Me and my momma

This is one of my all time pictures; this shows the special bond between my mom and me. If this picture was taken today, it would show us few years older, my mother as beautiful and vibrant as ever, and our love for each for other stronger than ever.

My mother and I have an extra special relationship, one filled with love, mutual respect and lots of humour. My mom and I can talk about things that are close to each other’s heart and support for each other with words of encouragement; we can be really silly and joke around and laugh, something that my mom says she can only do around me, which I love. And of course the amazing amount of love we have for each other.

Often we go to store and pick up a card to express how we feel for someone else, other times we write them a poem or give them a gift, I have decided to dedicate a song to you mom. It's one of my favourites that says it all. Enjoy.

Click on any of the video clips on the left,

just about the powered by youtube icon.

You taught me everything
And everything youve given me
I always keep it inside
Youre the driving force in my life, yeah
There isnt anything
Or anyone I can beAnd it just wouldnt feel right
If I didnt have you by my side
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were grey
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me
And no one else can be what you have been to me
Youll always be you always will be the girl
In my life for all times


Chorus:

Mama, mama you know I love you
Oh you know I love you
Mama, mama youre the queen of my heart
Your love is like
Tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin you is like food to my soul



Youre always down for me
Have always been around for me even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong
Yes you did
And you took up for me
When everyone was downin me
You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on
There was so many times
Looking back when I was so afraid
And then you come to me
And say to me I can face anythingAnd no one else can do
What you have done for me
Youll always beYou will always be the girl in my life


Chorus


Happy birthday mom, I love you more than I could ever tell you.

Marathon Tales

Toronto International Marathon Results

Projected Time: 4:15:00
Actual Time: 4:11:27 (*gun) 4:10:11 (**net)

* I started off towards the back half of the pack. This time is taken from when the gun goes off, despite where I am in the pack

** The net time is when I cross over the start line. As you can see, it took me a little less than a minute to get from I started toward the back of the pack to reach the start line.

Result in Entire Field - 981st place out of 1741 who finished
Result in Gender (Male) - 767th place of 1216
Result in Division (M3034) - 98th place of 160

Averge Km: 5:56
Average Speed: 10.1 km per hour

What an incredible Journey, a day I will never forget. Firstly, my parents surprised me at the Union Station in Toronto. They came all the way down from Moose Factory to cheer me on, I was totally surprised. Because there may be children reading this, I cannot repeat what I said. Let's just say, I said what was on my mind.

I have been dreaming of this moment for years, but I have been wanting this since last new years. I recall turning off my light at somepoint just before new years and I thought would would be something I could accomplish this year. I have been through a lot over the last few years, and I have applied what I have learned to make me into the best I have ever been. So I knew this accomplishment would have to be a biggy, so I decided on running a marathon.

The year was coming along fast, but I still had to plans to run a marathon. Until about about 3 months ago, I thought I would scale down my dreams and run a half marathon (21kms). So I started training, then one day I had a great 20 km run in the heat. I thought, I'm gonna turn up the heat and run the big race. So I registered shortly after. I decision that would change me forever.

Here I am talking with Dr. Stacy Thomas; she is a part of the Marathon Physic Team. The team helps the runners cope with any issues they may be feeling before the race. I was struggling with a sore knee and she helped me with that. She asked me who I was running the race for and then she asked me what time I was hoping to finish in. I mentioned to her that I had a difficultly training with my knee issues as well the flu I suffered 2 weeks ago. I told her that I wanted to finish faster than 4:15. She went on to ask, what if you don't meet your time, what will you be happy with? I replied, under 8 hours.

I was so happy that I met my goal of under 4:15. My plan was to stick with the 4 four group as long as I could. I knew they would eventually run ahead of me, as long as I stayed in between the them and the 4:15 group. I stayed with the 4 hour runners until about 25 km, then I never saw them again, that's when I started to walk alot more.

Here I am at 37 kms and every part of my body is starting to break down. I had to pass my hydration kit to my father (in his hands) because my back was starting to hurt. There are so variables at play when you run a marathon. There is the obvious external factors but the most challenging is what's going on inside. My lower body was aching, and to cope with that, I had to take a handful of advil which I popped throughout the marathon. At this stage of the race, I had run out and learned to just cope with the pain.

In retrospect, I didn't really have to carry my hydration kit, because they had a lot of Gatorade and water stations throughout the course. The few extra pounds in my pack perhaps weighed me down and didn't help during the later stages of the race.

Here I am storming off the finish line, 5 kms to go.

This is how I felt throughout the race..

1-15 kms: I felt great, it was a festive atmosphere. The runners were laughing the joking. I sparked up a conversation with this young lady from England who decided to run her first marathon here in Canada.

The one thing on my mind was, where I'm I going to pee if I have to use the washroom? I later learned from the vets, just pull over and pull it out and pee along side of the road. I even saw one guy take it one step further, he was wearing a diaper.

15-20kms: I started getting tired. At this point, I couldn't think about the finish line, because it's just to far away (42 kms). I had to think of shorter goals, like the next water station of running past the Ex grounds.

25-35kms: I started walking a little bit more, if I recall correctly, I stopped twice during this part of the race. Mainly to eat some power gels or pop an advil, and of course to rest too.

35-42kms: At this point I'm running to finish. I was so happy to run into my parents and my friends at 37 kms, this gave me some much needed motivation to keep going strong. Past 35 kms was an awesome experience, because I have never run further than this before. So every step I was running was an already huge accomplishment.

The last km was awful and beautiful at the same time. It seemed like the longest km in my life, but the people cheered us on really kept me going. These strangers would call out my name and urge to me to keep going. "C'mon Stan, you can do it! 1/2 km to go, your almost done." To have strangers pull for me was an incredible feeling.

There were many moments during the race where I became emotional. I dedicated my run to many people, but I prayed to my late grandmothers to give me strength and every time I spoke to them my eyes swelled up and I became overcome with emotion. Nothing could compare me with what would happen at the finish line.

The moment I crossed over the finish line, I became so overwhelmed I had to cry. This is something I have been dreaming about for years and I did it. My training was rough, and I pulled through. My family and friends encouraged me and I felt everything at the end.

This picture is when I saw my parents, Joe, Aisha and Carrara. Then I really cried, I sobbed and cried like I never cried before. I guess you can say I unleashed the dragon for the first time.

Here I am crying and laughing at the same time. I was so happy, overwhelmed, thankful and proud all at once. A feeling I had never felt before.

Check out my medal.

My parents and I. My mother had decided to come to marathon once I told her a few months ago the last time they visited. I am so blessed to have them in my life. Thank you mom and dad.

Here is my Six Nations Family, Joe, Aisha and Carrara. The most beautiful people I know, they have been an inspiration to me and have been my rock here at my new home in the south.

Me and my dear Carrara.

I noticed David Sutherland from Fort Albany during the race; he was about 3 kms ahead of me. I was so happy to see him at the end of the race. Congrats David on a great run.

My video reaction at the end of the race

So much rested to do

How do I capture the essence of how I feel today?

I'm so tired, sore and stiff. Check out the time on the clock.
Stay tuned for the complete story posted tomorrow.

A moment to remember

I'm finished!!! What an incredibly emotional journey.

Man, every part of my body is aching and exhausted. I'll have to fill you all in tomorrow, I'm now heading my bedroom hibernate...if I make it.

I did it!

One more sleep away

I will surely be thinking of...

• How excited I will be.
• Who I will meet and how great it will be to hear their story.
• What I'm going to eat post-race. Something large and full of empty useless calories for sure.
• How much pain I will have to endure for the last 17 kilometers.
• How many advil I should take and what intervals I will be inhaling them.
• Of all the people I will be running for, which includes you.
• How full of "life" I feel today and especially over the last few days and how I will harness that beauty to make this day and all other days so memorable and full of life.
• Finishing the race!!!

Heading to Toronto for my final race preparation.

Love and Peace

Running Week In Review Part 15, 16, 17.1

What a couple of weeks, a whirlwind of emotions and pain associated with my training for the marathon. The last time I checked in with you, I doubted I would even be able to run again and now I am pleased to say that I'm all set to go. Marathon is on!

This isn't me, but I feel like this dude feels. Both he and I are ready to roll and get running on October 14th!

The Week of: September 23 - 29, 2007
Distance: 51 kilometers

The week stated off like week 14 ended, full of doubt and pain. But by the evening of the Sunday September 23, I told my friend Bubba that I was all set to run after 4 days of resting my bad knee. My long consisted of a 25 km marathon paced run. What an awful run! I recall at the end of my run, I literally couldn't take another stride. It was in so much pain.

I also had 3 other runs: Sept 26: 10km, Sept 28: 6km, and Sept 29: 10km. I still wanted to take it easy, but train fairly hard at the same time, so I guess somewhere in between. I’m proud to say that the week ended off with a pain free knee.

The Week of: September 30 - October 6
Distance: 38 kilometers

My long runs have increased by 5 kilometres, since last week was 25 kms; this week’s run was 30 kms. I have never run this much in my life, my previously longest run that I have recorded was back in '99. It was a 22 km run in the blistering cold - 30 January weather.

The 30km was again, horribly difficult. I was hoping to run the entire route, but I walked for about 15 minutes which slowed down my pace to a sluggish 6:09 per km. I was planning on a 5:41 per km pace, but really last steam in the last 10 kms, that's where I did most of my walking.

Now What?

When I finished my 30km run, the next day I felt awful. I really felt sore and I felt so tired all day. I was so tired; I was falling asleep during my meetings all day. Turns out a got the flu. What now, I thought to myself. Bad knee two weeks ago, and the flu this week. My entire body ached the whole week, I felt fatigued, I felt really congested, and I coughed up a mouse I coughed so much. Once again, I was a little discouraged.

I did managed to get in a 8km run on October 4th. It was a short run, and it was still hard because of my flu. I must admit, by the end of this week, I was full of doubt once again.

Week 17.1

What is week 17.1 you ask? It's the first day of my last week of preparation before the marathon. I am proud to say that I'm all set for my marathon. I went out for a 35 km run at marathon pace and I completely aced it. I improved my pace by 19 seconds from 6:09 per km to 5:50 per km. I'm still a little off from my 5:41 per km pace, but at this point I don't care. After all the setbacks during my training, I just want to finish.

The week isn't over yet and I will do some light running during my trip to Victoria BC tomorrow. This week is considered a taper week, which means to slow down and rest your body for the big show. What you want to do is make sure your body is rested and healthy for the marathon. So I will run a bit, some light 5 km runs, nothing major.

What an incredible last few weeks. This is going to make finishing the marathon that much more sweet.

October 14 in Toronto, are you coming?

Running Week In Review Part 14

During the week of August 16 - 27, 2007...

Last Week's Total: 85.00km (New world record)
Prediction for this week: 40.00km
This Week's Total: 30.00km

Surely, there's probably nothing that hurts than this. Just imagine waking up late at night, stumbling over to the can and without noticing wiping with this....and....OOOOUCH!!!

Knee Update

I only ran twice this week, 15km each. Both times I struggled, which is something I was expecting. But I wasn't expecting to struggle when I wasn't running.

Since we are on the topic of pain, I have a problem. My knee is an absolute mess, it hurts so much. The other evening I went mini-golfing with some friends, and I couldn't even bend over to fetch my hole in one's without using my putter as a crutch. Later, I had to insist to get my friend Gail to get them for me. Through all the years of running I have never experienced this much pain in my knee.

I guess with all the kms I have run over the years and injury was on the horizon. Some would say that the running has caught up to me, which is what usually comes from people who never ran. When you participate in any physical activity, you put your body at risk of injury. When I really think about it, I think I ran too much. In two weeks I ran 165 kms. Whenever you run, it's recommended that you increase your mileage by 10% a week, I did it all wrong. I increased my mileage by approximately %100. See what happens when I get to excited, it gets me in trouble.

As for next week's prediction, I'm not even bothering to factor in a prediction. Things are kinda messed up right now and I'm not sure I will make any distance except if I estimate 0 kms.

Back to the mini-golf...on the 8th hole, I bent over and really struggled to pick up the ball. The first thought that popped inside my head was "will I ever run again?"

Is this the end of my running days?

Stay tuned

My Awesome Family

On September 15, 2007...

My beautiful cousin Brenda got hitched to Andrew Bunker in Perth, Ontario. Brenda and Andrew have been an item for quite sometime, and over the last few years Andrew has become a wonderful member of our family. I was given the pleasure of MCing the wedding, and I just had to unleash the dragon, wedding bells edition. It was so much fun, Andrew's family really enjoyed my crazy ways.


From right to left: Joe, Irene, Darryl, My Father Norm, Mona, Sally, Jackie, Darlene, Leia, Andrew, Summer, Brenda, Nicole, Sharon, Stan, My Mother Jean, William, Keith, Luke, Jaime and me.

It was so wonderful to be apart of my Louttit family gathering, this doesn't happen much and when it does, it's always an event to remember.


Here's Brenda with her brother and sisters. (right to left) Darlene, Sally, Brenda, Jackie and Joe.

(right to left) My Father, Mona, William, My Mom, Irene, Stan and Sharon.

Willam and Irene are my wonderful god parents, I am so proud to say that I am close to them and we have such a wonderful relationship.


Here I am with my cousins from out west Mona and Darryl. They flew in from Calgary for the event. I don't get to see them much, but when I do, it's like I never left them.

My mom and dad came back to Brantford and hung out with me for a few days. Here we are in Niagara Falls.


Me and my poppa.

Here's my dad and pigging out on some homemade ice cream in Port Dover.

Thanks for including me on your big day Brenda and Andrew. Love and Peace.

Running Week In Review Part 13...Unlucky 13

Last Week's Distance: 80.00km
*This Week's Distance: 85.00km

*New World Record. At a cost.


This week was going great, until Friday when I could feel my knee acting up. It's such a good actor, it decided to take up a full time role, and therefore, it's been hurting ever since. So naturally, I'm a little concerned. This has affected my training because I haven't been able to run for a couple of days. I know I have to take the time off to recover or else I could risk a big time injury, which could prevent me from running the marathon.

I'm still fairly optimistic about the race, but not as much now that I'm hurt. I will do everything in my power to run the marathon, but I will draw the line when it comes to my long term health of my knee. This is a setback, but I should be able to get through this as long I play it smart. The rest is up to my knee, hopefully it decides to cooperate.

Next Week’s Prediction: 40km (easy recovery runs)

Registered!

Event: Marathon
Name: Stan Wesley1-15 Wynarden CourtBrantford, ON Canada
Registration Date: 2007-09-11 22:35:56
Confirmation Number: Q9AV3
Total Paid: $99.00

Stan Wesley Interview

By: Vince Turblulence

How are you feeling?

I'm really excited, whenever I think of the run I get tingles in my stomach. This is going to a huge challenge, but something that I ready for. I'm at the stage in my life where I'm at my best, and I'm ready for something big.

Why now?

Last new years I said to myself that this year I was going to make only one new years resolution, not to make any at all. But deep down in my heart, I knew I wanted only one thing. To do this, run a marathon. You see, I have been running for years and not really training for anything just running for personal fitness. This marathon has really inspired me to run at my peak.

Are you running for anyone?

I've been thinking about this, and I have decided to run the race for my Mother, Father, God Mother Irene and my late grandmother's Lydia and Madeline My mom and dad because they are my conditional supporters and my best of friends. My God Mother Irene because although she struggles with her Arthitis she always keeps smiling and is always a ray of sunlight and our family's rock. My late Grandmother's, because I miss them so much and I know they will be with me during the run when I need the push to keep going.

Do you have any goals for the run?

To be ready for it and to finish under 4 hours.

Anything else?

If you want to come and cheer me on, I would appreciate it. Let me know, I would love to see you there.

Viva Las Walpole

On Sunday September 9, 2007...

My dear friend Debbie Nahde and I went out to check out Roy Leblanc, an Elvis impersonator and here is my Story..

Early Elvis

Roy came storming out to middle aged woman cheering and screaming his name. Well, not really his name, Elvis' name. I was very impressed until he started singing the first song. You see, Roy is a world champion impersonator so I was expecting a lot more. I thought that he would have incorporated more of his awesome stage moves, because we all know that early Elvis had some great moves. Plus I found out that his voice was a little nasally and high.

This one is for you mom. I love you.

After the early Elvis and the 69 comeback Elvis (pic above) he came on as Johnny Cash. Again, I was a disappointed. He came out looking like Elvis with Johnny Clothes on. And he sounded like a bad Elvis impersonator trying do sound like Johnny Cash. I didn't even take a photo, he wasn't worthy of my digital memory. The best part of that set, was the awesome pic that I took for my mother, who is a large Elvis fan.

My great friend Debbie Nahde and I during the intermission.

Debbie and I have so much when we get together; we spend all our time laughing. She was the one that made the evening so memorable. Thanks to my dear friend for getting me my ticket and inviting me along.

The best part of the show was when he came on as Roy Orbison. He was an absolute mirror match. I was so impressed. Another thing that impressed me, was how such a sharp lookin' dude got uglied up for the part. Although he's a more convincing Roy, I don't blame him for sticking to Elvis as his bread and butter. Elvis is more of a draw, and Roy doesn't quite have the pizzaz.

It seems that he was saving his best Elvis for last, the Vegas Elvis was excellent. He had great moves. Later on in Elvis' career, he took up Karate and he would occasionally kick and punch to finish off a song. I was happy to see Roy incorporate that in the show. He also sang with more deeper more mature voice and of course giving away of Hawaiian Leis and the hairy chest. That’s why I could never be a convincing Elvis impersonator; I just don’t have the patch. I guess I could trap a muskrat and stick on my chest, I just don’t know if that would work.

He also gave away the sweaty scarves, which the woman absolutely loved. I thought that was kinda gross, because the ladies would go back to their seats smelling their fake sweat and rubbing it all over their faces. I called it temporary insanity, how else could I explain the crazy behaviour over imposter perspiration.

My rating:

Early Elvis: 5/10
69 Elvis: 5/10
Johnny 4/10
Roy O. 10/10
Vegas Elvis: 8/10

subtotal: 32/50
Bonus 5 points - For performing all impersonations and his great sense of humour.

Total: 37/50

Unleashing the Dragon in Moose Factory

Photo courtesty of www.paullantz.com

I had the pleasure of hosting one night at the Gathering of our People in Moose Factory over the summer, and since I'm such a grandstander I couldn't resist but to show off a little. As the band played, I jumped around and everytime I landed they jammed up and rocked the house. I'm no rock and roll star, but that night, I felt mightier then Conway Twitty.

Running Week In Review Part 10, 11, 12

Mileage for the Week of August 19 - 25, 2007: 42.11km


This is the where I had my first encounter with a bear in Massey, Ontario. I was unleashing the dragon on Sagamok this week, and when I told the kids that I was going jogging they all warned me to watch out for the bears. They advised me to stay within the town limits of Massey, which is just minutes from Sagamok.

I managed to stay within the town limits for the first two runs, then I got bored of running on the same streets so I manned up and went out of town. About 150 feet ahead of me on a dirt road just out of town I came face to face with my mortality. Actually it wasn't that dramatic, it just looked at me and kept walking across the road back into the bush.


Mileage for the week of August 26 - September 1, 2007: 43.11km


This is the week I was in Hearst and Constance Lake and also the week my new friend Peter Gagnon saved my life from a savage bear attack. The bear kinda looked like the one below, but not as fierce looking.

The Stanley Bear Attack Story

by: Vince Turbulence (my new writers name)

The names have been changed for their protection from the media

The evening was warm and dry as opposed to cold and wet. The running conditions were perfect as opposed to dangerously slippery.

Turbo takes a deep breathe as he pulls out of the parking lot of the Companion Motel in Hearst as he mentally prepares for his evening run. Tonight, a his routine 10k....Or is it? At the same time, Peter Gagnon, a loyal 79 year employee of Tremblee Vachion Inc calls it a day and drives 25 minutes home to his beautiful 23 year old wife and 14 children. Peter thinks his work day is over...Or is it?

As Peter is driving home, he sees this strange figure running with completely impecabble form along side of the highway. He thinks to himself, "only if I could do all over again, I would done it all again and taken up running to the fridge." Instead his wife and his children do all the running for him. But it wouldn't be the first time, someone has been inspired by Turbo.

Turbo is in his usual form, passing by bikers and taking no prisoners. He has to slow down, because the insects crushing up against his forehead could leave scars that could prevent him from modelling in another safer sex poster. As he negotitates the trail and running through the gontlit if insects, he doesn't notice the savage beast just off the trail that in 15 minutes would eat him for breakfast. But it's the evening you say, breakfast? The bear is on different time then us, he just got up.

Peter is cruising home to his favourite band, Ernest Moonias. You see, he has been threatened by his boss for wearing his Ernest Moonias World Tour T-shirt to work. His boss would says "who the hell is this Ernest anyway? And a world tour? He only went to Kash, Fort Albany and Six Nations. Take that damn blouse off."

Peter has driven this road his entire life and drives with his mind on his money and his money on his mind. Paying little attention to the road and glaring out his window and the beautiful Canadian Sheild of Northern Ontario. He notices a bear off in the distance and slams on his breaks and pulls over, becuase he recalled seeing Turbo a few kilometers back. He is determined to save this mans life.

And he does, because when Turbo catches up a few minutes later, Peter tells him all about the bear who is now sitting on Turbo's shoulder ready to bite off that yummy looking growth on his muscular shoulders. Turbo then makes a move right from the Matrix and sends that grizzly animal crashing into the trees. To their amazement, the bear turns into agent smith. And slowly but surely, agent Smith begins to transition into another being..another person. "Holy Zion, they yell, it's Ernest Moonias and he's pissed. He wants his t-shirt back.

Turbo and Peter look at themselves, put on their sunglasses and climb into the truck and hit the road at top speed. Turbo picks up his cell phone, calls Morpheus and they both get beamed back up the Nebuchadnezzar never to see Ernest again.

The End... Or is it?

In all seriousness, Peter was on his way home when he spotted the bear in the bush with me running passed without noticing. He stopped his truck and waited for me to return just in case the bear came close to the trail to eat me. I was so thankful that someone who had no clue who I was would do something so thoughtful.

Now that's what I can making a difference.

I got kinda spooked the next time I went running, so my friend, Wendy let me borrow her mase the next time I went out. I was just hoping to see a bear so I show him who's boss. But alas, it never happened.

Mileage for the week of September 2 - 8, 2007: 80.00km

Now, I've hit the big time! This week I will never forget, definately a turning point in my running career. A new Stan World Record, shattering my previous weekly best of 70km. Get this, I took one day off and still acheived my new record.

I have been running for years, putting in at least a few thousand kms. This week has motivated me to get more serious about my fitness. In the past, I would run hard, and eat like a pig. I would tell myself I could eat whatever I wanted and run it off, but that's dangerous thinking. Why have I been running so hard to get in shape just to waste it all on cheesecake or extra large nachos. So here's my promise I made to myself. To put in more mileage and to watch my diet so I can lose my weight to get in better running shape to.....RUN A MARATHON on October 14. That's in one month!


This will surely be me after the Toronto Marathon, except browner, more dead looking and possibly even beaten up.

Next weeks prediction: 90kms (A new world record)

Wanna cheer me on? Check out the site and let me know. http://www.torontomarathon.com/

Wicked time in Waswanipi!

The Week of August 28 - 30, 2007

Site: Waswanipi, Quebec
Event: 8th Annual Business Conference and Awards Gala

What can I say, when I go back to Waswanipi it feels like I'm going home and rather than visiting friends, I am celebrating with family. I am treated like Swampy Gold when I'm there, I am bugged, teased and hounded....and I love it.

The conference was a little slow due to poor attendance on days 1 and 3, however, on the 2nd day; we had some students come in from the school which gave us some much needed bums in the seats.

The highlight, other than seeing my friends and family, was the gala on Wednesday night. I had the pleasure of Mcing the event, which was an absolute blast. It was a packed house, and the community responded very well to my sense of humour.

The Gala also featured the Business Awards. All of the people present, who all paid for the event, voted for all the winners. It surely made it more meaningful for all the winners because they the honour came from the community.

Here I am announcing the winner of the business of the year award.

The Youth Business Person of the Year was a no show, so I accepted the award on his behalf. I accepted it with no intensions of giving it to him; it took 38 of them to pry it away from the kung-fu grip.

Me and my dear friend Charlotte Ottereyes.

BLACKFIRE http://www.blackfire.net/

I was hoping to be highlight of the night, however, when Blackfire came on stage they blew everyone away. They kicked tamarack, with the unique ability to combine punk, culturally proud and environmentally aware lyrics. Blackfire is more than a band, they are cultural champions who walk the world with a humble yet heroic flare.

Here is the band performing with their fathey, Jones Benally. Jones is a 80 + year old traditional medicine man who honoured us with his singing as well with his incredible hoop dance ability. Sorry no pic of that, I was completely blown away by his performance.

Here Jenada is harmonizing with her father Jones.

Klee Benally, what a powerful voice.

Jenada, myself and my good friend Dave Mckenzie. Dave was one of the workshop facilitators, and is the program coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Inst for the Development of Minority Communities at the John Molson School of Business at Condordia University.

And then I rested. More like passed out.

The day after their great performance, Blackfire presented two workshops; Surviving Through Music and Protecting Mother Earth.

My good friend Jule-Ann Cooper.

My friend Alberta and his lovely wife. Albert travels all over the Cree Territory cooking traditional food.


Gitchi Meegwetch to Waswanipi for making my trip home memorable. See you all soon.

Lucky in Constance Lake

August 27 - 31, 2007...

Community: Constance Lake First Nation

Duties: Student Retreat and Staff Retreat

What a week! I have been in Constance Lake many times before and whenever I'm asked to go back multiple times, it's special. That tells me that I have established a relationship with the organization and the community.

The first three days were with the students for the Student Retreat. It was great, although the organizers were expecting more youth to show up. The timing was difficult for the young people though, since it was a week before school started. This resulted in what I do when I'm on my off work, I sleep in and take it easy. At the conclusion of the Student Retreat, I handed out 6 certificates.

The Staff Retreat was absolutely awesome, I was so impressed with the attitude of the Constance Lake Education Authority Staff. It is definately a reflection on the leadership of the organization, Susan Sutherland does such a fantasic job.

Here the staff is engaed in a trust activity and getting to know you opening game. They must manoeuvre around the facility keeping eye contact at all times, asking each other questions so they could get to know each other. A great way to start off any retreat or meeting is to hit them hard with an interesting and fun activity at the beginning. This builds interest and sets a great tone.

Teachers, I find, have a difficultly following instructions. So I had to keep a close eye on them so they wouldn't look away. I had to send a few of them down to the principal's office for cheating.

One of the highlights of the week, according to the staff, was the True Colours activity. This is a personality type workshop. The participants get to know themselves a bit better as well as the others in the team. Sometimes people don't know where they fit in a team environment, True Colours helps people find their place.

There was so much spirit and fun in the retreat. There were various committee reports that the staff presented. In order to fit the spirit of the event, I gave all groups the following presentation criteria:

• Must be engaging


• Must be entertaining


• Must be fun


• Must be creative

I didn't want the group to stand at a flip chart stand or read through slides. Visual aids should add to our presentations, but most often they take away from the overal effectiveness and most times the presenter just stands there and reads. Blah blah.

Above is a group rapping their report of youth appreciation, it was awesome!!!!

I take roasting weiners seriously!

At the same time of the Student Retreat, they had a community youth rally. One evening they hosted a weiner roast meltdown and a mashmellow stuff your face night.

My old friend Roberta and me enjoying a bite. Roberta is certified facilitator and does great work with the community's youth.

Whenever I go to Constance Lake, they work me hard. Or should I say, they let me play hard. I MC'd Constance Lake First Nation Idol. The Promise Girls are on stage on this pic performing for the community.

http://www.eaglesearth.com/

I had the pleasure of staying at the beautiful Eagles Earth Centre. This place is very impressive, I admire the people of Constance Lake for dreaming up such a wonderful facility.

Each teepee has an animal name attached to it. I decided against staying in one, however, I decided on staying in a A Frame Cabin.

The main hallway in the Centre is a feast of information. There are great pictures, artifacts, and huge banners hanging throughout.


Since it was the first time most the staff experienced Eagles Earth, we had to take the tour of the place. This gives the teachers a chance to scope out the place so they could incorporate the centre for any units or projects.

Here I am with the boys in front of a traditional Oji-Cree Bingo Hall. Actually, I don't recall what this is. I know it's a dwelling of some sort.

Thank you Michelle Frost, Lorraine Wesley and Susan Sutherland for your great work and inviting me back to Constance Lake.