One more sleep

luggage for four kids for four weeks

I am hesitant to say it but.....I think we are all packed and ready to head out on our great big family adventure! To say we are excited really is an understatement....but for the kids sake I am trying to contain myself. It was important to me that for this trip we not start off over tired, from 2 am laundry or sewing projects almost finished. But the clothes are in the bag, the sewing all complete. And I plan on being in bed very shortly.

Tomorrow we are off to Liverpool England, a small stop before we get to Anglesey, Wales, which will be our home base for two weeks. I plan on posting stories and photos during our trip. My mum has also set up a family blog about the trip...and I will keep you posted on the link. It will probably be Sunday before I am back online- until then!

G8 Officially Arrives

With our usual route into town being closed off and OPP on literally every corner, we weren't sure what we would be able to see or participate in. The physical barrier, the military presence and the crazy amount of police officers felt very intrusive at first, and while a part of that doesn't go away the overall feel in town was quite different. The OPP were extremely friendly, chatting with people, discussing everything from our community to where they were from. It was a relaxed friendly vibe that was created.

The community doors were open, prayer vigils in churches, art displays in the town hall and the library, the store fronts had displays, the sidewalks sent messages of love and peace. On either side of the road you get a free hug that was being offered. There was lots to just sit back and watch. The media alone was pretty cool to observe. Cameras, videographers, network trucks everywhere. At one point a car was over heating, letting off a ton of smoke and an awful smell. The media bolted in that direction, hopeful I am sure for something a little more dramatic.

There was a lot of talk around town. People discussed the waste of money spent on the conference, the change it could have made in the world if spent differently. Big issues were on the corner, literally. I talked with one couple about maternal health and where it might go in the discussions between the world leaders. Another person feared the consequences of the oil spill and the lack of urgency from world leaders to DO something. There wasn't much faith in the talks producing results.

Now that the G8 has moved to the G20 in Toronto, the wall is coming down, the helicopters have stopped and the amount of blue around town is not nearly so great, I feel different. There was a lot of talk originally about showcasing our community and the beautiful lakes and nature we live among. With a fake lake set up in a media centre miles away, sadly, there was no need to do this. I do think, we showcased our community to itself. I feel as though this town got to see a little bit more of each other, see the talent and beauty it has to offer EACH OTHER. That we moved a few steps closer, we met more neighbours, opened up a bit more to being part of the larger. That has been a great thing.

Good Ol Days

We were thrilled to literally run into our friends downtown! They were checking things out and we were on our way to do just that. They joined us for lunch, a tour around town, park time and a little bit of spontaneous music making. Our friend Sara commented it was just like the 'good ol days' !

Posting ....Again

We haven't left for our trip yet....although we are counting down 6 days left until we leave!! My list is quite lengthy and I am determined to leave feeling rested, not having stayed up until 2 am doing laundry or sewing a quick something to take with me. But on the list is catching up and what life has been full of here in this space. So here I go!

GIRL 8

To celebrate the girl in us, to recognize women's unique perspectives and highlight them to the world some local artists put together an evening of performance called GIRL 8. Aria's choir were among the performers, sharing the water song among a few other favorites. It was a beautiful evening for an outdoor concert. A helicopter or two flew overhead every ten minutes reminding us of our surroundings. We were thrilled to have so many friends come out and listen.

Aria really enjoys choir. She has such a passion for singing, watching her dance away snapping her fingers while belting it out brings me such joy. She is her own person through and through and its a great thing!

Steps to Change

With the G8 being held in our backyard we have been trying to take in all the events that are taking place as a result. A call was put out to artists around the world a few months (perhaps longer) ago, for original postcards to be sent in that share a message the artist wants to express to the G8 leaders. The postcard could be done in any medium, on any topic that the individual felt was important, the only requirement was the size.
A local gallery displayed the collection, which were made from material, birch bark, recycled material, leather to name a few. The art wasn't limited too, but included quilting, photographs, pencil drawing, water colour, oil painting, embroidery, collage. The messages for humane fishing, community focus, peace, fair trade, women's rights, embracing nature, ending hunger, the waste of money on the G8 were among many. The diversity represented was fabulous, not to mention the high quality of art.

Another display that came to the community was one that focused specifically on peace through children. The local Buddhist community worked with the national Buddhist community to bring the large screens to the library for people to enjoy. The large material display touched on the components of peace, the difference between peace and its absence. Examples of children around the globe working towards peace were highlighted, empowering the reader to make another step to make a difference.

They are Back!

They get to stay longer at the cottage.....and the crowd breaks into cheers! Rafting, swimming, cards, non-stopping munching, canoeing, playing in the rain, late night, early morning....just not enough.

My Funky Monkey

Our little dock

....had a few visitors this week!

Together

Time constraints, looming thunderstorms, downpours of rain, nothing stops them having a good time :)

National Aboriginal Day

To celebrate National Aboriginal Day a pow wow was held for the first time in the area. The event was entitled Unity Pow wow , with the hopes of drawing to the attention of the G8 leaders the desire for peace and unity among all nations while also celebrating the First Nations culture and people in the area. Despite the intense sun (wow was it hot!) there were vendors, artisans, forums, and lots of dancing.

Before the opening ceremonies we had the chance to walk around and watch some crafts being made. We were blown away by the talent of one woman in particular who kindly demonstrated for us how to use porcupine quills to decorate and create birch bark containers. She shared with us how the quills change over the seasons, spring being the best time to collect them. The importance of soaking them for just the right amount of time and the perfect ingredients for natural dyes. Her boxes were so detailed and beautifully crafted.

The actual opening ceremony was long and drawn out. Every dignitary and community leader took the opportunity to address those in attendance, which took a long time. There were flags from all the communities brought into the arena (a circular area roped off for the ceremony, with the drum at the centre under a wooden structure), honouring the leaders, veterans, service providers and the community.

The event was physically nestled among rock cliffs and trees. It was just right. We are hoping it is a yearly event.

Dancers

The dancing at the powwow was beautiful to watch. The regalia worn by the men, women and children were from different areas and for different types of dances. There were ribbons, bells, feathers, beads, shells, embroidery, colour, leather, needles, cotton, fur, all moving in a beautiful flowing motion to the beat of the drum. We each had our favorite dancers, but really they were all a treat to watch.