Human Rights

“Our greatest strength as a human race is our ability to acknowledge our differences; our greatest weakness is our failure to embrace them“

(Judith Henderson).

I am far from perfect; I have made many mistakes in life and still continue to learn from past mistakes. I have judged people based on appearance. Is it something that I am proud of ‘NO’, did I act responsibly…of course not.

Each day thousands maybe even millions of people have had there basic human rights denied  (including myself a bit of an oxymoron…eh).

The 10th December 2009 is a world wide celebration of Human Rights Day, the chosen date is to honor the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption and proclamation in 1948’s universal declaration of human rights.  Each year’s theme is different; for example, 2006’s focus was based on the struggle against poverty and last year Amnesty International celebrated 60 years of the UN’s resolution in Paris.

So what will you do this year for Human Rights Day???

Last month I sure you all read the article I wrote ‘Stop the Violence’. Well if you didn’t (just to recap), it was a short article about the lack of rights women have in various countries. Today we stand together and celebrate how far we have come….but we should also remember how far we have yet to go.

For more information, visit http://www.un.org/en/peace/

and http://www.amnesty.org/

The Gift of Giving

The holidays are not the only time that one can give gifts. My mum has always taught me to give to the needy all year round. So to date, whenever I need to get rid of my old clothes my first response is to always head for the ‘Salvation Army’ or as of recent the drop boxes (huge dust bins) where you put all your unwanted clothes and shoes, that are shipped to the needy.

Giving to those less fortunate is something I feel everyone should do as a human being we are obligated to take care of each other. And it’s a shame that I felt that writing this article in for the month of December was the only time my readers would actually take action and help those in need. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not saying you don’t give, it’s just that this month in particular is the month that most people are conditioned to give and we forget that people are in need of our help all year around.

Not all gifts have to be rapped in a pretty box with a nice bow, sometimes the biggest and best gift of all comes from the heart.

So my dear readers; since the New Year is around the corner. Why not clear out your wardrobe and give those unwanted clothes and shoes to those who are in need.

O Holy Night

A Christmas song

10 Christmas Tips

Well with the holidays here, it’s time to be festive and get creative with our food. But just because it’s the holidays does not mean that we should pig out and eat everything in sight. Because as you all know… ” We reep what we sow”. So this month I’ve decided to add some suggestions for your holiday feast.

1) Use vegetable stock

2) Try margarine instead of butter

3) Buy an organic turkey

4) Eat more fruit

5) If you’re buying sweets opt for low fat

6) Use skim milk

7) Stay away from eggnog (It’s a life time on the thighs)

Limit your alcohol intake (you’ll get a Buddha belly)

9) Eat lots of veggies

10) Have a Happy Christmas

Art Of The Month

Snoopy has been a christmas Icon for almost 60 years, he made his debut on 4th October 1950. So I couldn’t let this christmas go by without adding him to my art of the month. Merry Christmas Snoopy!!!

My Facebook Fan Page

I’ve just started a Facebook fan page. It’s a place where I can talk freely about my work and upcoming projects. So far it’s in its beginning stages, I’ve been reading about adverting and marketing (which I know is not a science). But I believe it is necessary to read about these things before one start’s a business or project. It’s been hard work, I’ve been putting a lot of hours into creating a persona ‘Cat-Eyes Photography’ and I’m not even half way their yet. I never would have thought about taking my photography this far, It was just going to be a hobby. And yes; it still is, but I also realize that it is something that if marketed correctly could better serve others, than just having my pictures sit in my computer.

Here is the link to my fan page and the best bit about it is, you don’t have to have a Facebook account to access the page http://www.facebook.com/zoe.mcduncan#/pages/Cat-Eyes-Photography/190969752680

Stop The Violence

Oppressed, beaten, raped, harassed, sold, enslaved, victimized, female genital mutilation, pimped, honor killings…..scared. It’s horrible to sit and type these words on my computer but for many women, this is their way of life.

Violence against women affects millions of women all over the world each day. The big question is how do we stop these horrendous crimes against women. The 25th November 2009 embarks the international day for the elimination of violence against woman. It is a 16 day event organized by groups and organizations  around the world to spread the word; to eliminate, violence against women.

So if you’re an active blogger blog…spread the word.

If you just want to get involved, join an organization and….spread the word.

Women are not second class citizens, we are equal to men. We should not be victimized in any shape or form. So join the cause and spread the word, make a difference make a change. All things are possible.

For more information, visit http://www.unfpa.org/16days/

Counting My Blessings

Last month a friend of mine posted a thought provoking question on his blog “What is everyone thankful for”. I paused because it’s not your everyday question is it. I mean how many times in a day let alone a year is anyone ever asked that question (minus the holidays).  So I read through some of the replies and most only touched the surface of the things we are or should be thankful for ( OK, so I guess your all waiting to hear what I’m thankful for), my reply was ” I’m thankful for everything I don’t have (not including the loss of family members).” And you know what; I sincerely mean every word of it… I really am.

There are times that I complain about the things I don’t have or want (and Lords knows I complain), but I know if half of my desires/ wishes were granted. I’d be stressed out and in more debt than I already am (as the saying goes… bigger things bring bigger problems). I thought that quitting my job was going to bring me a lot of misery (don’t get me wrong it has been a struggle), but you know what, since quitting I’ve taken up photography, I’m trying to learning two foreign languages (Russian and German), I’ve taken a short Quickbooks course and right not I’m trying to figure out a script in html. So quitting my job has not been as devastating as one would think. As strange as it may seem it’s been a blessing because I’ve just advanced my résumé even further. Thanks haters blessings truly come in many forms!!!!!

Here is a passage I want everyone to read it by an Ancient Taoist

One day, a farmer’s horse ran away. His neighbors expressed sympathy, “What terrible luck that you lost your horse!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not.”

A few days later, the horse returned, leading several wild horses. The neighbors shouted, “Your horse has returned, and brought more with him. What great fortune!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not.”

Later that week, the farmer’s son was trying to break one of the wild horses and got thrown to the ground, breaking his leg. The villagers cried, “Your son broke his leg, what a calamity!” The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not.”… Read More

A few weeks later, soldiers from the national army marched through town, conscripting all the able-bodied young men for the army. They did not take the farmer’s son because of his broken leg. Friends shouted, “Your boy is spared, what tremendous luck!” To which the farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not.”

Interesting passage right.

Well what I’m trying to say is that, sometimes we should be thankful for the things we don’t have….even when it’s something we want.

Reading?????

Yes, I have remembered to post in this category. And to everyone’s surprise…I stepped out of the classics and found a really great book. It’s called ‘ Fire and Knowledge’ by Peter Nadas and basically it’s a collection of sort stories/essays that will definitely get you thinking. The first story is called ‘The Christmas Killing’ and it was definitely a wow read. He has an  eclectic style and he writes with the most intense passion and pays great attention to the nuances just as Hemingway did, only with a modern twist.  So if your out and about today pick up a copy, you’ll be glad you did.

Nanette Lepore Fall 2009

A beautiful collection, the colours are fantastic….just perfect for the winter.