He is a Freshman!!!

Andrew, Patric, Gabriel, Philip, Quebec Aug. 2016 

I am excited for what the year ahead holds for my son, Andrew.  He begins the next phase of his life as a university student at Acadia University in Nova Scotia.  He is embarking on a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and he is living in residence.

Last year we decided to defer sending him to university for a year and I think this was the best decision for him. He spent the year taking critical writing and physics courses. He even got his drivers license, I think it was time well spent.

Andrew  Chipman House, Acadia, Aug.2016

I can see already, that he is much more mature and self-assured than he was last fall. I am confident that he will be able to navigate through the next year with less trepidation and more confidence. For sure, he was plenty nervous the day we dropped him off at his residence, as were all the other freshmen students.  He said, could you just take me back home with you?  I told him every experience he had leading up to this day was to prepare him for university.  During his high school years we enrolled him in summer courses at various universities across Canada.

Laval University was five long weeks of intensive French immersion, which he survived.  Quest University, located in picturesque British Columbia was four weeks in the study of music and writing, which involved outdoor excursions to take advantage of the scenic environment.  He really enjoyed his time there.  University of Toronto, right dab in the middle of the city provided him with an opportunity to see what it would be like to study law when he completed the Aboriginal Youth Summer Program at the faculty of Law.  Something he is thinking of pursuing after undergrad.

All these experiences provided him with leadership, spiritual and emotional growth.Still, it was not easy leaving him. He promises me a blog on his first week impressions of university life, which I will post here.

We drove to Nova Scotia, it took us two days!  

 

I was a sad mama, leaving him behind for the long drive back home.  L Thankfully texting keeps us in contact on a daily basis.  As he becomes more comfortable at university, I know his texting will become less frequent. But at the moment I am enjoying this new way of communicating with him and I am excited for the amazing possibilities and growth that university will afford him.  

Andrew will be back for Thanksgiving and I can’t wait.   

    

New Blog Post?

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Patric and Andrew Sept. 02. 2015

Patric, a long time friend of my son, Andrew  is visiting from Switzerland, which got me thinking about when he moved back to China in 2008  Flash back to September 2nd, 2008   He however returned to Ontario to complete his grade 9 & 10 and returned to Switzerland to finish high school.  Patric is in his 2nd year of University at ETH Zurich and is an accomplished pianist.

It is so nice to see him mature into a nice young man.

Bridging the Gap Conference 2015 (guest blogger Andrew J Pratt)

I attended a conference, March 4-7, 2015, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, entitled “Bridging the Gap” through Canadian Roots Exchange. The purpose was to bridge the gap between indigenous youth and non-indigenous youth by discussing the issues and problems facing them in their various communities.

Canadian Roots Exchange Youth Conference 2015

On the first day there was a youth panel to answer some questions.  The conference had numerous keynote speakers who I thought were very informative and had inspiring points of views. An aboriginal elder was present to provide words of wisdom.

There were also workshops featuring various subjects such as poetry, how we got here, media biases, story telling, and the Nechi life game, among others. But the one workshop that impressed me and stood out from the others was the history lesson of indigenous peoples demonstrated by using blankets. It was both experiential and transformational.

It is called the Blanket Exercise. The blankets represented lands and the impact of European contact on indigenous peoples. It demonstrated through interactive storytelling, as blankets begin to disappear, how the indigenous peoples lost their land, how they were killed off or if they survived had to live on small and substandard areas of land. And, eventually how many children were removed from their land to attend residential schools where they were treated horrifically, which resulted in the loss of language and culture.

Josh lewis, Gabrielle Fayant, and 3 other facilitators of the blanket exercise, Winnipeg 2015

It would be a good idea to have participants bring in their own blankets so that they feel like they have an even closer tie to their land. Another key element of the exercise is after each time someone died there was a brief moment of silence to commemorate his or her legacy.  Afterwards many of the youth admitted that they were never taught this version of history in their schools as the teachers were only educated in the non-indigenous version of First Nations' history. An interesting point was the reaction by some youth who felt it was their fault that this had happened. The youth participants were emotionally touched and some could not hold back their tears.

I felt the blanket exercise is very powerful, informative and effective. Which is why I believe this should be part of the school curriculum.  Once students are taught history from an indigenous perspective they can better understand the notion of displacement and being disenfranchised. After the students are taught they will return to their own communities and educate others who know only one version of indigenous history.

The conference this year had garnered tons of media attention, especially because of a McLean's article that was published stating Winnipeg was the most racist city.  Furthermore, the location of the conference, which was held at Children of the Earth High School was easily accessible to the public and to the media outlets. Hopefully future conferences can acquire similar attention.

This was the third annual youth conference by Canadian Roots Exchange and each year more and more youth attend. I believe that it will continue to grow in future conferences. It is important to continue the conversation surrounding bridging the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous youth nationwide. In fact, it would be perfect if the youths who come from across Canada were equally balanced in numbers between indigenous and non-indigenous youth, it would create a perfect teaching forum and an exchange of information sharing and learning.

The conference ended with an awesome talent show. I met some amazing people who are dedicated and committed to finding solutions to bridging the gap. If you are a youth between 15-29, want to have some fun, learn and exchange ideas, I recommend you contact 1(647) 956-5019 CanadianRoots Exchange to get involved.   

Exercising his Wings!

Andrew (March 4,2015)

Today my 17-year-old son left to Winnipeg, Manitoba to participate in a national youth conference. He'll be gone for four days. I am so nervous, perhaps I shouldn’t be because after all he has been away before. The first time was when he was in grade 7 and then the following year for 10 days on a school odyssey trip.  Not to mention for the past two summers he has been away for part of the summer taking summer courses at a university.  

I thought it would get easier each time he leaves, but I am still filled with some trepidation. I suppose that is what we moms feel whenever we send our kids off somewhere without us. It’s hard for me to let him go but giving him space is the best way for a young man to exercise his wings.

He is also feeling nervous and somewhat pensive. Making an unsuccessful last minute attempt to negotiate with hubby to let him stay home. Although it gives me some relief knowing that he will be with a group and not totally on his own. :)

More importantly I acknowledge this is will be a good experience for him to be making decisions and taking responsibility for himself.  Indeed, this youth forum is likely just the thing he needs to strengthen his wings.  There will be between 250-300 students from across Canada and no doubt some of them with less experience than him and others in their first and second year of University. I am hoping that he will see the diversity between the youth, learn some valuable knowledge and skills, and make some friends; all this will prepare him to some degree for being away at university next year.

 UPDATE:  This is a link to a blog update on the the 4 day youth conference!  

Random Thoughts!

back yard trees

My favorite time of the year is autumn.  When I see the bright red colors on the maple trees, I SIGH.  I think it is because seeing its warm colors tickles me to the core, inviting a feeling of cheerfulness so deep it touches my soul.  It's like mother nature in giving them one last big hug before the deep sleep makes it blush excitedly. And late at night, in the warm autumn breeze, while walking Bodhi, I just want to laugh out loud thinking about how nature laughs silently.  What's that all about? 

Speaking of LOL, I catch myself when texting lol to someone and think, I didn’t just laugh out loud.  Why text that if it didn’t happened?  On the other hand, the  acronym for 'big smile' does not seem appropriate.  Furthermore, is anyone also sick of all these texting acronyms? I like old fashion communication, with all letters strung together producing a clear message.  Having to decode text messages is like talking on a cell phone with a intermitted signal.  It could result in dire miscommunication. Fortunately, my son is not into texting, yet.  Otherwise our communication would be too brief, and if you have teenagers you know communication with them is like pulling teeth. 

And maybe because he is still writing long hand, Andrew got 100% on his first English high school poetry test of this year.  He was beaming!   You know, as adults we need something like that to measure how well we are doing.   When was the last time someone gave you a 100%? 

zucchini pasta!

Earlier in the week I made a fabulous lunch, if I do say so myself.  I am trying to introduce more raw food into my diet!  I think this lunch entitles me to a good mark of some kind, huh.  People ask me why raw?  I say because all the raw foodies I know look fabulous!  Read this if you need convincing! I want some of that!  To date, I am about 75% raw.  But now that winter is coming, I’m feeling like I want “hot” cooked food.  Why are we so consumed with what we eat or don’t eat?

Our dog, Bodhi, a standard poodle, loves to go for walks, and really loves his treats.  Occasionally we run out of treats, because someone is giving him more than they should.  I won’t name names, but Andrew comes to mind.  When we are out of treats, Bodhi appears to looks forlorn as he sits by the treat cupboard waiting.  If there is anything in a package that makes a noise he thinks it’s treats.  So, I shake a little bag of chlorella, he sits nicely, and I give it to him, and he LOVES it!  

 

When I took this, I didn't notice the berry!

My final thought for now, before the snowfalls get out into the country and go for a walk.    

My Truth

Fearless Andrew when he was about 5 years old

Although today began with rain and it was quite muddy at the farmers’ market it was a beautiful fall morning.  I was happy to have Andrew accompany me and carry the heavy bag!

On our drive home I was thinking about something I read on TED, you can read it here.  A question, “What ten things you know to be true?” 

Here is my list

1.    Facing your fears will enhance your life

2.    True love is unconditional

3.    Gossip hurts people

4.    learning keeps your mind flexible 

5.    The sound of children’s laughter is sweet music

6.    To be a person of integrity, you must have it in all aspects of your life

7.    Chocolate is the elixir of life

8.    Friends and Family are important in all phases of life

9.    A smile is powerful

10. Reading transcends time and space 

2008 in Review from Photos

This is a small representation of my world from photographs taken throughout 2008.


Mount Pakenham

In early 2008 we took several day trips to Mount Pakenham, a modest ski hill about 20 minutes from home. Andrew loves skiing, and he took to the hills like he was born wearing skis (sounds hurtin). On this particular day it was sunny, clear sky, and had the perfect snow conditions.

Andrew enrolled in some ski lessons like last season, which prepared him for the annual week- long ski trip in February to Quebec.

Toronto, Ontario

I always wanted to experience life in medieval times not as a wench, but as a lady. Being wench in any time period would not be fun.

We enjoyed a porthole into what it might have been like at the Medieval Times Dinner in Toronto. The show was entertaining, didn't liked eating with my hands though, seemed barbarian. http://www.torontoplace.com/attractions/medieval.htm

Andrew and his friend Aritz seemed to enjoy the battles as boys always do.

The main reason for the trip to Toronto was to attend a workshop for children with landmark Education. The landmark Forum for Young People (ages 8-12)
http://www.landmarkeducation.com/landmark_forum_for_young_people.jsp
The power to invent new possibilities; courage to face challenges; and freedom to create, grow, and be fully expressed.
At the end of the course, time will convey how the course continues to apply in everyday. Only Andrew can answer if the course empowered him to created new possibilities in leadership. I think it may have...

Before leaving Toronto we made sure to dine with hubby's sister Pearl and Richard at the Beaches. We don't see them often enough, but it is always good to enjoy a meal together now and then.



Catching Up ...It is always wonderful to have family visit. This time it was my brother Max who paid us a brief visit in February on his way up to Sudbury, Ontario, to help this cousin who was undergoing a medical procedure. But not before he demonstrated a few good wrestling holds to Andrew.

Hubby coincidentally ran into his good friend Rupert in Whitehorse, Yukon outside in the parking lot of the hotel. Neither had any idea the other was there and staying at the same hotel.

On his way home, Alan stopped in Vancouver for a brief visit with three gorgeous girls. These beauties came to visit us in August.

Visiting with a friend is bitter sweet when you know they are leaving. We often put off visiting because we are too busy, opting instead to email. It took one of us leaving to finally visit. I so enjoyed my visit with Marlene before she left Ottawa. She did not head to South America where she normally goes (especially in the winter) when she leaves Ottawa, but she packed up her warm underwear and headed to Saskatchewan to study at the University. Crazy girl (not for being a student, but for moving to Saskatchewan).


The summer surprise was visiting with a friend I have not seen for years. I kidnapped Dennis from our mutual friend's wedding last summer and took him home with us. It was wonderful to catch up. Dennis is waiting to hear if he is going to be appointed to the bench. Maybe this year, Dennis!

Many More visitors dropped in to cool off from the summer's heat.

The snow was too deep this year for the Easter bunny, so the hunt was on in the house.
Really, this was in April in Canada. How do we stand it?


Andrew enjoyed time with a school classmate before he went back to China. Patrick accompanied Andrew to his tournament, and Andrew got his blue belt in tae kwon do at his club, Winning Circle. It was great for Andrew to have a cheering section.

http://www.winningcircle.com/WC3/Martial_Arts/Martial_Arts_Main.HTML

Mother's Day

On Mother's day, I was invited to the gazebo (boy's hangout). The men in my life prepared a wonderful brunch fit for a queen. There was tea, bagels, smoked salmon, cheese, fruit, cheesecake, punch, all so delicious. When someone prepares food for you it never fails to please the pallet.

I enjoyed this day because it was relaxing to not be in a crowed impersonal restaurant where we are all herded in and quickly out for the next sitting. Instead, I got to enjoy a leisurely brunch by the river with the men in my life.

Birthdays!

In June Hubby celebrated another Birthday!

I went to Edmonton at the end of September to a birthday party, my brother-in-law, Ron celebrated his 60th!





Andrew turned 11, and partied at a bowling alley in November because we would be in Australia on December 1st where he would celebrate again!









We went to an amazing Brazilian (Churrascaria style) restaurant in Melbourne, Australia with my niece and her sons for my birthday. So why is my cake in front of hubby?

It was great entertainment for the boys, and the food kept coming and coming until we all could not eat one more bite. I of course left room for my desert (What's a birthday without cake?).





Art Show

Andrew teasing his friend Graeme at their Art show.

The wedding of the Summer! (blogged in August)

Awww, summer weddings in its warmth we eagerly bask, inhaling its tender, sweet, fragrance as we frolic lazily among the soft rose petals gleefully unaware of what the future holds. We the guest gladly cheek kissing, hand grabbing, raising our glasses saluting the bride and groom with best intentions. Overwhelmed with spirited emotions of the wedded couple, grinning ear to ear, caught up in the moment.

Unfortunately, sometimes this picture is fractured. Beneath the illusion of blissful happiness was an emotional eruption in the wait, and in the New Year it bubbled like champagne to the surface with terrible consequences.

This is a very intriguing surreal story. Although brief, it was filled with seductiveness, forbiddings, mysticism, and secrets . However interesting, its secrets will remain untold by me.

New Wheels

In the fall I decided to help the cause of GM and buy a new GM. I really like this SRX, and believe me I am totally aware that suvs are not PC. But if you live in the country you must have a dependable four wheel drive car. At least it is not a hummer, right?

It has a GPS, which I've named Sabrina. She is the quintessential Buddhist. Sometimes when I program her to give me directions I don't always take her advice. She tries to get me back to the original direction, trying several times before calmly recalculating based on the rout I've taken. Never using harsh words always patiently, gently, redirecting me to my destination until we've reach it, and ends by saying in that perfect tone "You have arrived at your destination".

I aspire to be just like Sabrina, but alas, I am but human.

Australia

The trip of the year was to Melbourne, Australia. Mixing business with pleasure what a wonderful combination. Can't wait to go back. It was a success, standing room only!