Ever since I can remember I've heard the comment that there is "no difference" between Canadians and Americans. I respectfully beg to differ as there is a difference on so many levels! We have unique Canadian culture consisting of Canadianisms, a Canadian perspective on world events, Canadian cuisine as well as products and foods only available in Canada. This blog is dedicated to celebrating all things Canadian from "my perspective" as a Canadian. Please enjoy your visit and be sure to visit often.
Garden Gnome
Americans should never underestimate the constant pressure on Canada which the mere presence of the United States has produced. We're different people from you and we're different people because of you. Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is effected by every twitch and grunt. It should not therefore be expected that this kind of nation, this Canada, should project itself as a mirror image of the United States. - Pierre Trudeau
[Note: This is a repost from my personal blog, My Journey. It was originally posted on November 11, 2008. While I have modified the note I have kept the original contents of the post intact. This will be the fouth year that I've used this wonderful video tribute to the fine men and women that serve our country. Not only do they keep us safe they act as amazing Canadian ambassadors helping to maintain peace home and abroad as well as serving in a humanitarian capacity. Please take a moment to watch the video and ponder the price so many have paid and continue to pay to make Canada the great nation that it is.]
I come from a strong military family with ancestors that were instrumental in shaping the history of Canada. I grew up surrounded by relatives who had fought for the rights and freedoms of this beautiful country. Some of them made the ultimate sacrifice and while they are no longer here they live forever in our memories. When I was young, I used to marvel at my Mom when she got all dressed up for the Ladies Auxilary. She looked so dapper in her navy blue blazer and grey skirt. It was about the only time I saw her with tears in her eyes while putting on lipstick. I can remember as a Brownie how proud I felt to be marching in that Remembrance Day Parade for the very first time. My Mom was marching with the Ladies Auxilary, behind members of the Royal Canadian Legion and I felt so very privileged.
Tomorrow I will remember by attending the Remembrance Day ceremony in my home town. I will stop by the cemetery afterwards to leave flowers for those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom. I will drive by a couple of the old homes, remembering the good times and the stories they told me as a child. I will remember!
If this video does not bring tears to your eyes, nothing will.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we honour our fallen with 2 minutes silence from shore to shore of our great nation, Canada. Please join our nation in showing our respect and how thankful we are for enjoying the freedom they fought so hard for.
Every Canadian citizen has a moral obligation to be at a Remembrance Day service tomorrow to hour those who have bravely fought for our freedom, some paying the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. There are no excuses, period. They fought for our freedom despite the cold, the rain, the mud and muck and they were more than likely afraid but they kept on fighting for our freedom and the freedom of this great country, Canada. They missed their families, gave up home cooked meals, going out on dates, and enjoying sitting around a cozy fireplace to fight for our freedom. They gave up fashion, comfy clothes and their own bit of unique private space to fight for our freedom. ON THE ELEVENTH HOUR OF THE ELEVENTH DAY OF THE ELEVENTH MONTH WE WILL REMEMBER THEM!
You owe your freedom to these brave souls so do your civic duty and attend a Remembrance Day service tomorrow. Thank a veteran, visit a veteran in a nursing home, show a veteran you appreciate the sacrifices they have paid so dearly for all for freedom!
Tomorrow I will be attending the Remembrance Day ceremony in my hometown. Yes I have to drive and yes the weather will likely be ugly. Yet I have to be there! Several of my family members paid the price for my freedom, the freedom so richly enjoyed in Canada! I will pay my respects, honouring those who served and those who have fallen. I don't care if it pouring down rain or blizzard conditions, I will be there! In tribute, tomorrow I will once again be posting the video A Soldier Cries Oh Canada on this blog. Let us never forget those who fought so hard for our freedom!
I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my way, free to stand for what I think is right, free to oppose that which I believe wrong, and free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and mankind. - John Diefenbaker (From the Canadian Bill of Rights, July 1, 1960)
I am a wife and mother who enjoys the many aspects of homemaking. My many interests and hobbies keep me active and reflect that I feel my family and home are my highest priorities.
While I strive to create the best home atmosphere with the best food possible for my family, there is more to me than that. As you read through any of my blogs you will discover things about me, so read on. My husband thinks I'm a very complex person, always being too analytical. I think I'm just "me", someone who sometimes doesn't fit the mold others have made and having a blast through life.
There are no limits to the majestic future which lies before the mighty expanse of Canada with its virile, aspiring, cultured, and generous-hearted people. - Sir Winston Churchill
Business Perspective
Taking your business to Canada? First, familiarize yourself with cultural nuances. Then order your
office supplies, labels, and
custom printing online without leaving the office!
Canadians have been so busy explaining to the Americans that we aren't British, and to the British that we aren't Americans that we haven't had time to become Canadians. - Helen Gordon McPherson
