Lately my mind seems to stop in mid thought as I battle to comprehend some of the things our culture and society accepts verses what is considered unacceptable by that same group of people.  I’m really having trouble wrapping my head around some of the inconsistencies I see.  In fact, in a lot of areas we, as a nation, appear to be hypocrites.  Unless an individual is willing to stand up, and stand out, for their own beliefs and ideologies we rarely can see the difference between one person from another.  And yet Science teaches us that humans thrive when we are subjected to diversity that challenge the image of who we see ourselves to be.   So, when people allow themselves to stand out based on their own beliefs, it means they are willing to endure one of two reactions… either commendation for being different without fear of voicing a difference in opinion from others or abuse based on narrow-mindedness and bias held by society in general.  You’re likely beginning to feel curious about the subject of what I’m alluding to.  These are deep ideas consuming my mind so please don’t be offended - bear with me as I try to figure this out for myself.

My social media feed was humming with excitement as Western Region 2 Area Director, Sherry McLennan promised an announcement later in the day on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.  Looking forward to some good news, I tuned in with a group of other interested people and watched with anticipation as Sherry welcomed us to her video.  There are great advantages to being able to attend an event such as this one online.  For many of us, we are unable to get out in person for various reasons including work, distance and mobility/child care challenges.  This forum on social media allows all of us to send messages and hear news first hand, which is unexpectedly satisfying for many reasons.  

When I was growing up I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a piece of gum in my mouth.  My preference was cinnamon flavoured but once in a while I’d have a treat - Hubba Bubba.  It was so sweet and juicy I can remember wincing as I chewed the gum, it was so sugary!  But once I chewed past the syrupy “goodness” the gum really did make the best bubbles on earth.  And no matter how many times the bubble I blew exploded, it never stuck to my face.  I always challenged myself with the ultimate goal being to blow a bubble as big as my head.  I nearly achieved it one day and then my sister popped it.  That memory is one of the last times I remember blowing bubbles with chewing gum.  Afterward I stuck to my favourites that were more for freshening my breath and cleaning my teeth during the day when I wouldn’t have access to a tooth brush until I got home.

When I was growing up I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a piece of gum in my mouth.  My preference was cinnamon flavoured but once in a while I’d have a treat - Hubba Bubba.  It was so sweet and juicy I can remember wincing as I chewed the gum, it was so sugary!  But once I chewed past the syrupy “goodness” the gum really did make the best bubbles on earth.  And no matter how many times the bubble I blew exploded, it never stuck to my face.  I always challenged myself with the ultimate goal being to blow a bubble as big as my head.  I nearly achieved it one day and then my sister popped it.  That memory is one of the last times I remember blowing bubbles with chewing gum.  Afterward I stuck to my favourites that were more for freshening my breath and cleaning my teeth during the day when I wouldn’t have access to a tooth brush until I got home.

I’m am so excited… I’ve kept the produce on my cherry tree a secret from my children, especially the youngest two, since early spring.  When I first saw all the blossoms on my tree, my stomach trembled with excitement.  Last year I had three cherries.  A bumper crop!  But this year, if blossoms are any indication, I will have over ten times more than that.  But first I’ll have to get through the challenges and hurdles one must face when growing produce of any kind.