Two Things

Firstly, today was one of those beautiful days where I felt sure I made the right decision in moving back to Saskatchewan. The sun was shining and Gaia and I met some friends for the Cathedral Village Arts Festival. It reminded me that Regina really does have a thriving arts community and that the city is full of interesting and inspiring people. Of course it helped that I ran into a counsellor from my years in summer camp who had a booth set up to promote the new alternative school she’s opening. I don’t remember ever reading about a school in Vancouver that meshes so perfectly with the way I want to raise my daughter. I can’t imagine a better educational model to encourage self-esteem, empathy and a sense of community responsibility (locally and globally) – all things I feel are sorely missing in the mainstream schools I’ve looked into. All I can hope is that the school gets enough support in the next few years to continue to be operational when Gaia is ready for kindergarten. If you’re interested check out their website here.

Secondly, on Friday Gaia and I got a package in the mail from Jose. Among the items in the package was a CD he made of his favourite Spanish children’s songs. Frankly, it’s amazing.

Being the true Canadian I am I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Raffi. Lately, when we’re all alone at home I’ve been singing Baby Beluga to Gaia. I don’t know if it’s the song or my terrible voice, but I always manage to get a smile out of her.



Peru’s answer to Raffi is Yola Polastry. Mi Ranchito is Jose’s favourite of her songs and he’s been singing it to Gaia since I brought her home from the hospital. He and his brother have big plans involving this song, costumes and choreography for Gaia and her cousin (due September 2009).



While I don’t think any comment on the inherent cultural differences as showcased by these songs is necessary but I will say this, from now on every time I get frustrated about immigration hassles or the distance between us and wonder if it wouldn’t have just been easier if I’d fallen in love with a Canadian I’m going to remember how lucky Gaia is too grow up in a family where she’ll learn to sing both Baby Beluga and Mi Ranchito... my little Latina-Canadian.