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.

Shearing Sheep

There was a sheep shearing demonstration at the festival. Something we were all excited to see. The person doing the demonstration took us through a bit of history, explaining how sheep were first sheared with razor sharp clippers, and still are in many places. The one year old sheep was brought out to have her coat trimmed first with a 100 year old crank operated pair of clippers. I was amazed at how still the sheep was, despite the large crowd. The clippers worked incredibly well, if it wasn't brought to my attention I would have guessed they were electric. The audience member who was turning the crank got tired quite quickly, it required that he keep a steady constant pace.

After using this older model the rest of the sheep was sheered with a pair of modern day clippers. In less then 10 minutes the sheep was sheared. And look quite handsome. The fleece was offered to people, and we were one of the few to take some home. We have plans to wash, card and use it.
The farmer gave a great talk afterwards about food security, the importance of buying local, the impact on the price of lamb and wool because of the world market and multinationals. Unfortunately before long we were the only ones listening to him speak, slowly everyone else left. We chatted for a little while about everything from the drastic drop in the price of raw wool in the last ten years, to agricultural awareness in education, to the local market for local food. I left a little more aware and thankful for crossing paths with someone who is passionate and inspiring. Since this demo there has been lots of chatting going on about sheep.....

Egg Rolls With a Side of Cake

We made a very spontaneous decision to have a Chinese New Year/Valentine's day party at our house this past weekend. With just under twenty people, we had a incredible potluck of fabulous homemade Chinese food and decadent chocolate for dessert. What a combo-really the two holidays should fall on the same day every year!

We had everyone write fortunes and stuff felt fortune cookies we had made with them for everyone to pick from. There was an impromptu lantern making lead by Aria, the boys with a friend figured out what zodiac sign everyone was and what the characteristics were that accompanied each animal. There was guessing games and a friend brought a fabulous dragon head they made which everyone had fun trying on. It was a great evening. At the end, even among the dishes and scattered toys, we vow to add more of this type of gathering into our lives-it's one of those elements we always love more of.

Wonderful Weekend

What a joy filled weekend! Friends were down for a visit and to celebrate a special birthday. They (so thoughtfully) stayed at a hotel, which meant a fabulous sleep over (fulfilling one son's dream to sleep in a bathtub! LOL) and lots of pool time. The kids had a blast jumping in over and over again, not having to worry about splashing because we had the pool all to ourselves.

During the day everyone enjoyed the snow that had fallen (and continues to fall!) with snowball fights, ATV rides and a fire to warm up by.

It was great to catch up and chat like there was not distance. We all ate it up as much as we could, which also means not a lot of photos sadly.

So much more

Many moons ago, Chris and I lived in Calgary. It was a time in our lives when we were trying to make a home in a new city, we were looking for jobs, pregnant with our first born, pretty close to broke. Yet the world felt like it was at our doorstep, so many possibilities. We were excited to get out and meet people, find new opportunities.

It was during this time we stumbled upon a grassroots group who were doing some pretty radical things to build community in one area of the city. It was clear this was a great thing happening and we immediately knew we wanted to be a party of it. Within no time we were part of community dinners, evening chats, living in an intentional house.

Part of this group was a well developed bartering community. There was a newsletter to advertise what people had to barter. It was because of this financial strain that we initially joined this group. We weren't sure what we had to offer at first, but after seeing what others offered the possibilities were limitless. We could trade our time, expertise and second hand items for those that we needed. We bartered my granola for homemade dog food for our dog. We traded books for baby clothes. Birthday cakes and vegan stuffing became homemade cheese and jam. A week of dog watching was traded for New year's in a beautiful cabin in the Rockies.

What was first an opportunity to met some of our needs without money became so much more. A barter exchange lead to an invite to participate in Christmas baking in the community room, another lead to finding a fabulous doula, a walking group to join and a dog walking exchange. We soon found friends, evenings out, opportunities that were rich and meaningful. Before long we were part of something much bigger than just trades.

Although we left Calgary ten years ago, having moved many times. The bartering and the spirit that comes with it continues to be part of our lives. The value of another person's energy, their gifts of time carries something far deeper than money could. It is an intimate experience, drawing us in closer, building community.

As the holidays approach, we have been doing some bartering. Again it was financial challenges that encouraged us to seek and meet some of our needs with bartering. People have been so receptive to this idea. Sewing in exchange for book store credit, banana bread for haircuts, a quilt for a bike, babysitting trades. As I step back, see the exchanges we are making, it is clear to see the community we are building. Friendships growing, evenings out, stories shared.