The Chronicles of Fort McMurray & October Reflections

It's hard to believe that it's already almost halfway through November... but before I can get to November and its Awareness Month (DV and PH), I have an extra-long reflection below of October...because October felt both 'extra' and long. To be honest, if you've followed my writing and journey, between my ADHD (check squirrel season post) and creative processing, particularly with emotional events, brevity has never been my strong suit. Still, I've tried to sum each part up as briefly as possible.

October 3

The month started off on a low note. Zenley was rushed by ambulance to the hospital, after fainting, temp. losing consciousness, then puking and not knowing where she was. 

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened with her, but every time it happens, it doesn’t become less unsettling. I’ve spoken about it previously and reading  “seeing you sick” poem for the first time. But without getting into it, what’s most important is that she’s a brave girl and I’m grateful for the care she received, and continues to receive. As well as all the prayers

This unfortunately also sheds light on something else health related- the possible nursing strike. That said, I support them- I believe nurses deserve so much better than what they get for all that they do. 

The Buffys Black and White Ball:

This was a wonderful event; it was an honour to be nominated and watch other artists recieve awards. There was/is truly so many amazing artists and talent in this community.

One of my favourite parts though, was the girls helping me get ready and help 'make' my outfit. They used what they learned from Ms. Stacey's class to do Métis dot art for my mask and feather pen as the holder, I repurposed my old dress from my teen years, along with a lil Métispony tail creation, and of course, my dangly goat earrings.

On a more deep and poetic note, one that I need more room to elaborate on, the theme being black and white, made me reflect and realize nothing is truly ever black or white...but just looking at me physically I think proves this ha.

Halloween:

When we watched and began reading the Narnia book series together, Zenley had a great idea "lets be Narnia for Halloween, I am being Aslan." If you are into astrology, one might say that this was true to her Leo soul. I say this particularly because Grandma Fanshaw is a Leo too- they share a birthday and a spice for life.

From a Christian perspective, this is a particularly special movie and series, but I will let y'all look into that correlation yourself.

The Chronicles of Fort McMurray is no substitution for Narnia, or Shepherds Trails Narnia, but it sure was fun making the costumes and playing pretend in character: Zenley as Aslan, Stella as Susan, and I as Ms. Métis Tumnus...truthfully, I was hesitant to use the word Métis in my costume title while wearing the symbolic scarf, but after speaking to others, the consensus was that it was acceptable. I sincerely never want to insult a culture, but I'm not only part of the culture but also not apart of a culture that is based on one belief system, so it seemed quite fitting. Further, after taking an Indigenous Christianity course, I learned there is a way for both parts to co-exist; as long as you are mindful and respectful in what/how you do things. Then on a more amusing note, I chose McDonalds delivery wrapping instead for the Tumnus package, because Dons is arguably better than Turkish delight ofc. Pulling it all together is the lovely PCOS side-effect of hirsutism (in my september post)... so being this hairy creature was also appropriate and amusing.

Jaxon pillow was Aslan with Zenny, "Jaxs-lan", while Minion pillow was the helpful Fox...Unfortunately this was the first year without the dogs on Halloween, which is also Jaxon's birthday. I cannot believe he is 12 already... so since they weren't with us, I included them by making pillows of them wearing last year's costumes, along with Stella's baby fur vest and little newborn fox hat for Mini.

Overall, the highlight of our Narnia theme for me is that it was Zen's idea, and how proud Stella was with her bow idea too, saying, "I like making my own costume, because no one else will have one like this." She's right- the bow + she and her creativity = one of a kind.

The ATA strike:

As much as I missed seeing students that I teach (despite there being a lot of them- 37 in a grade 9 class that I had recently taught), on my time with the girls, I actually loved just teaching them. When they announced that it was time to return to school, Stella was a bit dissapointed but happy to see all her friends again, Zen on the other hand...immediately started crying about having to return...lol I never knew how much she disliked school and enjoyed home learning. Either way, although the deal wasn't ideal, I am happy things are getting back to normal-ish for the sake of everyone as a whole.

Grandpa:

I didn’t want to share about this until Grandma had time to process. With her support, I am now honoured to share. There is so much about him that is worth talking about, because he was such an amazing and kind person. Although I didn't know he would get to see it before he passed, the blessing of knowing he loved it makes this my favourite piece I think I have ever written. The poem for him captures just a glimpse of what made him so special.

I wrote the poem for Grandma when Grandpa’s time was nearing an end, not knowing someone would actually read it to them in the moments before he passed, or that he’d say he loved it. When I showed the girls the video, Stella checked me in the most honest way possible: “I don’t like how you sounded reading it… let me do it instead.” And honestly, hearing her read it made it hit differently.

I don’t always love what I write, but this one reminded me why I do- to try to capture what love feels like when words and memories are all we have.

The song in the slideshow is 'The Call' by Regina Spektor. If you know the Narnia films, you’ll understand why it felt right.