I love Canada, but I love my province more. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we shouldn’t have joined confederation in 1949. What I’m saying is that being from Newfoundland and Labrador sometimes makes me feel a little disconnected from the rest of the country. We are the youngest province in regard to when we became a part of Canada. I know a little something about being the baby of the family, as I am the youngest of 4 siblings. There’s a 7, 12, and 14-year age gap between them and me, so sometimes I would feel a disconnect from them, especially when I was little. They were often gone doing grown-up things and I was left behind. Who wants their baby sister tagging along? Sometimes there would be teasing, hazing, and jokes told at my expense, which I know were harmless and all in good fun. That comes with the territory of having siblings of any age! Living in Newfoundland can sometimes make one feel isolated, alone, stranded, or forgotten. I think that’s one of the many reasons why we have such a unique culture. Often we have to keep our own selves occupied and entertained. We are an island, which puts us often at a disadvantage. We are dependent on freight boats, ferries, and outrageous flight costs to move goods and ourselves on or off the island. The cost of this transportation is astronomical. Another thing that greatly annoys me is oftentimes you’d hear people talking about Canada “coast to coast—from British Columbia to Nova Scotia.” I’m waving frantically, “Hey? What about us over here?” Then you have those who don’t know the difference between the Maritimes and the Atlantic provinces, and yes, there is a difference. These may all seem like trivial points, but there’s no worse feeling than being shunned and disregarded. Hence, my love for Newfoundland & Labrador.
Flash forward to 2025. The world is changing and not for the better, that’s for certain. John always says that humanity has peaked and there’s nowhere to go but down. I hope he’s wrong. There is so much potential in the world to do good if only we all had the courage to stand up and make a difference! Alas, many government officials and politicians are all about lining their own pockets and looking after their own interests while the rich are getting richer; no regard for humanity at all. I rarely write publicly about my own political views but I can’t let it slide any longer. When people talk about making Canada a 51st state, I get angry. I really do. So much so that I can’t watch the news whether it’s local or national without “chewing my collars” as dad would say. My face gets red hot and I swear…A LOT. It’s like this burst of fire and rage comes out and I don’t like how that makes me feel. There’s so much hatred in me and it’s all directed at one single person, whose name I can’t even bear to type. Let’s just say this ‘Orange Menace’ I’m referring to has all the charm and appeal of a damp fork. Can you imagine our Premier or Prime Minister mocking someone with a disability or talking about grabbing a woman by her privates and degrading them with hurtful and derogatory statements? Wouldn’t take very long for them to get tossed out on their ass. Anyway, I digress. My whole point is even though sometimes siblings can be harsh and unkind towards one another, they will always stand up for each other especially when someone or something poses a threat. I feel that same type of sentiment is happening here in Canada. There has never been a time in my memory that there has been such a feeling of unity and true patriotism across the nation. We are no longer sitting back and being passive. We are letting our voices be heard.
On that note, I thought I’d post a few snaps that have absolutely nothing to do with my rant other than the fact that they’re 100% Canadian made. And if nothing else, hopefully they will bring you some peace and distract you from what’s going on right outside our doors if only for a few minutes.
In our house, we take Halloween very seriously. It is second only to Christmas. We love decorating, dressing up and doling out the treats on the 31st. It’s probably the only night of the year where you can be anyone or anything you like and no one “bats” an eyelash. See what I did there, lol!
Shortly before Christmas I was contacted by a friend who volunteers with the SPCA. They were in a bind and were looking for a photographer to take the pet photos with Santa. I was reluctant at first, as my anxiety created all sorts of scenarios of how things could go wrong. You know how that goes. I mulled it over for a bit and decided to take a chance on myself. Another friend of mine once said ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ and that stuck with me. I’m so glad I took the leap. I met some absolutely amazing people who made me feel at ease and it didn’t take long to fall into the rhythm of photographing each pet over the course of two days. It was a learning experience and along with some beautiful humans, I got to meet so many wonderful pets. I can’t thank the SPCA folks enough for taking a chance on me. Also, I wanted to give a shout out to them for the hard work and dedication they put into everything they do in order to care for and protect the animals in their care. If you’d like to learn more about donating or volunteering check out their website.
Below are a few snaps from the Pictures With Santa sessions!
I bet right now you’re thinking to yourself “Andrea, Christmas was 3 months ago, why are you posting Christmas pictures now”? Well, to be honest, I’m still playing catch up with my blog posts and I really wanted to share some images of Christmas with you, even though it’s nearly Easter!
I’m just going to circle back to my original thoughts regarding siblings and how they stick up for each other, especially when times are tough. I have to admit I am the luckiest person to have such amazing and loving older siblings. Times have changed and I’m no longer the annoying little sister I once was, or so I think! We are all grown up now and even though we still tease and torment each other I know I can call on them and count on them 100% and we are there for each other day or night. I love them beyond measure.
The lesson in all this is that regardless of what threat or intimidation tactic comes our way we need to come together and stand up to the bullies who are trying to tear us down and divide us. Be vigilant and stay informed. Knowledge is truly power, as long as it’s coming from a reputable and reliable source. The Orange Menace will quickly learn that when it comes to Canada, he’s messing with the wrong beaver!
Until Next Time!
Andrea – True North Strong And Free
Loved your thoughts on the “Orange Menace”! My thoughts exactly! And to think he still has a hugh following blows my mind. I know you quote your Dad quite often so I’ll have to quote my friend’s grandfather, “What a crowd he died for!”
Elbows up Canada 🇨🇦
So true, Marie. The crowd he died for.
Another fantastic post. It’s scary times my Friend and many of us are “holding our breath “. I avoid the evening news. And you’re certainly right about getting your information from credible sources. Social media has a LOT to answer for. Mom says the World is upside down. She doesn’t swear but she says she hopes Orange-utang can’t take a sh1t until she tells him he can. Harsh – but fair 😂. Beautiful pictures… x
Thanks, Donna! Your mother is a wise woman.