FLUSHING OUT PUBLIC WASHROOMS

 

 

MultiUse Public Washrooms

Awhile back I remember the suggestion of a significantly new concept: no more segregated (gender-specific) public washrooms. There was an expected sudden uproar from the familiar segment of society that will not embrace change. Their instant reaction to anything new or different is always negative, and this was no exception. 

I, being me, do not jump onto those bandwagons. I stop, think, discuss, listen, experience, and then decide.

The subject popped up again on a Facebook posting from a dad speaking at a Council meeting, outraged about the plan to eliminate segregated public washrooms. From his rage I knew he had not engaged in any non biased discussion about the proposal nor had he any clear concept of what a non segregated human waste disposal room would look like. 

Of course if one’s mind can only imagine that room being open concept with urinals and standard toilets in the same open area, I can understand the rage or concern. Watching a man use an urinal or watching a woman insert or pull out a tampon seems outrageous and perhaps even a breach of human rights! Understandably non-visionaries would loudly and instantly react negatively. Visionaries would react that way also, perhaps not loudly but with some skepticism if that was the case. But, one difference — visionaries would reserve judgment.

I have to admit to some skepticism about this at first; but, as usual, I patiently awaited an opportunity to actually see and experience this new concept first hand.

One such experience was at a coffee shop where there were two single use washrooms. In other words, each room had one toilet and one sink. Usage was for the first in line. Very logical. We have the same rule in our domiciles.

My second experience was at the Burnaby Art Gallery where the public washroom area is semi open concept. The wide open entry to the large open space has no doors. The sinks, soap dispensers and dryers are visible to the open entry corridor, and across the floor are toilet stalls with floor to ceiling solid walls and a lockable floor to ceiling door. It could not be more comfortable and pleasant. I have since heard most universities use this HUB model, and other examples are evident in public buildings across the world.

As is true with anything new or different, a change in public policy is difficult for some more than others. Experts in security have likely been or will be involved in designing or redesigning public washroom spaces. I do have full confidence that safety and privacy is, and will forever be, job one in the work ahead.

My suggestion to the leery is to personally check out the gender neutral public washroom concept. Give it a try. You might surprise yourself and wonder what took us so long to get here!

Humming-bird

 

🅗🅤🅜🅜🅘🅝🅖-🅑🅘🅡🅓

As I sit pondering about life, I see a familiar visitor fluttering outside my living room window. By now it knows it is a window, not a door, but it keeps coming back. I am now thinking it’s a messenger, sent to me with a spiritual purpose and, up to now, I had not been listening.

When I stop and think about the hummingbird, I wonder how it got its name.  I know the act of humming, when executed by humans, is often a subliminal sign of intervention — either to quietly interrupt a conversation as a warning of some sort or a way to indicate no desire to listen. I can now feel both interpretations as the humming-bird is still out there hovering and fluttering trying to tell me a few things I need to hear. I decide it is time to listen.

It causes me to remember an Indigenous elder telling me a story about the hummingbird. At the time my mind was too busy to get into the zone of such abstract thinking; but, he said something about the legend of a Raven transforming a flower into a hummingbird. He gave the hummingbird a message to take to all the flowers, which is why we see them darting quickly from flower to flower and whispering a message of thanks to each flower for its beauty and making our world a better place. 

Remembering this story now and connecting the flower legend to a human metaphor, I am believing the hummingbird was sent here with a purpose. Its humming, beauty and fighting spirit motivates me to do some digging. I see it has now flown away to give me some space to think.

I decide to use the time to research more about the role of the hummingbird in indigenous cultures and legends. In "The Healer Between Heartbeats" they say the hummingbird came from the breath between worlds — too fast to be caught, too gentle to be feared.

Her wings do not fight the wind — they weave through it, stitching together what was torn by time.

Hummingbirds are masters of the small bird world. They are the only birds that can fly both forward and backwards. They can also hover in mid-air, fly sideways and even upside-down. Amazing. Unique. Beautiful.

The elders also believe these special birds carry the voices of those who left too soon. Not to speak for them, but to remind us: love never actually leaves us, it just changes shape and sometimes we need to welcome it differently.

We have all noticed that when a hummingbird visits, she doesn’t stay long. Healing never does. She’s in a hurry to move on after giving us a start — both as in surprise and as in ending something before quickly moving on. A jolt of encouragement to ‘grow’ perhaps?

“Chop chop, keep breathing, keep moving, life’s too short to stop or stall.”  

This is her lightly touching message, softly whispering without bruising, like a peck on the cheek or hand on your shoulder, always helping the flowers grow and saying you are not in this alone, but you have a role to play.

I love the soft, gentle humming of the hummingbird. It’s encouraging, enlightening, jolting, motivating… she links or bridges one heart to another, one delicate moment or frustration to another, like an omen or messenger, saying think fast, forward, back and sideways, upside down and upright, look in, take note and then quickly move forward or move on. 

“ Do not fight the wind, weave through it. You’ve got this!” and off she flies again from “flower to flower”, proudly being the healer between heartbeats. 

DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

 Today is Election Day in Canada… the election call came upon us suddenly; but, the true warriors were at the front ready to get equipped and ready to go on Day one. 

Volunteers came out of the woodwork and closets in droves, full of vim and vigour, gung-ho and excited to get the ball rolling, and to keep it rolling fast and smoothly for the full 36 days.

Office space was rented and supplies were ordered along with sign and brochure printing. Big sign wood was bought and cut to size ready for the first round of gigantic signs to be mounted in key spots throughout the constituency. All Candidates Debate dates were set early. Initially a skeleton crew was at the ready to do what needed to be done to raise the profile of their candidate. The crew grew and grew as the days unfolded.

Phone calls; door knocking; official opening of the office; special guest appearances to help boost morale; huge rallies for and with the Party Leader; issues management; media interviews; and, the all important mega use of all social media options. The crew learned quickly, worked collaboratively and cooperatively every single day, always looking at one goal — getting the candidate elected.

One very unique volunteer clocked nearly 110 km on her bicycle, donned with a campaign sign, clamped to her back storage bag. She cycled in and out of several  neighbourhood side roads and the two major roads criss crossing the constituency. The unusual sight caught the human eye resulting in many smiles, waves, thumbs up and friendly honks. When one rude man in a shiny black souped up truck drove alongside her and rolled down the passenger side window shouting profanities, she smiled and said “open your box, let in some fresh air, so you can discover the joy of breathing again!” That made him even madder as he burned rubber to escape the logical suggestion! She smiled, but held back her wave. 

He was clearly one of those people who was likely born sad, raised sad, lived sad, and was only feeling good when he made someone else sad — “sorry guy, it didn’t work!” 

A lot of those types hang out on social media too. They think they are incredibly intelligent with all the right answers and attitudes, and they go on and on, like parrots, often anonymously, making noise and not realizing how “special” they really are. They actually diminish the original intention of social media and democracy — which, sadly, is likely the happiest outcome for them. Silly people are just so sad.

On Election Day all any campaign worker can do is find an additional burst of energy to ensure their identified supporters get out and vote. Some voters may have forgotten. Some may not know where to vote. Others may need a ride. Every effort made to help is what it is — a hope, a dream coming true, the makings of a success story. 

And, when it’s all over,  no matter how it turns out, reality sets in, emotions run high, pride and praises fill the air, knowing the team did everything humanly possible to raise the flag of their candidate. The campaign and the election process portray the wave of democracy in action, and it’s truly a joy to be a part of it!

Tulip and Magnolia

  

TIME TO PAUSE AND PONDER

 I cradled a magnolia bloom in the palms of my hands on this Palm Sunday. It gave me cause to pause and think — two important traits that we tend to set aside a tad too often. Looking carefully at it as it basked under the warm sun rays, I could see why it’s called a tulip magnolia. They share similar features and behaviours; the bloom felt fragile and sentimental, yet strong and determined at the same time — a lot like a tulip.

I find that pausing and thinking go a long way in better understanding and appreciating the connection between Nature and humanity, and in developing peaceful, calming ways to enjoy respite away from what can sometimes be the busyness of earthly life. 

Happy Passover and Happy Palm Sunday to those who celebrate and recognize these significant reflective days. ☮️ ❤️ 🌹

ELECTION TIMES ARE ACHANGING

 FEDERAL ELECTION 2025

A lot of people, but at least fewer than before, ask me why I support the Federal Liberal Party. The reasons are aplenty.

At an early age, in British Columbia, I was bothered by the constant negativity about the federal Liberal Party in power, frequently in power. The rationale was related to central Canada having more voting power than us or a blatant venom about bilingualism getting recognition. 

If I asked anyone where in the political spectrum their mindset felt most comfortable, they simply could not answer. Elections to many of them seemed to be nothing but a personality battle, a hairstyle battle, a wardrobe battle, a last name battle, a geographical battle. It was just so sad. So very sad.

My western Canada federal Liberals never gave up highlighting the center of the spectrum …not too left wing, not too right wing. Just like a balanced teeter totter, our spot was right in the middle. To best serve a diverse society, the best form of governance could only come from the center. 

Happily the federal Liberal Party has governed very successfully… for many terms; but, sadly without much western Canada support.

This Election, however, is the first time in my four decades of support, I am feeling very optimistic. More British Columbians are seeing the bigger picture. They are realizing a sense of urgency on a global scale and stepping aside from the “me-me-me” in favour of “we-we-we” . 

This Election, I am supporting fresh air, a fresh new Liberal Leader, a fresh new approach, a fresh new team of like minded solid Canadians who have stepped to the plate to serve in public office on behalf of the entire country, all citizens, all provinces and territories.  

Yes, in this Election, I am supporting Mark Carney and the federal Liberal Party of Canada — they will best lead the way through handling the domestic and national impact of the current international crisis and keep us strong in our collective resolve to stand up for Canada. 

BEING TOGETHER TOGETHER

 

GETTING IT TOGETHER TOGETHER  🌲 

Today as we prepare to recognize Earth Day (April 22,2025), I am visiting trees. I am currently standing tall in a huge forest of coniferous trees within my community of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. I feel like one of them; but I am not very tall, just feeling tall and growing. 

As I look around this place I see and feel harmony. I see and feel peace. But I also see and feel something more.

My fellow trees are enjoying their home; they have lived together a very long time. Their branches are swaying and some are stroking each other. I think it is their language. They are communicating back and forth, just like good caring neighbours do. I do feel welcomed and welcome in a sea of peace and harmony. This is how life should be.

I am looking down at their our base. It is rich fertile soil and in that soil sits their roots, and now my roots too. Some are flowing above ground, but most of their longevity has been and is beneath what my still partially human eye can’t see — a living part of Earth beneath the surface. From day one the roots have not changed their ways. They travel deep and horizontally, sending messages back and forth, just like good neighbours do, feeding their stock and others too.  They have found their way, their purpose, their role. They are  embedded, settled and at peace. For them their way is here to stay. I think that is why some of the roots are above ground — it is a message to non-trees: “we are here, we have found our way, and we are here to stay. Come join the fray”!

As I continue to stand here in this quiet forest, I feel a harmony, a peaceful existence on our planet Earth. I think that is how life was intended to be for all who inhabit this planet, but somewhere along the way, separation occurred between Nature and humanity, creating big gaps, disunity and dismay.  Greed, jealousy, envy, ownership, dominance, selfishness. These trees have seen it all, felt it all, but remain optimistic that as more and more people step out of their human-made mainstream comforts and discomforts, the best learning resource for world peace and harmony, may well be right here next to a tree — sturdy, strong and content.

Yes, I am standing tall feeling comfortable in a forest. When I am home, I often do feel like a tree in mini-forests because there are other humans who think like me, feel like me,  and are close to me. We appreciate and embrace our harmony as proud, healthy ‘trees’ in our forest. We just need to keep focused and determined to break the environmental logjams around us, and within the bigger world, subtly and demonstrably, in order to get others to help the earthly ‘waters’ flow peacefully, healthily and harmoniously, as they were originally intended — before it is too late. 

Antoinetta DeWit

April 2025

 

Power of the Human Psyche

 

New Moon Arising

Saturday, March 29 —hail the moon night! 

Ever wonder what makes the planets rotate and revolve around the sun? There are magnetic energy forces up there between them and those forces are part of what makes Earth liveable. It’s why we have flowing water, growing vegetation, wild animal communities, weather variances, seasons and humanity and so much more. 

I look up every now and then and see SkyWorld. The marvels and mysteries are aplenty and I can’t comprehend all of what’s going on but, with an open mind, whenever I go to my favourite outdoor quiet places and raise my arms, with palms up, I meditate and feel a resurgence of inner inspiration, energy, calmness and readiness to keep moving forward. The experience is quite amazing. 

I can only attribute it to how energy from the universe keeps flora and fauna living and dying, weather variances,  water flowing and lifespans evolving, growing and changing. 

That energy up in the universe is what keeps that solar system together with the continuous rotations and revolutions and other activities up there.   Inviting that energy to my inner self is what meditation does for me. 

Without giving it a try, under the tutelage of a learned leader in this revelation, during a couple of full moon nights, I would never have come to this appreciation of the power of SkyWorld, on the human psyche.

BUILDING THE MEMORIES

 

TWO FOND MEMORIES 

From time to time life throws us ebbs and flows, sometimes expected, sometimes not. Sometimes easy to take and sometimes not. But, however it happens, it moves us forward.

My life recently took another step forward at a Writers’ event at Simon Fraser University— one of my Alma Matas. It was a tribute to 2024 SFU alumni published authors.

People who know me well know I am not a stranger to such functions as my work life involved a lot of those events, mostly for others. I’m not big on pomp and ceremony, but this invitation was different. It related to a true passion of mine, and something that has a tangible outcome — a professionally published collection of short stories.

I can definitely remember sitting on the front porch of our home in the hamlet of North Bend, as a ten year old gal, wondering what the future would bring. Since then the ebbs and flows have been aplenty, and each has brought my life further ahead. 

At this SFU Event, as I sat and listened to the speeches, my mind was reflecting on a rush of memories, as this NEW memory gestated.  I felt honoured and humbled to be in the company of a few dozen cohorts with a similar passion. It meant a lot to me to be there and the company of my older brother meant a lot to me too. Two fond new memories made in one very fine day.

TULIP SEASON

THE PRIDE OF THE TULIP 

When I stroll from my car or bicycle to the community pool, at this time of year, I can’t help but notice the flowerbeds around City Hall, the ACT theatre and Art Gallery, and our Leisure Centre. Our crackerjack gardeners use them to plant tulip bulbs in late Fall and now is the time for them to spring up. Springing up is what I see, and it brings out my personal pride in being Dutch.

As I stand there quietly looking at the shades of green, I wonder if anyone knows the story about tulips in Canada?

The story springs back to World War II. Canada provided refuge to the Dutch Royal family during those difficult times, and Canada is also credited for freeing the Netherlands from Nazi domination. As such, gratitude is expressed in quiet ways, the most notable of which is the yearly gifting of thousands of tulip bulbs. I am not sure if all tulip bulbs in all of Canada are gifted ones, but the symbolism of Canada’s connection to the Netherlands holds true in that unique, colourful, iconic bloom.

The Dutch are quiet people. We tend to not express our culture as demonstratively as other cultures; but, we are here, we are proud and we love to see our pride and joy —tulips, spring up for all to enjoy.

Thank you to the gardening crew of Maple Ridge! 🌷 

WORLD POETRY DAY

 

THE POWER OF POETRY

I can remember sitting in a Grade 10 English class when, for the first time in my adolescent life, my classmates and I were introduced to a four week poetry module. It was a new add-on to replace grammar. We were so excited as anything had to be better than grammar!

The introduction was very motivating as we learned that the lyrics for key songs of the times started off as poems. We listened to our favourite singers like Janis Joplin, Leonard Cohen and Gordon Lightfoot, and had so much fun. Through that experience we picked up poetic elements such as beats per line (ionic pentameter) and rhyme schemes. By listening to those lyrics over and again, we also grasped a better understanding of what was being said, and how thoughts were being expressed.

The purpose to that introduction was to lure us to the bigger world of actual poems. This became a struggle and students began to lose interest because metaphors and similes, double meanings and hidden messages, were not their “thing”. It became even less interesting to try to create our own poems based on what we had learned.

Fast forward to my studies at Simon Fraser University in the 1970s — the years of flower power, free speech, hippy life, drugs, sex and liberties. 

One of my Canadian Studies classes included a poetry module. Just seeing it listed in the course outline made me quiver; but, the bolder side of me, now more accepting of the odd and weird and different, opted to find light in the darkness of my high school poetry memories. I knew I would have to step outside of my usual self and approach this assignment very differently.

One of the first poems for analysis had a mishmash of possibly fourteen lines. Some were left justified, some centered and some right. A few only contained two words with long spaces between. I can’t remember if there was any rhyming, but I felt there was a rhythm of sorts — a different kind of rhythm. The general class consensus was how can this be a poem and, if it is, why is it presented in this way? Students felt frustrated overly challenged, and wanted to drop the class. But, I took it as a welcome challenge. 

I decided to not initially focus on the contents, but on the layout. It was mysterious and weird, and it had to be that way for a reason. The reason didn’t come to me right away, but when I put my mind into an almost hallucinating trance, light began to shine through the darkness of the unknown. I then read the lines over and again, and discovered there was a relationship between the layout and the message.

I took my pencil and drew a vertical line along the first letter of each first word and a second line along the last letter of each last word, and an image appeared. It kind of portrayed a naked body, twisted and wretched, bent over and crouched. Very spaced out. I read the poem again and could hear the voice of a sad woman, feeling scattered and shattered, broken and lost. The poem was describing the reality of a battered, defeated woman, stripped of warmth, living a sorry life with no rhyme but, devastating rhythm.

I can remember presenting my theory with absolute confidence to the class. Jaws dropped as I sat there wondering what was wrong with these people. Beyond gasps, snickers and rumblings, they simply could not speak. They thought I was high on something I suppose. I definitely was high, but not on what they no doubt concluded.

I cannot honestly remember enjoying a university class more than that one. I stumped everyone, including the professor who gave me thumbs up and top marks. 

As such my entire insides smiled and, to this day, I continue to smile when I see a poem or challenge myself to write one.

World Poetry Day, for me, is a good day to remember my dabblings with the interesting creative strength of poetry, including its rhyme, rhythm and reason; and, it might be a good day for others to take on a new mental challenge as well. It’s never too late to nurture our intellectual abilities, including our freedom to think outside of our comfort box. No drugs required.

Happy World Poetry Day! (March 21, 2025)

CONNECTING WITH DUTCH ROOTS

 

 

HELLO AMSTERDAM 750!

As a proud Dutch Canadian, this summer I plan to be in Amsterdam. The Capital of The Netherlands is celebrating its 750th birthday. This is a good time to see the city in ways I haven’t previously, as events and tours are planned with celebrations of history and accomplishments at the fore. Future planning and sustainability will also be key parts of the festivities. All in all, it will be a rich and proud experience — of that I feel sure.

I also plan to branch out into the countryside close to Amsterdam, during my free time, where I will find lovely walking and cycling routes amid a Dutch landscape of green fields, windmills and waterways. I plan to walk along the Amstel River, which flows north into Amsterdam. This will lead me to familiar landscapes and footsteps of Rembrandt van Rijn who lived for much of his life close to the river. He was fond of walking its banks and produced some beautiful canvasses there. It was he that said this: “Choose only one master - Nature.”

What I have not shared with many up to now is that my mother’s maiden name was van Rijn, and the possibility of a connection isn’t unrealistic. It’s a mystery I hope to solve.

I am a subscriber to an English language magazine called DUTCH. It features a number of interesting Dutch related things from personal stories, history lessons, legends, recipes, adventures, and travel tips not only specific to The Netherlands, but also related to Dutch communities within communities around the world. 

The feature that is particularly useful to my trip planning this time are small towns within The Netherlands that few outside of the country ever think about exploring. This  has inspired and motivated me to the point that whenever my magazine arrives in the mail, I immediately seek out the small town feature. Those stories are so intriguing and interesting, I have decided to make my 2025 adventure free time focus on small towns close to Amsterdam.

Every town in the world has a heart, has pride and has history.  I am in the right time in my life to do this type of exploratory travelling in my original homeland. The trip planning process  is exciting, but living it will be even more exciting. I will start each day with enjoying a cuppa strong Java and end with a lovely glass of bubbly — peacefully reflecting on the day that was, smiling and whispering the joyous sound of PROOST!, grateful for good health and opportunity.