The reception was held Nov 9 from 1-3 and many friends came by to have a look, have a nibble and visit. I hope you are able to drop by at some point in November to see the work - mom's impressions of Scotland are especially strong.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Through Lens and Brush - Artist Reception
Well after a busy few months and 2 years of preparation, it's up. Mom and I are showing in our fourth joint show at Goward House.
The reception was held Nov 9 from 1-3 and many friends came by to have a look, have a nibble and visit. I hope you are able to drop by at some point in November to see the work - mom's impressions of Scotland are especially strong.
The reception was held Nov 9 from 1-3 and many friends came by to have a look, have a nibble and visit. I hope you are able to drop by at some point in November to see the work - mom's impressions of Scotland are especially strong.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Boys of Ballet
As the mom of two young men who dance, I understand and have seen and stood up against the whole stigma some people in society still hold against the idea of boys in ballet., well actually, truth be told, boys in dance. Repeatedly I was told that I was going to 'turn my kid gay' if I kept him in ballet. It was and is a hot button issue. We won't even go there right now.
This morning I checked in with a facebook group (postive dance moms and dads) to see this video that had been posted.
Neither of my boys do ballet at the moment but they both started
there. The 16 year old began ballet at 3 in a local recreation centre
class in what turns out was an all-girl studio. When the word 'got out'
he was teased by some children in kindergarten. It could have ended
then and there for him but that Christmas, I took him to see the
Nutcracker. Within seconds of the curtain going up, he clutched my arm
with astonishment and joy - "MOM! There are BOYS dancing!" And that was
that. We did end up moving to a different studio when he was 5 because
it had all boy jazz and tap classes and he still taps there today. Now
back in mixed classes (ok, often it is just him and some lovely teenage
girls, not a bad gig for a 16 year old boy), last year he received his ten year attendance trophy from his
studio. Last fall some people in our sphere were surprised that he
wanted to register again. But I think for him now, the studio and the
people he has grown up dancing with or around is a bit of a special
familiar place. I like to think that anyways.
My 10 year old now has danced on and off since he was 3 or 4 at the same local studio and is at the point he is considering auditioning for company of which RAD ballet is a requirement. Now he faces that 'terrible choice' mentioned in the video of taking ballet. It shouldn't have to be a terrible choice, but it is a big choice for boys to pursue, even now, even still. I hope he decides to go on audition day, just for the experience if nothing else, whether or not he is accepted into company and joins or doesn't. I hope this video done by these amazing young men helps to show him the strength power and grace possible by boys in ballet.
If and when one or both of my children decide to not take dance, that will be okay too. Unless it's because of teasing and bullying. See hot button above.
Truthfully, I love the fact that my children dance, I love spontaneous crazy dance parties in the living room and I love knowing we have 3 dance bags in the car - one with tap shoes, one with jazz shoes, and mine with zils and a hip scarf... it I think has helped them understand that you can pursue whatever interests you like as a boy or girl - if people are really your friends they will support you in your activities be they scouts, jazz band, soccer, chess, magic the gathering or dance. If that message sticks for them, I count it as a parental success and treasure it.
This morning I checked in with a facebook group (postive dance moms and dads) to see this video that had been posted.
Bravo gentlemen, you boys of ballet - thank you for doing this.
Neither of my boys do ballet at the moment but they both started
there. The 16 year old began ballet at 3 in a local recreation centre
class in what turns out was an all-girl studio. When the word 'got out'
he was teased by some children in kindergarten. It could have ended
then and there for him but that Christmas, I took him to see the
Nutcracker. Within seconds of the curtain going up, he clutched my arm
with astonishment and joy - "MOM! There are BOYS dancing!" And that was
that. We did end up moving to a different studio when he was 5 because
it had all boy jazz and tap classes and he still taps there today. Now
back in mixed classes (ok, often it is just him and some lovely teenage
girls, not a bad gig for a 16 year old boy), last year he received his ten year attendance trophy from his
studio. Last fall some people in our sphere were surprised that he
wanted to register again. But I think for him now, the studio and the
people he has grown up dancing with or around is a bit of a special
familiar place. I like to think that anyways.My 10 year old now has danced on and off since he was 3 or 4 at the same local studio and is at the point he is considering auditioning for company of which RAD ballet is a requirement. Now he faces that 'terrible choice' mentioned in the video of taking ballet. It shouldn't have to be a terrible choice, but it is a big choice for boys to pursue, even now, even still. I hope he decides to go on audition day, just for the experience if nothing else, whether or not he is accepted into company and joins or doesn't. I hope this video done by these amazing young men helps to show him the strength power and grace possible by boys in ballet.
If and when one or both of my children decide to not take dance, that will be okay too. Unless it's because of teasing and bullying. See hot button above.
Truthfully, I love the fact that my children dance, I love spontaneous crazy dance parties in the living room and I love knowing we have 3 dance bags in the car - one with tap shoes, one with jazz shoes, and mine with zils and a hip scarf... it I think has helped them understand that you can pursue whatever interests you like as a boy or girl - if people are really your friends they will support you in your activities be they scouts, jazz band, soccer, chess, magic the gathering or dance. If that message sticks for them, I count it as a parental success and treasure it.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Helpers
 |
| “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” - Mr. Rogers |
Monday, May 2, 2011
Reasons
Kenzie and I wandered Cadboro Bay and surrounds yesterday discovering new paths and beaches.... the sun shone. He played happily in the sand for over an hour and we saw no one. No one other than the geese, ducks and family of otters playing in the water while songbirds and gentle waves filled the air with an symphony of gentle spring song....
Need a reason to vote? No - I know I am blessed to live in a country for which citizens can vote privately. I have friends who immigrated from places where they don't have that right - either to vote or to vote because they are a woman or to vote secretly.
We live in a place where each person has a say if they take that say. It's not just a right. It's a privilege and more importantly it's a responsibility.
It's not just living by the ocean that makes me realize how lucky I am. I vote for two reasons.... and I need no other....
Need a reason to vote? No - I know I am blessed to live in a country for which citizens can vote privately. I have friends who immigrated from places where they don't have that right - either to vote or to vote because they are a woman or to vote secretly.
We live in a place where each person has a say if they take that say. It's not just a right. It's a privilege and more importantly it's a responsibility.
It's not just living by the ocean that makes me realize how lucky I am. I vote for two reasons.... and I need no other....
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Our New Addition
Well, I did it....
on a rainy day with a fever broaching 101, I finally did it.
The boys and I went and bought our piano.... not sure where we'll put it yet or how we'll pay for lessons but with a little help from PatDad at Christmas and all those crazy work trip aeroplan miles turned into gift cards at Long and McQuaid... I finally own my own piano and in my heart can say goodbye to the one left behind when I moved out.
It's not fancy, doesn't have all those crazy digital sounds the comparable Yamaha does but it's a full keyboard with a lovely sound and weighted keys, one pedal and reverb and headset jacks to boot. Perfect for us. And I can't wait to get started learning!
Welcome Korg SP 170... I'm so glad you're here.... just wait until you meet my Grandma's piano bench!
on a rainy day with a fever broaching 101, I finally did it.
The boys and I went and bought our piano.... not sure where we'll put it yet or how we'll pay for lessons but with a little help from PatDad at Christmas and all those crazy work trip aeroplan miles turned into gift cards at Long and McQuaid... I finally own my own piano and in my heart can say goodbye to the one left behind when I moved out.
It's not fancy, doesn't have all those crazy digital sounds the comparable Yamaha does but it's a full keyboard with a lovely sound and weighted keys, one pedal and reverb and headset jacks to boot. Perfect for us. And I can't wait to get started learning!
Welcome Korg SP 170... I'm so glad you're here.... just wait until you meet my Grandma's piano bench!
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