I need to start this week by defining a few terms coined by George Orwell in his dystopian novel “1984”. “Newspeak” is language introduced by the totalitarian government in the novel which is, in Orwell’s words, “…designed to limit the range of thought.” It is a prescribed lexicon designed to eliminate ambiguity and nuance inContinue reading “Don’t Speak”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Sit Down, Be Humble
Last week Justin Trudeau was asked by a reporter to comment on Donald Trump’s threats to mobilize the army against his citizens. After a very pregnant twenty second pause he said, “It is a time for us as Canadians to recognize that we too have our challenges; that black Canadians [and racialized Canadians] face discriminationContinue reading “Sit Down, Be Humble”
Hitchin’ a Ride
Hitchhiking seems to have fallen out of favour in recent years. My husband Douglas and I hitchhiked whenever possible when we were travelling in the Eighties not only because it was a free means of transportation, but also because it afforded us the opportunity to meet people and go places we would otherwise have missed.Continue reading “Hitchin’ a Ride”
Just like This Train
One of my favourite ways to travel is by train. You can quietly enjoy the scenery or read a book, and unlike air travel you always have the option of getting up and stretching your legs, eating a meal and using the toilet if necessary. The rhythmic sound of the wheels clickety-clacking over the railsContinue reading “Just like This Train”
Fly Boy
In December of 1941 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour, crippling the American Pacific Fleet and drawing them into the war. My then 19-year-old father enlisted eleven months later in November of 1942. He knew he was going to be drafted and since boats were not his thing and he didn’t want to engage in handContinue reading “Fly Boy”
Here’s the Problem
I don’t feel like writing. I don’t feel like doing anything. This whole pandemic situation has become emotionally paralyzing for me. I wish I could remain optimistic and believe that some positive, humane changes will result from this catastrophe, but I just can’t. The many examples of human kindness and concern which marked the beginningContinue reading “Here’s the Problem”
Mother
My mother has been on my mind a lot since the lockdown began; how I’d love to hear her phone greeting of, “Tis I, your pesky mother” or feel the comfort of her physical presence. I know people who almost beatify their parents after they die, but I readily admit that my mom was asContinue reading “Mother”
A Land Downunder
My husband Douglas asked me to marry him in the most romantic way imaginable. We had decided to travel around the world for as long as the money we’d saved would allow and were mapping out a tentative route when he turned to me and said, “Hey, it just occurred to me – if weContinue reading “A Land Downunder”
These Days
Although I am trying very hard to block out what’s happening in the U.S. right now, they exert such a powerful influence that unbidden American news items keep popping up on my Facebook feed. Many Canadians are shocked and saddened by the miserable response of the U.S. federal government to this crisis. While I agreeContinue reading “These Days”
Sisters and Brothers
Sibling rivalry has existed since the time of Cain and Abel, takes many forms and can spring up for a number of reasons. A child might bully their sibling due to a perceived imbalance in the distribution of parental attention, approval, or discipline. It might also spring from a genuine dislike. Whatever the reason, IContinue reading “Sisters and Brothers”
Random Samplings 