When author Wayson Choy was growing up in Vancouver, there used to be signs in the tony British Properties subdivision that read: “No Chinese, no Irish, no dogs allowed.” The Purdy’s Chocolate store had a sign saying: “We use white labour only.” During the Second World War, the Chinese Canadian community made up its own …
Jun
12
Limitless potential – lessons from Silken Laumann

When Silken Laumann was eight years old, author W.O. Mitchell came to her school to read from Who Has Seen the Wind. She decided right then that she wanted to become a writer. This, despite the fact that she couldn’t actually read at the time because of what was then called a “learning issue.” Laumann …
Jun
11
Authentic conversations – the currents of communication

I found myself crying today during Anna Maria Tremonti’s presentation to Currents – the national conference of the Canadian Public Relations Society. I cried several times, in fact. Tremonti is the host of the CBC Radio program The Current and the name of her session was “Answer the damn question! The tussle for truth, perspective and …
Oct
26
Adventure on the low seas: outrigger paddling in Victoria
If you happened to be driving along Victoria’s Gorge Road last Saturday and saw six people hauling an outrigger canoe down the street – that was my team. Here’s the story: We belong to a recreational outrigger group called The Slackers that paddles out of the Go Rowing club headquartered at Garbally Road on Victoria’s …
Oct
19
Homosexuality – what is there to fear?
I knew I liked Antonio Banderas for a reason – and it’s not just because he’s an exotically good-looking movie star (although that’s a pretty good reason)! I was reading an article about Banderas today and was struck by a section about his 1987 film Law of Desire in which he plays a gay character. …
Jul
21
Mental illness – it’s time to start talking
I’m so proud of our youngest son Ryder. He was interviewed by A Channel News for a story about mental illness. He candidly and articulately described his experience when he was hospitalized earlier this year under the Mental Health Act. That took a lot of courage, I’m sure, so good for him because as a …
Jul
12
Stepping out of the comfort zone – it’s a good thing!

When my pal Jocelyn and I visited Duncan recently, I convinced her to buy a fabulous and funky pair of grey shoes. She’d been looking for a black pair and frankly, with her conservative sartorial inclinations, there was no way she would have bought these shoes without my encouragement. I posted a photo of her …
Jul
04
Seven ways WonderWord can help you be more creative and effective
A few months ago, I took up the daily WonderWord puzzle to help keep sharp my brain sharp in the face of the dreaded “mental-pause” syndrome that strikes so many of us in middle age. In my daily ponderings of this word puzzle I have realized it has much to teach us about being creative …
May
18
Only start: “just do it” tips for overcoming procrastination
Yesterday I cleaned my laundry room. I’m not expecting a drum roll here, or cheers or accolades (though that would be nice!) My point is about starting tasks – that often it only takes just starting to get something done. I’d let the laundry room get ridiculously cluttered for weeks. It’s a multi-purpose room that …
May
02
Mental Health Week: self-care tips for promoting mental health
May 1 – 7 is Mental Health Week in Canada. It’s a good occasion to remember what each one of us can do to promote and maintain our own mental health. I’ve analysed my weekend to see what I’ve done to support my mental well-being recently. It turns out it was a pretty good weekend! …










