This editorial was from the Nanaimo daily news…
It's Canada Day , and it's time to celebrate all that is glorious and free here.
For those who have lived in Canada all their lives, it pays to take some time every now and then to enjoy the country's beauty and count the many blessings available to all of us. We have a tendency to take for granted that which we see all the time, regardless of how great it is. In that way, the spectacular can almost seem mundane.
For those who have moved to Canada by choice, there is a tendency to appreciate what we have much more, given the fact they've come from other countries - some of them less fortunate - and have something they can compare their new home with. Citizenship ceremonies are a good gauge of that, as people share their reasons for becoming citizens. It is not uncommon to see tears of gratitude shed by those repeating the oath of allegiance to the maple leaf.
Canada is beautiful. The world's second largest country has tremendous diversity in its landscape, from coast to coast. British Columbia has to be the best of all, with the ocean, the magnificent mountains, raging rivers and four dynamic seasons. On Vancouver Island, one can golf year round, and play a number of sports from snow to water skiing the same day.
Canada is diverse. This is the proverbial melting pot, as people from around the globe form a multicultural matrix and tapestry, bringing a wide variety of flavour. What does it mean to be a Canadian? Hockey is still the main tie that binds, but cultural festivals across the country demonstrate the diversity of immigrants and ancestors.
Every culture has its strengths and weaknesses. It seems we have a little bit of everything in Canada, which helps make it such an interesting place to live. Canada's economy is strong. Or at least stronger than most.
Traditionally known as hewers of wood and haulers of water, Canada's resources has been the backbone of the country's economy, and continues down that path towards the future.
Some key financial decisions over the past two decades have helped Canada avoid the brunt of the worldwide recession, although we have definitely felt the pain and have had to cinch our belts. Population-wise, we are disproportionately powerful on the world's economic stage, and remain very dependent - many believe too dependent - on the United States. If that reliance can be minimized through the strengthening of trade with Asia and Europe, that only means good news moving forward.
Canada is young. Travel through Europe or China typically includes tours of buildings and structures hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. Canada as a country came into existence in 1867, so in many ways, we are still on the bottom floor in regards to nation building.
We are still trying to determine what exactly it means to be a Canadian. We're a lot like Americans, and then quite different than Americans. We speak the same language, but our national persona has a tendency to be more humble and less braggadocio, and therefore somewhat reluctant to celebrate success and excellence. Canadians are not fragile. We are tough.
Canada is the land of opportunity. Due to our relative youth, we are not saddled with centuries of tradition, entrenchment and fiefdoms. If we have a vision and a commitment to working hard and doing whatever it takes to make that vision become reality, it can happen in Canada. Our brief history is littered with innumerable success stories.
Enjoy Canada Day. It's a time to reflect and be thankful for this great, growing country.
My day started with breakfast and watching yet another huge upset in the tennis from England this time one of the William’s sisters, the No.1 seed was eliminated here is the victor…
Many tragedies around the world today and the loss of these 19 fire fighters was just one of them my heart goes out to all families who have lost loved ones this weekend.
Today was really a day of chores between my house and Linda and Guy’s house and getting the van ready but I am almost done…it was a busy day but now relaxing with some TV and computer and route planning!!
From the archives….
This is how I spent my weekends for years reffing soccer games and Ramona in the corner where I stayed over night…good days!!
A quaint little village close to my family’s home in Eastern England.
Here is Ashley and her coach de briefing after another tennis victory perhaps one day you may see Ashley at Wimbledon…yes she is that great at such a young age!!!
Canada day chuckle!!
A man was sitting on the settee watching TV when he heard his wife’s voice from the kitchen.
“What would you like for dinner Love ? Chicken, beef or lamb ?”
He said, “Thank you, I’ll have chicken.”
Be quiet…..
You’re having soup. I was talking to the cat.”
Yashi Koshi!!
2 comments:
Great photos but I'm still searching for George Clooney in the pool picture. Just can't seem to find him!
Yes, tragic loss of the firefighters in Arizona. So many young, talented men. My heart aches for their families.
you know young lady you are close to having the first blog ban of the year!!!!!!!!les
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