TheVoiceOfJoyce

1.When I returned home from a trip to Montreal, I watched CNN with Immense pleasure as they confirmed that President Obama and our secretary of State Hiliary Clinton, jumped in and helped broker the Truce, between Gaza and Israel. IT’s now up to the people to choose life and living over hatred and death, but given the opportunity, it is hoped they will choose peace, development and growth.

2. I also thought about the folly of ” the enemy of my enemy is my friend”. I never understood this concept, it never made sense to me and now I know why? If you become friends with some one’s enemy you now have a block of hatred confronting the others. You have increased the power and cycle of hate. Toward what end? THERE IS NO GOOD OUTCOME, ONLY WAR. MORAL: CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS CAREFULLY. When we preserve life, we can all celebrate.

3. A Montreal Story, with a message? On a recent trip to Montreal, we dined at a wonderful restaurant , Cafe Ferreira. However, being an unknown, I was seated with my daughter and grand daughter toward the end of the restaurant facing a waiter and prep station. I was momentarily dismayed, first to be placed in “Siberia”, second to be placed in this busy intersection, until my daughter suggested the third way. She was happy to change places with me. So simple, yet so satisfying. I was intensely happy to turn my back on the activities and turn my attention toward my daughter. I am expressing the joy that accompanies a change in perspective and the joy of looking and talking to your child and loving every minute.

4. LOL Also, IN MONTREAL , as three generations of women rediscovered each other and new friends, I discovered the “Health tax”. Canadiens pay a Sales Tax plus an additional tax on items, which goes directly to fund the National Health Care system.. No one seems to object. It is a fact of life. You pay a combined tax of 13% at Restaurants and you are helping to provide health care for yourself and your neighbors. Another simple solution. Overall, Montreal was a great place to visit! Oh! Did I mention it is a safe place to walk as well?