Is the thin blue line symbol headed for the same fate of the swastika? Can we stop its current trajectory, or is it already too late? In 1999, I travelled to Asia, on a journey of world- and self-discovery. While in Vietnam, there were many swastikas and reverse swastikas on gravesites and above door frames. The vision was jarring. Even …
Show respect and keep Christmas frills shelved until Remembrance Day wraps
As soon as Halloween and fall decorations come down, they appear to be replaced overnight with Christmas ones, but not in my house. I think it is only respectful to wait until after Remembrance Day to even consider putting up the Christmas tree. My grandfather, John William Setchell, who was in bomb disposal in the Second World War, deserves that. …
For the love of buying local
As snow starts to dust our rooftops, thoughts of shopping for the holidays are like subtle sugar plum fairies dancing in my head. The pandemic accelerated our rate of online shopping this year, and that trend will likely continue, but take a minute to consider what happens if we don’t support local. Also think about what will occur if we …
What exactly is the end game for COVID-19?
It’s October and with that comes a renewed passion for scary movies. For me, the increasing polarization of society is horror movie scary. Aside from race relations, one of the top polarizing issues right now is COVID-19 and how we should be acting and reacting to keep ourselves, our friends and families, and greater communities safe. Opening schools was one …
Words do matter — and some lines should not be crossed
What is considered funny or clever advertising? What is thoughtless and offensive? There have always been lines we don’t cross, not in comedy, not in marketing, not on social media, not in conversation. Last week these very questions were sparked locally in relation to Black Lives Matter. Centre Ice Bar and Grill got their metaphorical hands slapped for an outdoor …
Letting go is liberating, and makes you feel lighter
There is a saying by an unknown author that goes: “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go.” Considering this last month of my life, and that the trees in my backyard suddenly look like their tops were dipped in red and orange paint, I’m reflecting on this quote. Recently, I had to …
Winds of change blow hard this September
I am shocked that school is starting again in September. I am even more surprised that they have chosen to start classes earlier in the morning for my teens. Anyone with a teen knows that earlier in the morning does not work well for them. I’m currently grappling with what’s right for my family given the pandemic and I’m questioning …
Making most of time during pandemic
Staying at home during COVID-19, while challenging, offered opportunities for those of us who used the time wisely. When it all started, my teens had dreams of our time at home being an extended vacation. I told them that whatever this time was, we would make the best of it. I wrote up a guideline for our time, saying that …
‘Criminal shame’ to let culture of silence continue
In June, you may have found yourself reading about the CHL, OHL, WHL, QMJHL class action lawsuit over allegations of abusive hazing. You may have been instantly relieved that your son/grandson never had to experience the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse that is outlined in the class actions claims. A comforting thought, indeed, though perhaps not entirely realistic. Or maybe …
Party prep made me especially proud of Pride
I’ve always been an LGBTQ+ ally, but this past weekend, I attended my first Pride party. What I saw in the preparation and execution of the party made me feel proud of the Sault’s Pride. I was honoured to be asked to be involved in helping one friend choose his outfit as it would be the first time he’d do …