A bit about.... International Women's Day

Today I attended my first IWD gathering.  I’m in my mid 50’s, a former barbie doll type raised by Archie Bunker male influences and subservient matriarchs, so I sat there and wondered... do I fit in?

In attendance were recognizable female activists, celebrated authors, documentarians, doctors, lawyers and Queen’s Jubilee Medal recipients - all from my neighbourhood; Roncesvalles Toronto.  And then there was me.  It took me all of ten minutes to realize that I was an example of the change that is needed to validate the importance of International Women’s Day.  Women need to acknowledge their own self worth.  

In ratio to the history of mankind, there are far too many years that women haven’t achieved any equal status.  Couldn’t even vote a hundred years ago.  No woman in my immediate family has ever earned an equal salary, higher level of education (and perhaps too honestly) during my childhood I have witnessed the disproportionate injustices of domestic abuse.  How would I know any better? 

I do know of crotchety grandfather types who poo poo the efforts of recognizing gender equality.  They still exist.  They have patted me on the head. The begrudging thought that women have the audacity to require a day of celebration is beyond some. Isn’t that sad?   Hopefully this way of thinking will come to pass for all of society.  This isn’t  exclusively feminism, its humanism and its a celebration.

Karyn with Toronto City Councillors; Gord Perk & Sarah Doucette

So over tea and nibbles we women gathered and I too, took pride in the achievements I have brought to our community. I have had the opportunity to lead, advocate and promote ideals that benefit society and I would like for my daughter and her friends to know, that they are capable of great things.  This is what International Women’s Day is all about.  Pass on the strength.  

Want to know a bit about me? 

http://keepitin.wix.com/karynklairekoski1

A bit about Lent.....

Lent is a solemn religious observant time frame, that occurs about six weeks before Easter when Christians prepare themselves with prayer, penance (self punishment), repentance, (express sincere regret/remorse) almsgiving (charity), atonement (balance out wrongs you committed) and practice self denial (no explanation needed).

As a Christian youth, I remember no chocolate till Easter, to which you will be given a few- chocolate treats. But I don’t exactly remember having treats before lent either.  I remember Pancake Tuesday - the day before and Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent which was significant because we got a dab of soot placed upon our foreheads. 

Lent is a fasting time, though I can’t remember eating any less. Fasting and abstinence was more severe in ancient times. Perhaps this is why Pancake Tuesday was such a big hit because it was the last day to consume the sweet of syrup and the flour batter of pancakes. Just exactly how Mardi Gras got into the mix and the flashing of ta tas came into tradition - is a mystery to me, doesn’t really sound religious... but okay?  

The other rites are imposed because the enactment is to become a better person, as man’s sins are what led Jesus to be crucified. No guilt there.  

Lent - a rather dismal time

According to the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation by Satan. The ash received on the first day of lent represents our observance of human mortality and is a sign of mourning and repentance to God.  One gets those ashes from the burning of the previous year’s Palm Sunday ceremony.  They burn the palms in a ritual. 

Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return.

—Genesis 3:19

Repent, and believe the Gospel.

—Mark 1:15

Lent is observed until Good Friday, which is the actual murder date of Jesus Christ. Honestly there isn’t anything “good” about that day and then of course we get into the entire Easter tradition which is the witness of Jesus’s ghost and other paranormal activity. That's all fodder for another post.

Lent today for me is a mere vague memory.  It's a grey time of year, not yet spring, still cold and unbearably long.