Tranquility

I thought I'd share a few more of my favourite photos from our recent trip to Rondeau. We took a guided canoe hike one evening on Rondeau Bay and were treated to a cloudy, but pretty, sunset.

This is where I find my tranquility. Just me, the air and the people I love...

Good bugs...

Since my last post was about nasty, icky bugs, this one will be about nice, beautiful bugs. The kind we don't take time to appreciate often enough. We did a little bug and butterfly hunting on our recent trip to Rondeau Provincial Park, and this is what we found.

This butterfly looks like a Monarch, but it's really a Viceroy. A Monarch butterfly is toxic to it's predators, but this butterfly's only defence is it's "stolen identity". It relies on the Monarch's good looks (or bad, depending on your vantage point) to keep it from being eaten!

Alice turns over every leaf looking for something interesting. Under this leaf she found an exoskeleton of a Cicada.

On a nearby tree we found a Cicada nymph ready to shed his outer layer and find his wings!

Blue damselfly, hanging on for dear life against the wind.

I believe this is called a Question Mark butterfly, but I'm not entirely sure. Can anyone confirm?

A red dragonfly spotted on one of our hikes.

On first glance, you might think the photos below are of bird droppings. But don't be fooled! It's really a Swallowtail larva. The larva will have 4 molts and it's body will transform once again. In the next stage, it turns green and is almost camouflaged by the leaf. Once it has gone through it's pupal stage, it emerges looking like this:

Swallowtail Butterfly

(Sadly, they were too elusive all week and I could not get a shot of my own.)

“The way a child discovers the world constantly replicates the way science began. You start to notice what's around you, and you get very curious about how things work. How things interrelate. It's as simple as seeing a bug that intrigues you. You want to know where it goes at night; who its friends are; what it eats.” - David Cronenberg

Always remember to laugh...

My mum always had great advice. She knew what to say in every situation, and usually delivered her advice followed by a quote. (Now you know where I get it from.) Her favourite - recited every time we were in some sort of teenage distress - was, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." I rolled my eyes at 16. I live by it today. She really knew what she was talking about! Well, she agreed with Nietzsche, anyway.


I swear, I have heard her speak through me sometimes when consoling friends. I'm sure they have heard it too. And last night I could hear her speaking to me as I suffered through the mother of all nightmares no parent should have to endure - head lice! Oh, I know. I was spontaneously itchy from the mere mention too.


I could hear her quote Nietzsche as I hung up the phone with the ECE teacher at Jack's daycare and realized I had a heck of a night ahead of me. "It won't kill you, Jo-Anne. It will only make you stronger."

My mind made a quick list of priorities as I left work:

• Pick up Alice and tell daycamp she might not be back this week.
• Pick up Jack and apologize profusely to staff.
• Silently curse the parent who's kid is responsible for this mess.
• Hit drugstore and get every product and appliance known to man that will rid children's heads of these disgusting little beasts.
• Throw in toy for kids, for pain and suffering. Add chocolate bar for me.
• Come home and begin daunting task of nitpicking.

As I suffered through the horrifying procedure, my mum's voice came to me again. This time she said, "You've got to laugh, Jo-Anne. ALWAYS remember to laugh!" Her other favourite piece of advice, and the one I have relied to get me through life the most. "Always remember to laugh." You can find humour in almost every trying situation. You really can, if you try. Unless it is going to kill you, don't stress. Stress kills. Laugh it off.

My kids are pretty funny, whether they mean to be or not. They are easy going, but on that odd occassion they can give me a good run for my money with a hearty meltdown. I had mentally prepared myself for the worst, especially with Alice who hates getting her hair brushed on a good day. Jack's reaction to the "de-lice" plan was surprisingly excited. "COOL!!! I'm going to be BALD!" I shaved his head with a #1 clipper, then began the shampoo treatment. He was patient, hillarious and allowed me to pick his head after it was washed like a mama monkey cleaning her baby. Good boy, Jack.

Alice resisted a little at first, worrying I was going to shave her head too I think. She was reluctant to agree to a haircut (I wasn't combing all of that "stuff" out of her shoulder length hair), but soon gave in when I explained how much combing was going to be involved over the next couple of hours. She is now sporting a cute little bob and has informed me I should be a "haircutter person". After the cut her only concern was for the loss of the poor little lice bugs and their unborn lice babies. I'm serious. Some kids have a passion for life, mine has compassion for lice. It's beautiful and disturbing, all at once.

"I know we have to get these little bugs out of my hair, and I really do want to stop itching, but, well... I feel sad that we have to kill them. I mean, it's sad that they will die because, well, they just need somewhere to live too and something to eat. I don't want it to be my head, but, well, it's just sad, you know? Poor bugs."

I teach the kids compassion, but for me, last night, that was going a little too far. Buh bye, buggies. And don't let the lice comb squish you on the way out!

*shiver*

It was disgusting and trying of my patience, oh yes, but it made a memory to last a lifetime. Yeah, not one I'd prefer to have, but one I'm sure every parent (sadly) will have at some point in their life. And some day that parent - me included - will dispense their best advice on a frantic mom or dad who is facing his/her first case of head lice, grossed out and mortified. When you do, don't forget to tell them this:

"That which does not kill you will make you stronger. Remember to laugh about it later!"

Always remember to laugh.

xo

Jo

It's in my blood

I claim that human mind or human society is not divided into watertight compartments called social, political and religious. All act and react upon one another. - Mahatma Gandhi

My dad was a political, social and religious kind of guy. He was always busy in our city with some committee or another, sitting on boards for this and that. He was a Free Mason, had a love for politics and many political friends. He was outspoken, but never spoke without knowing what he was talking about. He was a man people either loved or hated - there was rarely a grey area. He taught me a lot about politics and religion, and showed me the door to find knowledge and form opinions for myself. (Which later proved to be very much different from his...) He gave me the key.

Mum was no slouch either. While not as "active" as dad in the social/political arena outside of the home, she was vocal and often put pen to paper. Mum was an activist. A lobbyist. A letter writer. She usually knew what she was talking about, and she was very good at getting her point across diplomatically. Mum passed on that gift to me. How to be honest without being ignorant. How to be kind and mindful of other's feelings and situations. How to speak up for what you believe in and say it eloquently enough to be taken seriously, even if you are not always right or agreed with.

Politics, society, religion. It's in my blood.

Dad and mum encouraged my decision in University to change my area of focus from French and Spanish to Political Science. The interest had always been there, and although the languages would have served me well (I still sometimes kick myself for stopping french courses all together - damned hindsight), they knew I had something deep in my heart for politics. As early as 12 years old, I loved to educate myself and others on issues that affected us all. I remember delivering speeches on Child Abuse, Euthanasia and Dr. Martin Luther King, all before grade 8. I loved public speaking and had a knack for not looking as nervous as I felt. I entered every competition I could, even though I rarely won. I did it for the love, not the glory.

I developed my interest in religion very young as well. We grew up in a house next to a church, so of course that piqued my curiosity. Why did those people come in and out every week, and what were they singing about? I started attending the church, St Paul's Anglican, at a very young age and didn't miss a Sunday or holiday service. I still have my "3 Year Perfect Attendance" pin somewhere around here. Although I have "turned away" from Christianity, I still keep it as a reminder of all I learned in the church, and it's relevance to my life today.

I think I heard someone gasp when they read that last paragraph. "You turned away from Christianity?! What do you mean??" I mean this: I believe in Jesus Christ. He was a great prophet of peace, just like the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him. <-- Is it okay to write that in there for any Muslim readers who may pass upon this blog?), Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi and many other great religious leaders. But I no longer consider myself a Christian, despite the fact I was baptised in the Presbyterian church and attended church and bible study classes for a good 20 years of my life.

I realized in University that I could no longer subscribe to a religion that wages wars on other religions, preaches intolerance to other races and homosexuals, and that controls their followers with fear. Those who would cast judgement on others for not believing and behaving exactly as they do. Those who believe that the simple act of going to church and professing their faith makes them better and holier than the rest of society. It's not for me.

"Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car." - Anonymous

And no, not all Christians feel or behave that way, I know that. I was one. One who held the ultimate value of Christianity deep in my heart. To love, unconditionally. To help my fellow man, selflessly. To spread the word of peace, peacefully. But the hatred I saw between so many groups, the bickering, fighting and posturing of who is right and who is wrong, well, it turned me off religion completely.

After my mum passed away, I began studying Buddhism. I wanted to know and understand reincarnation after a psychic friend of the family informed me that one day, I would reincarnate my mother. I became deeply moved by the teachings of the Buddha, and the philosophy behind Buddhism. Buddhism, technically, is not a religion. It is a commitment to a way of life. A philosophy born of common sense. Today I think of myself as a "Humanist with Buddhist leanings". I will not subscribe to an organized religion again. To quote His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "My religion is simple. My religion is kindness."

The belief that religion and politics are and should be separate is a little misguided. Religion, after all, is political. Think about it.

About 8 years ago, I began my family and seemed to lose my time and interest for political matters. I kept up to date on all that was going on and continued to educate my friends, family and anyone who would listen on the facts (with a healthy dose of opinion, of course!), but I really lost a lot of the spark that had been there post graduation. I feel lately as though my spark has been reignited, and the flame keeps growing every day.

It's exciting.

I said recently that I would like to run for office in 2014...maybe. I will need these next 4 years to decide where my heart really lies in the arena of politics. Am I an activist? Am I a leader? Or am I an advisor? Right now I lean more to the latter. I am a debater, a reasoner, able to rationalize and negotiate. I love (love, love!) taking a problem, analyzing it from all angles and not stopping until I find a solution. There is nothing more satisfying for me than finding that middle ground. I think that "talent" would be better served in a supporting roll. But I could change my mind. I'm wont to do that now and then...

The door was closed for a while, but wasn't locked. I'm opening it again. A little slowly perhaps, but that's okay. With time comes maturity and wisdom and, although I haven't seen those qualities in many of our elected officials as of late, I believe - for me - it is a necessity to acquire before diving into the business of managing people's lives. My journey will start slowly, taking cues from mum, and will develop over time to be more active, like my dad.

It's in my blood.

Dear Diary...

It's been a full year since I've logged in and written a blog post. A year!! Too busy? Too lazy? I'm not sure. But I'm here, once again, with an itch to write. As always I will give it my best shot, keep writing and keep my creative juices flowing. I can't always promise an interesting read, and I won't, because my writing is entirely self indulgent and for, well, me! Of course you are more than welcome to spectate and comment, and I hope you will.

Blogging reminds me of the diary I kept (or attempted to keep) when I was a young girl. It was sporadic at best, only a little less mature. I found my old diary - a small book with a white "pleather" cover and cute brown bears eating dandylions - a couple of years ago and had a good laugh at some of my entries. Silly girl stuff, you know. "I'm not friends with X anymore" or, "I'm soooo in love with Y". If there is one thing I learned about myself and my childhood reading that, it is how utterly and ridiculously boy crazy I was.

(Ahem. No comments from the peanut gallery out there on that last line. You know who you are, and I know what you want to say.)

So what have I been up to since my last post a full year ago you ask? Lots. Too much to go into so here is the condensed all encompassing list: fall, winter, spring and half of a summer, work, children, daycare, school functions, more work, home renovations, gardening, family weekends away, camping, hiking, playing, canoeing, fun, fun and more fun!

Yep. It's been a busy year.

More blog posts to come, when I think of something of more value to say. For now I must pack. Off on a 5 day camping trip after work tomorrow. Very much looking forward to the R&R, and a disconnect from "life". And perhaps a reconnect with my ol' Nikon. Sadly, I haven't picked up my camera in quite a while. A good nature shoot is long overdue.

Until next time, peace! Be good to each other.
Jo

Whoa, Nelly!

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
Henry David Thoreau

I feel like I've been on a runaway horse for the past 8 or so weeks. Preparing to go back to work for the first time in 7 years, going back to work, chasing around after kids, summer holidays... I'm exhausted! But honestly, I'm exhilarated at the same time! What a fun whirlwind this has been.

Mid-June I started working for the Federal Government in a data entry role. Due to the flailing economy, Service Canada needed more help, and lucky me - I was hired along with 12 others. In just 8 weeks, I have been trained, cross trained and just last week received a "small" promotion. I don't know if you can see the gleam from my smile where you are, but trust me - I'm beaming. What a great job.

Sometimes I feel like I should have gone back to work a long time ago. But I would never, ever trade my years at home with my kids. To be able to watch them grow and see all their firsts was a blessing that can't ever be taken away or replaced. But being back to work, using my smarts, interacting with adults..... Let's just say, it was time.

I feel re-energized. At last.

We've had an amazingly busy summer. I can't believe it is August already! We went camping at McGregor Point and Rondeau and had a blast, despite the rain. And what about that rain, huh? I don't know about where you are, but here we've had steady rain fall all throughout July. I'm expecting a very dry and humid August, and possibly a steamy September. I hope Mother Nature gets it out of her system now though, and our winter isn't quite as wet.

Life is busy and is getting in the way of my computer time it seems, but I will try to get on here more often and post. It will be easier in the fall and winter to write. Earlier nights and less time lounging outside will provide me with more opportunities on the computer. And now that I'm working, I'm dreaming of a laptop...

Peace and love, all!
Jo

I got a job!

After 7 years at home raising my kids, I am once again returning to the land of the gainfully employed!

And I'm crapping myself.

Two weeks is all I have to get my mindset changed from "Mom" to "Federal Employee". Two weeks is all I have to find childcare for my kids (which is not going so well, but I haven't totally given up yet), get my house in order, get some meals made for the freezer (because the transition is going to be tough enough!) and buy a new work wardrobe. Ack!!!

Most women would probably look forward to the shopping part and be quite excited about it. Not me. I hate shopping - with a passion! But I will soldier on and head out with debit card in hand, ready to do some damage next week. If I can do it sans kids, it will make it at least partly enjoyable. I'll make capri pants my focus and dive headlong into the racks. I.can.do.it....

I'm sure I will feel like a kid on the first day of school, walking into that big old intimidating building on my first day of work. I'll worry, "What if they don't like me?" or, "What if I make a fool of myself?". I'll check my hair and outfit 15 times before I make it out the door, and adjust my makeup in the car. Not too much, but not too little.

Back to the brown bag for me. No more lounging in the yard, soaking up the sun all summer. No more day trips on a whim with the kids. No more freedom to drop everything and go.....

On the other hand, no more wondering how to budget out the single paycheque, and worrying that we can't afford to go camping or on special weekend trips. No more wondering how much to put on that bill this week so they won't harass me for payment next week.

Yes, for everything I am giving up, there is much I am gaining. And if I don't like it, I can always quit! ;)

Wish me luck!