Saturday, April 23, 2011

Easter 1992

April 19, 1992 was Easter and the first official "holiday" I spent away from family and friends.  I was literally alone that day, no glazed ham or pastel foil covered chocolate confection to gobble.  Well, I worked that day and escorted a few hundred children and their families through the theatre I worked at to enjoy the delights of "Polkaroo and Friends," later to clean up their empty popcorn bags and drink containers. All I could think about was missing the pain-in-the-ass dinner that I always complained about, and how lonely I was.

Tonight I got the table ready for brunch:  champagne flutes, chocolate bunnies for kids, linen napkins, good china - all for a few hours tomorrow morning.  I even pulled out the ceramic bunnies and filled over 50 plastic eggs and hid them in various corners,  and loved every moment.
I need holidays, I need friends& family, I need tradition.  
Easter always reminds me of a dear friend, Granny Bonnie who never failed to cook a "ham and a lamb" and made the best scalloped potatoes I have ever eaten (pure cream).  Papa "T", her husband would always be the most excited and marvel not just in the meal, but the company.  This Easter will be our first without Papa "T' who we lost last June, I treasure every ham & lamb dinner I got to share with him; and if you know someone who has no where to spend tomorrow, invite them.  Regardless of race or religion, it is wonderful to know you are welcome to share in a celebration,  Happy Easter & to those to whom I am a bit late, Happy Passover.  xo vagi

Monday, April 11, 2011

Made in France

"Only Hermes scarves allowed," should be across the headlines in France today.  I have mixed feelings regarding the ruling in France that makes the wearing of the niqab and burka illegal.  Women who "hide" their face can be charged and fined, or have to enroll in a "socialization" course.  Others who force a woman to wear the traditional Islamic headgear face heavier fines and possible jail time.  France's Interior Minister, Claude Gueant supported the ruling stating it demonstrated the,  "Principle of secularism and equality of men and women."  Authorities were careful with their words and do not mention men or women in the law, just the crime of hiding one's face.

Isn't it just reverse discrimination?  

As a North American  woman I  reflect on the traditional clothing and headcoverings, and to me, they are an insult to my Muslim sisters, to me, it reflects on their lack of control or power of their own lives.  But, who am I to judge?  Is it our place to force them to disregard their tradition?  I struggle with this one, I applaud women who choose to wear it in France and fight the ruling, but I would feel better if I firmly believed it was always their choice to make.  
What is your opinion on this one?  Let me know, peace & love, vagi 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Syrup, Strangers & Stupidity

Sunday Morning at the Pancake Breakfast

I live in a Northern community that is blessed with the time honoured tradition of turning maple sap into the most amazing golden liquid - the real stuff, no mass production of caramel coloured sugar stickiness pretending to be pure maple goodness.  And, like most parents of young children, I followed tradition and trucked them off to one of many "All you can eat" pancake breakfasts.  Some are at local legions, church halls, and we picked the local conservation area and supported the local chapter of the Kiwanis Club, who was hosting and fundraising. 

The irony of the day was the reaction of one of the patrons to my 8 yr. old son, who has Autism.  I am used to the glances, and sometimes stares, but today I was blindsided by a comment, that really did not fit with the theme of supporting local children's charities. 

The hall was packed with long tables and benches not giving much "leg-room" and Aidan really struggles to remain seated,  and squirms and wiggles like a worm struggling to escape from its hole.  I did not notice that he was pressing his feet against the gentlemen behind us (I was paying attention to pancakes and syrup and juice in front).  He was clearly annoyed, and when cleared away and leaving - looked directly at me said, "There is something wrong with that kid," and sauntered away. 

I let it go - I did not even mention it to anyone.  My disgust is not only with this ignorant asshole, but with myself for not confronting him.  I call myself an advocate, but I let my son down today by not defending him.  It was one of the moments when I felt small and defenceless - I hope I find the strength, when it happens again (and it will) to stand up to the bully and shout. 

peace and love all, vagi xo