Day 63- May 22- Landon Warner

I am so happy to be home. I get daily hugs and giggles from this little guy and it makes any day, even sunny, hot ones brighter!! Landon is my first nephew, son of my brother, Paul. He is fortunate to have a gorgeous mother, Jessica, that surely affected his genes positively with the best skin tone and the sweetest eyes and eye lashes. Everyone agrees he does have some of my mother's features, but all I know is that he is absolutely precious, the love of my life and although he's a stinker sometimes, he is still the most endearing child I know!!

Landy, as we like to call him for short, is 2 and a half now. It's hard to believe he is growing up that quickly!! I am including a couple pictures from before today, one from playing in the backyard yesterday and then one of him, his back pack and shovel from tonight. The swinging picture is from one years ago July and the other close up of his incredible eyes and eyelashes is from November. Please check out the lashes and weep ladies, it's like every girls dream lashes instantly!! Today, I am tapping into family, Landy gets to be the first!







Theme Song for today: In Your Hands by Charlie Winston

Day 62- May 21- Garrett Mason

So, I have this hunch I am really gonna have a hard time finding someone unique every day while I am home in the south. I just don't think I know "THAT MANY" people around Yarmouth any more. I took some very cute pictures of my nephews today, however, when I went at 10 pm to watch Garrett Mason in concert, I decided I should save my nephews for another day, when maybe I am a little bit more stuck for someone to put on my blog. One of those days when I don't see anyone or maybe don't feel like seeing anyone except for them.

Garrett Mason is a blues musician, son of the great Nova Scotian Blues man, Dutch Mason. He was down in Yarmouth before, loves it here, and I saw him during Nova Scotia Music Week last November at the volunteer appreciation evening. He is classy, stylish, smooth, witty and incredibly talented. It was my first time ever entering the infamous "Red Knight", which has a very unique and rather troubled reputation, but the music was why I went and the music is why I stayed. The glass that flew through the air and broke a couple feet away from my chair didn't deter me. The weird old men and toothless women who stared from one eye while sipping odd drinks, didn't scare me off. The extremely young, rather prostitute looking women that bopped their heads from side to side while sitting on different guys laps all over the bar, didn't gross me out enough to leave. Garrett's music was much better than that.

Hope you can enjoy the pictures, I snapped them really quickly since I wasn't sure I was allowed to do it, at the beginning of his second set. I avoided using the flash so I might not get caught, allowing the focus to be quite soft and the dancing quite fluid. Try to picture the scene, the music, the atmosphere. Enjoy!









Theme song for today: Old Days by Garrett Mason

Day 61- May 20- Graziella Forbes

Graziella was traveling back to George River yesterday when I was flying out. It was really nice to see her before I left. She is a superstar in the teaching world and was recruited by the Education Services at Kativik (very wisely I must add) to be a a key person in the reform and development of the Math program. Sadly for our school, it means she is traveling a lot and not in the classroom with our kids. At least in the long run her work will significantly benefit the kids coming up through and getting a better grounding before secondary.

Graziella is from Toronto originally, her family is Italian and are some very nice people (they've come up to GR a few times). She has a beautiful family of a son, and then a twin boy and girl, with Guy (another teacher at school). Her picture is actually of a special birthday cake that she had brought back with her since she was away last weekend for Guy's birthday. Graziella is a real family girl, but also one of the most creative and hardest workers I know. She has a fantastic rapport with her students and other staff, I've always enjoyed teaching with her for her intensity and energy.


Theme Song for today: Someday I Will Treat You Good by Joe Buck, Jr.

Day 60- May 19- Lise

I had the longest day ever, or at least it seemed so. Woke at 7 to shower and get all the last minute preparations complete before flying out at 10:30 am. My stopover in Kuujjuaq was the longest part from 11:15 until 4:45. I thought I could be entertained enough to not get bored but I was out of things to do by 2 and was happy at least to see some people I knew to talk to for the last few hours. Vicky had brought her son to the hospital since he had broken his leg, poor little guy, he was in so much pain still. I also saw Graziella (I'll use her photo for tomorrow.) I left Kuujjuaq at 4:45 and arrived in Montreal at 7:15, after probably the most pleasant flight I've ever experienced. In Montreal, I checked my email at the iStore and settled in a chair, fighting to stay awake before boarding the Air Canada flight (next to the crankiest, most obnoxiously annoying man in a thick tweed jacket and way too many bags/overcoat by his feet). The last ten minutes were really turbulent and the itchy tweed was so warm next to my arm I really thought I might be sick. Kenneth was wide eyed and bushy tailed (as mum would put it) and we drove through sheeting rain for an hour before the rain stopped and we could continue on to Yarmouth arriving finally at 3:30 am with heavy eyes, a dizzy head and queasy stomach(still from the turbulence). WHAT a day!!

I chose to put Lise on here for today. We're pretty much strangers but I think she is probably my absolute favourite flight attendant that I have ever had on a flight. Wow!! Our bond was sealed in my first few minutes on the plane when I teased the pilot, offering him the empty seat beside me, while people were coming aboard. She was standing right behind the pilot, gave me a wink and said "right on, you give it to him!" From that point on I was getting free refills of Niagara Red(even when I said I didn't think I needed one), and an invite to the party at the back of the plane as soon as the meal service was finished, a specialty coffee and anything I need at the buzz of their page button. She had such a wonderful person, beaming with cheerfulness and good humour, something I think you need to really enjoy your job in her position. She was also extremely conscientious- when I was waiting for the washroom, there was a young girl who was sick inside for quite a few minutes prior to my turn. When I finished my business and opened the door, she was there waiting for me with a little grin and extending a bottle of hand sanitizer to me offering a few squirts since we weren't too sure what was making the girl ill. I think she has set the new standard for me of excellence in service and I really hope that I get to have her again on a flight soon, or every flight I take from here on in!!

Theme Song for today: Are We There Yet by Ingrid Michaelson

Day 59- May 18- Melanie Picard

I chose to put Melanie today because I am leaving on Wednesday morning and when I come back in August, she won't be here anymore. It is always odd when a teacher leaves. It's sad and final in most cases because when you leave the north you tend to go somewhere fairly far away. Melanie will be leaving to join her husband, Nelson, who has been the principal in another community, Quaqtaq, this year and will continue next year. I think it has been a very tough year on them, being so far apart so it will be very nice next year for them to both be there, much farther north, where the yellow shorts of Springtime don't show their face as early. Their daughter, Maxime, will be attending school in Montreal next year as well.

So yesterday as I finished my packing I thought about the sentimentality of this place. The people you meet, the fun, crazy, sometimes wild, but always memorable experiences you have together and decided I had to capture her before she was gone. I had a little good bye card as well to drop off. It just won't be the same without her here. I better sign off on that note, enjoy the pictures as I run off to the airport to be southern bound!



Theme song for the day: Let's Get Retarded by Black Eyed Peas.

Day 58- May 17- Sapina Snowball

I am actually supposed to go up to the airport this morning, so I am trying to quickly whip off the last two blogs that I missed in record time! Sapina. What can I say about Sapina? She is SO marvelous that it will take much, much longer than I have time or space for here!!

Sapina was in my very first homeroom class in GR. She was Sec. 1, my youngest Sec. 1, and the very first person I ever met with the last name "Snowball". I remember chuckling when I first read my class list- between the names like Qaajui, Angutiguak, Ammack it was one of the easier names to pronounce properly the first time, but completely unexpected. Since that time, I watched as she grew from a shy, little girl, into a successful, brave, bold, strong woman! It has been SO much fun watching her move from high school on to CEGEP, and now eagerly anticipating, "the next step". Sapina is so talented and resourceful that I know the world will be open to her. She is the type that works her butt off and whatever she does and teaches herself news things all of the time.

I had the privilege two Augusts ago, to drive back to Montreal with my dad before school started. We arrived a day or two early and were able to go to the college residence, see Sapina(and Julie Anne) who were fresh from the north. We did some shopping, sightseeing and talked about what they expected. Sapina wasn't so sure she'd stay down, missing her family and friends so bitterly, but as the months passed and we pointed out that it was "almost Christmas" and then, almost May. She quickly adapted and ended up having a very memorable time.

Sapina got back into town on Sunday. We hung out for much of the day today, and I am so happy and impressed to see how awesome things are working out for her. I told her class during that first year that my goal being there was that someday all of them would take the teaching jobs and be running the school- so far, Sapina I think is VERY close to doing just that!! :)

Theme Song for today: Autumn & Me by Saving Jane

Day 57- May 16- Joanasie

This kid is quickly becoming one of my favourite little guys ever!! (just as a note, I use the word favourite VERY lightly, I am an extremist when it comes to it's use, I pretty much LOVE things with all I have or really dislike them. Very few things are not my favourite at some point unless I really hate them!) Joanasie is such a sweet heart. He is friends with Imaapik and has come a few times with him to my house. He is ALL INUK, in the sense that TV doesn't do it for the guy. Unlike most of Imaapik's friends that he brings to my house to play my Batman: Arkham Asylum game, Joanasie only watches the TV if it's HIS turn. The second someone else is playing, he's walking around curiously, asking "What's this?", "What's it for?", "Why do you have that?", "I have one like that.", "What are you doing?", "I hate doing dishes too.". He's talking my ear off, intrigued by me, my life, my surroundings, what I like, don't like, what I am doing tomorrow, where did I come from, etc. etc. He's very kind and doesn't try to take advantage of hospitality.



He and Imaapik were so funny to watch during Little Big Planet, they were getting so excited and nervous at one point of jumping above fiery platforms that I couldn't resist taking a picture of them. The other picture was one that he himself insisted I take. I think he really loves this ear flap hat since he is always wearing around outside. Just before he left to eat lunch he said, "no Gillian, you need one with my hat!" Cutest kid ever!!



Theme song for today: Where I need to be by Kim Wempe

Day 56- May 15- Samuel Brisson

What a day! The weather this weekend has been some of the best the north has to offer, it gets SO hot (out of the shade and wind) and everything looks so cheerful and wonderful that you can barely keep yourself indoors for long. I went for a truck ride to check out all of the "ends" of the road. Things have melted down so fast I wouldn't be surprised if people have gone out by boat already! It seems so fast this year. However, people are still traveling on the land by skidoo, not my cup of tea, skimming over cracks in the sea ice, zooming over deep cold slushy ice water, getting sore from trying to get machines un-stuck... The bravest of the town go at this time of year.

Kids are hard to get inside for lunch on days like this. They love the adventure of finding all of the junk that is suddenly appearing from under melting snowbanks. I caught Imaapik and his friends building a, hmm, ahem, maybe a robot, but I am not too sure, out of "treasures" they found all over the teachers' yards. Have to post this pic because they were so proud!



In the evening, Nancy and I decided to go the the weight room instead of getting lazy in front of the TV. Samuel was hanging out with Nancy's daughter at the time and was ever so helpful getting the key for us. I thought about how much I like Samuel. He's one of the teacher's kids and came to GR about three years ago I think. He's very sporty and is an awesome hockey player. He takes his training very seriously and I think it is really quite admirable. He has a great sense of humour and has come very far in his comprehension and ability to use both Inuktitut and English very well despite having come up at an older age than most kids. I am supposed to have in my Sec. 2 English language class next year so it will be fun to teach him as well. Great guy!




Theme Song for today: Original Prankster by The Offspring

Day 55- May 14- Pascal Poulin

I knew I HAD to break out of the bad week of missing REAL new photos each day so I went out to the street to find a victim near the kids who were playing Inuit baseball. Initially when I was missing having an SLR I started my discussion with Pascal Poulin, the gym teacher and resident photographer at Ulluriaq. He came north with his family in my second year, initially as a French primary teacher. He;s a fun guy with lots of creative ideas and passion for different projects. He loves the students and making opportunities for exposing them to new things such as model plane flight club, an indoor climbing wall, etc. His son was my Day 40.



Pascal is a very talented photographer as well. His father was a pro and I guess inspired him to get involved in the pastime. He was a Nikon man so I also went that route, buying a Nikon D5000 last April. I'm happy with the camera and purchased a wide angle from Pascal when he was upgrading his own equipment. The song for today is not random, Pascal is a big Tragically Hip fan, so here's the Hip!



Theme Song for Today: New Orleans is Sinking by The Tragically Hip

Day 54- May 13- Sanak E.

This guy, Sanak, was the also SO fun to watch. He went down to the final two for the Secondary French sector of the Spelling Bee. I don't know Sanak very well however, he was involved in the Tundra Trot three years ago when I was still coaching. I have never seen a guy with as much drive and focus as him. When he trained for running, he was very focussed on keeping a good form, doing the most he possibly could, but also could balance his training with other commitments fairly well. I really enjoyed coaching him, he was really reserved but gave his all when he was on the course. I was impressed to see him do so well with this much more academic competition. He spelled word after word and made it through many more rounds than everyone except Jessica, who caught him at the end. He was exuding pride with each round with his glowing smile. I really enjoyed being their to witness his success! I hope you enjoy the pictures.



Theme Song for today: With A Girl Like You by The Troggs

Day 53- May 12- Lizzie Unatweenuk

Lizzie is my chosen one for today. The picture is from a couple weeks ago, during the spelling bee. The event was a very fun and memorable afternoon, our first one that we've had as far as I have been there, but for sure something we will repeat in the future! I absolutely LOVED watching two individuals in particular, hence today and tomorrow's posts!



Lizzie was a highlight for me. I have taught her only a few different courses the last two years. She is an incredibly kind and rather quiet girl. She often helps her mom after hours clean the school. She doesn't usually draw much attention to herself, so the fact that she confidently joined in to the Spelling Bee, when it was a fully option event. She sat patiently, calm cool and collected the whole time and went head to head with one of the strongest and smartest guys in the Secondary English sector. She wasn't nervous, or at least never looked like it. Many of the other students were shy, timid and you could barely hear them speak when they spelled their words. A few girls even stood up and walked off the stage when they heard the word they were being asked to spell without even trying once. But Lizzie wasn't phased by anyone else and in the end she successfully spelled a final word before McCombie was eliminated. It was so nice to see, Lizzie doing SO well! I am very proud of her!



Theme Song for today: Change by Wide Mouth Mason

Day 52- May 11- Maggie Imbeault

I stopped into school on May 11. I was on the hunt for a beautiful person for my photo of the day. Maggie walked into the office and I LOVED the nassak(hat) she had on and how nicely the colours of her hat went with her coat. Not to mention she is a wonderful lady even without that excuse. I kind of put her on the spot taking her picture like that. She humored me and it was a fun three pictures to take. These aren't actually in order, first one was the one with her eyes too closed. Once that one was taken we checked it out and agreed the next one had to have more opened eyes, but we kind of made it into a joke and were laughing and being silly so much that the second picture turned out like a scared face- (the bottom one in the collage). To be honest, after checking all three out, I actually LOVE that picture, despite the fact that she was making a funny face. It turned out kind of funny since she has some of Chris' class art monsters behind her. I would love to think I had really planned the framing of the shot because I love it, but it was a bit of an accident since I was sort of rushing to take it so she wouldn't back out.

Maggie has been teaching in the K-3 sector for many years. She has some pretty awesome kids and is a super mom to them. She has a wonderful sense of humour and I enjoy having lots of laughs when we run into each other and talk in the hall, office or outside school. Hope you enjoy the picture!




Theme Song for today: Them Kids by Sam Roberts

Day 51- May 10- Susie Emudluk

Trying to play catch up, I was bad and have missed posting for TOO many days. SORRY about that to my readers. I hope I haven't lost you all!! It's been a busy week of trying to finish up lots of different things regarding school for next year and around my house before I leave in a few days for Nova Scotia for the summer.

Susie Emudluk is such a special lady. She has been an Inuktitut teacher for the younger students at the school since I have been in George River. More importantly however, I love her willingness to share stories about the past, share information about the Inuit culture and her own life. I love when our prep periods in the schedule match up so that I can occasionally catch a few minutes in the school office each week. She was one of the women who went on the slushy trip to Koroc on the weekend and that is where I took these pictures. She was very excited about her little fish and then over at the trees she paused with her tea and stretched our her arms while sucking in the deepest breath of fresh air. I loved that moment because it is exactly how I feel so many days up here!- taken with the beauty, freshness and freedom!






Theme Song of the Day: I've Been Thinking about you by Londonbeat (Downloaded it when I found it by accident on iTunes, brought back memories of junior high)

Day 50- May 9- Heather Rose Etok

Woo hoo, the big 50! Thank you SO much Heather Rose, a fellow blogger and super sweet little sister of mine, for agreeing to be my 5-0! Heather has a blog of her own, is a very good photographer, is a very intelligent student, is a tremendously fast reader and a super sweet girl. I love this girl to pieces!! She is amazing with babies and little kids, even her little brother, Imaapik, who sometimes drives her crazy. She is going to be in my class for the first time next year. For some reason I never had the chance until next year to have that class, everyone else always got them because they wanted me to teach the Applied homeroom and also pick up stray math and science classes that no one else was willing to teach. Next year however, we have two Science/Math junkies on staff for our sector, so I finally get to return to my roots, English and Social Studies. I am excited to have her and her classmates FINALLY!! She will be in Secondary 4, only two more years until she gets to go to college.

I have had lots of fun times with Heather, out on the land, camping, picnics, soft snow stories but also fun memories from the time I met up with her family in the south, stayed downtown Toronto and watched "Dirty Dancing" the musical, oh and got scared by lots of homeless guys at night when we walked back from the Shoppers two blocks away from our hotel.



I went to the end of the road to Penina's tent for a little picnic with some of her extended family. They were getting together mostly to celebrate Sarah's last day of her visit to the north. Sarah has three sisters in Kangiqsualujjuaq but moved to Nova Scotia many years ago. Her sisters are Mary, Jessie and Hillita (sp?). We had a fun time with lots of the kids around, eating yummy food, getting fresh air and hearing stories, like when Penina and Nancy were scared after her parent's 4 wheeler caught on fire. It was a very fun time!



Theme song for today: Yes! Yes! Yes! by Hey Rosetta!

Day 49- May 8- Yayi Etok

What a gorgeous day it was! My friend Nancy called me with the simple question "Do you want an adventure today?". I love friends who know you enough to be able to speak your language, not literally English, but figuratively, as in, they know how to ask a simple question in a way that you will not be able to respond with a passionate answer. So, clearly I went, who says no to an adventure?

An adventure it was. Everything has been melting down, so even finding a route out of town that did not include crossing a lake was a challenge, the normal two minute ride to the top of the water station hill, took about 7 or 8. Most of the route was easy until we got to Ujarasutjulik where two of the skidoos were stuck at a narrow pass in slush. Nancy had a tow rope along, so they strapped it onto the back of my skidoo and we pulled them out. From there, we had many more adventures in slush and water, as we passed a section of the Koroc River that was open, fast flowing rapids. It was fun, but the adrenaline was overshadowing any fear that you could feel. I was lucky because I know my skidoo has a lot of "guts" and I also wasn't towing a wooden qamoutik, which acts like a complete "drag"(sorry for the pun) when you encounter a slush or water party.

I was most impressed by the older ladies that we travelled with. I don't know their exact ages but they are easily 60 (if not over). They are tough though, they've been camping and hunting and fishing for longer than my mother has been around and talk about spry. I watched as they climbed all over the rocks where we had our fire and tea, collected firewood from in the deep snow, broke down trees to help the skidoos that were drowning in the metre deep water, no mobility troubles there I'll tell ya!! I was very tossed up when choosing a photo of the day, I will include one of these ladies, the strong women of Kangiqsualujjuaq, however, I finally chose Yayi as my subject since he was the only brave man to accompany all of us ladies.



I've know Yayi from my first year in GR. He actually built me my first qamoutik as a Christmas present from his family. It was still travelled with me on all of my camping trips since. He is a fun loving kind of guy. Loves his kids to pieces. Loves sports and trying new ones like snowboarding. He's got a good sense of humour and is a talented artist as well. I caught him drilling his 14th hole of the first hours that we were at Koroc yesterday, did I mention he is a very helpful guy!



Theme song of Today: The Icicle Melts by The Cranberries

Day 48- May 7- Mary Sam Annanack

I was walking around town between rain showers today. Chatted with some former students, then went to the school to see what was going on. Since my Day 47 person is gone to Montreal, Mary Sam is replacing. I am always surprised when I see Mary working inside. She is such a outdoorsy person and looks so natural and happy when she is outside.


I don't know Mary very, very well she is close to my age, so clearly she was never a student. Her two sons are younger so I haven't taught them either, however, I did have her brother David Dan in my class for a few years. I loved teaching David. He was a very unique guy, very mature and responsible when he left school to accept a full time job at the Co-op it was a huge loss in my group. He was a positive leader and a fantastic role model. But enough about him, Mary learned about the TV show from her brother who had been in my class when we started watching LOST. They both fell in love with the show and have really enjoyed keeping up on the seasons. Mary is active in the Junior Canadian Rangers, enjoys her time on the land. She has also been participating in the Nunavik Adventure Challenge. I like Mary Sam, and wanted to share her with you today. Especially with such rare shots of her stuck at a desk!! ha ha



Theme Song for today: Get Gone by Fiona Apple

Day 47- May 6- Sandra Etok

So, I have almost made my way through Sandra's family, and thought this would a good time to get her as she is leaving for a holiday in Montreal tomorrow. Sandra's mom, Penina was day 34, her sister, Monica, saved me on day 4, and her niece, Vanalena, was the cutie pie I had on day 20. Last night after supper, Sandra dropped in for a few hours to hang out, play on the computer and do some last minute preparation for her trip. She graciously accepted my request for her to be "my 47".


Sandra was a student when I first arrived here. She studied in French so I was never actually her teacher, but would see her around in the hallways every day. She has recently become the school secretary at Ulluriaq. She is a fun girl, loves music and laughs a lot; like her mom actually. She is doing a really good job at the school. She is awesome in all three languages (Inuktitut, French and English), which is very common among the students who take French up here since they are exposed to Inuktitut from birth, and then they are exposed to English all over the place not just on TV but in meetings, interactions at the store, FM radio, etc. When students study in French in school, it is their only real and consistent means of acquiring or being exposed to French, so it leads to trilingualism, at least verbally. Quite impressive to say the least!! Have a great trip, Sandra!

Theme Song of the Day: Get it Poppin' by Fat Joe (Just came on my random playlist, it's so freaking catchy and happy... Check it out!)

Day 46- May 5- Carrie Power

I always seem to be one day behind, but so far, I have been managing to keep on top of it. I have enjoyed taking time each day thinking about people. The people around me and all of their positive qualities or contributions to our society.



Today I chose Carrie. She hosted a gathering at her place after school that I attended. Carrie came a few years ago to GR with her husband, Bill, and her two sons. She is a primary English teacher at the school and an avid runner in her spare time. Due to her interest in running, she joined in the coaching if Tundra on my third year of it. I enjoy this pictures of her with Ludavig, he was giggling and enjoying bouncing up and down and playing with the balloons. Hope you like them too!



Theme Song of the Day: Come on get higher by Matt Nathanson

Day 45- May 4- Kitura Obed

I've been baking muffins. Rushing around, wishing so much that I was outside, behind my house on the old church bench I bummed from the neighbour's yard. It's a gorgeous Spring day. I also wish I was going with my friend, Nancy, Day 1, to Koroc for a few hours. To feel that fresh warm wind on my face. But I am not. I feel the need to go to the baby shower for one of my colleagues because she is starting an exciting adventure, she'll be leaving tomorrow and I think it's what I want to do. This sun is making the decision hard. The new book I started is ALSO making it hard. Life is full of decisions. Many are good choices, many are necessary choices, some are bad but more often than not we are faced with deciding between many good things. Those choices always seem to be so much harder!


Kitura, my photo today, is a very special lady. I guess that is fairly redundant a comment, considering that I do have LOTS of choices in my person of the day, but I choose them because they have touched or inspired me some way. She has, so here she is. Kitura makes me feel good, we laugh a lot together, I am including two pictures out of the 6 I took. 4 of the six were of her laughing, one was a funny face that caused us to start giggling. That's our relationship- not a joke, but a good feeling friendship. I have taught two of her kids, Andrea and Eva. They like her, were a lot of fun to teach, full of ideas, smiles, creativity. Kitura is also very musical. She works as a janitor at the school, but spends her breaks frequently playing on the keyboard and singing. She has written songs and performed them in town. She likes to share her feelings that way. Cheers to the sun and music that binds us all together!


Theme Song of Today: Paper Shoes by Incubus

Day 44- May 3- Tara

I'm not going to lie to you. Tonight I felt a little bit creepy trying to get my photo of the day. I was desperate. I spent most of the day cleaning up the house and the annoying mound of dishes I had let accumulate. I read and went for a walk in the afternoon. On my walk, I didn't feel like carrying my camera. I wanted to travel light, compact, aerodynamic to get some speed up. After supper, I read some more and on a break between chapters I was faced with the decision to cheat and fill in today's shot with on of my "stock", or to struggle, get out there and try to find someone to capture.

*ENTER CREEPY FEELING*

I went next door to the neighbour's to take out a pork roast so it would defrost by tomorrow morning for the slow cooker. I tried desperately to convince their middle daughter into being my photo of the day, but she was shy. (I still hope to get her later, so I didn't use pressure, hoping that eventually she'll agree!) So, I was left with two choices: try to find one of the teachers to bother, even though it looked like everyone was in for the night already, or walk out onto the street and stop the first group of kids that pass by. I chose the second. To make the experience even worse, it was dark, and as I walked towards the road in front of my house, I had no idea who the kids were, how old they were, whether they even knew me very well or not.

Fortunately it was two girls I knew pretty well from school. Tara happily agreed to the photo. I actually don't know her very well but I often see her hanging around the store or walking around outside when she is bored. Like many other kids, she is the type that would run up to say hello, ask "namu?" (or "where at you going?") and then ask "Can I follow?" You don't have to be lonely when you live in a small town like this, because almost anytime you go out, there is almost always a group of kids that is looking for something to do, or someone different to hang out with. Tara is one of those super kind, happy kids. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her!! THANKS Tara!!! You saved me!!




Theme Song for today: Wash Away by Joe Purdy

Day 43- May 2- Kylie

I just arrived home from a delicious meal, Stephanie made her favourite pork tenderloin recipe- it was stuffed with a cranberry, cherry, walnut stuffing and served with steamed asparagus and wasabi mashed potatoes. Yum! It was SO tasty. It was a very last minute meal planned earlier in the day, but so fantastic.

I spent most of the day outside as it was so nice and mild! I helped Nancy, Heather and Andrea dig out the doors of the shed where they store their 4-wheelers, since they were itching to get them out and take a drive around. It's slowly becoming the end of skidoo season. (sob sob) I also did a walk to the airport to try to work up my hunger having heard the menu.



My photo subject of the day is Kylie. One of the pictures is of her and her grandmother, Maggie. Maggie is the spouse of Jean, my old principal, and she is the president of KRG (the regional government body of Nunavik). Kylie lives in Kuujjuaq with her parents, Liliane and Derek. She gets to visit a few times a year and has to be one of the sweetest little girls I know. She has the most contagious, hard core belly laugh/giggle ever, and is so happy all the time! One of the pictures was from last year when she came for a visit during the big retirement celebration. We had supper at Jean's place one night, and we were laughing and making jokes a lot in the living room.




Theme song for today: Indian Moon by State Radio

Day 42- May 1- Betty Angel

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!!! What is like 34 years now? You guys are the best!! LOVE YOU!!

Not a new picture, but I chose her from my stock photos. When I am at events I have been trying to capture extra shots for days like today! Betty Angel- you are Number 42!! I used to spend more time with Betty when she was younger. She was so little when I got here, don't even know if she had started school yet. She used to spend quite a bit of time with Nikita (her cousin) and I hung out at Niki's house a lot back then. She barely spoke English so we had one of those magical relationships you can have with kids where you just find a way to communicate despite the language barrier. She is gentle, kind and generous. She is also SOOOOOOO bright- back in my first few years Nikita would bring her over with some of her friends and they'd play school with them, teaching them math, English and have them working with markers and scrap papers in my spare room. I used to have a VERY full fridge of papers with "100%" or "10/10" written on them. Ahhh, the good old days. I posted two pictures of her- one from Culture day where she was playing a tradition game where you put a string inside of a kamik(leather boot) and try to pull it slowly and "catch" a caribou knuckle type bone. The other picture was a little sudden, I taped her on the shoulder during the Spelling Bee and snapped it. Betty is a really sweet and intelligent girl. She is now getting close to the end of primary at school. She has been studying in French, so I likely won't teach her but it will be fun to see how she does! Enjoy!!






Theme Song for Today: Miss Halfway by Anya Marina