SPIRITUAL TREASURES

Using only a hoe and a large glass of water, I once single-handedly defended a small village in the Amazon Basin, from a horde of ferocious army ants. I play bluegrass cello; I was scouted by the Mets; I am the subject of numerous documentaries. When I’m bored, I build large suspension bridges in my yard. I enjoy urban hang gliding. On Wednesdays, after school, I repair electrical appliances free of charge. I am an abstract artist, a concrete analyst; and, a ruthless bookie. Critics, worldwide, swoon over my original line of corduroy evening wear. I don’t perspire. I am a private citizen; yet, I receive fan mail. I have been caller number nine and have won the weekend passes. Last summer, I toured New Jersey with a travelling centrifugal-force demonstration. I bat 400. My deft floral arrangements have earned me fame in international botany circles. Children trust me.

I can hurl tennis rackets at small moving objects with deadly accuracy. I once read “Paradise Lost”, “Moby Dick”, and “David Copperfield” in one day; and, still had time to refurbish an entire dining room that evening. I know the exact location of every food item in the supermarket. I have performed several covert operations with the C.I.A. I sleep once a week; when I do sleep, I sleep in a chair. While on vacation in New Zealand, I successfully negotiated with a group of terrorists, who had seized a small bakery. The laws of physics do not apply to me!

But, as my mum love's to say: "If you're so smart; how-cum yr not rich?"
"It's all for the spiritual treasures, mother dearest!"

I have volunteered, off and on, since 1998 (they pay me when they can) working as a project coordinator; with a non-profit Aboriginal organization, called Frontiers Foundation Inc. Part of the earlier years was spent in Northern Canada, working with rural folk, who got Frontiers' "Operation Beaver", new construction or home improvement grants. Then, I was involved with the development of Frontiers' first urban (supportive) affordable housing complex, called "Project Amik", here in Toronto, on Coxwell Avenue; where Frontiers now has its head office. (http://www.frontiersfoundation.ca).

Despite having been under-funded and under-marketed, Frontiers Foundation has persisted in challenging the government, to address the affordable housing crisis in Canada (The Planet?). Though housing is number one on Frontiers' agenda; they also find volunteer teachers for northern communities. Before there was "Habitat for Humanity"; for 45 years, there has been Canada's own "Frontiers Foundation".

Today, was the staff Christmas party, like many happening this week. It was a fabulous feast; which, as usual, prompted a good turnout. Congrats to Frontiers' fearless leader, Charles Catto, for following his good wife, Barbara's able directions and producing her famous chili; supplementing Marilyn's fabulous turkey and ham, with all the many fixings & trimmings. A tip of the hat to office manager, Pat, for her remarkable punch. ("Really, I just threw in whatever was at hand!") Roland, the super at Project Amik, circulated with his digital camera; getting evidence on all the usual suspects. Thank you, Santa; for all the gifts to the Project Amik children.