25 Years

 Hard to believe this is the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

As they say, folks remember where they were when trauma happens, and I just happened to be in the One-of-the-Big-Three Auto Companies' television station that day.

As the editor-in-chief of our office newsletter, we had gatherings/classes to empart best practices, how to edit, etc., and even though I'd worked until 11 pm the night before, I was up bright and early at the station with other folks as visitors, and we were surrounded by huge TV screens.

After the news broke that a plane had flown into a building in New York City, our lectures ceased, and we all just watched the streaming news.

There was a lot of speculation from the newscasters, such as Chicago was also under attack, and some other not-accurate things.

By lunch-time, my office was closed and every one sent home, and my boss called me to tell me to pack it in and do the same.

Driving home was surreal; the roads were empty, as everyone was glued to the news.

Later we learned about Shanksville, Pennsylvania, only after the Pentagon on fire reached the airwaves.

There was a lot of emotion...and still is...about this date.

I refer to my September 11, 2019 post:

"The Day The World Came To Town"

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland
Jim DeFede, Author
HarperCollins/Regan, publisher
ISBN 978-0-06-051360-3

When the US airspace was shut down, the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland (pop. near 10,000) welcomed thirty-eight jetliners, their passengers and crews, which totalled over 6,500.  The residents opened their homes, their pantries, and their hearts.  Schools were used for staging areas and for respite for the travelers.  The animals in the holds were cared for by veterinarians and staff. 

For an entire week.

9/11/01 was a horrific date for not only Americans but for the entire world, and the Gander population showed their true colors by being kind, giving solace, and befriending all.

I cannot recommend this book enough.  It's written in an easy, readable style, and as one relives that date in our memories, this story about Gander will ease your heart.  Gander wasn't the only location that aided stranded travelers during this unfortunate time, yet this book makes one glad to know that Canada has always been a friend to America.  Always.  And in a heartbeat.

***

We will never forget

 ***

9/11/01

On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger airplanes, and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. 

Two planes were flown into the World Trade Center in New York City. 

A third plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. 

The passengers and crew of the fourth plane fought back, and the plane was downed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

2,996 casualties.

Our collective world changed that day, and we continue to feel the fallout.

Warm, loving thoughts to the families of those murdered, and to those who survived.

Unlimited amounts of thankfulness for those who searched, saved, protected, and helped.

It's time to end all hostilities, and to live in peace.

Every country, every civilization, every diaspora, every religion.

Let's Hop

Happy Canada Day

1 July is Canada Day!

Eastside Cats has a special affinity for Canada, as we live close to the border, and are even a bit North of the Southernmost bits of Ontario; see map below.

We grew up listening to radio stations from Windsor, and tuned in CBC TV too.

Am sure that Canadians feel like they have rowdy and uncouth 'neighbours' to the South, yet we Americans will be ever grateful for the hospitality provided to travelers who were housed and fed when the United States closed our airspace on 11 September, 2001.

🇨🇦

Smykman Primitives

I've discovered a fabulous artist near me!

Click here to visit: Smykman Primitives

8" x 10" original artwork
"Antidepressants"

8" x 10" original art
"Neighbor Cat"

Greeting cards, which I may or may not use.

I've met Mr. Smykman a couple of times, during art fairs hosted at Leon & Lulu, in Clawson, Michigan.

I enjoy his whimsical style!

***

September 11, 2001
Never to be forgotten.

💔😿💔

This is a photo that I snapped on 9/11/13.

The soaring clouds, above the mundane world.

Jigsaw Puzzle

120Thundercloud, artified

***

Disclaimer: I purchased these pieces of art for my own use and amusement, and mention the artist and store as a courtesy to my readers.  I only post about items that I think you all would enjoy, and for no financial gain for myself.  

***

"The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland"

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland
Jim DeFede, Author
HarperCollins/Regan, publisher
ISBN 978-0-06-051360-3


When the US airspace was shut down, the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland (pop. near 10,000) welcomed thirty-eight jetliners, their passengers and crews, which totalled over 6,500.  The residents opened their homes, their pantries, and their hearts.  Schools were used for staging areas and for respite for the travelers.  The animals in the holds were cared for by veterinarians and staff. 

For an entire week.

9/11/01 was a horrific date for not only Americans but for the entire world, and the Gander population showed their true colors by being kind, giving solace, and befriending all.

I cannot recommend this book enough.  It's written in an easy, readable style, and as one relives that date in our memories, this story about Gander will ease your heart.  Gander wasn't the only location that aided stranded travelers during this unfortunate time, yet this book makes one glad to know that Canada has always been a friend to America.  Always.  And in a heartbeat.

***

We will never forget

 ***

Volunteering at All About Animals Rescue

This sweetheart is available for adoption!
Her fur is as smooth as silk, and she LURVS to lay in your lap!

Landscape clean-up

Assembly-line feral cat shelter creating!

Yep, that's me!
I wore a bright yellow bandana instead of a scarf...

Each year, the global-wide company where I am employed encourages everyone to volunteer at local charities near their place of business throughout the week.  I was team lead for an afternoon at All About Animals Rescue in Warren, Michigan.  We assisted with landscape updates and clean-up outside, and built feral cat shelters inside.  I've volunteered with AAAR several times in the past, and have taken their TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) class. 

Some of the other charitable work my office is doing includes building bicycles, working in a resale shop that funds a women's and children's shelter, making blankets for the homeless, giving a hand at a food bank, and be part of the set-up crew for a large animal adoption event at the Detroit Zoo.

***

Today, as we remember the terrible events of 9/11/01, it's the perfect time to reach outward to others.  Give others a hand, share a smile, put in effort with those around you.  Love like this makes this country shine and prosper, but we don't do it alone or in a vacuum. 

Seventeen years ago, I sat in the company television station, as an attendee of a newsletter workshop.  Once the first plane hit, all TV screens were on, and we witnessed the coverage from every direction.  The surreal aspect of it all; the shock...I feel it all again today.  My heart goes out to all directly affected by the attacks, and believe this country can rise above anything, because we are good people in our core, who share and care for each other.  What the newspapers, talking heads or social media 'report' means nothing, because it's what's in OUR hearts that matters. And then we must do it! 

Love, for our fellow humans, our fellow critters, and for The Earth, is where it's at!