Mr. Harmony.

2010 January 17
by pennyglobe

Who let this “Moose Loose” in Steve’s  Music Store!!!!!

This is potentially dangergous, but the journey was pleasureable, a few chuckles and the cost of a couple sets of guitar strings didn’t break the bank.  Phew!!!!  It is no secret that Daniel is a talented musician, song writer and vocalist.  We have plans in the next little while to start posting some videos of his songs.   Stay tuned!

New Year’s Wishes for Solidarity and Prosperity

2010 January 1
by pennyglobe

 

We wish everyone who visits our website from time to time a wonderful and healthy New Year.  Thank you for getting to know us.  Our hope in  this New Year is that those of us who are constantly being defeated by unfair  political practices, the ravages of the elements and being unable to be self sufficient , 2010 will gradually bring about positive change. 

Daniel and I are working towards a smashing show for a month this summer at the Green Door.
Exciting things happened this year.  Daniel’s daughter started working  with us.  Her expertise has been more than valuable and we love working with her.
Awhile ago, a good friend of Daniel’s asked us for help so we took on the challenge of helping a fellow artist in El Salvador.   Jaime battles his physical limitations but that does not stop him from continuing on with his pieces of folk art and sending them to us to sell for him.  These are very unique pieces. 
Danielita volunteered a day of hard work in the studio photographing Jaime’s work and producing a poster to promote Jaime’s art.  Sales have picked up and we are hoping to report that we are sold out.  That is definitely music to an artist’s ears.! 
This past year was busy for Daniel with his music , the Salvadorian community and Church work .  Those of you who know Daniel know he doesn’t do anything in small measures.     It is always with heart and soul.  We are hoping to introduce to our website in the next year some videos of Daniel’s orginal music. It is special.
Again, we extend a happy and healthy  New Year to everyone who visits our website.  We invite you leave comments which of course inspires us to continue sharing our journey together through Harmony Hopes!

A proposito de la Navidad

2009 December 17
by Daniel

 Queridos Companeros, Companeras,

Hermanos y Hermanas, Amigos y Amigas de Antano:

 Cada vez que la Navidad llega y me doy cuenta que a la distancia con algunos de ustedes solo puedo hacer volar mi pensamiento y expresarles de manera genuina y con el Corazon abierto un pequeno mensaje de gratitud por este momento que hemos dado en llamar vida.

Al finalizar el ano, con alguna generalidad acostumbramos a hacer un reviso historico de lo que hicimos durante el ano, lo que quisimos hacer y no hicimos, y de mira al siguiente ano proponernos una lucha mas perseverante por los suenos que aun palpitan en nuestro corazon.

Celebro con los/las que conquistaron el final de su carrera academica y obtuvieron el diploma que los acredita como profesionales en su especialidad;

Me uno al regocijo de las parejas que reconciliaron, los que tuvieron la dicha de  recibir un/una bebe al seno de su familia, los que unieron sus vidas  y procuran la armonia en esta nueva escuela llamada matrimonio;

Abrazo fraternalmente a los/las que tomaron la decision de bautizarse en cualquier parte del mundo, y en la Iglesia donde se congregaren;

En el ambiente politico no puedo obviar el sacrificio de los que partieron antes que nosotros en plena lucha por conquistar una sociedad mas armonica, igualitaria en todos los niveles; a ellos les dedicamos la continuidad de sus suenos;

Me uno a los pasos agigantados de los pueblos latinoamericanos por cambiar los ordenes sociales de trayectoria opresiva, y celebro con todos cada Victoria.

Mientras escribo estas pocas letras, por mi mente pasa una lista interminable de nombres, sus nombres; y junto a cada nombre un rio caudaloso de memorias que nos acercaron, nos hermanaron, nos ayudaron a conocernos mejor, eventos que nos ensenaron a valorarnos por lo que somos, por nuestras cualidades, nuestras virtudes, que son la esencia y verdadera identidad de cada uno.

En esencia lo que quiero decir es que les extrano profundamente, y que mientras el ano agoniza me invade la nostalgia de no poder verles; por eso hago uso de este medio para decirles que les deseo de todo Corazon un tiempo de tranquilidad, un tiempo de retomar fuerzas, un tiempo de readecuacion de planes, un tiempo de mucha esperanza por la paz que seguiremos construyendo.

Su hermano, amigo y companero

Victor Fuentes

Ottawa, Diciembre 2009.

Introducing Jaime

2009 December 15
by Daniel

We are excited to introduce a wonderful La Palma (Folk Artist) from El Salvador. We invited Jaime to provide us with some of his inventory to sell for him and help him be self sufficient.  The pieces he sent us are absolutely beautiful. They are in vivid colours, perfection and portray the traditional folk lore of El Salvador.  100% of the proceeds go to the artist.We extend our thanks to Daniela Fuentes, a very talented photographer for providing us with the following photographs and for creating our poster.

For more information contact:

Penny Globe      pglobe@rogers.com

Victor Fuentes  victor_fuentes@sympatico.ca

 

Prices are $Canadian +Shipping and Handling 

   

All framed pictures ranging from  $25.-$35

  Fridge Magnets- approximately 2 1/2″ sq.  $5.00

  All framed pictures ranging $25. – $35.

  

Gourds         $15.00

 

 Greeting Cards (Blank)  $5.00

  

  Wood slices   Ranging in sizes 4″ X 6″  to  5 1/4″ x 10″   $15. – $25.

 

Bookmarks    1 3/4″  X 8 1/4″   $5.00

 

Hurricanes and Mudslides in El Salvador

2009 November 9
by pennyglobe

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Hurricanes and Mudslides in El Salvador To members of SalvAide Laura Haylock November 9 at 10:34am Reply Hello everyone, As many of you have probably heard on the news, El Salvador was hit by Hurricane Ida this weekend, which has resulted in flooding and mudslides. The new president-Mauricio Funes-has declared a national emergency after more than 125 people died in the disaster. We know that more than 7000 people are currently living in shelters and that more than 300 families have lost their homes. The areas that have been most directly affected include San Salvador and San Viciente, two areas within which SalvAide works directly. We are in the process of collecting more information about concrete needs, but we have heard from our partners that so far bottle water, blankets, canned food, lamps etc are needed. While we may be looking at collecting actual items, at this point we are starting to collect funds for our friends and colleagues. Any donation that is given will receive a tax receipt. Anyone interested in supporting this relief effort, please contact me at the Salvaide office (salvaide@web.net) or 613 233 6215.  Cheques can be made payable to:  Salvaide and mailed to their office.  Salvaide, 411-219 Argyle Street, Ottawa, ON  K2P 2H4.

 In solidarity, Laura

 

Today is “BAD” World BLOG ACTION DAY

2009 October 15
by pennyglobe
World BLOG ACTION DAY

World BLOG ACTION DAY

When we realized that today was “BAD” Blog Action Day, our thoughts immediately reflected to Environmental damage being done in El Salvador by “Pacific Rim” a Canadian mining company. Shame on us as Canadians!

NO TO CANADIAN MINING COMPANIES IN EL SALVADOR!

Very recently, in El Salvador(located South of Guatemala) high grade gold has been discovered within the region of Cabañas. Since the discovery of this gold site, Canadian mining companies (such as Pacific Rim) have set their sights on this precious land.What Pacific Rim is not veiwing, however, is the enviromental and socio-economincal effects which metal mining produces on such terrain. Metal mining is one of the biggest industrial pollutants, and WILL cause major effects on the enviroment. UNES (Ecological Society of El Salvador) have done research on the methods of extraction which Pacific Rim will be using, and the effects it will have on the enviroment and the society. Such effects include,-Acid Drainage. (runoffs from mines contaminating water)-Acid Rain.-Drop of pH levels in water.-Water shortages due to pumping from mines.-Damages to the health of the whole population.-Damages to soil.-The effects which the chemicals used in mining will have on the human body. (Such as the skin, eyes and lungs)-etc.The enviromental effects will have many negative contributions to the socio state and well being of the communities in Cabañas. The health and environmental effects are serious, and the jobs that will be opened for the public will not cover the cost which the population will face with these environmental effects. Canadian metal companies will not be helping the people, instead they produce more harsh realities which the people will be facing daily, such as toxic drinking waters and polluted air.Along with the enviromental effects which mining will have on the region, the social effects will catastrophic. El Salvador is already suffering a great deal from poverty and violence (85 percent of the population is living under what the UN calls a “decent wage”), and when you include the pollution of drinking waters, of agricultural land, and the many health disorders that mining will cause to the people, it is odvious that metal mining will not benefit the communites, and will only cause more critical obsticals on the population.Furthermore, the metal mining will not only have effect on the region of Cabañas and Chalatenango. El Salvador, being a small country, can and will be easily contaminated. It will be easy for acidic water to make its way through water ways (such as the Rio Lempa River) and acid rain. The Lempa Rio is the main source water supply for most of the country. And Acid Rains EASILY spread, especially considering the fact that El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. Acid rains, may also make their way north into the neighboring country of Honduras and Guatemala. At extreme, it may even be seen in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.Canadian Goverment and the Canadian mining corporations are WELL AWARE of the effects of mining, and the harm it will have on the communites. Instead of listening to the oppostion against mining (recently, 15 000 people from Cabañas have gone to the capital to protest against Pacific Rim), these Canadian mining companies have created an illusion of “Green Mining”, which when looked into, does not exist, and is only a successful way of prommoting their company.Due to the CAFTA Free Trade Agreement, a variety of Canadian and American companies are allowed to spread their buisnesses into Central America, contributing to negative impacts of Central America. The CAFTA agreement is allowing for the company (Pacific Rim) to seek arbitrations and forcefully try to gain their mining permits, and making moves which solemnly benefit the company.Instead of allowing this to happen, and allowing the voice of the Salvadorian people to be ignored, join this group and invite whoever you can to join. Canada has been causing many devasting problems to communities world wide. Invite as much people as you can, and spread awareness of this crime which is being committed.

Everyone’s Busy at Cal-Pipil

2009 October 14
by pennyglobe

 A new session has started and we will stay up to date with all the hard work the youth continue to do at Cal-Pipil.  Victor and Sarah went to San Salvador this time last year and poured their hearts and souls into creating and starting the programs at this youth centre.  There is a huge difference between a youth centre in North America compared to one in Central America.  In North America a centre is handed to the youth fully equiped on a golden platter.  In Central America, the youth and their families work endlessly, creating such a place as Cal-Pipil, with donations of people like us.   Cal-Pipil is a one of a kind and we will always keep close to the heart beat.   The following are pictures Karen Aguilar has shared with us. Click on tab “A Creative Journey with Purpose” for the back ground photo story of Cal-Pipil. 

Cal Pipil---Two new computers

Cal Pipil---Two new computers

 

Shelving Instalation

Shelving Instalation

The Musical Arch to the Key Board Area

The Musical Arch to the Key Board Area

Artistic Flavour

Artistic Flavour

Abstract Art Work

Abstract Art Work

Cal-Pipil -Abstract  "Tortuga"

Cal-Pipil -Abstract "Tortuga"

Hoisting shelving over the wall

Hoisting shelving over the wall

Hard work

Hard work

Daniela Fuentes, Photo Assignment

2009 October 2
by pennyglobe

Daniela is studying photography and this is a random sampling of a beautiful fall day with her camera.  These pictures were taken on Parliament Hill in Ottawa

Picture 251

Picture 152

Daniela Fuentes Photo

Daniela Fuentes Photo

Daniela Fuentes Photo

Daniela Fuentes Photo

Daniela Fuentes Photo

Daniela Fuentes Photo

Daniela Fuentes Photo

We are getting ready for our second exhibition at The Green Door

2009 August 21
by pennyglobe

greendoor

We are in the planning stages for our second exhibition at The Green Door Restaurant in July 2010.  It will be awesome, colourful, musical and exciting.  Watch for the rollout of the details. This exhibition is a fundraiser for our beloved “Cal-Pipil” which Victor  and Sarah Johnson worked so hard at creating  over a 3 months period in the fall of 2008 in San Salvador.  We will have raffle tickets for a painting by Daniel and a mini-quilt by Penelope.  The draw will take place at the end of the evening of our “OPEN HOUSE”  for friends of Harmony Hopes and the ever faithful patrons of “The Green Door”.

Estamos en la planificacion de nuestra segunda exhibicion en el Green Door Restaurant a realizarse en julio 2010. Va a estar muy impresionante, colorido y musical, por lo que les rogamos estar pendientes de nuevos detalles. Esta exhibicion esta dedicada a solidarizarnos con el proyecto juvenil “Cal-pipil” de la Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel en la que Sarah Johnston y Victor estuvieron dando su aporte artistico musical por tres meses en el otono 2008 en San Salvador. Parte de la apertura sera la rifa de dos piezas artisticas por Penny Globe y Victor, para todos nuestros amigos de Harmony Hopes y los clientes del Green Door.

Canadian Centre for International Justice (CCIJ)

2009 July 28
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by pennyglobe

Victor was invited to be  a key note speaker at a seminar designed to introduce front line Social Workers to CCIJ.   This seminar was invaluable and we encourage everyone to make themselves familiar with this agency.  Their web co-ordinates below.   

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 The Canadian Centre for International Justice/Centre Canadian pour la justice internationale is a charitable organization that works with survivors of genocide, torture and other atrocities to seek redress and bring perpetrators to justice.

Atrocities such as torture, rape, mutilation, and the murder or disappearance of family members have been experienced by some 25-30% of refugees and immigrants in Canada. Justice can play a significant role in the healing process, and can help to prevent their recurrence.

If you would like information or support in relation to your own experiences, if you have information about a potential perpetrator in Canada, or if you would like to get involved with the CCIJ, we encourage you to view our website.

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