Author Archives: Patrick Cole

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About Patrick Cole

Husband, parent and writer. Sharing stories with a little humor and wisdom along the way.

High Coo – Oct 9 – World Hospice & Palliative Care Day

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“Throughout time, people have suffered life-limiting illnesses but there wasn’t always a system in place to make sure that their last days were comfortable….In 1967 Cicely Saunders influenced the modern concept of Hospice Care. Dr. Saunders directed St. Christopher’s hospice in England and she was a champion in developing the philosophy of end-of-life care and hospice practices that spread globally….The first World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was held in 2005.” For more information see https://nationaltoday.com/world-hospice-and-palliative-care-day/

Dame and Dr. Cicely Saunders (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicely_Saunders)

“Dr. Saunders developed breast cancer but still continued to work. She died aged 87 in 2005 at St Christopher’s Hospice.” (See  Saxon, Wolfgang (31 July 2005). “Cicely Saunders Dies at 87; Reshaped End-of-Life Care”. The New York Times.)

Today’s humble haiku: World Hospice & Palliative Care Day – Thank You Dr. Saunders

it’s true, we all die,

yet our lives can help others –

die with dignity

lawinquebec.com

High Coo – Oct 8 – World Octopus Day

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Octopus: fun facts, marine biology, infographic from Pinterest

“World Octopus Day celebrates one of the most distinctive creatures living on the planet today. Octopuses are worthy of appreciation for a number of reasons:

Today’s haiku: World Octopus Day

Three hearts and eight brains –

a diversity starr and

saltwater wonder

And check out this 2013 video ad starring Ringo Starr and an animated version of his song, Octopus’s Garden

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAeSiM4YTFM

High Coo – Oct 7 – Happy Birthday Desmond Tutu

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Desmond Tutu b. Oct 7, 1931, d. December 26, 2021

First Black African Archbishop of Cape Town & Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Desmond Tutu was born on this day in 1931. “Known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist, he was Bishop of Johannesburg from 1985 to 1986 and then Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986 to 1996, in both cases being the first black African to hold the position. Theologically, he sought to fuse ideas from black theology with African theology.” See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Tutu

Known for his warm smile and emphasis on forgiveness, he was also a tireless advocate of human rights. He said, “I wish I could shut up, but I can’t, and I won’t.” See https://www.tutu.org.za/i-wish-i-could-shut-up-but-i-cant-and-i-wont-the-global-legacy-of-archbishop-emeritus-desmond-tutu/

Today’s humble haiku: Happy Birthday Desmond Tutu

We can find the joy

and speak the truth to power –

begin anew now

Tutu with the Dalai Lama, both Nobel Peace Prize laureates, in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2004

For more information on the “mischievous brothers” pictured above, check out https://tricycle.org/article/dalai-lama-desmond-tutu/

High Coo – Oct 6 – National Coaches Day

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@ Pinterest

National Coaches Day began in 1972 with the statement, “”Coaches are highly qualified teachers—in highly specialized fields. But more than that, they are friends and counselors who help instill in their players important attitudes that will serve them all their lives.” See https://nationaltoday.com/national-coaches-day/

Who are your favorite coaches? Who inspired you to be your best in a specific field?

A humble haiku: National Coaches Day

Little things matter,

continuous improvement –

kaizen ev’ry day

coachingtoolbox.net

For more information on John Wooden’s successful coaching method see Andrew Hill’s book Be Quick – But Don’t Hurry! at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/796259.Be_Quick_But_Don_t_Hurry

High Coo – Oct 5 – World Teachers’ Day

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Lao Tzu – Author of Tao Te Ching
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2622245.Lao_Tzu

Since 1994, October 5 has been a day for commemorating teachers. Today we focus on “appreciating, assessing and improving the educators of the world.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Teachers’_Day

As the 27th verse of the Tao Te Ching reminds us:

“These are the paths to enlightenment. Those who arrive at their destination teach those who are still on the path, while those still on the path are sources of wisdom for their teachers.” See Tao Te Ching – A New Translation & Commentary by Ralph Alan Dale (c) 2002, p.55

A humble haiku response: World Teachers’ Day

We learn then we teach

consciously or not – our life

is our lesson plan

What My Teachers Taught Me About Teaching – Edutopia

High Coo – Oct 4 – World Animal Day

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https://www.worldanimalday.org.uk/

“World Animal Day dates as far back as 1925 when Heinrich Zimmermann organized the first celebration in Berlin. Zimmermann, the publisher of a German animal lovers’ magazine, “Man and Dog,” launched the event to raise awareness and improve the welfare of animals. The date of October 4 is also known as the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron Saint of animals.” See https://spiritoftheholidays.org/animal-holidays/world-animal-day/

As highlighted in a 2020 announcement, there are (at least) “seven acts of kindness to animals” we can consider:

  1. Release wild animals into their natural habitat
  2. Place a feeding or water bowl for birds
  3. Make your yard wildlife friendly
  4. Plant a tree
  5. Let them take rest
  6. Help young animals find their mother
  7. Stop making animals fight each other

See https://www.worldanimalday.org.uk/news/view/seven-acts-of-kindness-to-animals for more information.

Today’s humble haiku: World Animal Day

The Golden Rule

applies to all animals –

human and “more than“

exploringnature.org

High Coo – Oct 3 – Happy Birthday James Herriot

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James Herriot

James Alfred Wight (3 October 1916 – 23 February 1995), better known by his pen name James Herriot, was a British veterinary surgeon and author.

“He is best known for writing a series of eight books set in the 1930s–1950s Yorkshire Dales about veterinary practice, animals, and their owners, which began with If Only They Could Talk, first published in 1970. Over the decades, the series of books has sold some 60 million copies.

The franchise based on his writings was very successful. In addition to the books, there have been several television and film adaptations including the 1975 film All Creatures Great and Small; a BBC television series of the same name, which ran for 90 episodes.” See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Herriot

“Wight’s obituary confirmed his modesty and preference to stay away from the public eye. “It doesn’t give me any kick at all,” he once said. “It’s not my world. I wouldn’t be happy there. I wouldn’t give up being a vet if I had a million pounds. I’m too fond of animals.” By 1995, some 50 million of the James Herriot books had been sold. Wight was well aware that clients were unimpressed with the fame that accompanied a best-selling author. “If a farmer calls me with a sick animal, he couldn’t care less if I were George Bernard Shaw,” Wight once said. See  “James Herriot Dies at 78; Wrote ‘All Creatures Great and Small'”. The Buffalo News. 24 February 1995. Retrieved 3 March 2021.

Today’s humble haiku – Happy Birthday James (Wight) Herriot

You loved animals

more than fame – fortunately

you shared their stories

Commemorative plaque at 23 Kirkgate in Thirsk

High Coo – Oct 2 – Happy Birthday Mahatma Gandhi

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Mahatma Gandhi b. Oct 2, 1869 – d. Jan 30, 1948

Known as the “Father of the Nation” of India, Mohandas Gandhi was also called Mahatma (Great Soul) or Bapu (Papa). Gandhi’s birthday, 2 October, is celebrated in India as a national holiday, and worldwide as the International Day of Nonviolence.

“Gandhi grew up in a Hindu and Jain religious atmosphere … which were his primary influences, but he was also influenced by his personal reflections and literature of Hindu Bhakti saints, Advaita Vedanta, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and thinkers such as Tolstoy, Ruskin and Thoreau… At age 57 he declared himself to be Advaitist Hindu in his religious persuasion but added that he supported Dvaitist viewpoints and religious pluralism.” (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi)

“Time magazine named The 14th Dalai Lama, Lech Wałęsa, Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, Aung San Suu Kyi, Benigno Aquino Jr., Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela as Children of Gandhi and his spiritual heirs to nonviolence.” (See “The Children of Gandhi” (excerpt). Time. 31 December 1999.)

One of his most famous sayings is “Be the change you want to see in the world.” (See https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/5810891.Mahatma_Gandhi)

Today’s humble haiku response: Happy Birthday Mahatma Gandhi

Complicated man

demonstrating persistence –

truth will overcome

“God is truth. The way to truth lies through ahimsa (nonviolence)” – Sabarmati, 13 March 1927

High Coo – Oct 2 – Guardian Angels Day

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Robert William Service, British-Canadian poet, b. 1874 d. 1958

Three things regarding Guardian Angels Day:

  • Jews, Christians and Muslims believe in guardian angels and the Hindus and Zoroastrians before them.
  • The Feast of Guardian Angels was first authorized in 1608 by Pope Paul V.
  • According to surveys, more than 75% of Americans believe that guardian angels exist.

 For more information see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardian_angel and https://nationaltoday.com/guardian-angels-day/

And here’s a provocative poem from “the Bard of the Yukon“:

My Guardian Angel by Robert William Service

When looking back I dimly see
The trails my feet have trod,
Some hand divine, it seems to me,
Has pulled the strings with God;
Some angel form has lifeward leaned
When hope for me was past;
Some love sublime has intervened
To save me at the last.

For look you! I was born a fool,
Damnation was my fate;
My lot to drivel and to drool,
Egregious and frutrate.
But in the deep of my despair,
When dark my doom was writ,
Some saving hand was always there
to pull me from the Pit.

A Guardian Angel – how absurd!
I scoff at Power Divine.
And yet . . . a someone spoke the word
That willed me from the swine.
And yet, despite my scorn of prayer,
My lack of love or friend,
I know a Presence will be there,
To save me at the end.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_W._Service

Here’s my humble haiku response: Guardian Angels Day

Is it you or me?

a gentle voice, touch, or breeze –

my confidence grows

A popular source for more information is Irish author, Lorna Byrne:

See https://lornabyrne.com/about-lorna-byrne/

Our Country Is One of The Top Ten Countries Most Vulnerable To Climate Change

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Great reminder of what we can do as bloggers and individuals.

joyfullplace's avatarJust Sharing

Climate change is on top of discussions once more. Tyhoon Karding (international name Noru) has just devastated many of our provinces. Residential areas and farms were damaged.

Aerial inspection of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac which were affected by the super typhoon Karding. September 26, 2022. (KJ Rosale/PPA POOL)

From The Manila Times

It’s not only in the recent times that the Philippines is visited by typhoons. But the typhoons are gettimg stronger. It used to be that we feared storm signal number 3, now we get signal number 4, even 5. Flooding brought by typhoons occurs more often.

I leave to the experts the explanations on why some countries are more vulnerable than others.

Two factors are our landform and our geographical location . We are an archipelago located beside the North West Pacific basin which is the most active basin on earth for storms to form. 

There are…

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