Fatima and Imam Feisal Adbdul Rauf

Fatima and Imam Feisal Adbdul Rauf
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.

For Halloween and our friends' (Peter & Freda) party, Dave and I dressed as a Muslim couple. It was done in fun but I also hope that our appearance provided some fodder for thought.

1) In Canada we really do have the right to express ourselves. Well at least our charter of rights says we do. In actuality, the Canadian, Ontario, and B.C. Human Rights Commissions don't agree. For instance, if a Muslim took off offense at our costumes they could submit a complaint to one of the commissions and we could be brought under investigation requiring us to hire legal representation. Yes, we would be presumed guilty. This in itself is contrary to our rights as Canadians. For a better understanding of the subject I highly recommend you view http://vladtepesblog.com/?p=27268 and read Mark Steyn's book 'Shakedown'.

2) Dave's costume was Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf who is the New York Imam wanting to install a mosque near ground zero. I was dressed as his concubine. Yes, Muslim men do have wives and multiple partners.

3) Wearing the head scarf was a strange feeling. Greeting people with only my eyes, them unable to see the expression on my face. I was only wearing a sheer scarf and found it hot and restrictive. I can't imagine what full veil or burka feels like, while walking behind a man who is able to dress anyway he likes.

4) There are Muslim women being stoned to death for suspicion of inappropriate behaviour of many types including being unfaithful to their spouse. Why are there not more of us 'enlightened' western women fighting for them? I was encouraged to hear Laureen Harper (wife of PM) and Heather Reisman (Chapters/Indigo) speak out. Their letter to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, released Wednesday, said that Laureen Harper and Reisman are "deeply troubled by the flagrant disregard of women's rights in Iran," specifically citing the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who is facing execution.

The letter says "the most recent and public case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani is an affront to any sense of moral or human decency and is symbolic of the plight of Iranian women."

Why aren't more of us taking up the cause? Where have all the women's libbers of the 70's gone? Was it only about burning our bras and fighting for equal pay?

Food for thought.

Portelance Cottage 2010

Portelance Cottage 2010 (3 of 39)
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.

While sitting and catching up with our friends on their deck overlooking Lac Simon, this little hummingbird came to visit. It took a few tries but I eventually got this one shot of him in the air. I also managed to snap a couple of him resting on a branch. So cute!

Max and Whitney

Max and Whitney
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.

Sadly I had to say goodbye to both my dogs this year. Max in the foreground died on Easter weekend. Whitney show behind him, died on Monday, August 23rd.

I miss them both terribly. I haven't been without a dog in 25 years and the feeling does not sit well with me. There is something missing in my house that our cat Beijing just can't fulfill.

RIP Max and Whitney. At least you are together again.

You can't hide

You can't hide
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.

Whitney continues to play hard to get and Beijing presses on with her advances. I think the time will come when we will get to observe the two of them sharing a bed. But for now, this is pretty good.

My Christmas Elf

Dave (1 of 1)
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.

Need I say more?

Grace Gymnastics (10 of 20)

Grace Gymnastics (10 of 20)
Originally uploaded by With A Twist.

It is so hard to believe that our precious little Gracie is now 17 months old. Her other grandparents take her to gymnastics every Tuesday and I had the opportunity to fill in for them. I found it hilarious to see our little girl who has just learned to walk enjoying herself and trying so many new things. I do wonder about the wisdom of teaching toddlers to climb though.