saturday evening, it will be Thanh Campbell's book launch and I have an invitation for that. It is a formal event, with evening clothes required.
My cup runneth over and I am most grateful for all my many blessings.
Thanks for dropping by and please come again when you have the time.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
A non-Muslim, I’m wearing a hijab to make a statement
A non-Muslim, I’m wearing a hijab to make a statement
This Assistant Professor is a brave lady. Good for her!
This Assistant Professor is a brave lady. Good for her!
Monday, December 2, 2013
A fantastic weekend!
A friend of mine, Rosie, was going up to Kitchener on Friday and was planning to return on Saturday afternoon.
I changed my plans to go on the Saturday and we went together. This enabled me to spend Friday with the "kids" and bring their Christmas presents up to them. I also was able to attend their building's Christmas party. They have been most fortunate to find this wonderful building. I don't believe in chances. This was the hand of God how they found their place.
They had to move from another area of town where they had lived for many, many years as their landlady wanted to bring her mother in and thus needed their apartment as it was on the ground floor.
As it happens, they were at the Dairy Queen talking about needing to find another place to live and a lady they did not know and had never seen before, told them about this wonderful place.
I went on the internet and found it and talked to the manager there and we arranged for them to come and view an apartment.
We all are so thankful to the lady who spoke up and gave the name of the place.
It has been a far better place for them than the old place and much more accessible for both of them. What a blessing in disguise it was when they had to leave.
I think they have been there for four years now and are happy.
The building Christmas party was marvellous! I have never seen so much food prepared by the manager and her daughters! It all was delicious and the mood was festive. There are many nice people in that building. They made me feel very welcome.
The next day, Billy and I went to the Presbyterian Church bazaar down town. It was so crowded that we couldn't get near the tables to see what there was! People just kept pouring in and pouring in.
Anna was to meet us down there but we missed each other. We reconnected on the bus going back to their place which was good.
Rosie came to get me and had a short visit with Anna and Bill and we got back to Hamilton about 4:30. It was a lovely time in Kitchener.
Sunday I had all the washing to do as weekend is the most economical time for electricity and then Jennifer and I went to St. John's Advent Service which is a 41 year tradition. It was heavenly. A trumpet player, recorders, poetry, choir and a duet by a husband and wife team in their own language.
This year they had the words on the wall in big print for singing. We all sang in German and in English and it was wonderful! After this beautiful service, everybody was invited downstairs to the church hall for refreshments.
Plates of sandwiches, pizza and all kinds of fancy cakes were on offer. This year, I invited my friend Jennifer to come with me and she seemed to enjoy it very much. It would be a different experience for her as part of it was in German.
All in all, a fantastic weekend. Today, I am continuing to decorate for Christmas and wash and put away my regular things for now. It takes time, but it is a nice change.
Thanks for dropping by.
I changed my plans to go on the Saturday and we went together. This enabled me to spend Friday with the "kids" and bring their Christmas presents up to them. I also was able to attend their building's Christmas party. They have been most fortunate to find this wonderful building. I don't believe in chances. This was the hand of God how they found their place.
They had to move from another area of town where they had lived for many, many years as their landlady wanted to bring her mother in and thus needed their apartment as it was on the ground floor.
As it happens, they were at the Dairy Queen talking about needing to find another place to live and a lady they did not know and had never seen before, told them about this wonderful place.
I went on the internet and found it and talked to the manager there and we arranged for them to come and view an apartment.
We all are so thankful to the lady who spoke up and gave the name of the place.
It has been a far better place for them than the old place and much more accessible for both of them. What a blessing in disguise it was when they had to leave.
I think they have been there for four years now and are happy.
The building Christmas party was marvellous! I have never seen so much food prepared by the manager and her daughters! It all was delicious and the mood was festive. There are many nice people in that building. They made me feel very welcome.
The next day, Billy and I went to the Presbyterian Church bazaar down town. It was so crowded that we couldn't get near the tables to see what there was! People just kept pouring in and pouring in.
Anna was to meet us down there but we missed each other. We reconnected on the bus going back to their place which was good.
Rosie came to get me and had a short visit with Anna and Bill and we got back to Hamilton about 4:30. It was a lovely time in Kitchener.
Sunday I had all the washing to do as weekend is the most economical time for electricity and then Jennifer and I went to St. John's Advent Service which is a 41 year tradition. It was heavenly. A trumpet player, recorders, poetry, choir and a duet by a husband and wife team in their own language.
This year they had the words on the wall in big print for singing. We all sang in German and in English and it was wonderful! After this beautiful service, everybody was invited downstairs to the church hall for refreshments.
Plates of sandwiches, pizza and all kinds of fancy cakes were on offer. This year, I invited my friend Jennifer to come with me and she seemed to enjoy it very much. It would be a different experience for her as part of it was in German.
All in all, a fantastic weekend. Today, I am continuing to decorate for Christmas and wash and put away my regular things for now. It takes time, but it is a nice change.
Thanks for dropping by.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Life can be so sad sometimes
Good day,
I just talked to the son of another friend of mine whom I could not reach for several weeks.Her phone had been disconnected.
It turns out that his Mom is in emergency care waiting for a spot at the Baycrest Hospital residence. She has Alzheimers. I did notice a marked deterioration in her manner of speaking in the last few months but thought it might just be due to older age. I don't know her age but I think she may be only in her 80's. My other friend is 96 and she is now in a Retirement Residence.
At least I know where she is now.
I have had tests at Baycrest many years ago and have found the staff there very nice. It is a good Jewish hospital, very clean and seems to be well run just from my observances at that time. That was at least 20 years ago since I was there but I would imagine that it is still a well run place.
While I was there, I saw something that stuck with me all these years and I wrote a poem about this experience which you will find below.
I still feel the pain in his voice as my memory takes me back to this old man looking for his Mom. I wanted just to hold this man so he would not feel so adrift and lost. It still brings tears to my eyes when I replay this scene in my mind's eyes.
Women have been given such an important role in life, that of nurturer and sustainer. It does not matter if they give birth to a child or if they see a need in another human being and take on the role of "mother". I have a friend in Toronto who never had children. She nurtured other people's children and filled an empty spot in these children's lives.
I have seen that quality mostly in women but there are also some wonderful men who become "Big Brothers" to a boy without a father, or mentor younger men in the business world, or on a sports team.
Kudos to them!
Each of us have been given unique talents which we can chose to use or like parable about the servants in the Bible who were given a certain amount of money, two used it well according to what they were given and were suitably rewarded., while another it in the ground and did nothing, and thus lost his golden opportunity.
What talents are you, yourself, using to make this hurting world a little better?
If you are using your talents, congratulations, if not, why not? It is never too late to start again and use what we have been given.
On that note, have a wonderful day and keep warm on this chilly day!
Thanks for dropping by.
I just talked to the son of another friend of mine whom I could not reach for several weeks.Her phone had been disconnected.
It turns out that his Mom is in emergency care waiting for a spot at the Baycrest Hospital residence. She has Alzheimers. I did notice a marked deterioration in her manner of speaking in the last few months but thought it might just be due to older age. I don't know her age but I think she may be only in her 80's. My other friend is 96 and she is now in a Retirement Residence.
At least I know where she is now.
I have had tests at Baycrest many years ago and have found the staff there very nice. It is a good Jewish hospital, very clean and seems to be well run just from my observances at that time. That was at least 20 years ago since I was there but I would imagine that it is still a well run place.
While I was there, I saw something that stuck with me all these years and I wrote a poem about this experience which you will find below.
The Cry
“Mama, Mama, where
are you?”
voice of desperation
reaches me, brings
tears.
Startled, I glance
up
distracted from my
task
eyes focus on old
man
restrained in
wheelchair.
Body diminished by
disease
stuck in the grip
of dementia
calling out for
Mama
Little boy in old
man’s body
longing for a long
ago time
where he was loved
and cherished
by his Mama, long
deceased..
It won’t be long and he shall go
to meet his Mama
once again
whose love will enfold
him
as it did, upon
this earth.
.
Copyright©WilmaSeville
2013
I still feel the pain in his voice as my memory takes me back to this old man looking for his Mom. I wanted just to hold this man so he would not feel so adrift and lost. It still brings tears to my eyes when I replay this scene in my mind's eyes.
Women have been given such an important role in life, that of nurturer and sustainer. It does not matter if they give birth to a child or if they see a need in another human being and take on the role of "mother". I have a friend in Toronto who never had children. She nurtured other people's children and filled an empty spot in these children's lives.
I have seen that quality mostly in women but there are also some wonderful men who become "Big Brothers" to a boy without a father, or mentor younger men in the business world, or on a sports team.
Kudos to them!
Each of us have been given unique talents which we can chose to use or like parable about the servants in the Bible who were given a certain amount of money, two used it well according to what they were given and were suitably rewarded., while another it in the ground and did nothing, and thus lost his golden opportunity.
What talents are you, yourself, using to make this hurting world a little better?
If you are using your talents, congratulations, if not, why not? It is never too late to start again and use what we have been given.
On that note, have a wonderful day and keep warm on this chilly day!
Thanks for dropping by.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Break-in sours gourmet hot sauce business launch
Break-in sours gourmet hot sauce business launch
What a disgraceful thing to happen to an enterprising young couple who worked hard to make a go of things. I am pleased to see that they will carry on in spite of what happened.
What a disgraceful thing to happen to an enterprising young couple who worked hard to make a go of things. I am pleased to see that they will carry on in spite of what happened.
Friday, November 22, 2013
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| Jafar Bahkish |
Mothers of Khavaran; a Strong Voice for Truth and Justice in Iran
Kaveh Shahroz’s article in Ottawa Citizen on May 28, 2013, “How Canada Can Lead On Iran” explains very well the pain that has been inflected by the Islamic Republic of Iran (the IRI) on the victims and victims’ families in last thirty five years, prevalence of “The culture of impunity” and a long overdue proper reaction/action by international community on systematic and widespread human rights violations by the IRI.
However, I would like to look at the 80s atrocities and their consequences from a different aspect, which has not been elaborated in Kaveh’s article.
Kaveh wrote about his young uncle, Mehrdad, 20 at the time of arrest in 1980. Mehrdad was sentenced to ten years imprisonment in the early 80s. After seven years of hardship and torture inside prison, Mehrdad was hanged along with four thousands political prisoners, in the 1988 prison massacre, under the direct order of ayatollah Khomeini, the then supreme leader.
It is heart breaking when Kaveh wrote: “We still don’t know exactly when he was executed or where his body is buried. My family has never truly recovered from that loss. My grandmother and mother have both passed away since then, both with the unfulfilled wish of seeing justice in Mehrdad’s case. “ This is a pain shared by many similar families in Iran.
In transitional justice literature, it is claimed that although, dictatorial regimes suppress political and social activists, ironically, the suppressions lead to other types of resistance. Victims’ families and many others become active in order to save the life of their loved ones and ask for truth and justice. Is Iran an exception?
It has been 33 years since the mass executions of political activists in the early 80s, and 25 years since the 1988 prison massacre, yet victims’ families still do not know the truth and have not seen justice. It is important to ask, with about 20,000 thousands victims, and hundreds of thousands of political prisoners and exiles; why has a strong movement for truth and justice not been established in Iran? Is it only because Canada and other countries did not act properly? Then, why is it that such a strong movement for truth and justice in Latin America and other parts of the world is evident, despite the fact that in many cases, United State, Russia (Former Soviet Union) and China and their allies supported the dictators?
In the 80s, the IRI put enormous pressure on the victims’ families to stay silent in the face of the atrocities that were happening inside prisons all around Iran. Although a majority of victims’ families were forced to comply with this brutal policy, few hundreds of victims’ families, known as Mothers of Khavaran, became a voice for justice and truth inside Iran.
Before 1988 prison massacre, these families, tried to save their loved ones or improve the prison condition. They knew that the prisoners did not have any right to defend themselves. So it was up to family to do that. I remember in the 80s, my mother along with other mothers, sisters and wives of political prisoners, gathered in front of governmental buildings to submit their requests for fair trial and improvement of prison conditions.
In the 80s, each Friday, and despite all the harassment, they went to Khavaran cemetery, a piece of land where non-believer victims were buried in single or mass graves. The authorities named it “doomed land”, to show their disrespect.
In the 80s, family arrest was very common. In 1984, when I released from prison, after they kept me inside for 15 months, without any accusation, two of my siblings were killed and were buried in unknown grave in Khavaran and three others were in notorious Evin prison. Families like mine acted as a connecting point between families of political prisoners and executed.
In summer of 1988, when the authorities canceled all prison visits and isolated prisoners, again this group of families went to the officials to find out what was happening inside of the prisons. They felt that something terrible was happening. It was autumn of 1988, after about four months of being in the dark, we received the horrible news. My brothers, Mohammad-Ali and Mahmoud, and my brother in law, Mehrdad Panahi, were among four thousands victims of the massacre.
In 1989, the first anniversary of the 1988 prison massacre, Mothers of Khavaran decided to hold a public commemoration in Khavaran cemetery. Each year on September first or the closest Friday to it, the only semi formal commemoration inside Iran has been held In Khavaran cemetery by Mothers of Khavaran, despite of all the harassment by the IRI. In the last thirty three years, many of them have been arrested or summoned by the authorities.
Mothers of Khavaran also hold commemorations in their residence. Many times the authorities have attacked the ceremonies and summoned the participants. They have collectively gone to officials, sent collective and personal letters, filed complaints, given interviews to media outside of Iran and written numerous articles about the atrocities and harassment that the families have faced.
My mother and my sister are among them. In the 80s and 90s, my mother was summoned several times to the ministry of intelligence to prevent her pursuit of justice and truth. My sister has also been arrested and summoned many times. I was part of this group of courageous families before I immigrated to Canada in 2002.
Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, in her book, “Golden Cage”, explains her experience when she went to Khavaran cemetery:
“I recognized the woman they called Mother, the spokes-woman of their grief… She was about seventy years old. Mother slowly raised her arm and began to speak. The buzzing stopped, “Today we’re here to remember. We know that blood can’t wash away blood. We are women, not guerrilla fighters. Wives and mothers and daughters and sisters who have already seen more than enough violence. Killing the murderers will not bring back the victims…” “silence, infidel! They weren’t victims—they were traitors, and they deserved to die!” We’d been surrounded by women and men of the goruh-e feshar. The forces that attacked and broke up public demonstrations were once again ready to act."
With the persistence of Mothers of Khavaran, Khavaran cemetery became a prominent symbol of systematic and widespread human rights violation in Iran and Mothers of Khavaran became a strong voice for truth and justice in Iran.
I agree with Kaveh Shahrooz that it is very important that the international community recognize the massacre of 1988 as a “crime against humanity”, it is long overdue.
But it is more important to emphasise that without active and effective dialogue with the younger generations, without an attempt to involve civil society in this discourse; it will not possible to pursue truth and justice.
Facing past atrocities and asking for truth and justice is a social process. Mothers of Khavaran are a nucleus for such social movement. But both opposition political parties that want to overthrow the IRI by any means and reformist faction of the IRI, who have direct and indirect responsibility for the 80s massacres are ignoring them.
After 33 years of systematic suppression in Iran, and after 33 years resistance by some victims’ families, there is no recognition for Mothers of Khavaran and other groups of families, such as families of the victims of political killing in 1998. May be because, Mothers of Khavaran, distanced themselves from political parties. May be because the families did not discriminate against each other because of political affiliation of the victims? Or maybe because their goal was to neither forget, nor overthrow the government.
They simply ask for their basic rights; why, where, when, by whom and under whose orders were the victims executed? Where are their bodies? Why aren’t the families allowed to hold commemorations in public and private spaces? Why do the authorities harass the families when they ask for their basic rights? .
This year is the 25th anniversary of the 1988 prison massacre. I urge and ask the human rights community in Canada to recognize and acknowledge the efforts that have been made by Mothers of Khavaran for truth and justice and to ask the IRI to stop their harassment.
Jafar Behkish
June 2nd, 2013
However, I would like to look at the 80s atrocities and their consequences from a different aspect, which has not been elaborated in Kaveh’s article.
Kaveh wrote about his young uncle, Mehrdad, 20 at the time of arrest in 1980. Mehrdad was sentenced to ten years imprisonment in the early 80s. After seven years of hardship and torture inside prison, Mehrdad was hanged along with four thousands political prisoners, in the 1988 prison massacre, under the direct order of ayatollah Khomeini, the then supreme leader.
It is heart breaking when Kaveh wrote: “We still don’t know exactly when he was executed or where his body is buried. My family has never truly recovered from that loss. My grandmother and mother have both passed away since then, both with the unfulfilled wish of seeing justice in Mehrdad’s case. “ This is a pain shared by many similar families in Iran.
In transitional justice literature, it is claimed that although, dictatorial regimes suppress political and social activists, ironically, the suppressions lead to other types of resistance. Victims’ families and many others become active in order to save the life of their loved ones and ask for truth and justice. Is Iran an exception?
It has been 33 years since the mass executions of political activists in the early 80s, and 25 years since the 1988 prison massacre, yet victims’ families still do not know the truth and have not seen justice. It is important to ask, with about 20,000 thousands victims, and hundreds of thousands of political prisoners and exiles; why has a strong movement for truth and justice not been established in Iran? Is it only because Canada and other countries did not act properly? Then, why is it that such a strong movement for truth and justice in Latin America and other parts of the world is evident, despite the fact that in many cases, United State, Russia (Former Soviet Union) and China and their allies supported the dictators?
In the 80s, the IRI put enormous pressure on the victims’ families to stay silent in the face of the atrocities that were happening inside prisons all around Iran. Although a majority of victims’ families were forced to comply with this brutal policy, few hundreds of victims’ families, known as Mothers of Khavaran, became a voice for justice and truth inside Iran.
Before 1988 prison massacre, these families, tried to save their loved ones or improve the prison condition. They knew that the prisoners did not have any right to defend themselves. So it was up to family to do that. I remember in the 80s, my mother along with other mothers, sisters and wives of political prisoners, gathered in front of governmental buildings to submit their requests for fair trial and improvement of prison conditions.
In the 80s, each Friday, and despite all the harassment, they went to Khavaran cemetery, a piece of land where non-believer victims were buried in single or mass graves. The authorities named it “doomed land”, to show their disrespect.
In the 80s, family arrest was very common. In 1984, when I released from prison, after they kept me inside for 15 months, without any accusation, two of my siblings were killed and were buried in unknown grave in Khavaran and three others were in notorious Evin prison. Families like mine acted as a connecting point between families of political prisoners and executed.
In summer of 1988, when the authorities canceled all prison visits and isolated prisoners, again this group of families went to the officials to find out what was happening inside of the prisons. They felt that something terrible was happening. It was autumn of 1988, after about four months of being in the dark, we received the horrible news. My brothers, Mohammad-Ali and Mahmoud, and my brother in law, Mehrdad Panahi, were among four thousands victims of the massacre.
In 1989, the first anniversary of the 1988 prison massacre, Mothers of Khavaran decided to hold a public commemoration in Khavaran cemetery. Each year on September first or the closest Friday to it, the only semi formal commemoration inside Iran has been held In Khavaran cemetery by Mothers of Khavaran, despite of all the harassment by the IRI. In the last thirty three years, many of them have been arrested or summoned by the authorities.
Mothers of Khavaran also hold commemorations in their residence. Many times the authorities have attacked the ceremonies and summoned the participants. They have collectively gone to officials, sent collective and personal letters, filed complaints, given interviews to media outside of Iran and written numerous articles about the atrocities and harassment that the families have faced.
My mother and my sister are among them. In the 80s and 90s, my mother was summoned several times to the ministry of intelligence to prevent her pursuit of justice and truth. My sister has also been arrested and summoned many times. I was part of this group of courageous families before I immigrated to Canada in 2002.
Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, in her book, “Golden Cage”, explains her experience when she went to Khavaran cemetery:
“I recognized the woman they called Mother, the spokes-woman of their grief… She was about seventy years old. Mother slowly raised her arm and began to speak. The buzzing stopped, “Today we’re here to remember. We know that blood can’t wash away blood. We are women, not guerrilla fighters. Wives and mothers and daughters and sisters who have already seen more than enough violence. Killing the murderers will not bring back the victims…” “silence, infidel! They weren’t victims—they were traitors, and they deserved to die!” We’d been surrounded by women and men of the goruh-e feshar. The forces that attacked and broke up public demonstrations were once again ready to act."
With the persistence of Mothers of Khavaran, Khavaran cemetery became a prominent symbol of systematic and widespread human rights violation in Iran and Mothers of Khavaran became a strong voice for truth and justice in Iran.
I agree with Kaveh Shahrooz that it is very important that the international community recognize the massacre of 1988 as a “crime against humanity”, it is long overdue.
But it is more important to emphasise that without active and effective dialogue with the younger generations, without an attempt to involve civil society in this discourse; it will not possible to pursue truth and justice.
Facing past atrocities and asking for truth and justice is a social process. Mothers of Khavaran are a nucleus for such social movement. But both opposition political parties that want to overthrow the IRI by any means and reformist faction of the IRI, who have direct and indirect responsibility for the 80s massacres are ignoring them.
After 33 years of systematic suppression in Iran, and after 33 years resistance by some victims’ families, there is no recognition for Mothers of Khavaran and other groups of families, such as families of the victims of political killing in 1998. May be because, Mothers of Khavaran, distanced themselves from political parties. May be because the families did not discriminate against each other because of political affiliation of the victims? Or maybe because their goal was to neither forget, nor overthrow the government.
They simply ask for their basic rights; why, where, when, by whom and under whose orders were the victims executed? Where are their bodies? Why aren’t the families allowed to hold commemorations in public and private spaces? Why do the authorities harass the families when they ask for their basic rights? .
This year is the 25th anniversary of the 1988 prison massacre. I urge and ask the human rights community in Canada to recognize and acknowledge the efforts that have been made by Mothers of Khavaran for truth and justice and to ask the IRI to stop their harassment.
Jafar Behkish
June 2nd, 2013
Editor's Note: I have received permission from Mr. Behkish to post this article on my personal blog. This all came about because of a poem I wrote about a young 17 years old girl who was deported back to Iran even though she had been a baby when she came. A fellow poet heard my poem and sent me the link to Mr. Behkish's article. I read his article which touched me very much and wanted to share it with my readers.
It is very interesting to see how things work - I don't believe in coincidences. If I had not taken my poem for critiquing to that particular group, this article for the blog would never happen. I have never met this gentleman but my fellow poet knows him.
I also learned from another source that 5,000 people were exterminated in Evin Prison in a very short period of time during the reign of the Shah. According to what I have learned, Evin prison held mostly political prisoners. To this day, I believe it is mostly political prisoners there also.
My own participation with the Iranian family who was deported back to Iran was for many years. Some readers may know that I worked with refugees from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan as well as Central American countries many years ago. A few became personal friends.
Deported
Fifteen years of waiting, living in suspense
my freedom about to be dashed
the day has arrived – the day I dread
Forced to leave the only home I know
Pounding at the front door vibrates in my head
echoes in my ears, jerks me awake – afraid!
In her sleep, Maadar cries out in Farsi
The banging continues, it will not stop
I cling to my pillow as a life raft
I am in the sea, surrounded by sharks.
I force my legs to move - to answer the door
Immigration barges in, Maadar awakes,
shrieks and cowers - terrified – memories vivid
of Evin Prison in Tehran - torture
Stern faces gaze at us, show no mercy
here to escort us to the plane
shipped back to a country I don’t know
my education in English – not equipped for life
in a country with foreign ways and tongue.
©WilmaSeville2013
I hope by posting this article and this poem, those who read it will give a thought to people who suffer under oppression, perhaps they may consider joining organizations such as Amnesty International to help prisoners of conscience. In my poem, I have tried to put a human face to people fleeing their own country and trying for refugee status in Canada.
This is the world a 17 year old girl, along with her Mother was sent back to. A child who was raised with Canadian/Iranian values, taught in Canadian schools and who was totally a Canadian in her outlook and approach to life. Put yourself in this child's shoes, sent back to a country and ways that she did not know.
Thank you for dropping by to read this and I hope you will have a good day.
This is the world a 17 year old girl, along with her Mother was sent back to. A child who was raised with Canadian/Iranian values, taught in Canadian schools and who was totally a Canadian in her outlook and approach to life. Put yourself in this child's shoes, sent back to a country and ways that she did not know.
Thank you for dropping by to read this and I hope you will have a good day.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Visit from Peter and LeeAnne
They arrived here in Hamilton at approximately 10:30 after leaving at 7 a.m. They live around Wiarton which is their nearest town.
We had a short visit at home and then I took them to the club. I had never met LeeAnne before but we were "friends" on Facebook because of Peter originally.
I took them to the club for lunch and we had a lovely time. After that, we did a tour of the art work as Peter is an artist.
Also LeeAnne is learning how to become an Art Therapist so I think it was of interest for her too.
I am really glad that LeeAnne and I have finally met. I liked her very much and think they seem happy together. They met each other 25 years ago and then renewed the friendship over the internet I think a couple of years ago. They are now together.
They had to leave by 1:30 so we could only do a short tour of the art work.
LeeAnne had her course to do in Toronto.
A short but lovely visit. I had not seen my nephew for about 15 years.
Thanks for dropping by.
We had a short visit at home and then I took them to the club. I had never met LeeAnne before but we were "friends" on Facebook because of Peter originally.
I took them to the club for lunch and we had a lovely time. After that, we did a tour of the art work as Peter is an artist.
Also LeeAnne is learning how to become an Art Therapist so I think it was of interest for her too.
I am really glad that LeeAnne and I have finally met. I liked her very much and think they seem happy together. They met each other 25 years ago and then renewed the friendship over the internet I think a couple of years ago. They are now together.
They had to leave by 1:30 so we could only do a short tour of the art work.
LeeAnne had her course to do in Toronto.
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| LeeAnne and Peter Nov. 21,2013 |
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| Peter at my place |
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| LeeAnne and Peter |
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| The three of us in the Club's dining room |
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| Peter |
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| the famous Club butter tart! |
A short but lovely visit. I had not seen my nephew for about 15 years.
Thanks for dropping by.
Monday, November 18, 2013
HAYATI KURTULAN
Yesterday, Sunday, November 17th early in the morning I received a call from Banu, Hayati's niece to tell me that he had died that morning in the nursing home where he lived. He was 85 years of age.
She had been in Turkey for the last six months but returned to Canada five days ago. Happily she was able to visit her uncle twice in that time. She has been a wonderful niece to him and a fantastic and loving daughter to her mother Fevizye.
I have so many good memories of Hayati. His sense of humour, his gentlemanly behaviour, his love for my children and his affection for me. Even when we split up, we remained good friends for 36 years more and were in communication by phone when I moved to Hamilton. On one of my trips to Toronto, I visited him for a short while. Although the outer shell which is the body had changed into an old man, the inner person which I cared for, never changed. He asked me if I remembered the "good old times" and, of course, I did.
I was invited to visit his family in Turkey in 1977 and I stayed with them for a month, staying at Robert College in Istanbul. His mother and sister Fevziye welcomed me with open arms and treated me as a member of the family. I met his brother and his sister-in-law in Bursa and his nieces and we did some travelling through Turkey. I saw the real Turkey, not just the tourist attractions.
I have taken out my photo book to look at pictures of that trip. I will try and take some photos of the photos I took so many years ago. Hopefully you will be able to see them a little bit.
I will never forget how kind and good his family was to me. His mother reminded me so much of my Irish grandmother in her looks. I remember doing some ironing in their kitchen and Mrs.Kurtulan spreading out her prayer mat and praying. I loved that.
The first picture was taken on the balcony of their apartment overlooking the Bosphorus Sea.
The trip was a wonderful highlight in our relationship but the most important part was our companionship and our respect for each other. Hayati was very special in my life and I will miss him.
May Almighty God forgive him of any sin which he has not repented before dying and grant him Paradise.
May God grant peace and comfort to his niece and her husband and son.
She had been in Turkey for the last six months but returned to Canada five days ago. Happily she was able to visit her uncle twice in that time. She has been a wonderful niece to him and a fantastic and loving daughter to her mother Fevizye.
I have so many good memories of Hayati. His sense of humour, his gentlemanly behaviour, his love for my children and his affection for me. Even when we split up, we remained good friends for 36 years more and were in communication by phone when I moved to Hamilton. On one of my trips to Toronto, I visited him for a short while. Although the outer shell which is the body had changed into an old man, the inner person which I cared for, never changed. He asked me if I remembered the "good old times" and, of course, I did.
I was invited to visit his family in Turkey in 1977 and I stayed with them for a month, staying at Robert College in Istanbul. His mother and sister Fevziye welcomed me with open arms and treated me as a member of the family. I met his brother and his sister-in-law in Bursa and his nieces and we did some travelling through Turkey. I saw the real Turkey, not just the tourist attractions.
I have taken out my photo book to look at pictures of that trip. I will try and take some photos of the photos I took so many years ago. Hopefully you will be able to see them a little bit.
I will never forget how kind and good his family was to me. His mother reminded me so much of my Irish grandmother in her looks. I remember doing some ironing in their kitchen and Mrs.Kurtulan spreading out her prayer mat and praying. I loved that.
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| Turkish airline ticket to travel within Turkey |
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| The ever inquisitive resident cat, looking at the picture book from long ago |
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| This is a statue of Mary, the Mother of Jesus in her last home which is believed to be in Ephesus in Turkey. In Islam, Mary and Jesus are highly regarded. |
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| Inside the Blue Mosque |
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| Robert College where the family had an apartment |
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| The ship we took to go to Yalova |
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| The young me on the ship |
May Almighty God forgive him of any sin which he has not repented before dying and grant him Paradise.
May God grant peace and comfort to his niece and her husband and son.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Writing and Publishing blog: DONNA DESMARTEAUX-GIRARD
Writing and Publishing blog: DONNA DESMARTEAUX-GIRARD:
Crossroads I stumble along, unsteady and unsure, weaving from side to side. Looking back, my footprints mimic the map of some crazy n...
Click on the link above and you will see her short story.
Here is a picture of her.
Crossroads I stumble along, unsteady and unsure, weaving from side to side. Looking back, my footprints mimic the map of some crazy n...
Click on the link above and you will see her short story.
Here is a picture of her.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
A lovely event at Carnegie Gallery today
Today was a special day with bright sunshiny weather to match the event. Jennifer picked me up at my back door and Jennifer T and Jennifer F and myself proceeded to go out to Dundas in Jennifer's car.
In September, Tower poets were invited to go out to Dundas to pick a picture to write a poem about. I participated and picked out a lovely picture and wrote a poem.
We got there early enough to go on the art walk which began at 1 p.m. Jeff and Fran were the leaders on this walk and at each store that had exhibited the work, they stopped and read the poetry aloud. It was very nice indeed to have it read so well.
My own poem was exhibited but unfortunately it had fallen down so nobody could read it. Jennifer mentioned it to Jeff that they had not read my poem, so he was very kind and read it out loud from his typed pages.
It was lovely to hear the poems read out loud especially on such a gorgeous fall day.
After the art walk, we all went into the Carnegie Gallery. I was very happy to see that the new elevator was now in operation so I used that.
Our eyes fell on pottery, jewellery, felt work and art on the walls as we entered this lovely spot. There was a tea table set up with several types of tea provided by a local tea shop. The lady was very gracious as she served this elegant beverage in delicate English tea cups. The name of the company which provided the tea is Coco Tea, and it is on 63 Main Street in Dundas, Ontario. Their telephone number is 905-627-7322.
People were encouraged to partake of the light refreshments provided by the Gallery - different types of cheeses, a fruit platter and different types of sweets including shortbread cookies.
The readings started shortly after 2 p.m.
In September, Tower poets were invited to go out to Dundas to pick a picture to write a poem about. I participated and picked out a lovely picture and wrote a poem.
We got there early enough to go on the art walk which began at 1 p.m. Jeff and Fran were the leaders on this walk and at each store that had exhibited the work, they stopped and read the poetry aloud. It was very nice indeed to have it read so well.
My own poem was exhibited but unfortunately it had fallen down so nobody could read it. Jennifer mentioned it to Jeff that they had not read my poem, so he was very kind and read it out loud from his typed pages.
It was lovely to hear the poems read out loud especially on such a gorgeous fall day.
After the art walk, we all went into the Carnegie Gallery. I was very happy to see that the new elevator was now in operation so I used that.
Our eyes fell on pottery, jewellery, felt work and art on the walls as we entered this lovely spot. There was a tea table set up with several types of tea provided by a local tea shop. The lady was very gracious as she served this elegant beverage in delicate English tea cups. The name of the company which provided the tea is Coco Tea, and it is on 63 Main Street in Dundas, Ontario. Their telephone number is 905-627-7322.
People were encouraged to partake of the light refreshments provided by the Gallery - different types of cheeses, a fruit platter and different types of sweets including shortbread cookies.
The readings started shortly after 2 p.m.
| Jeff reading a poet's work on King Street. Photo credit Ed Woods |
| Fran Figge - co-leader of walk Photo credit Ed Woods |
| Carnegie Gallery - across the street. Photo Credit Ed Woods |
| Art Walk - Jeff reading. Photo credit Ed Woods |
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| Gaiyle Connelly |
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| Valerie Nielsen - past President of Tower |
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| Wilma Seville - past secretary of Tower |
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| Jennifer Tan |
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| Soraya Erian |
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| Marianne Vespry |
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| Ellen Ryan |
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| Fran Figge |
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| Jeff Seffinga |
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| Jim Tomkins |
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| Ed Woods |
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| The refreshment table - observe the wonderful flowers |
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