Day 268: Franco Ontarian Pride

Day 268: Franco Ontarian Pride, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Trying to Work

I sit
My back to the window
Staring at my computer screen
Sounds reach me
Pulling me from my online world
To real life outside
Geese fly by
Their honking a haunting reminder
Of the coming cold
Train whistles sound
Gaining and losing intensity
As they approach and pass by
But suddenly pounding and shouting
Fire engine sirens
Percussion sounds
Coming closer
They pull me from my seat
Students, many dressed in green
Parading their pride
In their Franco Ontario origins

Then back to work

Day 113: Franco-Ontario

Day 113: Franco-Ontario, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I spend part of my time in a small community in rural Ontario not far from Ottawa. Here you often see the flag representing the French speaking Ontario people - part fleur-de-lis and part trillium. Canada is a complex country with two official languages not equally served across the provinces. With Quebec, decidedly French, the rest of Canada is predominantly English-speaking. Ontario has pockets of French communities, particularly near the Quebec border and in the north. In Casselman this large flag greets you as you come off the highway. Many homes fly the flag on their lawns. Pride of place - in a sea of English in North America.