5.03.2011

Democracy

We in Canada had the opportunity to get out and vote yesterday.  
A new federal government was voted in.  The Conservatives were finally able to get their majority government, and there were some drastic changes in the rest of the parties.

I am always surprised at how many people are apathetic about this very simple right that means so much to us.

There are billions of people in this world that do not have the right to choose what kind of government they will be led by.  
They would give anything to have this blessing.   

I worked at the election yesterday. 
It brought such joy to my heart to see new Canadians come in and exercise  this right for the first time.  One man came back a few times, each time bringing with him another child so they could vote. 

Even when our chosen candidate doesn't win, our vote counts.  
It says that we care about our Country, that we are grateful to live in a land of freedom.  
I am grateful for the freedom to choose.

4.19.2011

How Green Was My Valley

I am grateful for good books.  I love to read.  It is something I have neglected in the last few years, but I am voraciously embracing it again.

I finished this one yesterday and I loved it.  Thanks to Nona for suggesting I read it.


It had all the things I love about a book:

A plot that grabs me and draws me in. (Just ask my family about what happens when I am reading a good book :)
A bit of history
Loveable characters
Intrigue
Suspense
Metaphor -- The imagery of the green mountain and the black slag heap, and how it gradually takes over the town.  Compare that to the lives of the people...awesome.
A message

I also watched the movie.  It won the Academy Award in 1941.  Don't bother watching it.  The book is amazing, the movie is not.