Monday, July 13, 2009

Fear Factors!!

As I young child I entered 4-H in order to help conquer my fears.
I needed to train a young heifer for showmanship.
As a member of the Sumas 4-H club,
we entered our animals at the annual PNE Show.
What a highlight!

Showtime came.
It was my turn to show my animal...
After all I had trained the animal daily, for months on end.

Guess what? It was in Heat!!!
Meaning that the animal was experiencing physiological changes.
This meant a radical interruption to it's normal trained behavior.

It didn't take long and the calf was dragging me all over the ring.
The judge of course, had is eye on me,
to see how well I could manage the animal.

Finally, my Dad had to come out of the stands,
and grab the halter from me,
while I slumped away in embarrassment.
I had this enormous fear,
that it would jump right on top of me.

Anyways, last week I took a drive to my old farmstead.
The farm yard still looked identical. Nothing had changed.
I asked hubby to stop...just for a moment to grab some shots.
I jumped out of the truck,
took a few steps forward on the lawn and....

KABOOM!
A hugh dog came running and leaping across the yard.
I felt I was his target!
I spun around and jumped into the truck.
Loud shrieks could be heard all over the place.
Fear chilled me to the bones.

~~~~~~~

The next day I was walking with a friend.
Guess what?
Two dogs come running out at us,
and be reassured, the screams were piercing.
I was imagining my legs being scarred forever,
the flesh of my calves being shredded apart by their sharp teeth.
Meanwhile my friend is smiling and getting a kick out of this.

Finally she shoos them back home.
Now, I finally had to confess to her,
that I, even though a farmers wife,
had a huge fear of animals, especially dogs.
Now, how were we going to come back?

I finally found a stick which would provide me with protection.

I can still see her chuckling....

As we turn about to go back,
I see the dogs dart out of the drive way.
All I'm thinking is...
Where is my cell?
I need to call 911!
She once again, stands by and makes sure the dog attacks her.
They were playful with her, jumping on her nice white hoodie.
Meanwhile I'm walking briskly down the road,
heart pumping way out of kilt...
thinking how foolish I was.

What is it about some things, that fear seems to get the best of us?

I checked on the internet in how to deal with fear,
It suggested to put yourself into an entirely helpless situation,
like skydiving....
Once you commit yourself, to undergo an activity like skydiving,
it becomes clear that the outcome is out of your hands.
That's quite an option!

I think in this case,
I'd rather walk with a close friend...
who can smile and laugh at my fears.

Over the last few days, I stumbled upon my 4-H Pledge.

"I Pledge,
My Head to clearer thinking,

My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service,
My health to better living,
For my club, my community and my country."

Even after all these years my fearful, selfish actions,
obviously did not emulate the words of my 4-H Pledge!


Friday, July 3, 2009

What's all the Ruckus About?


I woke up one morning to this ruckus on my back yard.
Truck, wheelbarrow and cement mixer.
What's happening?

Ah ha! I think one of my wishes is coming true.
For years I've wanted a flagpole,
especially, to honor our upcoming 2010 Olympics!

It didn't take long before I pitched in,
"Can I invite the Mayor to join us for the Flag Raising Ceremony?"

Preparations began for July 1, 2009!
My daugher in law jumped right in, both feet, with many ideas!
Together the two of us walked together and brainstormed at Starbucks.
Starbucks coffee drinkers began giving us their ideas....

This event was meant for the young and young at heart.
Thanks Tino for bringing your Mom!
You were the best MC!!
What a Sport!

Patriotic Spiritism!
That was evident.

Games for young and old!
Those white spots are water balloons.

Look whose drenched!

Sack Race!
I had to try my hand, just once.
I lost.....

Face Painting!

Log Rolling!

The One Hundred Yard Dash!
The Winner?
Orlando!

Water on the Tramp!

Snitching Raspberries!

Levi's Ice Cream Bar!!!

Watermelon & Roll Kuchen!

Happy Canada Day Cake!

Rewarding of the Medals to the Blue Team!
Thank-you Lora.
This was so much fun.

This could not happen with out someone behind the scenes.
Thanks loads, Steff.

And whose putting the final touch to the details?
I think he ran a marathon that day!!!
He has know idea how emotional I was, when the flag was raised.

The day was not finished until
my robust and sturdy brothers carried the pole...

Heave! Hoist!

"Are you sure we can leave go?"

And where is our Mayor?

(Unfortunately in the 11th hour, she became ill,
and had to cancel all her appointments that day.
)

So we continued on.....
We gathered together and sang
"O Canada"

During the raising of the flag, our Mayor left a voice message.

"On behalf of the city of Chilliwack, I, Sharon Gaetz, your Mayor,
would like to thank-you for your patriotism and your
passion for the country of Canada!
Your parents have paved the way for their original
love for your country,
and you, too, are sharing your love for your country,
with family and friends.
Thank-you for sharing faith in your country Canada!"

What a wonderful day!!!
Another Milestone!



Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Canada Day



Once more we proudly celebrate Canada Day!
Canada Day is celebrating 142 years of Canadian Heritage.
This year as we celebrate 142 years of Confederation,
we are also proud to celebrate Canada's hosting of the
2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Check the side bar to see how many days are left.

And how are we going to celebrate today?

Planning has been going on for awhile....
We have invited family and friends.
We will be hosting the Pre-Olympic Games.
My family has always been very competitive,
and so today we will divide into two teams
"Canada East versus Canada West"
We have a variety of skilled games planned for this event.
We will all be wearing our patriotic colors.
As usual, no Olympic event can be held with out the
100 Yard Dash
It's been officially measured.

Games
Finger Jello
Face Painting
RollKuchen And Watermelon
BBQ Hamburgers & Hotdogs
Canada Cake
Raising of the Flag Ceremony ~ Chilliwack's Mayor
Fireworks ~ Downtown

The decorations and details are finalized.
So proud to be a Canadian!
Why don't we all join in and Celebrate Canada, EH?