Xmas Pix

7 year old Kade Dennis of Welland, ON poses with a picture he coloured which made it to the Frschco grocery store's display area.  Way to go buddy!  You're definitely on Santa's "nice" list now.

Xmas pix

Have a Cool Christmas

Graham Clark is rockin' the Christmas spirit in his Santa hat and funky green glasses. During his Christmas break, we're planning on having this little cool dude visit his Uncle Kenny and his pets....and I can hardly wait.

Xmas pix

Santa's Little Helper

It's hard to say for sure if little Louie is happy wearing his holiday hat or if he'd would prefer his mom Erin take the elfin' thing off his head. Either way, he looks pretty darn cute and deserves an extra special treat from Santa for being a good sport.

art

We are thrilled to debut the art of our Los Angeles friend Rene. Known on facebook as Giveadog a Home, because she was once involved with finding homes for abandoned dogs, we met Rene through my cousin Megan Fox who lives in Ottawa.

Megan and Rene share a passion for the group Walk Off The Earth (WOTE) and Rene has a fan site for the popular musicians who are from Burlington, ON.

When she sent us the illustration above, Rene told Scribbles, "It's my first try at pen and ink patterns [and] it's a Christmas gift for a family who lost their sister/daughter to cancer at age 7 a few years ago."

Rene said "She was a twin, and this is a guardian angel for them, for her brother, to watch over them, and to remember her."

CLICK PIX ABOVE FOR FULL SCREEN DETAILED VIEW

Rene explains the significance of the unique dress pattern.

"Natasja is her name, she lives in Aarhus, Denmark (crest), along with the family cat, she has blue eyes, she loves butterflies, Piglet from Winnie the Pooh, a song called Lille Blop from the film "Min søsters børn" (My Sister's Children). Her brother loves dinosaurs, there are cute pics of her dressed up as a princess, she has fun putting on her grandmas' eyeglasses, which were way too big..."

What an imaginative and special gift this is Rene. We're very excited to include it in Scribbles and look forward to sharing more of your art in future posts.

On a personal note, I'd like to say thank you for all the information you have sent me in the past few months.

From links to sites where I could get hard copies of Scribbles printed to info about applied kinesiology as a possible way of helping me with my chronic pain, it was very kind of you to take the time to search around and write me all about it. 

I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas. I imagine living in California there's little worry about shoveling snow or scraping ice off your car (and that sounds like a pretty awesome present to us shivering Canucks, HO HO HO!)

Xmas Pets

Comfy Cotton

My neighbours Merry and Rob share their apartment with their big fluffy cat Cotton.

Above we have a photo of Cotton taken last Christmas wearing his Santa outfit and not looking very impressed about it (does any cat or dog really like this? LOL....no I don't think so.)

On the right we see Cotton in a more relaxed pose all settled in nice and cozy in his favourite chair, ready to watch his favourite TV shows Maury, Family Feud and Judge Judy.

And you will have to see it to believe it, as you will in this short video clip, but there's a very unique way of brushing loose fur from this crazy cool cat.

Xmas Video

SCREENSHOT FROM WESTJET CHRISTMAS MIRACLE BLOOPER VIDEO

 AS FEATURED ON WESTJET'S TWITTER PAGE...

WestJet Christmas miracle: real-time giving
 by Greg Plata [WestJet]

In early August, we sat down with our friends at studio m and started brainstorming what ‘giving’ looked like at its best. We wanted to do something big, exciting and fresh.

Fast forward three months and, with the help of 175 WestJet volunteers, three airports and Santa himself, we made a Christmas miracle happen for more than 250 guests on two Calgary-bound flights.


We know that Santa has a very busy schedule at this time of year, and can’t be everywhere. So we did what WestJetters do best, and helped him spread some Christmas magic to our guests.

What actually happened? You’ll have to watch the WestJet Christmas miracle video below to find out. Make sure you have a few tissues handy, though.

Don’t forget to also check out Santa’s bloopers video – we know you’ll love them.

Without further adieu, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good flight!




 MORE... AS FEATURED ON WESTJET'S TWITTER PAGE...

We hope you love the video as much as we loved putting it together. If you do, please check out our Christmas Miracle Twitter Contest, where you could possibly win round trip airfare for two by helping us spread the word about the video on Twitter. Why would you do that? If the chance to win flights isn’t enough motivation, we’re also going to give Christmas flights to a family in need if our video hits 200,000 views. So share some Christmas spirit, help us unite a family for the holidays, and earn yourself a chance to win!

(UPDATE: we’ve surpassed our goal of 200,000 views, and will be working with Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada to select a family to donate flights to. Thanks to everyone who shared our video, and for all the positive comments)

Visit WestJet's Official Website CLICK HERE

Nelson Mandela

There are countless sources in which you can find tributes, photos and historic facts about the great Nelson Mandela and Scribbles could have simply posted a few links to other sites rather than devote postings to his passing.

Scribbles does not pretend to be a leader in world events, that's not what you typically come to our site to view. We know that.

But there was something unique about Nelson Mandela that spoke to everyone. He may never have heard of you or I, but we most certainly knew of his great strength, wisdom and vision for a better South Africa and indeed a better world.

With this in mind, we have combined our memorial posts of the past 10 days into this tribute section to Nelson Mandela.

His message of peace, love and  respect towards all walks of life is one we should take with us wherever we go. The world will never again see the likes of Mandela and the we will forever be indebted to him.

Ken Leavoy
Editor

NELSON MANDELA  |  1918 - 2013

DEC. 6, 2013

(AP / Athol Moralee)

Mourners lay floral and candle tributes to former South African President Nelson Mandela outside his Johannesburg home, at the onset of 10 days of mourning.

 

 

"Nelson Mandela was living proof that one person truly can make a difference and in his case that difference was phenomenal.

Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela. History will forever remember you and the way you touched and changed the lives of so many. How lucky we were to be alive to bear witness to your greatness."

~ Ken Leavoy 

DEC. 10, 2013

Nelson Mandela's Memorial

a Historical Event

KEN LEAVOY | SCRIBBLES.CO

While most of you slept, I was awake in the middle of the night (my "normal" routine due to pain management, meds and funky sleep pattern) so I watched the live coverage of the Nelson Mandela Memorial.

Although it started over an hour later than scheduled and the rain-soaked crowds became smaller as the event lagged on and yet another dignitary took to the podium to pay their respects, it was still very historic.

Crowds in stadium at Mandela's Memorial

CTV news anchor Lisa Laflamme was commentating the event with a friend of Mandella's and they interjected many facts that really drove home the magnitude of the memorial and Mandela's accomplishments.

Presidents and Prime Minister's of countries which were once South Africa's "enemy" were all there to speak of how Mandela carved out new and peaceful relationships between their countries.

U.S. President Barack Obama received a standing ovation and gave a great speech. Many left after he spoke, even though there were many others yet to speak. Others in the crowd began singing and several times were asked to please stop because they were drowning out the dignitaries speaking.

Lisa Laflamme mentioned how many South African's were taken back by the outpouring of condolences for Nelson Mandela. Paraphrasing, Laflamme said that after seeing global leaders speak, many in the crowd expressed a realization of Mandela's effect on the world, not just South Africa.

A sentiment I shared.

DEC 14, 2013

Arriving Home

PHOTO COURTESY: AFP: Pedro Ugarte

Residents of Qunu stand along a wall near the house of the late president Nelson Mandela ahead of his funeral in the village.

Photo Courtesy: AFP | Roberto Schmidt

South Africans line the road as the hearse carrying the coffin of former South African president Nelson Mandela drive through the streets of Mthatha on its way to Qunu.

Mandela's State Funeral in Qunu, South Africa

DEC. 15, 2013

The World Says Goodbye

 KEN LEAVOY | SCRIBBLES.CO

Ninety five large candles burned brightly, one for each year he walked the earth at the State Funeral of Nelson Mandela.

The funeral took place in Qunu, South Africa, where Mandela lived when he was a child. It was Mandela's wishes to be buried in the small impoverished village.

World leaders and dignitaries joined Mandela's family and friends at the funeral service with an attendance of 4500 guests. 600 seats were reserved for members of the Quru community who built a facility for the funeral on the family's farm land.

Mandela's granddaughter Nandi

Mandela's casket was draped with the flag of South Africa and set upon cow skins. Traditionally, in earlier times, bodies were wrapped and buried in cow skins, there were no caskets used during that era.

In a passionate speech, Mandela's granddaughter Nandi spoke on behalf of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, of the legendary man who as a child walked barefoot to school, yet as a man would hold the highest office as South Africa's first black Prime Minister.  She also spoke of Mandela's sense of humour and humility.

Mandela's funeral service began at 8am South African time, with the intent of having his burial occur at noon when the sun is at its highest point, an African tradition.

Mandela's State Funeral 

Memorable Nelson Mandela Quotes

Nelson Mandela’s battle against the South African apartheid and his post-apartheid leadership inspired the world. Here are some of Mandela’s most memorable words:

 

1. "During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." – A statement to the court during the Rivonia trial, April, 20, 1964.

2. "I stand here before you not as a prophet but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands." -- Addressing a crowd after his release from prison on Feb. 11, 1990. 

3. "Let it never be said by future generations that indifference, cynicism or selfishness made us fail to live up to the ideals of humanism which the Nobel Peace Prize encapsulates." -- On receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Dec. 10, 1993.

4. "Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another ... The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement. Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!" – Inauguration speech, May 10, 1994.

5. "The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us ... We enter into a covenant that we shall build a society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity - a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world." -- At inauguration.

6. "When I was among the crowd I raised my right fist and there was a roar. I had not been able to do that for 27 years and it gave me a surge of strength and joy…. As I finally walked through those gates to enter a car on the other side, I felt even at the age of 71 that my life was beginning anew. My 10,000 days of imprisonment were over." – From his autobiography 'Long Walk to Freedom', recounting his release from prison after 27 years.

7. "I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb." -- From his autobiography ‘Long Walk to Freedom.’

8. “Only through hardship, sacrifice and militant action can freedom be won. The struggle is my life. I will continue fighting for freedom until the end of my days.” – Chapter 42, “Long Walk to Freedom”

9. "This is a war. It has killed more people than has been the case in all previous wars and in all previous natural disasters ... We must not continue to be debating, to be arguing, when people are dying." -- Mandela on AIDS.

10. "I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death." -- from“Long Walk to Freedom”

11. "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." -- from “Long Walk to Freedom”

12. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." – from a 2003 speech

13. "It always seems impossible until it’s done."

14. "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

15. “When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.”

 

Nelson Mandela, right, and Moses Kotane, left, are seen leaving the court after the State withdrew the indictment during the Treason Trial, hanging in his room at the Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, north of Johannesburg, South Africa on Oct. 13, 1958. (AP / Themba Hadebe)

 

THE LEGENDARY LIFE OF NELSON MANDELA 

 IN WORDS, PHOTOS and VIDEOS

CLICK HERE 

kids

The Nosey Note

Our friend Jodi Quinlan posted the notes seen above on her facebook page.

Jodi and her husband Matt have two daughters, Morghyn age 5 and Molli age 2 (looking adorable in their matching outfits in the pix above)

Recently little Molli stuck a bean up her nose and her big sister Morghyn wrote about it at school.

Jodi explains what Morghyn was trying to say in her notes: "By Morghyn. Molli stuck a bean up her nose. Bean been put in the garbage (not to be confused with "go bitch" her way of spelling it")

Jodi added " I guess this masterpiece was not appropriate to display in the class." 

LOL, well it may not have been appropriate for class, but it's perfect for Scribbles. Thanks for letting us share it. 

cat & dog jokes

You

Together Again!

Dylan with his Reid collectibles

Cathy Dick and grandson Dylan are thrilled to have been on list of lucky fans who got to meet Johnny Reid.

Cathy won a contest in May 2012 and  got to meet Johnny Reid before his concert.

This time both Cathy and Dylan met with the popular singer when he performed in Ottawa on Mon. Dec. 9th.

WOW, Cathy, two times in a row, buy a lottery ticket girl, you're on a roll!

John Lennon Remembered

33 Years Later, we remember the shocking death of John Lennon on Mon. Dec. 8, 1980. 

Video

Meet Titus, a little guy with an amazing talent, he's a basketball champ. Check out this heartwarming video to see what we mean.

you

A very Happy Birthday to Rich Hunt.who celebrated his big day on Dec. 4th.  Although we don't know for sure what his plans were, we do suspect he made the most of the day because that's what our buddy does every day.

Rich, it may sound a bit repetitive since I tell you practically every time i chat with you online, but I will say it again nonetheless....  I truly admire your abundant energy, musical and photography talents and insanely accurate observations on life.

On the day of your birthday, as I took my 2:30 pm assortment of  meds, I hoisted my plastic water bottle high and sis an "air toast" to you on your birthday. Love ya man.

Here is an encore of a recent video featuring Rich Hunt's photos and music...