Any Mummers 'Lowed In?

Mummering in Newfoundland is a tradition as old as it is odd. It dates back hundreds of years, and was brought to Newfoundland - like much of our history - from England and Ireland.

Over the Twelve Days of Christmas, Mummers would dress up in whatever old clothing they could find, and disguise themselves by hiding their faces behind masks of curtains or lace. Pillowcases and tablecloths also came in handy! They'd then trudge from door to door making surprise visits to houses around the community, singing, dancing and drinking.

Though it was never as popular in the city as it was in rural communities, I have distinct childhood memories of my parents dressing up in their most hilarious 'underwear as outerwear' to visit unsuspecting friends and neighbours. I also remember welcoming Mummers into our home, not knowing exactly who they were, but assuming that there was someone we knew among the crowd of foolish dancers. We were happy to participate in the excitement of the season. It was all part of the fun of Christmas growing up in Newfoundland.

Mummering was actually banned for over 100 years, but started to make a comeback in the 1960's and 1970's. It got another push in the 1980's when the locally popular group, Simani released 'The Mummer's Song'. Click HERE to listen!

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador welcomed its first Mummers Festival in 2009 in an attempt to revive the tradition once again by encouraging active participation in Mummering activities. With workshops and information sessions designed to equip the public with knowledge on the history of Mummering, the crowds are growing bigger and bigger each year. Along with the fun and celebration, there is a notable sense of pride in the local participants as they breathe new life into a tradition that was once seen to be 'dying out'.

Now in its seventh year, the Mummers Festival continues to grow with a series of events throughout the month of December, all leading up to the Mummers Parade that ends as one giant party.

Andrew and Brennen and I dug into our closets (and the old trunk in Mom's basement) and threw on our best (and worst) disguises to join in the merriment this past weekend. What a time we had!

 Thanks to Greg Locke for this photo of my Mummer family!

And thank you to Alick Tsui for allowing me to share his photos below!

Now, if you're not from Newfoundland, I bet you wish you were!

You can see Alick's photos from the 2014 Mummers Parade HERE

and the 2013 Mummers Parade HERE!

Celebrate the Season

Perhaps best known as one of the founding members of Great Big Sea, Séan McCann has most recently been touring the country as a solo artist, spreading a message of peace, love, and happiness through his music. He is an amazing musician, a creative force, and an alluring combination of talent and story. Séan has been through a lot in his life, and he has been open about his struggles. He holds a place in the heart of many Newfoundlanders, as he is one of our own. He is our son, our brother, our childhood friend. Both through his music and telling his story onstage, Séan is not only continuing his own journey but also striving to impact the lives of others.

Séan has been a strong supporter of Easter Seals for the past several years, after having been invited to work with some of the Music Therapy students. He said in a recent interview for The Telegram, “I was blown away. They melted my heart, and it needed to be melted at that moment. They have really had an effect on the decisions I have made ever since. They moved me in a really deep way.”

I first met Séan last year at a fundraiser for Drop Zone  - you can read about that HERE.

Though Séan has since left Newfoundland and moved with his family to Ontario, he was back in town this week for the Easter Seals 'Celebrate the Season with Séan McCann' fundraising gala, where he shared the stage with some eager Easter Seals participants.

Funds raised from the luncheon will go to support the many programs offered by Easter Seals NL, including wheelchair basketball, sledge hockey and music therapy. Brennen was invited to be a guest of the event, and we were excited to join members of the community in a wonderful celebration of music and song.

Ashley Martin-Hanlon talked a little about her journey and what Easter Seals has done for her, and she joined Séan in singing 'A Life That's Good', from the series 'Nashville'. It was the perfect song for the occasion, told from the point of view of a person who is hoping to make the right choices in life and to be blessed with good things along the way -

"Sometimes I'm hard on me,
when dreams don't come easy
I wanna look back and say I did all that I could.

At the end of the day
Lord I pray I have a life that's good."

The show was intimate and interactive, with the goal to get everyone singing. Eleven year old, Anna Santos delivered a heartwarming rendition of 'Little Drummer Boy', and then treated us all to a beautiful song that she wrote herself. Anna is an absolute superstar, there is no question.

Séan means it when he says that connecting with Easter Seals changed his life. I believe him when he says that this show is the one he looks forward to the most all year. He talks about how he has been touched by the friends he's made at Easter Seals, and he delivers his message as soulfully as he sings his songs.

He did a beautiful version of 'This Life is an Ocean of Love' - a single from his new album, aptly titled, 'You Know I Love You'. The lyrics are simple and true. "This Life is an ocean of love. Let every heart rise above."

Séan, you filled our hearts with your kindness and compassion. We can't thank you enough for your support and dedication to an organization that helps to enrich the lives of so many people. Easter Seals truly is an organization that is worthy of praise and celebration, and we were happy to be able to celebrate with you today!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

A child is born, forever. 

A child is born, for everyone.

Lift up your hearts and hear his laughter

A new day has begun.

The Ghost of Christmas Present

I've said it before, and I will say it again - my favourite part of the holidays is spending time with loved ones and making memories together.
Here are some recent photos of how we've been enjoying the Christmas season so far!

We kicked off the holidays with our annual CP Parents Group Potluck. This year, it was also an Ugly Christmas Sweater party! 

We attended the Janeway Children's Hospital Christmas Party:

This is Brennen with his friend, Claire. I'm pretty sure she loves him as much as I do!

We had Breakfast with Santa at Easter Seals:

Brennen went on a field trip with his Grade 4 class to sing Christmas carols at the airport:

 And we participated in the Rainbow Riders Live Nativity:

We have a few more big events coming up this week, packing as many Christmassy things as we can into a few short days. 

However you celebrate the holidays, I hope you are enjoying time with your family and loving all that this season has to offer! 

Tulip Tales: Hailey

I am excited to share another Tulip Tale on my blog today!

Raelene is a mother of three, including one child with special needs. Here, she shares the story of her daughter, Hailey.
I adore her honesty, and I know you will too.

*****

My pregnancy with twins was considered higher risk because of the fact that I was carrying multiples, and I'd had blood pressure issues previously when I was pregnant with my first son, Ben. I also had an odd antibody show up in my blood, that doctors couldn't determine where it came from. (It wasn't the normal Rh antibody, but something different. I was told that it was something I would only get from a blood transfusion, which I've never had, so it remains a mystery.) I was scheduled for weekly biophysical profiles, where they used a Doppler ultrasound to check the flow of blood to each baby's brain.

Hailey and her twin brother, Matthew were born at 33 weeks via emergency c-section after a weekly visit to the Maternal Fetal Assessment Unit revealed that one baby's heart rate was low and not fluctuating like the other baby's.

Hailey was born with very little blood. I still do not know the medical term, but it was explained to me that her blood had backed up into mine, leaving her as white as paper. She received two blood transfusions immediately after birth. We were told a lot of very scary possible scenarios, and it was a waiting game as the doctors checked all of her vital organs. She had a brain hemorrhage, which led us to prepare for the worst case scenario. The left side of her body was affected, and she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at her one year check at the Perinatal Clinic at the Janeway.

Hailey was also diagnosed with hearing loss (auditory neuropathy) - damage or absence of auditory nerves - at around 2 months of age, and received bilateral cochlear implants at around 18 months.

She had a strabismus repair on both eyes when she was just two and a half years old. Her eyesight was perfect, but her eyes were turning in. It was strictly a muscular issue, so she had that fixed surgically.

It has always been a bit of a mystery with Hailey, as to how much she understands. She is non-verbal, however, she has shown us in her own way that cognitively, she is pretty sharp! She puts things together and has her own thoughts and opinions, even though she cannot speak. Physically, she is doing awesome. She has come such a long way. The hardest part of her condition, for me, is the non-verbal piece. I struggle with it, probably more than she does. I long to know how she is feeling, etc. We are using PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) now, and that has helped with her requesting things, but it is still a challenge. Also, because she cannot speak it is hard for her to make friends. She loves to be around people and is a very social little girl, but I worry that she feels isolated. I hold out hope that she will speak eventually, as no one has ever said for sure that she won't. I keep thinking her life would be SO much easier if she could speak. My son, Ben used to ask me from time to time when Hailey would talk, but now he says things like, "When Hailey talks..."

I am having a difficult time with Christmas because I cannot ask her what she wants Santa to bring, and she most definitely has her preferences. For example, she and her brother turned five in October, and among their gifts was a Minion stuffed toy for Hailey and a Minecraft creeper for Matthew. She wanted the creeper and would not let up. I had to bring back the Minion and get another creeper! She isn't a girly girl and she likes the things her brothers like!

I am grateful that her cochlear implants give her the gift of hearing. It is truly a blessing. (I should mention that one malfunctioned and she had to have it replaced - yet another surgery!).

Hailey was diagnosed with Autism in February of this year. She had a bit of a hard time with eye contact (which she has since overcome) and in the ADOS (the Autism diagnostic test), she didn't seek attention from the two people in the room. She played when they initiated, but she didn't initiate. The doctor told us that she wasn't 100% confident in the diagnosis and gave us the option to have her retested at a later date. We decided to take the diagnosis so we could get more support in place for her before school started. Personally, I do not feel that she is autistic. I realize that the spectrum is huge, but I am not convinced. I am, however, extremely pleased with the therapy that she receives.

Hailey is lucky to have two brothers looking out for her. Ben, her older brother, is very protective over her most times. Both he and Matthew do not treat her any differently, nor do I really. She has the same rules as they have. Matthew (her twin) is a silent observer. He is his own person, but he will check on her with a sideways glance every now and then. I must say though, since they started Kindergarten in September, they have been playing together more than ever (mostly games of tag!). Matthew looks out for her, and is very quick to tell me when one of her "ears" is off.

Hailey has done countless hours of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, and although she was a late walker, she is now running, hopping and climbing stairs! Hailey is an amazingly determined little girl and we celebrate all of her achievements every day!

***** 

Thank you, Raelene for sharing your daughter's story. Hailey is such a beautiful little girl! I can certainly relate to what you say about having a non-verbal child. I think that is one of the most difficult points for me as well. I just wish that Brennen could talk to me and tell me what he wants or how he feels. What I wouldn't give to hear his little voice. To hear him say "Mommy", or say "I love you". But I hear his laughter, and I see the smile on his face, and I understand. Just as I see happiness in your sweet Hailey. True, we have known sadness, but we also know acceptance and unconditional love. There is no replacement for that. I always want parents who are just entering this world of 'special needs' to know that the love you feel for your child will surpass the worries, fears and burdens you may be feeling now. Don't get me wrong, the difficulties, the pain and the heartache are all very real, but so is the love, and that's what will get you through.

From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and all the best in the New Year! xo

If you would like to be featured on Tulip Tales, please email me at: juliebrocklehurst@hotmail.com  Please include a brief description of your child and their condition, along with any pictures you would like to share. I will contact you with specific questions.

Thanks!
-Julie

Love Local: Wicked Wool Socks

You guys.. I'm not sure if you realized, but tomorrow is December! I almost can't believe it. Most years I really have a handle on the Christmas shopping and decorating and overall preparing, but so far this year I am way behind schedule. I hauled out the boxes of decorations this weekend and got a little start on the mantle, but as for gifts, I haven't got the one. I'm not going to panic yet though.. there is still plenty of time, and I have a few ideas for my special someones.

If you are anything like me and will be looking for the perfect stocking-stuffers, you need to check this out!

Wicked Wool Socks is a 100% Newfoundland & Labrador owned and operated company with a goal to have you 'right cozy' in some WICKED WOOL SOCKS™ sporting your favorite NL sayings.

The company was started by Rob Purchase, a web developer for local small businesses, who also runs some of his own e-commerce sites. He had the idea to make some socks with funny saying to give as a gift to a friend, then realized that they would be popular with many Newfoundlanders!

Here is the product description from the website (http://wickedwoolsocks.com):
"Deez wicked wool socks are made to keep your feet warm and comfortable at work, out and about, up at da cabin, and on da way to yoga. Made from tough wool and fabrics for long wear and can be trown in da washer and dryer."

These aren't just any ol' wool socks.
"Deez are da good kind dat are not too tick and and not too tin and don’t itch your feet." Also, "They are One size fits all adults, so ladies, add a sock under neet if your feet are right small."

Newfoundlanders are all over the place. These socks would be a great gift idea for a loved one living away.. or just buy 'em for yourself! With tons of saying to choose from, you are bound to find one that fits just right! Maybe your Mom always said you were "Stund". They've got that. Maybe your older brother used to call you a "Torment". Got that. Maybe you're always going around like a "Streel", or your boyfriend calls you a "Piece A Gear". Got that, and that. You need these socks.

Here are some of my favourites:

"Yes B'Y"

 "Froze" .. because I was.

"At Da Cabin"

Wicked Wool Socks is offering FREE SHIPPING within Canada until December 31/2015. 

Also, use promo code XMAS20 at checkout for 20% off! Sure, dat’s Wicked!

I hope this helps make your Christmas shopping a little easier! Have a wonderful week!

Check out some of my other "Love Local" posts below:

Juniper Clothing

Rainy Sunday 

Newfound Leggings

 Figgy Duff Designs 

Children's Wish: A Season of Giving

It's that time of year again. Everyone is busy writing their Christmas lists, frantically looking for the right gift for a loved one, and planning their busy schedules of holiday events. It's also the time of year when people start to think about how they can give back in some way, and with New Year’s resolutions on the horizon, people often see their charitable side coming out.

There are countless different ways you can create a positive impact in your community - from helping out at a homeless shelter, donating to a charity, or participating in a food drive. These are all ways that a small contribution of your time and effort will have a huge impact in the life of someone else! This holiday season, as you search for ways to help, as you find opportunities to teach your children about gratitude and giving, consider donating to the Children's Wish Foundation, to help grant a wish for a child who is so deserving.

Each year, thousands of Canadian children between the ages of three and 17 are diagnosed with a life threatening illness. The Children’s Wish Foundation is dedicated to granting an exceptional wish to each and every eligible child. Children's Wish is a national charitable organization with chapters in every province. Since it was founded in 1984, it has granted wishes to more than 22,000 Canadian children.

The magic of a Wish provides children and their families with an opportunity to share the joy of a special experience, and an escape from the day-to-day challenges of illness and medical complexities. Children's Wish relies entirely on the generosity of its donors and volunteers to grant children their wishes. Now that the Foundation has broadened their reach to include children with serious genetic and neurological diagnoses, this year the Children's Wish Foundation will be granting more wishes than ever before!

As the parent of a child with severe cerebral palsy, I can only imagine the positive impact that a Wish would have, not just on the child, but on the entire family! As a Wish Ambassador, I am thankful for the opportunity to see the value and the benefit of these wishes up close. I have met a number of amazing "Wish Kids" and have spent enough time with "Wish Families" to know that having their child's Wish granted is a life-changing experience.

The holidays are a magical time of year and the perfect opportunity to give something back, so why not bring the magic of a wish to a child who truly needs it! Donating to the Children's Wish Foundation is one small thing that you can do to create big impact for families of children with life-threatening illnesses and severe neurological conditions.

Be a part of the Children's Wish Foundation's meaningful work this year by donating today!  

Click HERE to donate and support the Wish-a-Thon.

"Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the body's white blood cells. Being told that your child has cancer can be a terrifying experience, and the stress of cancer treatment can be overwhelming for any family. Wish kids often choose to wait until their treatment is over and they are in remission before they go on their Wish trip - in these cases, the wish trip is an important milestone in the completion of a difficult journey through treatment. In other cases, time is of the essence, and kids can’t wait, and their rush wish has to be granted while they are still in treatment. Donate to Wish-a-Thon today to help grant a wish to a child with cancer."


"Cerebral palsy affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. It is caused by brain damage that can happen during the fetal stages of pregnancy or between the first 3-5 years of age. There is no cure, but treatment, therapy, special equipment, and, in some cases, surgery can help children with this disease. Modern science and advances in medicine have helped these children live longer and well into adulthood. But it can still make life extremely difficult for these children and their families. Donate to Wish-a-Thon today to help grant a wish to a child living with cerebral palsy."

*****

Another way you can donate this holiday season is through the RCMP Wish Tree Program!

The brave men and women of the RCMP have been lighting Wish Trees in their districts since 1991 in support of the Children's Wish Foundation. The RCMP Wish Tree Program started in the Trinity Conception District in 1991. This year, the goal is to raise $15,000 through the Wish Tree Program to grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses across Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Get in on the excitement! Join a tree-lighting ceremony in your community and help create joy for a special child this season.

Below are the dates and locations of this year's RCMP Wish Trees:

November 15 - Bonavista

November 28 - Bay Roberts

November 29 - Harbour Grace 

November 29 - Hopedale 

December 1 - Forteau

December 2 - Lewisporte 

December 9 - Mary's Harbour

A very big, heartfelt "Thank You" from the Children's Wish Foundation:

"It means the world to us to have the generous support of our donors - everyday  people who help us deliver the magical, most heartfelt wishes to our Wish Kids and we never want to take them for granted." - Edie Newton, Director - Newfoundland & Labrador chapter

The world is full of so much good. May we all continue to benefit from both giving and receiving!

Cool Kids wear KoolKoats

A few months ago, I introduced you to Koolway Sports - a company that designs and manufactures outerwear for people with or without disabilities, enabling them to achieve their maximum level of independence in all aspects of life.

With the changing of the seasons, and the first taste of snow, we are preparing for the long Winter ahead.

We have always had the challenge of getting Brennen dressed for the cold. His little body gets chilled to the bone if he is not snuggled up in a warm blanket, and if he gets cold outside he is NOT happy. Not only are we faced with the issue of keeping him warm enough, but there is also the struggle of getting his arms out through the sleeves of his coat, fighting against his spasticity. Every year, we end up with a tear under the arm and a hole down at least one side of his coat. Not cool.

This year, we invested in a Koolkoat from Koolway Sports and our problems have been solved!

The Koolkoat can be worn as a jacket:

 ...or with the super-warm "blanket" attachment:

My child will NOT be getting cold! 

The wonderful thing about the Koolkoat is how easily it goes on. It goes over the head like a cape, with a front half-zipper, and then zips down the sides. The Koolway sleeve zipper starts at the wrist cuff and goes up under the arm, down the side of the jacket, to the waist. Both sides unzip fully so that there is no struggle with arms in sleeves. Now, instead of trying to fight Brennen's tight limbs into his jacket, the jacket zips up around his arms. It's genius.

The jacket is custom made to order, sized to fit each individual and their custom chair. It is beautifully crafted and shaped to fit the body, eliminating excess fabric in the lower back.

The blanket attachment zips onto the bottom of the jacket, and can be worn over just the legs or over the entire footplate and wheelchair leg framing. It is perfect for when you are going to be spending a longer period of time outdoors - playing in the snow, sliding on the ice, or sitting around a Winter campfire! The black "Slip-Not" on the bottom of Brennen's blanket gives extra protection from the elements such as water, ice and slush, and it is stain and abrasion resistant. The coat and blanket are insulated with Powderfill for extra warmth. It is breathable, moisture-resistant and machine washable.

I am so thrilled that we discovered the Koolkoat from Koolway Sports! I know that Brennen's coat is going to make a huge difference to him this Winter, and that it will allow us to spend more time outside together as a family. Andrew and I enjoy snowshoeing, and we love to pull Brennen along with us on his sled. We have only ever been able to go for short distances, before Brennen would get too cold, so I'm thinking this year we can tackle some more serious trails! I know it's still early November, but I say, bring on the snowy adventures! We are ready!

If you have any questions about the Koolkoat, or any other Koolway products, please feel free to contact me!