Royal Wedding

I am not a "royal watcher" nor am I fascinated by their lives. I was absolutely NOT going to get wound up over this wedding. I shook my head in disbelief at the number of people from around the world (many from Canada) who staked their place on the street two or three days prior to the wedding. Many of my friends excitedly planned their night in anticipation of staying up to watch the wedding. I told everyone I was going to bed and that I would watch the re-runs the next day. Which is what I did. However, I have to admit that when I tuned into Canada AM this morning and saw the clips from the "moments", I could almost understand what the hype was all about. I like this Kate. I like her style, her classiness and her beautiful smile. Most of all, I love how confident and strong she is. I hate to admit that I am old enough to say that I remember when Dianna and Charles married. I was never impressed with how Dianna carried herself and how she never seemed to be able to lift her head up. She was always looking down. It made her appear weak. That bothered me all the years that she was a paparazzi favorite - I wanted to yell to her to just hold her head up and stand straight! I'm glad I won't have that problem with Kate. My favorite moment of the wedding? When Harry looked back as Kate was waking in and leaned over to William and said, with a huge smile on his face, "Wait until you see her!". That was a sweet brotherly-love kind of moment. I don't know if the monarchy will survive or not, but if it does, I think William and Kate will bring to it dignity and a quiet grace. Watching a prince marry his true love . . . it's a good ting!

National Day of Mourning

Today I attended the National Day of Mourning flag raising ceremony in our city. Although this is not a happy event and doesn't seem to fit the criteria of my blog, there was a strong and positive feeling among the people in attendance. It felt right that the people lost through job-related injury and illness this year were acknowledged today as each of their names were read out. It is no doubt a comfort to their families to know that their loved ones have not been forgotten. There was a strong resolve among the politicians in attendance to design stronger legislation that will protect the men and women who go to work every day. The men and women today were determined to create safer work sites so that those who have died will not have done so in vain. Today was a reminder that there are still work places that are not as safe as they should be, and that those who have paid the price for unsafe job sites will never be forgotten. Working together to ensure we are all safe at work . . . it's a good thing!

Loving Our Pant Suits

If you look at pictures and paintings of women throughout history, you will find that prior to the twentieth century they are all wearing dresses and skirts, never pants or trousers. What happened in the twentieth century that caused women to start wearing pants? Well, what happened was Coco Chanel!

Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel was born in 1883 in Saumur, France. She was born into a poor working family. At the age of twelve, Coco’s mother died and her father left the family. As a result, Chanel spent the next six years in an orphanage, where she was taught to be a seamstress by trade. I am sure she could not imagine then how her trade would someday make her millions of dollars. In her lifetime, she became famous for her hats, her perfume (Chanel #5), the “little black dress”, her signature cardigan jacket and of course, pants for women.

Chanel worked in a milliner in Paris as a young woman and in 1912 opened her own shop. In 1919, she founded a couture house. She decided it was time to revolutionize woman’s clothing. She began by encouraging woman to wear casual but elegant clothing and to liberate themselves from corsets. Coco Chanel created clothing for woman that was simpler and more practical. Many of her styles were inspired by men’s clothing. Chanel launched a line of casual women’s clothes for sport and leisure. Eventually, she created casual clothes made out of jersey – which until then had been a material used only for men’s underwear. Women loved Coco Chanel’s new clothes, which were comfortable yet attractive. However she is most famous for her controversial (at the time) approach to fashion when she introduced trousers and pant suits for women – something which had never been done before. As someone who wears slacks more often that skirts or dresses, I am grateful for Coco’s vision. Most women have far more pants and slacks hanging in their closets than they do dresses and skirts. Can you imagine Hillary Clinton without her pant suits? How would women have survived the corporate boardroom in the 80’s without their power suits? Because of Coco Chanel’s ground-breaking and rule-busting inspiration, women began to wear comfortable but beautiful clothes. Clothing we take for granted today, such as blazers and pants, were ground-breaking in the 1920’s. Only an influential and confident woman would dare to introduce this line of clothes in her collection.

The 1920’s were a period of liberation for women. It was the decade in which women received the vote in many countries. Women slowly began to work in professions and jobs which had previously been held by men. Coco Chanel’s fashion was a reflection of these social and political changes.

Although Chanel passed away in 1971 at the age of eighty-seven (still working and overseeing the preparation of her new spring collection), the fashion changes she created are still an influence in woman’s clothes. Tomorrow, when you reach in your closet for a pair of slacks or a pant suit, remember to think of Coco Chanel with gratitude and appreciation for her fashion leadership and her vision. Loving your pant suits and slacks . . . it's a good thing!

Toad Detour

A toad detour? Yes, it's true - in Upper Roxborough, Philadelphia, a Toad Detour went into effect for the third year in a row as American toads begin their journey to the Roxborough Reservoir for mating season. Every year, between March and April, thousands of toads awaken from their winter hibernation and begin the dangerous trek across busy highways and roads and face certain death from traffic. One car can kill hundreds of toads crossing the highway. To protect the toads, volunteers have received special permits to close off sections of those streets to enable the toads to cross safely. Volunteers work at the barricades and re-route traffic. Only local traffic is allowed through. Last year, over a hundred volunteers saved thousands of toads and thousands of toadlets (yes, apparently, that is what baby toads are called: toadlets). The offspring of the first toads saved by the volunteers in 2009 are old enough to mate this year and will join in the migration towards the Roxborough Resevoir. I find it incredible that the volunteers were able to convince city officials to block off busy roads and streets in order to save migrating toads. Dedicated volunteers helping Mother Nature . . . it's a good thing!

Helen Beard

Helen Beard is a British tourist on a two week holiday in Orlando, Florida with her family. On Friday, a celebration was held in her honour to recognize her heroic action. While sitting poolside as her family swam, she heard a scream and looked up. To her horror, she saw a one-year-old little girl dangling from the balcony four stories up. She quickly ran to a spot under the balcony. Suddenly, the child could no longer hang on and she let go. Helen was in the right spot and caught the child. The little girl was not seriously harmed, thanks to Helen's quick action. At the ceremony, local officials awarded Helen with the Medal of Merit, which is rarely given to anyone other than law enforcement officers. She was also presented with a Guardian Angel Award, created by the Florida Department of Children and Families especially for her. A true hero, Helen is anxious to get away from the spotlight and back to her life, stating "I did what needed to be done. I didn't want a fuss. Anyone would have done it". She further said, "I just want to get back to the holiday". Doing what needs to be done and getting on with your life . . . it's a good thing!

An Easter Miracle

I have known Alma for many years, but I did not know that she had a very special Easter story until I read it in our local newspaper. On April 8, 1954 a Canadian Air Force plane and a passenger plane crashed in mid-air above Moose Jaw. Everyone on board was killed. One women on the ground was also killed as the wreckage scattered over the city. As the news of the tragedy was reported, Alma had no idea that a card from her brother was on one of the planes and that it would eventually find its way to her. A few weeks after the crash, just before Easter, Alma received a letter. The envelope was stamped "salvaged from a TCA wreck". When she opened the envelope, Alma pulled out a card, or what was left of a card, signed by her brother. It was an Easter card which he had sent Alma several weeks before Easter and it had found its way onto the ill-fated plane. The card itself was singed around the edges and most of it was a brown colour, obviously having survived a fire. What Alma finds even more amazing is that, while part of the card is burned, the flames did not touch the picture of the cross and lilies. Every Easter, Alma is reminded of the card, which she still has, and what she considers her Easter miracle. To this day, lilies are Alma's favorite flowers and can be found in her garden each year. Sharing stories of Easter miracles . . . it's a good thing!

The Class Ring

I love stories with a happy ending - especially if the story spans fifty years! In 1959, Juan Gonzalez lost his class ring while swimming on vacation in the Caribbeans with his family. The ring meant a lot to him and he was very sad to lose it. He thought it was lost forever. Fifty years later, in 2009, a FedEx pilot named Bill Dobbretz had a layover in Puerto Rico. A hobby treasure hunter, Dobbretz took a metal detector and began to search the beach and water. The detector beeped a discovery, and Dobbretz found a class ring! Bill Dobbretz examined his discovery and found Juan's name engraved in the ring and contacted the school's alumni office. Two days later - fifty years after he lost his class ring - Juan Gonzalez received a FedEx package at his home. Unbelievably, Juan had his class ring back, after all these years. Juan's wife of sixty-two years, Carmen, was also amazed at the return of the ring. After all, she said, the ring spent fifty years under water with five hurricanes going through Puerto Rico! Last night, Juan Gonzalez was back at his alma mater, as the guest speaker at the dinner honouring this year's graduating class and the night when they each received their 2012 class ring. He had a very poignant and amazing story to tell them about his own fifty-two year old ring. Stories that end well, even if it takes a lifetime . . . it's a good thing!

Prince Albert Poets

I love to support local talent - musical, visual and written. I attend many local concerts, art shows and author readings. It is important that we celebrate the creativity of people in our own community. I never fail to be amazed at the calibre and quality of our homegrown talent. Last night I went to a poetry reading by two very brilliant poets who happen to be friends of mine. Both have published books of their poetry. Lynda Monahan read from her latest book, which is not yet published, "Red Shoes In The Snow". Lynda is an amazing poet. Her words draw you into her world as she writes about the pain of losing her mother as a young girl and losing her brother as a young adult. She wrote a poem for a lifelong friend who passed away last year, regretting that she did not write it for him when he was alive. An important lesson taught through her prose: make sure to tell the people you love how you feel. Don't wait until it is too late. Veryl Coghill read from her new book, also not yet published. The poems in her book were about her husband, Mark. Mark and Veryl separated after many years of marriage. Two years after their separation, Mark was told he had terminal cancer. Veryl brought Mark back into her home, into what had been their home when they were married and with their two children, nursed and took care of Mark. He died in that home on Christmas Day, 2009, laying in his bed overlooking the river, a view he loved. Veryl's poetry is about the pain of losing Mark, first through separation then through death. Mark and I were very close friends. Veryl's words brought him back to life for me and reminded me of the wonderful, loving person he was. Mark will remain alive and vibrant through his wife's poetry. His sense of humour, his love of family, his passion for life and his artistic ability are sealed forever in Veryl's poetry. His children, only in their teens when he died, will come to know their father better through those words. Two amazing women with amazing poetic abilities who joined together to share their poetry . . . it's a good thing!

Rose Coloured Glasses

I started my blog in June, 2010. I committed to one year of daily entries through-out the week about things that are positive and happy. I really didn't know at the time if anyone would read it, so I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed I was starting to get hits. I received a few comments and e-mails, so I knew some people were reading the blog. I am so grateful for the encouragement given to me and the comments I have received. Now, however I am amazed at how many hits I am getting! Last week saw my hit counter flip over to 5000. Whereas when I first started my blog, I was having ten or fifteen hits a day, now I often have 50 to 100. This has me curious. Who is reading my blog and where are they from? Is it always the same people who keep coming back each day or do new people stumble upon my blog? So, I am wondering if you, the reader, would do me a favour. If you are reading this, would you send me a quick message and tell me where you are from and how often you come to my blog. Is this your first visit or do you visit regularly? You can send me a comment on my blog site or you can email me at: rosetournier@sasktel.net. I will really appreciate knowing who is reading my blog. I look forward to hearing from you.

Corpse Flower

A few month ago, I wrote about my love of flowers. Well, I have just found one flower that I think I might have a hard time loving - it is called a Corpse Flower! The reason it is named that is because it smells like rotting flesh! It is a giant rain forest plant, growing to eight feet. The green house co-ordinator at Ohio State University has been growing this plant since 2001 and it is finally going to bloom this May. Once the plant blooms, it releases a strong odor that smells like a decomposing body. Apparently, this plant only blooms once every decade. After waiting ten years for this blossom, the flower withers after only a day or two! The botanist who has been caring for this plant must be very patient. The University is planning on offering visitors the opportunity to see the plant and smell it. Waiting ten years to see a bloom that will only last a couple days and smells like rotting flesh just because you love plants. . . it's a good thing!

Snow In April - Gotta Love It!

So, the snow had melted, the water was almost all gone from the streets and we were all lulled into thinking spring had sprung - until we woke up this morning! It was snowing! But it is April 15th! Isn't this the month we get "April showers" to bring us "May flowers"?? As I look out my window, it is still snowing and there is a layer of snow on the ground. As I look at the world outside my window - all white and clean - it is hard to remain upset at the snow. Everything is nice and clean. The garbage that collected over the winter and has become visible over the past couple weeks is now covered again. The streets, not yet swept by the city street-sweepers, are clean again. I think I will that rather than curse the snow, I will just let myself enjoy the white, clean world around me. Loving the snow, knowing it's only temporary and that hot weather is just around the corner . . . it's a good thing!

Mary Baker

Do you remember the movie “A League of Their Own” starring Rosie O’Donnell, Madonna and Gena Davis? The movie was based on the true story of an American woman’s professional ball league organized because major league baseball was postponed during WW II. The league was started by Chicago Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley. Did you know that one of those players was a young woman from Regina? Her name was Mary Baker and she was internationally renowned as an outstanding catcher, batter and base runner. She was also known for her beauty, having been a model prior to playing ball, and the media at that time often referred to her as “Pretty Bonnie Baker” . She played in the league for nine seasons, taking one year off to have her only child. In 1950 she was traded to the Kalamazoo Lassies and became the first-ever player/manager. She was the only player to ever hold that position. After the 1950 season, the league passed a rule outlawing female managers! In 1954, Baker returned to Regina and led Regina’s softball team to provincial, Western Canadian and World Ladies Softball championships. Baker broke into another male dominated career when she became the first female sports broadcaster in Canada in 1964. Baker received a great deal of recognition over the years. She was inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and the American Baseball Hall of Fame. She died in 2003 in Regina. At her funeral, her career was celebrated and acknowledged by mourners who sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”. Remembering Saskatchewan women who were not afraid to live their dreams and who made a difference . . . it’s a good thing!

Pink Shirt Day

Today was Pink Shirt Day in Saskatchewan. Our city – from the Mayor to office workers to teachers and students showed their opposition to bullying by wearing pink shirts. Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 in Nova Scotia. A grade 9 boy wore a pink polo shirt on his first day of school. He was bullied by some fellow students who called him a homosexual for wearing pink and threatened to beat him up. Two grade 12 students heard about the harassment and decided to take action. They went to a discount store and bought 50 pink shirts – everything from t-shirts to tank tops. They then went on-line, offering their classmates a pink shirt to carry a message of bullying would not be tolerated. Not only did they find 50 students to wear the shirts, others students wore their own pink shirts to school the next day. It was a very emotional moment for the young student who had been bullied the previous day, when he walked into the school and saw the sea of pink in his support and against bullying. In the four years since this event happened in Nova Scotia, “Pink Shirt Day” has spread through-out Canada, United States and Australia. Standing united against bullies . . . it’s a good thing!

Through The Eyes Of A Student

A history teacher at one of our local high schools has organized a wonderful project for his students. He divided his students into groups of three or four and gave assigned them to interview a veteran and write his or her story. The teacher then collected the stories and had them published into a book! This is the second year he has done this and it has been an amazing success. The students hear first hand the stories of the veterans and learn of the sacrifices made by them. The teacher was amazed at the bonds that were formed between the students and the veteran they interviewed. Almost every student reported to the teacher how thankful he or she has now become to the veterans who fought for Canada. For many of the students, this was the first time they have had the opportunity of meeting and speaking to veterans. Other students interviewed their grandparent and in some cases, this was the first time the grandparent had spoken about his or her experience. I have a copy of both the books the students wrote. The book is called “Peace and War – Through The Eyes Of A Student”. The stories are well-written and very touching. Many of the stories end with a personal thank you from the students to the veterans for fighting for Canada so that they, the students, would have the freedom they enjoy today. This is an amazing and passionate teacher who has instilled in his students his love of Canada and his gratitude to the many veterans who gave so much. A great teacher, enthusiastic students and a wonderful project . . . it’s a good thing!

Miss Teen Saskatchewan

In a previous blog, I talked about Melissa who had qualified to enter into the Miss Teen Saskatchewan pageant. Last night I went to Saskatoon to watch her compete. I have always thought of myself as someone who isn't "into" beauty pageants and often thought they were just a waste of time. One certainly feels differently when there is someone you know competing! The contest was very well organized, choreographed and all the girls did an excellent job showing the judges what they could do. It was exciting to watch and I could feel the nervousness and tension of the girls. Melissa made into the finals and so will be going to Toronto this summer to compete in the Miss Teen World competition. Many members of her family were on hand to watch her receive her tiara and sash. Her family beamed with pride at the lovely young lady Melissa has become. I know she will have a wonderful experience in Toronto. Watching a princess evolve . . . it's a good thing!

A Blog Inspired By A Friend

As my blog turns over to an unbelievable 5000 hits, I am still amazed that other people find what I write interesting. I have always enjoyed writing, but it never occurred to me until recently that I could just write for “no reason”. I loved writing essays in university and it has been my job over the years to write speeches for people I worked for and to compose advertising and newsletters. So, who or what inspired me to write just for fun? My friend Anna-Marie began a blog a couple years ago. As I read her wonderful blog, it occurred to me that I might like to start one too. I thought it over and decided I would write a blog called “Through Rose Coloured Glasses” and that it would be a very positive blog and I would write about things that would make people happy. As I wrote my blog and more people began to read it, I began to receive positive comments. I was surprised – and encouraged. I really didn’t know that I could “just write”. A few months after I began my blog, I read that a Creative Writing class was being offered at SIAST. Writing a blog gave me the confidence to sign up for the class. It was a wonderful experience. The instructor is a published author and is an exceptional teacher. She provided all her students with guidance and advice which helped us become more confident in our writing skills. As I took her class each week, I was again struck with wonder that it was ok to write just for the fun of writing. I wonder why, after all these years, this had never occurred to me? A few weeks after the creative writing class was over, I was given the opportunity to write a weekly column for one of our local papers. More than a little leery and very nervous, I accepted. I also call that column “Through Rose Coloured Glasses”. I agonize over each column – especially those first few issues. Each week, I write, delete, re-write, and change topics several times before sending in my final draft. I worried that the editor or the readers would not like the column. I was anxious to hear what people thought of it – anxious and worried. However, to my surprise, the response from readers has been incredible. I am amazed that other people read what I write! Total strangers have taken the time to e-mail me or stop me (having recognized me from the picture that accompanies my column) to tell me how much they enjoy it. I can’t believe that something I enjoy doing so much brings happiness to other people. None of this might have happened at all if Anna Marie hadn't started a blog. So, thank you Anna Marie for being my inspiration. You have no idea what you have brought into my life. Having a friend who inspires you and changes your life . . . it’s a good thing!

O Happy Canada

As Canadians, we have always taken pride in being nice. We like that the world thinks we are polite and kind. It’s our image and we have come to think of it as our birth right. Well, now there has been an actual study which places us at the most tolerant in the developed world! (Like we needed a study to tell us that!). The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development issued their latest edition of “Society at a Glance”. This publication contains the information gathered from analysis of social and economic indicators among the 34 member countries. Canadians have the highest community tolerance of minority groups (which include ethnic minorities, migrants and gays and lesbians). The average tolerance level is 61%, while Canada scored 84%. See, we ARE nice! The OECD study also found that Canadians have the second highest rate of positive experiences behind Iceland. This includes feeling well-rested, being treated with respect, smiling and being happy. Canadians have always known we are nice – now we have a study to back it up! Being a nice, polite and happy Canadian . . . it’s a good thing!

Violet McNaughton

How is it possible that we have heroes in our own backyard that we know so little about? Violet McNaughton was born in 1879 in England and immigrated to Canada in 1909. She married and lived near Harris. She was a leader in women’s issues, farm issues and co-operative movements. Motivated by the dire living and working conditions on the prairies, she dedicated herself to improving the lives of women and children. She organized the Saskatchewan Women Grain Growers (WGG), one of the most radical groups in Canada at the time because of the class and gender of its members! She worked tireless for the woman’s suffrage movement. She also led the WGG’s campaign to have more trained midwives, nurses, doctor and hospitals. The WGG advocated to have these service be affordable and in close proximity to farm families. Because of their strong campaign, legislation in 1916 allowed for the establishment of union hospitals, municipal nurses and doctors. This led to way to many hospitals opening in rural Saskatchewan. From 1919 to 1923, Violet was the president of the Inter-provincial Council of Farm Women and the Women’s Section of the Canadian Council of Agriculture. By the 1920’s, she was one of the most influential people in Saskatchewan Grain Growers Association. She helped to organize the Wheat Pools, the Saskatchewan Egg and Poultry Pool and the newspapers, the Western Producer. In 1925, she became the women’s editor of the Western Producer, a position she kept until 1950. Violet McNaughton is truly a home-grown Saskatchewan hero who fought hard to improve the conditions of her peers and those who would come after her. Learning more about the women who changed our world . . . it’s a good thing!

The Daffodil Pin

Do you know what the hottest accessory is for April this year? It is the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Pin! Everyone has one. They are very attractive with the Cancer Society’s yellow daffodil symbol re-styled onto a pin. They are available in many locations throughout the month of April and are sold by donation. The Daffodil has become the symbol of cancer research fund-raising in Canada. Each year, local branches of the Cancer Society sell live daffodils. This is the first year daffodil pins are being sold as well. How is it that this beautiful little flower became the symbol of solidarity in cancer research? I did a little research and discovered that the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days began in Toronto in the 1950’s. A group of volunteers organized a fundraising tea. They decided to decorate the tables with daffodils, thinking that the bright and cheerful flowers instilled hope that cancer could be beaten. These gatherings soon came to be known as Daffodil Teas. Volunteer Jackie Brockie worked at Eaton’s Store and arranged for Lady Eaton to host a Tea at the store. Over seven hundred women attended! Lane Knight, another volunteer, arranged for restaurants to give part of their proceeds to the Society on the opening day of the cancer canvass in 1956. Volunteers were on hand to give patrons a daffodil as a token of appreciation. When recipients tried to pay for the flowers, the Cancer Society realized that the sale of daffodils could generate revenue. The Daffodil Sale was a hit and has been held every April since then. The idea spread to other provinces and to the American Cancer Society. Today, the Canadian Cancer Society is the world’s largest purchaser of daffodils! So, wear your daffodil pin with pride this month, knowing that the tradition goes back to the days of your grandmother. Wearing a daffodil pin to show support for those who are facing cancer . . . it’s a good thing!

Melissa

The daughter of a friend of mine has qualified for the Miss Teen Saskatchewan pageant. Along with the desperate search for the perfect dress, the right shoes and the most flattering swimsuit, is the daunting task of fund-raising. Entering the Miss Teen Saskatchewan pageant is not without cost and contestants do a great deal of fundraising. We decided to host a fund-raising steak supper. Melissa and her mom Nicole called their family members, friends, and co-workers in their effort to sell tickets to the supper. We were expecting around sixty people. As the day drew closer, we began to suspect we would have more than sixty. Several of Nicole’s friends volunteered to help and soon we had over 100 tickets sold! Melissa is a fourteen-year-old girl with beauty and grace. What makes her beauty even more appealing is that she is very down-to-earth and friendly. How wonderful for her that so many people showed up to show their support. Hopefully this support will give her the extra confidence to win the pageant. Having friends you can count on . . . it’s a good thing!

Fashion Show With Heart

Last night, a very unique event took place in our city. Wesmor Community High School hosted a fashion show. While fashion shows are not unique, this fashion show was part of a wonderful program started by two teachers last year. Wesmor Community High School is located in an area where many low-income families reside. Many of the girls who are graduating cannot afford to buy new dresses for their graduation. Two Wesmor teachers decided last year that the girls should enjoy their special day which they have worked hard for and they should not have the stress and worry of how to come up with money to buy a graduation dress. The teachers began a dress-sharing program. Used dresses were donated by people throughout the city. Two local dress shops donated new dressers. The used dresses were cleaned by local drycleaners at no cost. The graduates buy the dresses for $25. The program presently has 75 dresses for students to access. This wonderful program gets students excited about graduating and helps them strive to work hard at school. They can look forward to their graduation without worrying about finances. Last night, the soon-to-be graduates took part in a fashion show in which they showed off the beautiful dresses in the dress-sharing program. Two young men who escorted the models were given free suits from one of the men’s clothing shops in our city. The models glowed with pride as they modeled the dresses. What a wonderful program the teachers have come up with! The graduates can truly enjoy their day and their beautiful dresses, knowing they can afford to have a wonderful graduation day. People coming up with unique solutions to everyday problems . . . it’s a good thing!