NEIGH-bours...

I guess I'm glad in a way to know it's not just me who gets harassed by neighbours who don't have the decency to knock on your door and talk about something that may be bothering them. I'm glad to know it's not just me who feels observed and negatively judged. But I'm very disspointed it's happening to such a nice family who does nothing but try to help, care for their family and live a good life. Disappointed but surely not surprrised. This is St. Lazare after all.

Once again, someone in the bizarre subculture that exists in this potentially lovely little town has discovered that they have nothing better to do than to "report" a horse owner for leaving their horses outside. I know for a fact that this person does bring in her horses when the weather demands it. It is their judgement call however as to when that might happen. Not yours.

So in the meantime, neighbours think these poor horses are living in such dire circumstances because they aren't being treated like human children. They are being treated like horses. I for one know for a fact that horses appreciate being treated like horses.

I would like to make two important points here. A challenge to all of you...

1- if you have a concern with a neighbour, for God's sake...have some COURAGE people! Go knock on their door and talk to them! I'm sure you will find the reception allot warmer than you imagine. Oh and if the issue is none of your business...then it's none of your business.

2- If you know a neighour is having a hard time ...BE A DECENT PERSON and knock on their damned door. Offer to help. Bake them a pie. DO SOMETHING.

The world is falling apart because we are all forgetting how to talk to each other. I don't care if you are rich or poor...although it seems the rich are much more guarded and unfriendly. Why is that? I believe that those who accumulate material wealth are trying to compensate for some shotcoming in their character development. Some enormous insecurity that has to be blanketed in "Stuff". They believe if they reach out instead of reporting, they will somehow be taken advantage of? Or maybe you feel as though you owe no one anything because of how hard you've worked for your wealth?

St. Lazare is a wealthy place, and not all of our most fortunate neighbours are as I described above. In fact this place seems to be a real dichotomy. I have met the very best people and the most disapointing. Or maybe my expectations about humanity are too high?

I believe certain things:
1- If you have allot...SHARE
2- If you see someone who needs help...HELP.
3- Leave the world better than when you arrived.

This is not complicated. Can you IMAGINE what kind of change would occur if EVERYONE lived by these three simple rules? wow.

My husband and I are very fortunate. We are FILTHY rich. Rolling in it. Friends, family, horses, good solid work, food in the fridge, beautiful amazing children and grandchildren, music, abundance and potential surround us every day. But we started off with nothing, and have found that our accumulations are valueless compared to the experiences born of love and compassion we have encountered along the way.

The worst times in our lives have been the best, because struggle seems to bring the hero out in us all.

Don't just sit there like little gossiping hens, with obviously nothing better to do with your time and report people for what you consider abuse.

Abuse? YOU WANNA SEE ABUSE?? I have seen abuse. Trust me...if you think what you're seeing is abuse...you are living a blessedly sheltered life.

You know who I am. So, call me...I will arrange to take you to a place that will make your toes curl. It will make you puke on your shoes. You will have nightmares for the rest of your life. And this place...we can't get closed down because the owner, although at a bare minimum, feeds and waters his animals.

The current legislation which exists in Canada is SIMPLY NOT ADEQUATE. Slowly but surely we will get change affected in this area.

However, if you are planning on investing your energies in a neighbour who gives their animals excellent care, but chooses the leave them outside in inclement weather...then your energies are being directed wrongly.

Put out your hand, learn to shut your mouth and put your best foot forward. HELP your neighbour. Be a good friend. For everyone's sake. The world needs less complainers...and more DOERS.

Peace,

Nightmare