What next!

Last week, it was the mega-bailout for the American-based auto industry, today it's the appointment of 18 new senators. And all of this while Parliament is in suspended animation, a bunch of pyrogies waiting to be served.

What's Steve going to do next? Invade Pakistan?

Winter Solstice

It's official. Winter began at 4:04 a.m. PST.

Looking outside, there's more than enough confirmation. And the weatherman says there's more on the way.

Please, I'm convinced already. Really.

The Little Match Girl, 21st century version

Last night a homeless woman died on the streets of Vancouver. It sounds as though she died in the shopping cart where she kept her worldly goods. The city's shelters don't accept shopping carts -- at least they don't yet. A new shelter with new rules is supposed to be opening any day. Whoever she was (and I'm sure there'll be much more on this story), she won't be around to benefit from it.

Oh, and The Little Match Girl connection? Apparently, one of the last people to see her alive was a police officer. She asked the officer for a light for her candle -- the one she was using to keep warm.

Winter on the coast

First it's a normal December day...

and then it's not.

Yep, this is how winter arrives on the West Coast.

Where's Australia?

Now that I've had a chance to look through the Golden Globe nominees, I have to say I'm disappointed.

I can't help but think some of this has to do with the way the film appears to have been marketed -- as a romance, full stop.

But hey, Australia is a whole lot more than that. It's history and scenery and excitement and tension -- ingredients we don't usually get in a single film anymore. Its thematic fabric is even richer. Racial discrimination, overcoming enormous odds, respect for cultural traditions, the importance of following moral principle -- oh yes, the power of love is in there too, but it's certainly not the only element.

Yes, it's a romance, but then so was African Queen, only I don't think that film was pigeon-holed like this one is. Thankfully too, Australia doesn't go over the top with ridiculous sex scenes (the way that other film with Nicole Kidman, Cold Mountain, did).

My vote says there ought to at least be recognition for David Wenham's supporting role as Neil Fletcher. And I wouldn't mind something for Brandon Walters (Nullah) either.

An easy border crossing

For once. And am I ever grateful, as the only purpose of my trip was sending off my mother's Christmas cards.

Only a few cars lined up on either side. Heaps of construction mess though. I'm just not sure whether the fuss relates to Vancouver's Olympics in 2010 or if it's more about homeland security issues.

Whatever, I made it through easily. Exhale.

PS Don't you ever wonder about that 'common mother' bit? Just how common was she?

"Imagine..."

If John Lennon had lived longer, do you suppose more of the words of his song would have come true?

No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man

The world could sure use him -- and more dreamers of his ilk. And now that I think of it, that December 8th in 1980 was a Monday night too.

December 7 also has some history

And not just as the anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor.

Today is the day my dad was born. If he were still alive, he'd be turning 90.
 
In this photo, he is probably in his mid-20s.

We're having a nice dinner party for him anyway. Too bad he won't be able to join us.

Although who knows, maybe he will.

December 6 in history

This morning's Globe and Mail contained this tidbit in its capsule report of news from 25 years ago today. It reported that the Ontario government had taken "...what Labour Minister Russell Ramsay called a step toward equality for working women." The piece went on to cite the fact that at that time, women "...made 63 per cent of what men make" and that the plan would examine whether "...women were being paid equally for doing similar jobs to men."

Not so long ago -- just last month in fact -- Steve Harper hinted that it might be time to re-examine the issue of pay equity for women. This was part of the package which threatened government workers' right to strike and which helped lead to the proposed coalition rescue.

Where this is also the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the day we honour the victims murdered in the massacre at L'Ecole Polytechnique, it all seems to make the day's significance resonate way too much.

An even sadder milestone

Today marks the day the 100th Canadian soldier has died in Afghanistan. If you're able to read the linked article, take a careful look at the grim statistics.

Of 2500 soldiers currently there, this toll of 100 represents one in 25 soldiers assigned there. Although we've sent more than 2500 in total over the past years, the number still strikes a chill. Only the Netherlands and Denmark show comparable numbers.

The painting I've posted bears no identification, but maybe that's appropriate -- as a kind of unknown soldier's portrayal of the tragedy that is war.

Saved from the worst day ever

At least this morning's news made it feel like the worst day -- when Governor General Michaelle Jean apparently caved in to Steve Harper and put a pause on the actions of Parliament.

I'll admit to admiring the technical term for it, prorogue, as it does seem to describe exactly what Ms. Jean did -- acted on behalf of the biggest rogue in town, Steve.

Stephen Hume's column in this morning's Vancouver Sun was all about leadership. He cited a Welsh proverb. "He who would lead, let him be a bridge." Too bad Steve doesn't seem to believe in bridges.

But I was saved from wallowing in sadness, as George asked me to join him for a walk-along on the golf course. Always a great way to kick off the cobwebs, spot some bridges, and breathe!

Russ Hiebert -- could he be Canada's Worst MP?

Yesterday, I was one of many who signed the petition in support of the proposed coalition government to replace the now-all-too-apparent agenda of Canada's Conservative Party.

The website suggested phoning the office of my local MP and letting him know my views.

When I called Russ Hiebert's office, I was greeted with a message informing me that office staff were on another call, and would I please leave a message.

Without mentioning the purpose of my call, I left my name and number, mentioned when I expected to be in -- and for good measure, left my number and name again.

No one from Hiebert's office has yet found the time to return my phone call -- and what is this now, 36 hours later?

Asleep at the switch? Or is he just too busy mustering more blasts against the left, the Quebecois and pretty well anyone who isn't in Harper's right-wing camp, wanting to trim back rights to gender equality and more?

Time for making cards

What a productive weekend! Brenna and I got a great start on our annual ritual -- the making of the Christmas cards. This all started a few years ago when Brenna heard about a stamping class at a local crafts shop. Little did we know what fun that workshop would lead to!

She's gone

...but I won't forget her.

One week after Remembrance Day, my mother finally let go and died.

Looking outside my window this morning, it looks like she sent a kiss from heaven.

Remembrances

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. Being out of the country, I find it odd not seeing a red poppy pinned onto everyone's jacket.
Today is also the day Kurt Vonnegut was born. To observe that event, I always used to write him a letter. And no, I never heard back, but that didn't stop me. If I were at home, and had my books at hand, I'd probably do a browse-through some of his books -- a little surrogate 'visit' with him.

Another view of Chicago

Last time I came to this area, the first photo I took was of this very (I thought) Chicago-themed T-shirt. It's kind of a long ways from the Obamafest that lingers. Still, it also carries its own message of strength and hope.

Other side of the line

Weird being this side of the line, still in the afterglow of Tuesday's election. Right now, I'm not only in the U.S., I'm actually in a suburb of Chicago. Obamatown.

Halloween Handout

Sheesh. If you can believe it, that's what our mother tried to convince us to say when we went door-to-door for Halloween. As you might imagine, when we said it, most people looked at us like we were visitors from Mars.

It seemed our mother was always trying to get us to do things 'differently' than others. While I'm grateful now that she urged us not to be sheep, I can still feel the cringe when some of these memories surface.

Like, really, what was so awful about plain old 'Trick or Treat'?

Mayme

On this date, my grandma died. Only I never called her Grandma, I called her Mayme.

She was one of a kind, especially for her day. When almost no women worked outside the home, she was the Assistant to the Sheriff for a big city. Yep, that was a full-time job, and she had a houseful of four kids she was bringing up on her own.

Working for the Sheriff's Office, she had plenty of occasion to meet prisoners. And now this is something I choose to do -- only I work with men in prisons as part of a writers' group. Mayme carried this interest a lot further than I intend to, as she ended up eventually marrying one of the men.

When I got my ears pierced, my mother tut-tutted. My dad said they made me look like a slut, but Mayme? She marched me down to the jewellery store and let me pick the nicest pair of gold posts in the shop.

So yes, even though she's long gone, I still love her dearly, and reckon I always will.

That would be her, over there on the right, looking down at me, the young bride. Er, no, that's not right; it's big time Communion Day.

W and the corn cob

So, what gives? Why, in the movie 'W' does she step the corn cob into the lawn?