The Second Officer

The second RCMP officer killed in the Haiti earthquake, besides the officer I've already mentioned, was from the RCMP Headquarters in Canada's capital city of Ottawa. It seems he WAS a more highly educated officer--and I had reason to believe he knew about me and about the "police project." I didn't know much about him earlier, although I'd heard his name in passing. For the record, I also sent a message of condolences for his death; and the police in his department would be aware of it.

My computer time is almost up for today. What I actually heard about the above officer--or someone--was that there was an officer with a Master's university degree. It seems he had one. [When I heard his name, it wasn't in connection with the same story, at the time.]

Was I Unhelpful???

The second email which ended up in my sister's account may have been copied from what I wrote to a "gossip magazine."--??? [What's the proper name for those papers?] Am not sure if the police had time to secure a copy within the time the emails were given to the hospital? It happened that when I was re-admitted, I was quite desperate to be heard--somehow--somewhere! I first contacted our local, community newspaper. Had thought of publishing a classified ad, also, but my plans didn't work out. [Don't recall all the details. The paper didn't respond back to me; and I didn't have my credit card with me, or something? I decided not to go that route.] Have been confined to the hospital quite a bit, but there were a few days especially when I had more freedom [before the hospital decided exactly what their rules were and what I'd be allowed]. And yes, I attempted to contact the gossip magazines [more than one!].

My view has been--like a successful psychologist I met in the past--that, "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing poorly." Better to be heard in sensational news than to be buried completely! That's what I was afraid of! [You never know what happens in a locked ward of a psychiatric hospital--and they're not quite done yet!--Sorry!]

Maybe some police wanted to point out that the death of an officer deserved more than a "gossip magazine" story!? And I agree. [And this isn't intended to solicit publicity.] But better something, than nothing! [And we're still working on the issues...!]

To be honest, am not 100% sure where the second email came from, or if it was even made up by someone besides myself!? Normally, I keep copies of what I send out but if it's on a News or Comment form from another website I'm not able to do so.

A Helpful Officer; and Unhelpful People!?

Wanted to show something I wrote about one of the RCMP officers who were killed in the earthquake in Haiti earlier this year [this one was an officer who worked with the media]. It was sent through the RCMP website on a Comment form--one which was set up for Condolences. This information is what turned up on my sister's home email later--she found it and brought it out for the first time [the first time I heard of it] at an Ontario Review Board hearing in September of this year. It had been received by my forensic psychiatrist on August 11, 2010, apparently.

My sister accused me of using her email without permission. She's convinced I wrote the above through her system. Our brother-in-law in the USA is a Systems Analyst--a professional computer person--and he explained something different to me. He also said the Comment forms are technically not email.--So my "Comments" wouldn't have been saved, even accidentally, in my sister's email! [It takes more to convince some other people, especially when they're not that knowledgeable about computer use!]

Have stated earlier that my sister and some doctors at the hospital may have been "set up to fail" with their recent accusations against me!? But it's possible people ARE seriously working against me, for all I know? [You have to consider all the angles!]

Anyway, have taken the liberty of scanning the regular RCMP Comment form.--This is the one on their main website. It's obvious to see what kind of a system they have; and that the alleged "email" was likely written on their forms! [And I think the Mounties owe me one, by now!--That's my opinion!]

Also, there's some film evidence linking the above, late, RCMP officer with the "police project." Not sure if I wrote about it in the original Waterlily Story blog? But don't wish to get into it right now [not enough time and there may be other legal issues]--although I certainly wouldn't blame anything on this officer--it was more the opposite that he was trying to be helpful, it seems!

Zig Zag, Zip???

Have been dealing with both the "black" side and the "white" side; and it seems people sometimes get nervous about it? They're afraid I'm consorting with the enemy!? But part of the idea has been to bring the two sides together, rather than having a wide gap in between. We want to accomplish something worthwhile in the end. People really don't need to worry, in my opinion. [Maybe I need to worry for my own sake--wondering how long it will take to sort things out!? But we'll get there, sooner or later....]

Haven't been able to post any new photos for a while. Sorry, I haven't had my supplies available.

Negotiating

As I've written in the original blog before, Internet notes state that the work of secret police may be partly open and partly hidden. Hasn't it been that way in my case? And we're negotiating to come to a conclusion.

New Links

Have added a Link in the sidebar to the location which I felt was similar to scenery in the "Lost Stallions" movie [mentioned below]. The scenes aren't exactly the same [not quite] but the type of rock and the trees seem to be similar. Also, have added a Link to a popular landmark in NW Ontario--the "Sleeping Giant Mountain!"

In the middle 1970s, I worked in Thunder Bay with friends for a short time during the summer. It was a nice visit, at the time. Later, I moved there to live for a while during the late 1990s.

Hyphenated Names

The significance of the "Do-Right" character is partly that hyphenated names have represented gay marriage issues in film, in the past [maybe still?]. And some parties were honestly trying to "do right," even though there have been all kinds of antics, whatever! [Note: "Do-Right" is from a movie, "Dudley Do-Right"--see Link in sidebar for "Mountie/Horse Film."]

Competing Stories!?

Have written in the first blog about the "Queen Lady." I first met her in the late spring or early summer of 1978. Then I met my husband-to-be around the end of the summer in 1978. So, these two "storylines"--whether completely revealed in public or not--ran almost parallel to each other! As I've stated before, the "Irish boy" had been led to believe I was gay--and some people probably wanted to keep him away from me. But there were people who knew differently. Have also written that my husband-to-be and I had problems to deal with--but sexual orientation concerns weren't among them! Anyway, I think Hollywood writers can always tell realistic-sounding stories about whatever they wish to. But it seems some parties had more connections than even I've been aware of!?

Lost, or Not?

Wanted to clarify some points which I wrote about yesterday. I said there had been a lot of "gay hype" in a NW Ontario city where I moved to earlier; and it seemed some chiefs of police approved of that kind of thing!? They wanted to support gay issues--somewhat!? On the other hand, there was a suggestion that one "Chief" thought the parties around him needed to shape up!--They needed help!

So, was it gays and gay-supporters who needed help!? If so, what kind of help!? [Did they need the Chief's help--according to his own personal standards---or those of judgmental Christians around him???]

If some people really want to help gays and gay issues, are they willing to take the matter seriously? Are they willing to go beyond the "hype" and some superficial indulgence???

In the blog writing I've been doing, in this blog and the original one, I've already acknowledged gay issues. It's not that I'm ignoring them. [And I've written about them in an official report.] And the parties associated with me still haven't been willing to acknowledge much of anything! What are they waiting for, I wonder? I've provided the best answers I've been able to find--and they're not just my own ideas. And I won't be having much more to say.--I don't intend to follow some frivolous "hype."

[The Ontario parties have wanted to follow Ontario views, for the most part. They haven't been willing to look much past their own borders, so far. But a few parties may be working behind the scenes--somewhere.--I believe so.]

Is it possible some police parties are still trying to block or cover up the gay rights project completely? [Some may have wanted to cover it because they thought it would never be accepted and exposed appropriately!?] And the others are in a frivolous place? There have been parties from western Canada, and from elsewhere, who have already acknowledged that there was something sensible happening, I believe? [They were waiting for the local people to get things together?] But it doesn't help for anyone to have a shallow view with weak efforts! We need to think sensibly and seriously, and to do what really works.

Maybe the "Lost Stallions" movie shows the two extremes of thinking--the hype, and the judgmental attitudes!?

The Real Story

Have found a "horse film" which I believe is about the gay rights project and which shows a "gay scene" very clearly, in my opinion. It was Stablemates, 1938, with Mickey Rooney. There hasn't been a lot of information written about this film on the Internet, so far, but I happened to see the last part of it on television. A man and his male friend [it happened to be a teen in the story] discussed the appropriateness of whether they should kiss or not [they were friends and like newly-adopted "father and son"]. When the older man kissed the other on the cheek, he was leaving for a while; and the younger said, "I won't wash my face [until he came back]!" The story isn't meant to promote older gays with young boys [they just happened to be the characters in this case] but it raised issues about homosexuality for observant people! And I think the "advertising" which has been done with "two women" more recently has to end!--It's not about two women, or one [like myself], it's about homosexuality in general [men and women]--as far as the real issues go.

NOTE, added March 5, 2011 -- Will add this entry to a Label about Canadian police because of the strong connection between RCMP and horses [the RCMP Musical Ride, especially, is a reminder of mostly past history].--And, of course, there have been American "Mounted Police" also.

Mountie Shows

When my son was around 8 or 9 years of age, we lived in a country area. A neighbouring country community was holding their annual fair; and it was announced the RCMP Musical Ride would be performing! The Musical Ride is a show on horseback. The date happened to be a "Father's Day" Sunday! At the time, I was very happy for my son's sake since his own dad lived too far away to visit. And it was also nice the RCMP were willing to come to such a small place--even though there was a somewhat bigger city nearby [more people were able to attend if they wished to]. We went to the fair and the show, and saw friends there; and it was a wonderful day--in the open air--to see the horse and Mountie show! Later, I made some small posters of photos I took and they hung in my son's room for a while. *** Have just found out from the Internet that the Mounties have been performing for many decades, including at the world fair in New York in 1939. *** There was a Canadian/American writer and his writer wife who spent time in both Ontario and New York. They had a summer home a little north of Belleville, Ontario. If I recall, the wife had written some children's books, including "Little Susannah and the Mounties," [something like that] which was made into a movie with child actress, Shirley Temple. *** When I was living in Belleville, not too long ago, some of my contacts were skeptical and said the Mounties weren't planning to pay me for my writing or anything. [They were people who should have known better, in my opinion.] And I said to them, "What do you mean they won't pay!?" When I saw evidence like the above [Musical Ride and the book/film], I had to have some hope! [The hospital people around here might like to say I'm "off."--The above doesn't provide evidence in my favour, etc.--But they're not going to dampen my spirits! I had faith in the Mounties, in general, for one thing....]

Mountie Film

Have added a link to a movie about a Canadian Mountie [fictional/comedy], which I've been writing about recently in the original Waterlily Story blog. This movie was based on a cartoon character from the 1960s or so. In some ways, the film might be seen as derogatory--to the efforts or any individuals involved in the gay rights project--but it depends on how you take it, I guess!? And there are real Mounties shown in previous news [video] footage at the end--they kind of rode up on horseback! So, myself, I'd like to think the Mounties are competent, one way or another!? *** Have also been writing about the fact that the original Mounties--Mounted Police--rode horses.--That was before cars were invented? I'd seen movies about police dogs earlier, but I forgot about this connection between police and horses! *** Guess the farmers and Mounties have something in common with horses!?

Previous Generation

This was a photo of my mother's family long ago. My mom is the girl seated on the chair. Only one sibling is still alive today. [Haven't had a chance to ask permission to post his photo; but I think he could be persuaded to forgive me!?]

More Art

This is a photo of a wall mural by artist, John Hood, 1996.

Have read a poem written by a soldier earlier. He said we shouldn't feel bad for those who lost their lives defending the country. But we should make sure we don't live our lives for nothing!--We should make the best use of our freedom and opportunities, etc.

Local Art

These are photos of a wall mural painted by artist, David Yeatman, 1996.

My Beginnings

Thanks to the Oshawa Community Museum for providing this historical photo.

Barnhart's Pavilion, 1964


************

This was the building on the beach where my parents were renting an apartment, soon after they came to Canada, around the time I was born. My mom remembers that the rent was $25/month. Have written in the original blog that there was a dance hall on the main floor. [And my mom can still remember the words of some Everly Brothers songs which were later recorded by the Beatles!]

Horse Farms

This is a fairly old photo of mine and I'd like to get some new horse photos. [Have seen horses in fields in the country but haven't had a chance to take pictures of them yet.] {This is a random photo from the roadside, for the record.}

When my family first moved from the city to the suburbs--a country area--there was a small horse farm near us. A family raised Arabian horses. They were beautiful to look at, of course, and my friends and I were privileged to have some horseback rides. At the time, we were very young and a daughter of the family just led us around the corral. But it was special! [My mother never wanted to let me have a ride on the coin-operated horses or rides and it made me sad, at the time. (It's not really a big deal but I had asked many times when we went shopping. And I guess my mom wanted to save money!?) And it seems I got something better than an artificial ride (although they looked like fun too)!?]

There also used to be a famous race horse on the outskirts of my town--in a different direction. One year, my class went to the farm on the field trip. [Those horses were very large!]

My "Farm"

This photo shows a vegetable/herb garden I planted at a cottage I was renting a while ago. Didn't have much space but everything helps, right? I had flowers planted in the front yard. It's often easier to plant flowers but any kind of gardening is helpful, in my opinion. [It's quite enjoyable and healthy!]

Farm Film

Along with the farm theme, which I've been writing about, I remembered a movie called "The Astronaut Farmer" [2006/07]. Saw it a few years ago. It's cute--a family film. Don't recall who was making fun of whom, or if anybody was!? But it's interesting, in my opinion! *** Have tried to add a link but it doesn't seem to be connecting properly.--Will include it in the Links in the sidebar.

Colours

In my opinion, pink is for girls!!! [Blue is for boys!]

Well, there are lots of colours needed in many different places! And sometimes you just need to have fun, right?

"Corn"--4

If some parties were honestly concerned about the interests of the "Irish boy," they maybe had some reason to be!? There was a particular movie from the early 1970s, which I wrote about in the original blog. Then there was another movie in the late 1970s. And the first Children of the Corn film came out in 1984. Did someone just decide to wonder about the Irish boy's interests, at some point? It's true that he and his associates had been sent down a certain path--not a very nice one. But at this time, it's not productive for anyone to fight for the Irish boy's rights at the expense of mine--if I have to say so! [I'm willing to cooperate with them; and to help them, as far as possible. It doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to turn all the business matters over to him, however. And some people have been very nervous of any possible contacts I might have with him. (Am not referring to he, himself.)]

As for my uncle's support of the gay rights project, it's possible he was supporting the "Irish boy" without realizing what the main strategy of the parties was!? Will have to try to send some hints in my uncle's direction.... [The other parties still have to behave responsibly, also! Myself, am not 100% sure how things should work out--exactly. I have an idea. And I'm not completely sure who is behind which type of story!?]

If any individual has been involved in public love stories that were told--whether it was the person's wish or not--they may not be a good candidate to speak publicly about the gay rights project!? The bottom line is, it's not meant to be a dating game for anybody--and we don't want it to appear that way [right?]! It makes sense that if a certain project or concern was promoted, they wouldn't want to get side-tracked from it! [Even though film people and others are free to tell whatever other romantic stories they wish to! (Assuming they're not about real-life people without their consent.)]

From my view, it doesn't so much matter which man I was supposed to work with--if a "Senator Smith" [from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1939] situation was coming up [in public]. Have said I'm trying to be cooperative and agreeable. But even if the "Irish boy" wanted to speak publicly, it wouldn't be easy for film people and some of the public to take him seriously! [Previous films/TV are still on record, too.] It might even be impossible!?

As far as good efforts go, it says in the Bible that one person sows, another reaps, and it's God who gives the increase!--Did I quote it correctly? Nobody can do everything! They have to share the work--and the glory! [Have said that I'm interested in seeing the parties compensated fairly--will do what I can, if and when I have a chance.]

Some parties also don't have to assume what my role will be in this matter--when it goes public. [It's just a matter of time--short or very short--before it will, I believe.] There have been many parties involved; and not all of them were generally known. [I've been answering to "Mr. Spud," for all intents and purposes! (Some humour--but not completely.)] And that's where the battle may continue; but I'll do what I can! [I can't control others but I can do the best I can.]

"Corn"--3

In one of the "Children of the Corn" stories, which I read about on the Internet, the woman was wanting to get away from the situation as fast as possible!--And I could say, yes, I'd like something resolved--by now. But I don't just want to walk away.--I have a business report which was totaling 1,200-1,400 pages at the last estimate! If some police or their friends would like to know what's in it, all they would have to do is contact me with their official concerns!--They could send a letter; or make an appointment to speak with me.--It's just a possibility! [It's not necessary for them to monkey around with all kinds of male/female stories!!!] --If they're seriously interested in business, that is! [Somehow, I'm not exactly waiting for it--not yet. But I'm prepared!]

"Corn"--2

Have understood conflicts between Christians and non-Christians. But now it seems I have to consider conflicts among Christians!?--Christians against Christians!? *** If some have been prejudiced against the gay rights project, it was either because they were prejudiced against gay issues to begin with; or some were upset and trying to defend the "Irish boy!?" And if I may say, he's not the one who needed protecting!? Were some Christian men hypocritical--or they just weren't thinking?--They didn't understand the issues involved??? There still seems to be a conflict--a power struggle going on? *** This matter borders on sexual harassment against me, in my opinion. [Gender harassment, whatever.] We'll have to examine the issues more closely.

"Corn"

In the original Waterlily blog, I've written about concerns from or about the "Corn Belt" of North America. And the concerns have been quite serious, in many ways! [Then there's the "corny humour" aspect of corn...! And it all goes towards "Finian's entertainment," if I may say so!?]

Here is the progress of some local corn fields, in these photos. [We're not officially part of the corn belt, as far as I know, but we have enough corn fields in this area!]

{By the way, I understand the Corn Belt, which runs roughly through the middle of North America, has represented some of the most conservative Christians? Although, I'm not sure exactly how many people from that area are directly involved in the gay rights project!? It has also been the critics of Christians in the Corn Belt who have brought up issues.--That's been my impression.}

******

There have been some movies/home videos and stories which told about corn and corn fields. They're called "Children of the Corn." The first story came out in the late 1970s, then a movie in the 1980s; and movies and TV shows continued throughout the 1990s and later, if I understand correctly? There are Bible names used in all the stories above; and the first movie, 1984, used a name which is significant in the Bible and which also relates to family life. [The name is the same--even if the spelling may be slightly different--as the last book of the Old Testament.] Some names are also Jewish--like Isaac and Sarah. Otherwise, these stories are in the "horror" category and come out around Halloween, especially. [It seems that last year, some people were getting confused by my blog around Halloween!?]

Some issues may need to be clarified, if they haven't been already--for farmers and others? Whenever one party got involved in film/TV storytelling, other parties followed; and there was a lot of confusion and prejudice! I believe we can sort the problems out. [Also, if some farmers supported the gay rights project, others were prejudiced against it--and maybe they had some reason to be!? But we'll work on it! (And some farmers were prejudiced just because they wanted to be prejudiced. Maybe others were concerned about how things were being done!?)]

3 Kinds of People

They say there are 3 kinds of people in the world:

1) Those who make things happen,

2) Those who watch things happen, and

3) Those who wonder what happened!?

Have Found Friends at Libraries

In the Links at the right, I added one for a mentor/friend. Some people might wonder what I was thinking--being in the circumstances I'm in--to refer to a public figure as a "friend"!??? And first of all, it depends on the definition of a friend? If a friend is someone who helps and encourages others, and adds value to their lives--and helps those in need, then this person is a friend. He's a motivational speaker; and he sells books and audio materials--and he also donates them for free to places like prisons and some charities, if I understand. In my case, I've been fortunate to use his materials free of charge from libraries [although I haven't had access to the very latest ones--yet--and some are on the Internet]. Second, this speaker has specifically stated he wanted to be a friend to others--the above kind of a friend.--And he has even said he's a "friend for life." So, can anyone beat that--or knock it down? His materials are always available; and it's up to me if I wish to make use of them--at any time. [He also recommended to make a personal "Success Journal," which I've done.] And I really appreciate the efforts he has made to be helpful to the public. *** Since I wasn't in circumstances to purchase all his materials, I followed his advice and example otherwise--to make use of help from other experts and motivational speakers, much of which is available in libraries. [Yes, there are cautions about "self-help" books and I'm aware of them. I've also had a lot of therapy in the past.] A person may not be able to prevent everything that life throws at them--accidentally or purposely--but they can do their best to stay on top of things! [And if life knocks you down, you try to get back up again!]

Farm Memories

These days, it's not as common to see the rectangular hay bales any more. But this hay wagon is similar to the one that was on my uncle's farm. My uncle's was a little smaller; and there was only one side-rail which was at the front, if I recall.--It was made of wood. One of my cousins and I got to ride on the wagon as my older cousins and uncle picked up the bales from the fields. A tractor pulled the hay wagon; and when it was full, the bales were loaded into the barn for storage.

Graffiti Art--2

[In case people don't know, it's possible to click on the photos to enlarge them.]
Was "marajuana" intentionally misspelled? The baseball [face] is smoking--is it marijuana? Professional sports, especially baseball, have supported the gay rights project. [There's a lot of evidence in film, if people pay attention.] And the "cay" word is used again. *** Is marijuana always connected to gay marriage? There have been rumours! But if there was a "legal partnership" for gay couples, it wouldn't be exactly the same as gay marriage--except for the legal rights given. [There's a difference!] *** The locations of the above two photos were very close together, for the record. [Again, my thanks to the anonymous artist(s).]

Graffiti Art

Is "cay" an "inappropriate" spelling of gay?--Have written in my first blog about all the stories that I've said something "inappropriate." I believe the eye refers to the gay rights project, as I've also written about in the first blog. [At first, I had thought the date was August 17, 2005. But the "17" probably refers to the "island story" from Newfoundland, when I was 17 years of age!?]

The other photo shows the word Korn/corn. [Is there a music group called "Korn"?] Corn fields, the corn belt, corny humour? M.P. can stand for Metropolitan Police--like in Washington, D.C. or London, England. In Canada, M. P. can also stand for Member of Parliament--that's the federal government. But I prefer the police interpretation--or maybe they both fit!? The "Ozzy" is a reference to a rock star, I believe?

[My thanks to the anonymous artist(s).]

My Uncle's Farm

This is a photo of my sisters at our uncle's farm long ago. My uncle's family was there for only about 3 years, if I recall. But it was a wonderful place; and I had a chance to spend a little time there during the summers. [We were there for Christmases also.]

One of my younger cousins and I were too young to help with the farm chores much--but we got to watch and to be involved. One of the things we did was to sit on top of the hay wagon during haying time! It was great fun! [I also had a chance to follow along as an older cousin and my aunt fed the chickens; collected eggs and washed them; and made butter from the cream that was skimmed from the tops of milk containers.]

New Notes Added

Today, I've added some new notes to previous entries, if people would like to see them: Another Childhood Photo, below; Teen Photos--4; Teen Photos--1; and Childhood Photos--4. [Have added Labels also.]

A Childhood Home

The top photo at the left shows a view of the front yard of the home where I mostly grew up in.* The bottom photo shows the house; and it shows some children playing on the swimming pool in the winter. [Don't have permission to display their faces and it's not practical for me to seek permission, at this time.--Hope this will do, for now.]

My family moved into the above home around the time that I was turning 7 years of age. But this photo was taken a few years later, after a lot of renovations were done. The property originally consisted of two acres; and there was a poultry barn behind the house which had been used for raising chickens in the past. There was also a large garden and an orchard, although the orchard had mostly gone wild. [There were a number of apple trees, two pear trees, and a cherry tree.--We did get some fruit from them.]

There was a full apartment on the second floor of the home but the main floor had consisted of two garages. The main floor was completely renovated and used for living purposes--although it took a little time. The "barn" was partly demolished and partly renovated [over time]--for storage, living, and business purposes. Approximately half of the property was sold, since we didn't need it and it was wanted by developers. Today, our former property is part of a new housing subdivision. [The old house and barn no longer exist.]

When I was 4, 5, and 6 years of age, my family had lived in the first home my parents had ever bought. It was in the city, not too far from the downtown area, but it was a very quiet and pleasant neighbourhood. I seemed to have a lot of friends there--more than I even knew of!!! [See my first blog.] It was a relatively modern neighbourhood, at the time, consisting of modest brick bungalows. [When I was growing up, I consciously and unconsciously wished we could live in a "normal" house, etc. but the second home wasn't all bad! We had a lot of space and we had bright, sunny windows. The pool was there for only a few years.]

*The faces in the top photo are mostly unrecognizable and I won't worry about them. [The individuals seem to be my family members.]

More Recent Photos--3

This was me at a luau party which I hosted at my home in December 2001.--We had a "Christmas in Hawaii" theme! It was a family get-together for some local relatives.
[And my parties are fairly tame!] *** Anyway, you can't be miserable all the time, isn't that right!? [What was I supposed to do--wear "sackcloth and ashes" just because I was still on probation? No, I was doing the best I could--with everything--and I was entitled to do something special at a holiday if I wanted to! And, after all, it's not against the law to celebrate with your family, right??? It was my privilege to do so!]

More Recent Photos--2

This was me in 1999, as far as I recall.

More Recent Photos--1

This was a photo of me in the spring of 1998.

Another Childhood Photo

This photo shows both of my sisters and me. *******************************************************************************************

Added on July 18:
My parents never wanted to have a television in our home when us kids were growing up. At our first house, above, we had a 10-volume set of Bible story books with lots of colour pictures for children. Our parents told us the stories and they were interesting. We also had a set of Christian bedtime story books, which were modern stories about real life; and they were also interesting. Our dad also played the piano and our mom sang us Christian children's songs with finger actions. Some songs were adapted from English to our parents' language and we enjoyed them.

From the above stories and music, I believed in God--that He existed--and that it was worthwhile to follow Him. Our parents also took our family to church every week; and I learned about the "Judgment Day"--and heaven and hell. I didn't always understand or get the right answers about how things were supposed to work but I took the matter seriously! [Later in my life, I got better answers.]

One of the neighbour families had a little girl my age. She became my best friend, at the time, and she went to a Catholic school. We had lots of fun and we played with other children in the neighbourhood also.

My family wasn't perfect and both of our parents were usually working. My mother went to school first; and then she had various jobs over time. She used to spend time with me sometimes, and my dad also. [This was during the day, I mean.]

The way that I was born and raised during my early childhood was from a religious Christian view. I didn't know anything else. For Kindergarten and the first grade, I attended public school. It seemed to be a good school and there were no problems to speak of, that I recall.

[At home, some "sibling rivalry" began after I attended school. My next sister told me later that she missed me when I was away from home--I wasn't able to play with her as much. Have read that the way siblings get along is an indication of how well the parents get along with each other; and divorce usually sneaks up over a number of years--marriages break down gradually. I believe communication was a problem in our home.--My parents didn't communicate well enough with each other or with the children. There was also an age difference, where my mom was a little older than my dad. My parents did the best they knew how, as people do. And it's fine to be religious but daily life can sometimes be more complicated! (It's not that I mean to knock religion.)]

My Parents

This was a picture of my parents many, many years ago! It was their engagement photo. [They later separated and divorced; but they maintained a certain amount of friendship.]

My Son--3

This is an older photo of my son. He has since grown up to become a young adult.

My Son--2

This photo was taken at Niagara Falls. It's one of my favourites of my son when he was small.

My Son

Married Photos--5

This photo was taken at the cabin my husband had built for his occasional trapping work. [And believe it or not, things like trapping and hunting are sometimes helpful to the environment. A balance is needed in nature--it doesn't always happen on its own! (Especially not if wild animals are doing damage to people or their property--and hopefully people didn't build in the nesting areas of the animals!)] *** My husband is holding our son in the photo. *** My husband had also been working with Native youths; and he took them out fishing regularly and probably taught them something about trapping!?

Married Photos--4

Another photo from the church ceremony. [Do I owe credit to someone for the photography? There were different people snapping photos; and they gave me some.--I took a few also, or others took shots with my camera! It may have been my brother who took this photo? Anyway, I appreciate all the photos that were given to me!]

More Photos--And Writing--Later

Will add some more photos; and will also write a little, when I have a chance. [Haven't written much in this blog, so far, but I plan to do so.]

Married Photos--3

These were some candles from the church ceremony.

Married Photos--2

Here's another photo from the church ceremony. [It was actually in an old church at a pioneer village--a tourist site.]

Married Photos--1

My husband and I first got married by a Justice of the Peace. Then we had a church ceremony a little while later.

Teen Photos--4

This photo was taken in my late teens at the college I attended in England.

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Added on July 18:
When I was in England, I felt happy to be there and to meet people and to travel. But I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my life as far as a career went. My weight concerns got worse because then I was actually more successful with my dieting attempts--although I'd had some success earlier, after I'd gained some weight. And I brought my weight down too low without realizing it, over a period of time. I eventually got into binge eating, in between fasting periods--which can easily happen--and I had trouble coping with my daily life.--My second year in England was worse for the reasons stated; and I didn't complete my second semester classes. I went home a little early. [As I've been stating elsewhere, it took many years before I found the right treatment. But thankfully, I got help! (Some others haven't been as fortunate.)]

Teen Photos--3

This was from a special function in high school. [The high school I attended was also a Christian one.] *** Had never seen this photo myself until around 10 years ago when someone gave it to my sister at church! It was a fairly large place; and unfortunately, my sister couldn't remember who gave it to her! [Maybe she didn't know the person!?] Anyway, I really appreciated receiving it.--It was nice of someone to think of it! Thanks to the photographer also.

Teen Photos--2

Another photo from Grade 8 graduation. [Thank you to one of my friends for sharing the photo earlier. Also, thanks to the photographer--one of my classmates' parents!?]

Teen Photos--1

This was from my 8th-grade graduation. [Throughout most of elementary school, I attended a Christian school.]

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Added on July 18:
Have written in the first blog about issues which led to friendly teasing; and by the time I was 12 years old, I had convinced myself I needed to lose weight! It was the beginning of anorexia nervosa, whether or not it was a clinical problem at the time. [Later it got worse and there wasn't much information available, in those days. It took many years before I got the right treatment--and even then, treatment can be a long process!] My worries about weight and dieting attempts were off and on during my teen years. In the photo above, it was mostly a happy day; and I wasn't worried about too much! We had a nice graduation service and I enjoyed the experience. [My mom paid a neighbour lady who was a professional hairdresser to do my hair; and I appreciated it.]   NOTE, Added on May 5, 2023:  It really wasn't "friendly teasing" considering the person was making negative comments about my weight...and especially when my weight was normal...!  This teasing had continued over several years, whenever the person saw me.

Childhood Photos--5

My parents didn't want to have a TV in our home when the kids were young; but my dad wanted me to take piano lessons! I enjoyed playing some children's songs.

Childhood Photos--4

This is my other sister and me. [It was taken while my parents were still in the process of renovating our house.]

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Added on July 18:
My mother told me we were moving to a different area so I could attend the church school there [it was run by our own church]. It seemed important to me, at the time! But as "Dr. Phil" says, if I may quote him, "People often do things for other reasons than what's apparent!" And my mom had other reasons for moving! But she did want me to attend a Christian school.

My parents did a lot to help me prepare to attend a new school.--They bought me a two-wheel bicycle and taught me to ride it.--The school was further from our home than the public school had been. And they bought me some children's picture books, as a gift. Plus, they had to pay extra for the school--it wasn't free. [And they had moved.] And then, within the first few days of school in the second grade, I had a bad experience with my teacher! The teacher may or may not have understood--maybe it wasn't intentional, on her part!? And I blamed myself--I thought it was my fault and that the teacher was blaming me. [As I said, she may or may not have intended to blame me for anything!?] Since I believed I was supposed to attend a Christian school and learn more about God, etc., it didn't occur to me that the school or teacher may have been at fault! My parents tried to help but they weren't able to solve the real problems. [I knew they tried.] And unfortunately, I had some bad feelings--mostly of self-blame--all through the rest of elementary school. But these kinds of things happen in life!

For a few years, I hardly tried to make any friends at the church school. I had been friendly at first; but after the negative experience, I gave up trying. And I had friends in my new neighbourhood.--I played with them.

In the fifth grade, a teacher helped me to adjust better and I became happier at school. [Have explained a lot more in the first blog and won't try to repeat it all here. Will write more in this second blog as I have time.]

Childhood Photos--3

My sister and I were about a year older in this photo.

Childhood Photos--2

My sister and me sitting at our dad's piano. [I'm the older one.]

Childhood Photos--I

In this photo, I was nearly 2 years old.