Ending of my Wemindji Adventure - April 19, 2014

Packing for home- the final week in Wemindji:

Last Thursday (April 17, 2014), was officially my last day as substitute teacher to a lovely grade 2 class (although I can still do a few casual subbing days).   To add some spice it was "Pirate Day" and we were all to dress up as pirates.  Aidan, my daughter and partner teacher, handed me a striped top and big earrings and an attractive scarf to tie around my middle as a belt.  As soon as I was in character, out of my mouth came words like," Aha me matey!"  and "walk the plank" etc.  The eye patches that Aidan made for each of us to wear completed the look.  My kids laughed and giggled when I greeted them as Captain Philippa!

                               

From left to right:  Captain Philippa, Captain Monika, Captain Aidan and Captain
Marsha.  All doing our best pirate impersonations.

It was a day of fun and laughter.  Later, after lunch, Aidan had prepared a wonderful party for our two classes to share in.  There were cupcakes, chicken nuggets, veggies and dip and three layered jello for everyone.  The kids painted and dyed easter eggs and got to watch "Hop" a funny kids movie.  It was bittersweet to say goodbye.  Some of my kids realized it was my last day with them and gathered round to hug me and I will treasure those hugs for years to come. 

The experience of teaching these children had many benefits.  I had to focus all my energies at every moment on them and keep the little rascals in order.  The key to success was class management.  Once I realized how chaotic they could make my day at school I knuckled down and whipped them into shape.  Teaching was relatively straight forward after that.  I'm of an age where children tend to expect authority and life experience and I leveraged this as much as possible.  At the same time I could spot a kid who needed a hug and up here in Wemindji, gentle little hugs of encouragement are permitted even expected.

My dear friend Eleanor left shortly after my return and I missed her company.  However, I was determined to continue painting and practicing all the skills she imparted to me.  Most of my paintings are of local landscapes and they serve to remind me of this beautiful place and the significance it has in my life's journey.

   
 Beau and I taking a stretch on our way up to Wemindji on the James Bay Highway in January.


I will drive home with my daughter on Friday, April 25th and we'll stop over in Amos for the night.  We'll continue to Oakville the next day and be home by supper time hopefully.  The weather has been milder here and I hope it continues for the drive.  The James Bay highway is a long stretch without any service stations or houses, so you're in a nasty spot if you blow a tire etc.  Eventually someone usually comes along and get help to you.  I loved flying in and out of Wemindji because of the view from the sky but I really unwind during the long drive through the simple, rustic beauty that is northern Quebec.

I am considering starting a program of studies at McMaster in the late summer early fall but other than that, have no firm employment plans.  Hoping the wind will blow me somewhere just as interesting and insightful as this last location.  Change keeps you young I've found. The opportunities are endless for those with an open mind and young spirit.

I'll continue to blog from time to time to share my journey with those who are interested.  Cheers and here's to a healthy, prosperous Spring for everyone.

 
 Kids "sliding" in Wemindji.  They use that expression here, cute heh?  There's been nothing but snow since I arrived so most of my art has the same seasonal theme.

 

 

Just did this little painting the last time Eleanor and I painted together in March.  These trees aren't found this far north but I was practicing sunsets then.  What the heck!

 This was a gorgeous sunset on Thursday night.  Had to try my hand at it. 


All for now friends.  Be well all and talk again soon.

Back in Wemindji - April 6, 2014

A return to Wemindji - April 6/14

For those of you who may recall I came up to Wemindji to fill a substitute teaching post in January, you may also know that in March I had to leave my post and return home to be with my Dad who had very suddenly been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.  By suddenly I mean he was diagnosed in February after being hospitalized for a few weeks in Oakville.  It took a while for the doctors to determine if there was a course of action or not.  Sadly, they weren't able to offer Dad any treatment and he remained in Oakville Trafalgar in palliative care until his death on March 12th surrounded by my sisters and I.  He was 84 years old. 

I had a valuable opportunity to spend time with my Father and help him record his memoirs on tape for 3 weeks before he became too weak.  We listened to his favorite music and talked.  I also had time to visit with my sisters,  daughters and close friends.  It was an intimate time and one that many families don't experience together.  Dad was aware of his diagnosis and so we could be real with him.  He got to say things about his life. He talked to his closest friends and to his family.  I'm grateful for that time.

Following his funeral, I returned to Wemindji with a lousy cold and vertigo, a sure sign that the previous 5 weeks had been emotionally draining.  Body never lies.  However, the little students that I'd had the privilege of teaching before my sudden departure were returned to me for the rest of the month. I couldn't be happier.  I've already had a painting session and a long catch up with Eleanor and I've been reminded of how precious life is. 

 

Arriving at Wemindji airport on March 26th 

It doesn't look like spring up here with snow all around and frequent storms still - but it is sunny.  I miss the greenness of spring and the buds not to mention the warmth but I feel a new season is upon me metaphorically.  Not sure what the future will bring yet but I'm excited.  I'll return to Oakville at the end of April by car with my daughter Aidan and, of course, with my little dog Beau.  Beau had to remain here with Aidan while I was away as flying with a dog is very impractical. He's subsequently transferred his affections to her.  Although he's happy to see me and wags his tail vigorously - he has discernment and gauges who is the more dependable one.  Clearly abandonment issues!

Today Aidan took me and two teacher friends to Radisson - a village 2 hours away.  We had a nice little lunch but discovered that the lovely Native arts shop was closed.  It is the only store in town and has a vast collection of handmade crafts including rabbit fur slippers, seal skin mitts, coats, boots along with jewellery.  Although the items are expensive they are well made and original.  That was a bit disappointing but to make up for that we spotted two caribou on the road back.  What magnificent animals they are.  I am going to try to paint them this week if I can.  I'm still a learner but it's fun developing a new hobby.

                      

Anyway will blog again as soon as there's more news.  Cheers