I am from…
…metal clip-on roller skates but mostly from Barbie dolls. From Kraft, CCM bikes and peanut butter toasts in front of Bugs Bunny cartoons and always having to get up to change the channel. I am from red bricks, white aluminum, and split leveled blandness with a never ending insecure desire to please.
I am from the rosebush stuck behind the backdoor, neglected, slammed upon but always blooming with beautiful red flowers.
I am from the annual roasted pig we lovingly called Arnold and drunken laughter, from the Lebel’s and the Grenon’s to the Lapointe’s and the Bigras. I am from the city we call the moon for its lack of trees and rocky roughness and a nation’s Capital where sidewalks are rolled up after business hours. But will always call home the city that gave birth to the Habs.
From do-as-your-told, eat-your-brussel-sprouts, go-ask-your-mother and clean-up-your-room…
I am from organ rehearsals every Saturday morning at the Catholic church and stolen cookies from the nuns’ kitchen.
I’m from a confusing world where uttering something as simple as “Bonjour” could land a teacher behind bars. From “Fais dodo” and toe stomping songs with the ruine-babines inviting you to join in unison.
From the meat pies, cretons, maple syrup, pâté de foie, and card games where my aunts and uncles stuck them on their foreheads laughing wildly as they grabbed another 50. I am from summers with cousins spent at French River, dreams of city lights, fitting in and community pools where we mold young leaders to take on the world.
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This is taken from MamaKat‘s writing prompt or this template here. Of course I had to change it up a little bit… but I tried to follow the rules as best as I could. I am after all a hard headed misfit and I know you would expect no less of me.
I did one of these once!! Lots of fun!! Meatpies….. Yikes!!
nice rip nikki…love the rollerskate key and the rosebush behind the door is felt for sure…love your creativity…
love this very well done
Really well done. You painted some pretty vivid picture there.
I really love this. It has me intrigued. Why would saying “Bonjour” land a teacher behind bars?
And what sort of cookies do nuns enjoy?
Hope you remembered to pick up that award I gave you when you dropped by earlier.
This is beautiful. Put a smile on my face to learn where you're from
Thanks for sharing!
This was fantastic.
I did this same prompt last year. It is one of my favs.
http://www.girlwithanewlife.com/2010/09/writing-challenge-where-im-from.html
Thank you for sharing where you're from. I did one too, if you're interested:
http://from-the-wrong-side-of-40.blogspot.com/2011/07/where-im-from.html
Loved this so very cool and now I have to know a little more about you…………….
Like a poem… nice imagery…
The walls that divide us crumble in the face of the ties that bind us.
Wait…I want to know the story behind the poor teacher who got jailed for saying Bonjour!
Here’s a watered down explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_17
We had it easier than the maritimes. But this was when England was doing everything it could to colonize and imperialize and destroy our culture. It is an important part of my historical heritage – what has shaped our communities… I’m glad things have changed, but I doubt the struggles of Canada’s linguistic minority will never end. This coming from a country with official linguistic duality and us being a founding partner… Sigh. Don’t get me going!
I just read your comment at S30P, and yes, this definitely has a summer feel to it! =) Lovely, poetic, and YOU. Thanks for sharing!
I am with the Jester Queen. I was stuck on the teachers too. Small minded small town is where I spent my summers as well.
You tell a very vivid story of where you come from. I am addicted to peanut butter toast and I love the music of the Fais dodo, although I am mostly familiar with the Louisiana variety (which is derived from your neck of the woods!). I enjoyed this piece very much!
I do think it’s the same version – I love all that hails from Louisiana: it fills my heart!
Pretty nostalgic.. put a smile on my face this morning