The more things change, the more they stay the same; or is it united we stand divided we fall? I have concern that we may land on the wrong side of the former quote if we are not careful. Maybe this year it has been a little of it all. Our sanity breaks stemming from LOLz Cats and heroic stories from those who rescue everything from coral to wildlife; that is for those who've not completely given up and ensconced themselves in the neutrality of internet porn and 4Chan or trying to keep up with those baffling Kardashians. (which still might fall under the wide cast net of porn) Oh yes, lest I forget Beyonce had twins, I shaved my head, am still the nicest lesbian in York Region voted by cab drivers thank you for your faithful service Today's Taxi, and I officially became too old to show my knees in public; yet managed to completely embrace National Naked Gardening Day despite the rain and frigid temps. Thank the net gods that event was not and will not be televised.
We've clearly had our ups and down's, there are so many days when you can't imagine anything good will ever happen. I watch as my fellow countrymen and women both in Canada and The United States (for these days I find myself a woman without a true flag) bury themselves under a black fog of partisanship, self promotion, chosen ignorance, and what we've come to note as a brand of politics that is just plain mean. Hurricane Irma, the wild fires in California, Las Vegas, Charlottesville, Va., Sutherland Springs, Texas, and Nazi's marching with nary a care (thanks to a wink and nod from D.J.Trump) down the streets taught us new levels in the fear of loss and a return to racism and many other “isms” that my grandfather; rest his soul donned a uniform and pledged to protect us from. I do wonder what his take on all of this would be. I dare say he and I would have had some rather heated debates on it all. He was after all a Regan supporter, and a staunch Catholic. To be fair I worked in the voting polls for Obama and am a staunch tree hugging Pagan. We all have our crosses or trees it would seem.
2017 was the year Republicans took over the government, democrats and the news media obsessed endlessly over allegations with the 2016 elections. President Trump's incessant chatter about "fake news" has become a viral meme. A Toronto man (Adi Astl) taught us the value of just getting it done, cutting through the red tape of city counsel and building a staircase for $550 dollars and not the estimated $65,000 quote from city hall. I can only assume he bought his nails in bulk. We Canadians played our version of “Where's Waldo” and sure enough found Anton Pilipa, who had been missing since 2012; living in the Amazon. Many celebrated 150 years in the square, and some in a very large Tepee, leading to communication on why not everyone cheered the progress of the last 150 years understandably. And we had some long overdue apologies to our indigenous peoples, with a greater understanding that we must do our best to help heal old wounds from the horrors we as Canadians have allowed to be ignored.
The message to end bullying in all its forms became far more prevalent. It not only brought us celebrities like Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, Allison Janney, Ellen, Pink, Pitbull, Nick Cannon, Metallica and Maclemore just to name a few to stand with those feeling utterly alone, but allies in the most uncommon of folks as well. Xander Rose of Nova Scotia found support when his family grew 100 fold to include 100's of bikers escorting him all the way to his middle school doors and proving that loud pipes really can save lives. Even in the face of bullying and racism. Maybe just maybe if politics brings out the worst in people, people can and do bring out the best.
Wherein we often see women bring other women down, it does seem to be a year of “Women supporting women” from notables like Kortney Olson of GRRRL clothing, and my sisters in the Grrrl Army who inspire me daily. Much like my fellow animal advocates and rescuers who regardless as to the daunting task before them, and the misinformation touted by others continue to, as Rebecca Cory would say “Be their voice”.
It was also the year my son stood where his grandfather had stood. Honouring the dead, along a beach, hillside, ridge, and monument covered in boots and poppies, a testament and reminder to us all that we as a country are not only “the peacekeepers” be we indeed stood up as warriors defending those who had no legs, gave a voice to the voiceless, and maintain no matter the odds never backing down to the evil within the hearts of men whom try to do us and others great harm. I cannot yet put into words the emotions that evokes for me, suffice to say it is powerful.
Just as powerful for me was my ability to do my part in helping other's who simply needed a chance. ;IGY6 (pause I've got your six) is now and will remain near and dear to me, and through some of my work with our Battle Buddies I have come to know some amazing humans and Kelly is one that really moved me in her willingness to share her daily life with PTSD and just what that looks like. When some of the more difficult moments of the year hit home for me it was people like her and my ex and still best friend Les's, open letter of apology to those citizens he polices and across North America who had become openly and with reason distrustful of those in service to protect them. Reminding me if not us all that hero's don't have to wear capes, some just wake up every day and truly care.
2017 for me personally was a year of growth, and breaks (yes Mattea my bones do ache), getting lost, getting found, getting woke further, and finding a balance between my adoration of all things nature and love of all things technological. Bridging a gap between the two and finding connection within. “The circle of my steel” both expanded and yet closed in it's ranks. There is a feeling, an urgency if you will of needing one another more. In actually connecting with others both face to face and online. A merging of compassion's and a demand to hold and be held accountable. When I wasn't able to travel I relished in the adventures of John and Mist, and love their reminders that adventures big or small are always best when done with a glad heart and a positive attitude. Next to Jayne and Mark, Mist and John are the people I greatly admire for their compassion, and who are just good people. Who knew a love of reptiles would bring such outstanding souls into my life. Of course John would be completely dismayed should I not note that he is a manly sort of man with great looks and a working tool box...Mistelle stop spitting tea on the screen and laughing you hot momma.
So to close this year I was also able to see my brother Michael find his inner smile and his outer calm, he will never know how deeply loved and appreciated he is just just for being himself. I reconnected with my sister Darla, and got to acknowledge how damn grown our 'children' are. Plus I became a glamma to the most adorable grandpuppy named Roman, and continue to have the distinct privileged of seeing my daughter grow in her inner strength and her outward confidence. What more could I possibly want than to look back over the year and see that my children, their siblings (my other kids), and those that I love be happy?
Regardless as to the political climate, and the fallout that has occurred within and without our borders it is my fondest wish that you can look back over your year and smile knowing that you are loved.
