Blog Posts

Knitting has always been political!

5/6/2025

Earlier this week, I wrote a post about how the world was reacting to our recent federal election. In an e-mail I read from former Ontario NDP MP Charlie Angus, he included a quote from a Ukrainian journalist, Victor Kravchuk, who wrote in his piece entitled The Nation That Could Never Break: “I'VE NEVER WALKED YOUR STREETS. Never seen your beautiful lakes. I don't really know your provinces, your debates, or your daily worries. But this morning, from a war zone half a world away, I was reading about your election. And for the first time in days, I exhaled. A small, almost invisible breath. Relief. Because what you chose is not just a leader. You, my Canadian friends, you chose goodness in a collapsing world. And you saved more than just your country. You saved a piece of hope for all of us.” In my post, I commented, “I felt such a surge of national pride. We don't often think of Canada as holding the spotlight on the world stage. Yes, we are strong and valued contributors to world democracy and we will always defend it with every ounce of our being. But, as a nation, we have usually been overshadowed - sort of like being the younger sibling of someone who is very vocal about their achievements. No longer. We have stepped out of the shadows and are standing up for the things that we value here in Canada - and the world is taking note.”

One response I received? “I’m unfollowing because you seem to be all politics lately and I am searching for knitting things that take my mind off all that.” Admittedly, approximately 25% of my more recent posts have included commentaries on politics and other national and international events. We here in Canada are living in unprecedented times. Never in our nearly 160 year existence have we been threatened with annexation by a country that we used to consider to be our neighbour and closest ally and whose citizens were like family. We were just involved in an election where a major political party was supported by Elon Musk and JD Vance and whose platform consisted of 3-word slogans including “Canada is Broken” (so far from the truth). The leader of this political party screened all questions from the press and would not allow follow-up questions. His most rabid followers harassed people in the voting lines, carried “F*ck Carney” flags and promoted the truckers’ convoy with flags bearing swastikas and support for Trump.

Yes, I am a knitter. Yes, my business and related social media accounts are designed to share that love of the fibre arts and to ideally help folks learn what they may need to enjoy knitting as much as I do. But that doesn’t mean that I exist solely as a form of escapism. There is a person behind this business who is horrified by much of what has been taking place lately. I have stated on numerous occasions (and still stand behind the statement) that, if I do not speak out against what I see as atrocities, then I am complicit. To expect that a knitter will never speak of politics means that you don’t know history. Tricoteuses (French knitters) were known for knitting the “red cap of liberty”, a symbol of the French Revolution. It is claimed that these tricoteuses watched the public executions in Paris while knitting these symbols of freedom and liberty. In “A Tale of Two Cities”, Madame Defarge, the ringleader of les tricoteuses, used stitches related to specific letters of the alphabet to create a list of names of those who were condemned to die. More recently, knitters and crocheters united to create “pussyhats” that were worn to protest Trump, his misogynism and objectification of women. So many pink “pussyhats” were made that the US sold out of pink yarn!

Knitting is a wonderful tool for relaxation and creates a community. During our weekly “Ewe Love to Knit” nights, we share what’s on our needles. We also share our lives. Many a night, our conversations revolve around current events and politics. Perhaps it is the calming effect of knitting, but never once has a battle broken out during these chats. That’s why I find it so surprising that a small number of folks think that knitters should keep politics and social discourse out of their social media feeds. I am not the only person/business in the knitting community who has faced backlash in this regard. In 2020, Loretta Napoleoni wrote in The Power of Knitting: “A good knitter always has the courage to undo her work and fix a big mistake.” If we as knitters can find the mettle to frog an entire sweater that is not turning out as it should, we also have the resolve to recognize mistakes in the real world and do everything in our power to correct them in order to leave behind a better world for those whom we love and those who follow in our fibre footsteps.

stress management during perilous times

4/2/2025

The month of April is “Stress Awareness Month”. I don’t know about you – but I know that I’ve been feeling rather anxious with everything that’s been going on. This anxiety can make facing challenges, obstacles and deadlines seem overwhelming.

I believe that we are living in a moment that is historical. Democracy is on the line in the US. Canada’s very sovereignty is under threat. And we are not alone in dealing with threats of annexation – look to Greenland, Panama, Gaza….

But we cannot let the darkness overwhelm us. There are glimmers of light – and these glimmers are getting brighter by the moment. Greenland sent Vance and his wife home with their tails between their legs, clearly demonstrating that Greenlanders would not welcome anyone who is threatening their country. Senator Cory Booker orated for over 25 hours on the floor of the Senate, breaking the previous record held by Strom Thurmond whose 24 hour and 18 minute filibuster was intended to prevent the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. It’s so important to note that Senator Booker did not read “Green Eggs and Ham”, nor did he recite election laws from each US state. He spoke eloquently and passionately on the damage that has been done to the American government, its people and its international reputation since Trump’s inauguration. And, on the same day as Senator Booker‘s marathon speech, the State of Wisconsin elected Judge Susan Crawford to the Supreme Court, beating her Republican opponent Brad Schimel despite Elon Musk’s attempt to buy Schimel’s win by giving away million dollar cheques.

Canada, too, has its heroes. Charlie Angus, recently retired MP for Timmins/James Bay, has been extremely vocal in his fight against Trump and his fight for Canada. Canadian actor and comedian Mike Myers made the expression “Elbows Up” a rallying cry for Canadians when he appeared on Saturday Night Live. Now Charlie Angus is bringing his “Elbows Up” speaking tour to locations all across our nation. Our Prime Minister Mark Carney has been firm in his position that Canada will never be the 51st state, that our French language requirements are not up for negotiation, that we will fight tariff for tariff in Trump’s unjust trade war designed to destroy Canada’s economy. He is strengthening our relationships with our European allies. He is working with our Premiers to reduce our interprovincial trade barriers, thereby thwarting the potential damage of Trump’s tariffs. And we can’t forget the Canadian public. The people of this country created a grassroots movement, boycotting American goods, avoiding travel to the US to such a degree that cross-border bookings on flights to the US for spring/summer 2025 are down by an astounding 70+ %!

It's incredibly admirable that we Canadians, through our purchasing power, are playing such a vital role in our fight for our country. But it is equally important that we take care of ourselves at the same time. I spoke about glimmers of hope. However, the term “glimmers” has taken on a more all-encompassing meaning. If you strive to live more in the moment, enjoying the small blessings that life gifts us each and every day, you are living a life of gratitude which, in turn, helps to regulate your nervous system. A friend said just today that he doesn’t immerse himself in the news on a daily basis. We have only so many laps around the sun and he doesn’t want to waste time being anxious about things over which he has no control. I know that I have in all likelihood completed 75% of my laps. After losing my brother and having two sisters face serious health challenges this past year, I am more aware than ever that time is both precious and fleeting.

I’m also very thankful that I rediscovered the joy of knitting. Mental health professionals often use knitting to ease anxiety and depression symptoms. Knitting’s repetitive motions create a sense of calm, lowering your heart rate and reducing cortisol (a stress hormone). Knitting promotes mindfulness, bringing a sense of calmness and purpose – similar to meditation or yoga! Like working puzzles, knitting keeps our brains active. And I love that, more and more, you are seeing people gather together to knit and enjoy one another’s company. Social isolation and loneliness are serious threats to both our mental and physical health. Whether you’re looking to improve focus, reduce stress, or simply relax, knitting might just be what the doctor ordered.

Let’s create a new habit in April. Let’s focus on managing our stress using whatever methods work for us as unique individuals. Yes, there may be battles ahead. If we reduce our stress, we will improve our physical and mental health and be more resilient to any challenges we face. Elbows up and happy knitting!

Canada Marches Forth and Files for Divorce

3/5/2025

Trump has been the US President for a little over 6 weeks. During that time, he has threatened to annex Canada and plans to do so by destroying Canada’s economy through tariffs. This despite the fact that Trump himself negotiated and signed the trade deal between Canada, the US and Mexico during his first administration. I can’t even begin to count the number of times he has completely disrespected our Prime Minister by calling him Governor Trudeau. He threatened tariffs, gave a month-long reprieve, and then enacted these tariffs on March 4th, 2025. One day later, he has given a one-month exemption to automakers. Two days later, he has given a suspension on CUSMA-compliant exports until April 2nd, 2025. His policies are up and down like a toilet seat.

For the last 30 days, Canadian citizens initiated their own rejection of Trump’s initiatives. And this latest suspension or delay of tariffs will not have an impact on Canadians who are saying "Buy Canadian - Bye American". We are boycotting American-made goods – from orange juice to Campbell’s soup to kitty litter. Trips to the grocery store are taking much longer these days as folks are carefully reading labels and putting back on the shelves items that are not “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada”. If we can’t find a Canadian replacement for something (like oranges since we don’t grow those here), we look for goods from anywhere else – just not the United States.

People are also changing their vacation and business travel plans. People are not attending conventions being held in the US. Families who had planned vacations to Disney World or perhaps were going to take in a Broadway play or enjoy some sun in Puerto Rico have now determined that there are so many wonderful alternatives. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the United States, with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. Even a 10% drop in Canadian tourism will have a huge impact on the US economy.

Restaurants in Canada are changing their menus. They are only going to be serving food that has been sourced in Canada.

And, you know what? Once these new supply chains, these new travel destinations, become a part of Canadian habits, why would we go back to purchasing from a place that doesn’t honour its trade deals or respect its neighbours and allies? (And, yes - I have correctly spelled honour and neighbour - sorry, 'Merican English!)

The first month of Trump’s administration was the equivalent of a trial separation. Canada is now filing for divorce. We are through with the abuse. We won’t stand idly by and take a beating from a bully. Canadians can hold its head up proudly on the world stage; the US, if they continue on this path, will stand utterly alone, broken and impoverished. Other countries are looking to Canada as a shining example that nobody needs to bow to a dictator, even if that dictator used to be a former ally.

Winston Churchill said, “Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Dhar Mann noted that trust takes years to build, seconds to break and forever to repair. I fear that Canada’s relationship with the US is irretrievably damaged. At some point in the future, we may return to a friendly relationship but that trust and faith in our American neighbours and partners have been broken.

Women's rights and Margaret atwood's precognition

2/12/2025

I am not quite in the age bracket that made up the leading edge of “second-wave feminism”, most commonly referred to as the Women’s Liberation Movement, but I am certainly old enough to have experienced blatant on-the-job sexual harassment, and the gender-based glass ceiling. I have been in a job interview where the male employer expressed interest in hiring me and then placed his hand on my thigh. “Libbers” were looking for equal pay, educational and job opportunities, the right to govern their own bodies, and financial and legal independence. Are you aware that, in Canada, it wasn’t until 1961 that the very first financial institution in Canada offered mortgages to women without a male co-signer! And, in 1964, women could open a bank account without their husband’s signature. In 1971, maternity leave benefits were added to EI and in 1978, you could no longer be laid off or fired if you became pregnant.

We have come a long way but there is still much further to go. As a women entrepreneur/small business owner working in a field that many consider “traditional women’s work” (knitting and weaving), I have dealt with ingrained bias. I have been told that my studio is such a cute little she-shed. It is not a “she-shed”, it is my bread and butter, what keeps a roof over my head, food on my table and clothes on my back. I’m quite certain that comments such as these were not purposefully meant to be belittling. But it stings nonetheless. Can you even imagine if a woman were to go into a male-owned business and comment that they have an adorable little man-cave?

As a woman entrepreneur, I am proud to say that, in Canada, women entrepreneurs drive economic growth and sustainability. Women-owned businesses focus more on innovation and environmental sustainability than men-owned businesses.

In “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Canadian author Margaret Atwood, the narrator and central character Offred is told by her Commander that, to create a better society and a better world, some things will be made worse for some people. If you have been at all tuned in to the news in the last few weeks, you will no doubt recognize the parallels to what is occurring today. The elite in Gilead (formerly the US) turned away from economic freedoms which, in turn, makes it more difficult to fight the oppressors. However, to summarize Rosemarie Fike who wrote an article entitled “What the Handmaid’s Tale Can Teach Us About Gender Inequality”, a society that turns away from economic freedom embraces an economic system inconsistent with human flourishing, and this should ultimately hasten its downfall.

Picture courtesy of Medicine Hat News

We are seeing Project 2025 come to fruition in the US. We are seeing American economic freedoms being stripped away through protectionist strategies that are damaging to both Canada and the US. We are seeing the elitist US government state that “on the authority of the USA”, they have the right to eject Gazans from their country and turn Gaza into the Arabian Riviera. The current American administration has renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and wants to buy Greenland, renaming to Red, White and Blueland (no, I can’t make this ridiculousness up!). And, of course, we can’t forget that the US elites want Canada to become the 51st state in order to gain full access to our wealth of oil, natural gas, fresh water, critical minerals.

Canadians are a strong, proud and feisty people. We will not kiss the ring, nor will we become a part of Gilead. We must continue to be united. And – we must ensure that, at the next federal election, we do not vote for a party and a party leader who is receiving very vocal support from those same elitists who are destroying the American democracy.

NOT A SNOWBALL'S CHANCE IN HADES

1/15/2025

Are Canadians fed up with Donald Trump – even before he assumes office? 100% yes and rightly so.

Let me ask Americans a question. Let’s say the situation was reversed. Let’s imagine that Canada’s population base was 8.5 times larger than that of the US. Canada’s Prime Minister was trolling your President, calling him “Premier Trump” of the great province of America. In their first meeting, “joking” about the US becoming Canada’s 11th province, or perhaps its 4th territory. Then the “joke” becomes a daily rant. And finally our Prime Minister states that Canada won’t invade the US using military force but will enact economic sanctions that will force the US to become part of Canada. He justifies this by saying (untruthfully) that your President told him that such sanctions would cause the US to dissolve and that many Americans want to become Canadian. Our Prime Minister was constantly lying about how Canada subsidizes the US because of a trade imbalance, and how Canada’s military defends the US. Would this make you angry? Would you be saying “enough is enough” after almost 2 months of this nonsense? Well, that’s exactly the point that Canadians have reached.

Fox News host Jesse Watters, in a recent interview with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, pressed Ford about the ‘hostile’ nature Canadians have towards annexation, further adding to his remarks of the ‘privilege’ of a U.S. takeover by stating, “That’s what everybody else in the world wants — American citizenship. For some reason, that’s repellent to you Canadians, and I find that personally offensive, premier…so this might just have to be a hostile takeover.”

Texas Congressman Brandon Gill stated just days ago that Greenland, Panama and Canada should be “honoured” that Trump wants to bring these “territories” into the American fold. To clarify for the Americans who don’t know otherwise, Canada is not a territory. We are a sovereign country who is not honoured by these vile threats – we are angry that these comments are being normalized!

Trump threatens takeover of Greenland and Panama with military force if necessary, and taking over Canada by economic force – is this not the least bit reminiscent of Russia and the Ukraine?

Let’s look at Trump’s ridiculous claims.
1. The US doesn’t need anything from Canada – not our agricultural product, not our lumber, not the cars that are manufactured in Canada and shipped to the US. He failed to mention $128.5 billion dollars of Canadian crude oil shipped to US refineries, $33.75 billion in nuclear reactors, boilers and machinery, $22.4 billion dollars of petroleum gas, $19.9 billion in aluminum, steel and iron, $11.9 billion in electrical equipment, another $11.9 billion in medical, pharmaceutical and optical products, $3.2 billion in electricity sales to the north-east states.
2. The US is subsidizing Canada and therefore Canada should become a state as the US shouldn’t be subsidizing another country. That comment explains why Trump has gone bankrupt so many times. He has no clue how economics works. Subsidizing means giving something for nothing. Canada’s trade surplus with the US means we are the ones sending more goods to the US than they are sending us. If anybody’s subsidizing anybody, it’s us. Canadians send real goods to the US in exchange for financial promises. Who's "subsidizing" who here? Sounds like we’re the ones being had.
The oil refineries in Texas were designed and manufactured specifically to process the heavy crude oil that Canada sends south. Canada exports $128.5 billion in crude oil and in return imports $29.8 billion refined oil - the rest stays in the US. That’s a huge number of jobs that Canada “subsidizes” in the US. Don't want our oil? You'll have to import it from Venezuela!
Another example was a medical grade fibre produced at Canadian pulp mill that the US needed in order to produce N95 masks that were used extensively during the Covid outbreak. Trump decided to invoke the Defense Production Act, thereby forcing 3M to stop exporting N95 masks to Canadian health care workers. What he forgot is that those same N95 masks that were made in the US needed a critical component that is only produced in Canada. There is a reason why trade has been such an important issue for both countries.
3. Canada needs to strengthen its border with the US because illegal immigrants and drugs are flowing into the US in numbers never seen before. If drugs and illegal immigrants are "flowing into the US" - that is on the US Customs and Border Protection Agency. Canada's Border Services Agency is responsible for what crosses into Canada. As far as drugs flowing into the US from Canada and Mexico (which, again, is the responsibility of US Customs to stop), less than 20 kg of fentanyl came from Canada vs over 9,000 kg of fentanyl from Mexico. Approximately 1% of all of the drugs and illegal immigrants that "flow into" the US enter from Canada. I'd say that Canada has done a pretty darned good job of securing our border!!! Every country in the world takes responsibility for securing its own borders. Why Trump believes other countries should do this for the US is beyond me. I suppose it must be something to do with his own massive failure to secure the southern US border by building the wall and getting Mexico to pay for it. It is easier to blame others than to take responsibility for your own failures.
In turn, if Canada needs to secure its border against the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants into the US, then Canada should demand that the US secure its border against the flow of drugs and guns into Canada!
4. The US defends Canada. Whoa – let’s do some fact checking here. American air and anti-missile defenses have secured our northern border since the 1950s. However, it’s probably more accurate to say that we have each other’s backs (until now). Canada and the US are joint partners in NORAD, with Canada operating 4 NORAD bases in the north (Yellowknife, Rankin Inlet, Iqaluit and Inuvik) and the US operating 1 northern NORAD base in Alaska. US and Canadian forces work jointly at all 5 bases. There are also NORAD headquarters in both the US and Canada. The Commander of NORAD reports to both the President of the United States through the Secretary of Defense, and to the Prime Minister of Canada, through the Chief of the Defence Staff and Minister of National Defence. There are no US military bases in Canada. There currently are, however, 156 active-duty members of the U.S. military deployed in Canada, roughly 50 of whom serve with NORAD. The balance serve as defence attaches at the US embassy in Ottawa, study at Canadian military colleges, and coordinate with Canadian troops and officers across the country. Is this what Trump means when he refers to “protecting Canada”? America has never protected Canada from anyone. In fact, the United States is the only country to have ever attacked Canada (and we all know how that turned out). The U.S. has never come to the defense of Canada in any real way. We, on the other hand, have many times helped the U.S. with their military expeditions. In fact, Canada has probably done more to protect the U.S. than the reverse. Canada was heavily involved in the war in Afghanistan, due to their commitment to NATO. Canada entered WW2 before the U.S. did, suffered a higher percentage of casualties and a larger percentage of their population served. Canada acts as the early warning system for the US. That system doesn’t involve missiles targeted at Canada but at the US. Remember 9–11? When dozens of U.S. planes with thousands of US passengers were in the air and had to land but couldn’t enter US airspace, Canada provided sanctuary to 38 commercial jets (mostly with Americans on them) which had to land in Gander, Newfoundland. Over 7000 passengers in a town with no resources to handle that many tourists. The local townspeople made sandwiches, lodged people in their own homes, striking workers called off a strike in order to make sure these guests weren’t left without bus service. Was that the U.S. “protecting” Canada then? Or what about the time that 6 American diplomats with the US Embassy in Iran were desperately on the run and Canadian diplomats (at the risk of their own death) took them in, hid them, and then allowed them to be smuggled out on Canadian passports. Was that when the U.S. “protected” Canada? Oh – and by the way – are you aware that Canadians serve in the US military and vice versa in a variety of roles? For example, a Canadian Rear Admiral serves as Vice-Commander of the US Navy’s east coast and north Atlantic fleet.

Support Democrats or support Republicans – but don’t expect Canadians to accept the complete lack of respect being shown by your incoming President. His behaviour is childish, boorish, rude, unstatesmanlike, some might say unhinged, and certainly not befitting of the office he is about to occupy. 49.8% of Americans voted for a man who, in 2023, was found liable of sexual abuse, was convicted of 34 felonies in 2024 and sentenced in 2025. Not to mention the report by Special Counsel Jack Smith which stated that, had it not been for Trump’s imminent return to the Presidency, he would have been convicted of the “unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power.” That choice is on you. But Canada is not a doormat. We have earned the right to be treated with respect by the American President. We will never become the 51st state. We did not elect this convicted felon and will not put up with his vile behaviour.

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Man – A Challenge in 2024

12/5/2024

I’m having some difficulty with this sentiment during this Christmas season.

A very dear friend of mine lives in the Toronto area. She and her family follow the Jewish faith. She finds the world situation terrifying – and she is not alone. Hatred is no longer beneath the surface; it is bubbling up into everyday life. It’s not just the wars in the Middle East and in Ukraine (which are horrifying in their own right), it is the poisonous words and actions in Canada and the US – in social media, mainstream media, in schools, on the streets.

Watching what is transpiring in the US is beyond comprehension. The cronies that Trump is nominating to hold the highest positions in the country – people who have little to no experience in the fields to which they are being nominated to lead – but who are loyal solely to Trump. Legal agreements and long-standing relationships with the US’ closest allies mean absolutely nothing to Trump. He plans to slap 25% tariffs on all goods imported into the US from Canada and Mexico. He sold a bill of goods to his uneducated voters who believed him when he said that Canada and Mexico would pay the tariffs – just like Mexico was going to pay for the wall at the US southern border during his last term as President – and we all saw how successful that was…. Yes, the tariffs will have a negative impact on Canada’s economy – no doubt about it. But it will also have a huge financial impact on US citizens and businesses. It’s the companies who are importing the goods that pay the tariffs and the extra cost will be passed on to the American consumer while the tariff dollars will go directly into the US Government coffers.

Let’s look at just one example. The oil refineries in Texas were built to handle the $128.5 billion dollars worth of crude oil and mineral fuels that are exported from Canada to the US. These refineries then process the crude oil and Canada imports roughly $29.8 billion in refined oil back from the US. The remainder – almost $100 billion dollars worth – remains in the US to heat American homes, power American businesses, fuel the cars of American drivers. That will now cost American consumers 25% more due to tariffs.

Trump either doesn’t understand how closely intertwined trade is between the US and Canada, or he simply doesn’t care who is hurt by his lies. For example, in his first term, he invoked the Defense Production Act, thereby forcing 3M to stop exporting N95 masks to Canadian health care workers. What he forgot is that those same N95 masks that were made in the US needed a critical component that is only produced in Canada.

There is a reason why trade is such an important issue for both countries. When our Prime Minister flew down to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump and to discuss his threats of tariffs, Trump’s response was that, if these tariffs hurt Canada, maybe Canada should become the 51st state and our Prime Minister could be Governor. The response from Canadians? That this “joke” is obnoxiously arrogant and a disgustingly vile diplomatic insult. And we don’t take these “jokes” lightly. Folks from all over the world (Australia, the Netherlands, Bahamas) are commenting on how poorly Trump’s behaviour reflects on America on the world stage. Yet so many Americans are viewing this man as some sort of saviour.

Trump’s crude behaviour – name calling, belittling remarks, complete lack of respect for women – somehow seems to have demonstrated to a large swath of society that this sort of conduct is acceptable. And, when called out on inappropriate statements, these same folks simply say , “Just calling it like I see it.” As if expressing any opinion, no matter how hurtful, untrue or repugnant, is OK.

Christmas carols are playing on the radio. Beautiful Christmas lights twinkle and shine in the night. Nova Scotia continues its tradition of sending a Christmas tree to Boston to thank them for their help after the Halifax explosion in 1917. I know somewhere deep in my heart that there are plenty of good people in the world. But I truly worry what kind of world we are leaving for future generations.

During the holiday season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Bohdi Day, Yule – you are celebrating faith, unity, peace, enlightenment with family and friends. My wish for all of you is that we can find a way to work and live together in a positive and caring fashion and we can be the light in a world that oftentimes seems very dark.

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." - Hamilton Wright Mabie

The Encroaching Darkness

11/6/2024

Daylight savings time ended this past weekend and the sun sets now before 5 pm AST. But that is not the only reason why I feel the darkness making inroads into my psyche. Yesterday (November 5th, 2024), our neighbours to the south re-elected Donald Trump as President. My friend at Knitatude summed up my emotions perfectly with this picture.

While VP Kamala Harris won a respectable 47.5% of the votes, running on a platform of hope and with an emphasis on women’s rights, she only won in 38 (possibly 40) percent of the states. This is shown so clearly on the electoral map below (courtesy of The Associated Press).

The huge swath of red across the US is undeniable. What I simply cannot begin to fathom is how people who supposedly believe in democracy, who recite the Pledge of Allegiance, can vote for a convicted felon, a sexual predator, someone who has no respect for the law, the media, science or women in general – as demonstrated when he said “…whether the women like it or not, I’m going to protect them.”

The Pledge of Allegiance reads: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Trump’s entire campaign was centered on divisiveness and retribution for any and all who oppose him. Liberty and justice for all? Only if you agree with him.

This is a man who admires Putin and Kim Jong Un. This is a man who still has not conceded that he lost the 2020 election and who encouraged an insurrection. This is a man who suggested that injecting bleach into our systems was potentially a viable means of battling Covid 19. This is a man who publicly mocked a New York Times reporter with a disability. This is a man who frequently cannot string a coherent thought together but who insists that it’s all a result of the weave. In his words: “But the weave is very, very important. Very few weavers around. But it’s a big strain on your — you know, it’s a big — it’s a lot of work. It’s a lot of work.” The weave involves injecting stories, be they true or false, into your narrative – stories like Haitian immigrants eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio.

I am frightened, truly frightened. The seeming acceptance of Trump’s hatred and vitriolic behaviour is beyond belief and beyond my understanding. For my US neighbours who are part of the 47.5% who voted for Kamala Harris, I feel your pain. For my fellow Canadians – take heed. There is a very strong far-right movement right here in Canada. Please let’s not follow the same dark path.

And now, time to get back to woolly warmth and knitting to soothe my shattered soul.

finding joy in life's little things

10/9/2024

This summer was definitely a busy one. I do love every moment of summer – the visitors from near and far, the joy of showcasing Canadian wool, workshops on an almost daily basis and a weekly knit night. Plus all of the hoops and challenges in setting up the new wool pellet operation. The downside to such a busy summer? I never once dipped my toes in the ocean or walked on the beach. We only enjoyed a supper out a couple of times – although I did manage to savour one delish lobster roll!

So, instead, what I do is grab those tiny moments of enjoyment, notice and appreciate the littlest things!

Never in my wildest imagination did I envision having such fun with Gracie and Lilly – the chickens we rent from Barnyard Organics. For about 5 months, I can look out the kitchen window and see their chonky little selves pecking for bugs and enjoying the sunshine. Every morning when I head out to clean their coop and give them their breakfast, they chatter away at me. As summer went on, they demanded more and more love, coming to the upper level of their coop and wanting to be stroked and cuddled. Today was our last day with Gracie and Lilly – they are headed to their winter accommodations. I was planning to go out and take a pic of these silly girls before Mark and Sally picked them up but time got away on me.

photo courtesy of Barnyard Organics

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our family of pet crows – Clayton, Clarissa and their young ones. We watched as the parents taught the young crows how to hunt. At first, the mom would find insects and feed them to the babies. But it was fascinating to see how, later on, she would find a bug (with the babies watching), show it to the babies and then eat it – no matter how much the youngsters were begging! Occasionally, we would give them a treat and, in the heat of the summer, we had a large bowl of water out for them to enjoy. In return, we would receive a variety of gifts – a marble, an acorn, a sparkly rock and once a silk flower!

As I would head to the studio in the morning or back to the house for a fresh cup of coffee, I always kept an eye out for the fat little bumblebees who were enjoying the apple blossoms or the dandelions and clover in the lawn. And as fall approached, spotting the woolly bear caterpillars always brings a smile.

Of course, there was special time spent with family – getting to meet Zayne, my first great-nephew who lives in Ottawa and welcoming Oliver, a new great-nephew who shares a birthday with Zayne exactly one year apart. Watching my great-niece Charlotte take on the new role of older sister to Oliver. And truly enjoying the delightful young adults that my nieces and nephews have become – although I admit it is sometimes hard to believe that they are no longer kidlets. There was an incredibly sad goodbye, too, as my brother passed just days after a two-week visit home. But we are so thankful to have had that time with him.

As we approach Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, it’s just so important for me to remember that a joyful life isn’t made up of bit splashy occasions like European vacations, it’s found in the small moments like taking a slightly longer route home from a meeting so that I can see the spectacular fall colours. It’s enjoying evenings at home knitting with a fur-beast in my lap.

I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving filled with joy, love and peace.

THE IMPORTANCE OF KINDNESS

9/11/2024

As I write this blog, I can’t help but note that today is September 11th. I read something yesterday that I would like to share with you. It has been widely distributed and I’m sorry that I do not know who the original author is.

“On this day... 23 years ago 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them saw past 10:00 am Sept 11, 2001. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.”

September is also Suicide Awareness Month and yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day. Whether or not you have personally been impacted by the suicide of a loved one or friend, no doubt you know someone who has been. I lost both a brother-in-law and a dear friend to the darkness and hopelessness that they were experiencing.

And, within the last month, my dear brother passed away rather unexpectedly, leaving behind siblings, his wife, two children and their respective partners and one precious grandchild. He had just been to the Island with his entire family for a two week visit and had only been home four days when he left us. While he had been battling cancer, he was in remission, and everything was looking very hopeful. His death came far too soon and has left a huge hole in all our hearts.

So, you may be wondering – why am I writing about such sad things? I should be writing about sheep, wool, knitting….

Everyone deals with grief differently. On the morning that I learned of my brother’s passing, there as an electrician here wiring up the shed for wool pellets. I had a workshop scheduled in about an hour’s time – no time to cancel or postpone. I couldn’t close things down – I had to carry on. Rather than tears, I was experiencing grief in the form of anger at the world, and a general lack of motivation. But this was not the face that the world saw. As visitors came through the studio door, they still saw the welcoming smile. As guests came for workshops, I still shared my knowledge with a side offering of lightheartedness.

What’s so important to remember – and what I want to share through this post – is two-fold. Firstly, with whatever life throws at you, be sure to take care of yourself. Find your quiet place – whether that involves a visit to the beach, a hike to enjoy everything that Mother Nature has to offer, or perhaps even picking up your knitting and starting a new project with that special skein of wool that you simply couldn’t resist. Secondly, be kind to one another. You never know what someone might be dealing with. Grief, loss, and stress don’t always manifest themselves in expected ways. That kind word or compliment you give to someone just might have a far greater impact than you realize.

does raising farm animals harm the environment?

6/12/2024

Folks worry that farm animals like cows, sheep and goats are major contributors to climate change. When they burp, they expel methane into the air. They require a lot of land and water to raise.

Farmers who raise their animals using regenerative agricultural practices show that, in fact, these animals do so much to help reverse climate change! They actually help to sequester carbon in the soil. If you think of grass as a solar panel, grass needs to be growing to capture sunlight and pull carbon from the air and put it into its roots. When it gets too tall, or if it is cropped to short, it will stop doing this. Farm animals eating the pasture grasses and plants are, in effect, pruning the landscape. Then the animals rotate to another field, leaving the first field to rest, recover and continue to pull carbon from the air and into its roots. This process actually enriches the soil on a continuous basis.

Photo courtesy of Barnyard Organics PEI

Did you know that 70% of the earth’s land is not suitable for growing crops? If we use this land for raising farm animals rather than just letting it sit, the animals will help the earth to regenerate, becoming lush and more vital.

What about the argument that raising animals requires a great deal of water? True enough, but so does growing crops like almonds and cotton.

When animals are pasture-raised, their excrement contributes to soil microbiology. You will find methanogenic bacteria in animal excrement and rumen. This bacteria breaks down methane in the environment. In a pasture that has had 100 cows grazing in it, you will find more than enough methanogenic bacteria to handle whatever methane is released into the atmosphere from these same cows. And, as gardeners know, manure increases the soil’s biodiversity and ability to support vigorous growth in plants. The healthier the grass that animals feed upon, the less water they will actually need to drink!

Photo courtesy of Island Hill Farm PEI

So far, we have only been looking at the “eat and get rid of waste” cycle of regenerative farming. Now let’s look at some other benefits. A farmer has raised sheep. These sheep are pasture-raised on land that is not suitable to raise crops. Their grazing habits, excrement and rumen all contribute to a healthier soil. Then we shear the sheep. This wool can be used for clothing which does not need to be washed as frequently as petroleum-based fibres like acrylic. At the end of its life, wool clothing is compostable, unlike its petroleum-based counterpart which will be in landfill for generations to come. Wool that is unsuitable for clothing can be used for insulation, blankets, rugs, upholstery. Using wool in your home is so much safer than acrylic and nylon. If there is a fire, petroleum-based fibres emit all sorts of highly toxic gasses like hydrogen cyanide. If your polyester clothing catches fire, it will melt onto your skin, causing far worse burns than other materials like wool. You can make polyester fibre more fire-retardant with the use of chemicals. I don’t know about you but I would rather avoid all sorts of chemicals in my home or next to my skin. While wool, if burning, will produce some hydrogen cyanide, it is more likely to resist burning and will often self-extinguish.

Photo courtesy of Blomidon Farm PEI

Let’s not forget about wool pellets that are used in your garden to replace chemical fertilizers. They add all sorts of nutrients back into your soil, reduce your need to water by an average of 25% and even repel pests like slugs! Chemical fertilizers, on the other hand, can contribute to soil acidification, reduce organic matter and humus content. This can lead to more pests and even the release of greenhouse gasses! And we can’t overlook the danger of chemical run-off into our waterways, resulting in fish kills.

Let’s strive to move away from petroleum-based fibres, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides and look to the natural resources gifted to us by Mother Nature to help reverse the damage we have caused the earth. We have the ability to help the earth heal so that she will be here to enjoy for generations to come!

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