Just Serve

I wonder what Waterloo Region would be like if everyone took at least one hour a week to #JustServe?! 

The Beautiful Beast

From September 2017 to March 2018 the Youth of the Kitchener Ontario Stake of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

participated in a production of

Beauty and the Beast, the Broadway Musical.

It was a proud Mother moment for me as my Rémi played the Beast 

and blew me away with his acting and musical talents.

He told well the story and transformation of a 

selfish man 

who

transforms 

into

a hideous Beast

and then

finally transforms into 

a tender, caring and loving man.

His emotional intelligence was on strong display

as he took us on this journey and grasped our hearts with 

fear, doubt, hope and love.

So impactful was his performance that my Dad turned to me and said,

"I just can't believe that's Rémi!"

My Dad was so enchanted by his Grandson that whenever he sees Rémi, 

he now refers to him as

"The Beautiful Beast."

Remi was not alone in the telling of this captivating story.

Along with a dedicated cast of his fellow peers in our church, was the 

supporting roles of his brother, Yvon and sister, Melaia.

Yvon played the "comic relief" character, "Nick" who was a villager and die hard 

follower of Gaston, the self-absorbed vilan.

Yvon showcased his singing and comedy chops and 

also showed the ladies 

his silly dance moves and his muscular lifts (of other characters!).

Melaia dazzled us with her infectious smile while 

dancing as an enchanted fork

or roaming through the village as an old lady & bar maid.

The thing I'm most proud of?

I was so pleased to see my children 

bonding together

as they worked together 

to learn lines or songs,

as they gave each other ideas for their characters and

as they celebrated in each of their successes.

They fight less in the home and uplift more.

I'm in awe and I'm so grateful for this experience that they shared together.

Here are my fave pics from the show. 

The first is a "behind the scenes" view of my boys in the "green room," 

waiting for their cues.

Photo taken and posted to Instagram by @Rachel_Sid

You can probably guess why this is a fave pic of mine too...

Yvon (16yrs.), Melaia (12and3/4yrs.), Rémi, the "Beautiful Beast" (15yrs.)

Indigenous Me

My Indigenous Story....

Indigenous Me, 2015

Until recently, I didn't even know I had an Indigenous story.

I'm Canadian, aren't I?

However, what I am as a Canadian is very different than what my neighbour is as a Canadian. I was beginning to feel very confused. We speak the same language but we share completely different perspectives on Canada. 

Why is that?

Through my former Masters program at Wilfrid Laurier University in Community Music, I discovered that I see the world through the experiences that I grew up with, which don't necessarily relate to the experiences of those around me. It absolutely makes sense but I simply was not completely aware of this.

With these new eyes, I'm meeting new people. They're so familiar to me. They're like family to me but we have only just met. They're teaching me and I'm learning so much and I knew that I needed to learn more. I'm now attempting to enter the Masters in Social Work program in Aboriginal Field of Study at Wilfrid Laurier University. I need to connect more with my Indigenous perspective. 

I have so much to learn!

On Wednesday evening, a new friend of mine, Shawn Johnston of Nations and Voices, will be hosting a fundraiser for his inspiring photography project that will give a voice to People of Colour around the world. He's an Indigenous person of Canada who understands the perspective of people of colour. 

He gets me!

I love him!

Shawn will be revealing a picture that he took of me on my 41st birthday weekend, at his fundraiser on Wednesday, August 16th. I was so nervous about him taking my picture and showcasing this side of me that it took months for me to actually do it. He was so patient. He understood my struggle. He waited until I felt comfortable with my voice and now, he will reveal a part of me that I'm still discovering and seeking to understand better.

I feel completely vulnerable but...

I've never felt happier in my life.

Thank you, Shawn for being a teacher of "Indigenous Me."

Come to Shawn's fundraiser on Wednesday night at The Museum in Kitchener. He's been working hard finding sponsors and musicians and will be hosting an incredible evening of Art. Maybe you'll end up buying the picture of me. Good luck, as I'm trying to buy it for myself. 

I hope to see you there!

Buy Tickets

From 70's to 70

Come back to a post dedicated to my Mum for her 70th birthday.

Evolution

Something's happening in my family.

My kids are evolving into miniature adults and it's fascinating. 

I have no experience raising a teenager, 

I'm learning as I go.

My kids have no experience evolving through teenage-hood,

they're learning as they go as well. 

We're all learning together and sometimes we get it completely wrong 

but sometimes we get it right on.

This was a great moment...

After playing in a riveting school music concert, 

my son came home and had to face the 

#ParentalPapparazzi

It was an epic moment.

Life is good!

To be continued...

You will want the update but I want to write it later. :D

Navigating my way...

Winds of change 

are sending me in new directions and unknown lands.

I'm feeling more and more connected to 

my ancestors, 

as I sail away to uncharted waters.

I'm on my way.