Monday 2 July 2012

Canada Day

Happy Canada Day! I have been in this country nearly 23 years now, and a citizen for about eighteen. I was sworn in as a Canadian along with about a hundred other newcomers in a Croatian Banquet Hall (somehow that seems so Canadian!). We were told to bring along a Bible or other religious book we valued. I took along my LDS scriptures, and as we sat waiting for the ceremony to start, I let my book fall open wherever it wanted to. It opened - I kid you not - to Ephesians 2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens..." It seemed apt for the occasion. I started to laugh and tried to show the passage to the man sitting next to me, but he didn't speak enough English to get it, I don't think.

I have been in Canada more than half my life, and I am very happy with the move. Ontario is beautiful and green, both gentle and rugged. I find Canadians very friendly and honest, kind and concerned. They vote. They let others merge into heavy traffic. They laugh a lot. They're down to earth. They don't take politics overly seriously. They remove their shoes in your home. They're avid for world news and stay up on current events. They appreciate a good joke, especially if it's about them. They're genuine; they let you see who they are, and they let you be you too.



2 comments:

  1. Hey Kristen! (You probably won’t remember me; we met on MARTY evening, I was the one sitting on those side benches, while you were waiting for your husband, lol!)... I stumbled upon your blog a few days ago, and it is truly such a joy to read! Even though we met very briefly, I can see that your blog is a true reflection of who you are - very talented, very funny, and completely genuine... Congratulations on winning the MARTY award!!... I will check back on your blog as often as I can! ps: my favourite “User-Friendly Technology” (your previous blog) is “A Home Alarm system”! Too funny!... Happy Canada Day!... Keep up the fantastic work! - Rashmi

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    1. Certainly I remember you! I'm glad to hear from you and thank you for your kind words. They made my day!

      I'm glad you got in touch. We might bump into each other at future literary events, but it would be nice to stay in touch. And I'd love to read some of your writing someday.

      Best wishes always,

      Kristen

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