Last Friday, continuing on our mission to be tourists in our own town, my family and I did something I am now referring to as the Heartstrings Itinerary. With Ottawa Tourism’s help, we decided to visit the Museum of Civilization, see Born to Be Wild at the IMAX theatre and finish our evening on Parliament Hill watching Mosaika. Why the Heartstring Itinerary? Keep reading.
The Canadian Museum of Civilization
When you first walk into The Grand Hall at the Canadian Museum of Civilization you are swept away by the architecture of this incredible building. Fifty foot high glass windows frame a picture perfect view of Parliament Hill and other historic Ottawa buildings. In The Grand Hall, you will see the world’s largest indoor collection of Totem Poles and learn about Canada’s rich aboriginal history. From here, continue on to The Canada Hall and walk through a 1,000 years of Canadian history. We’re pretty amazing people if I do say so myself. When you’re done marvelling at how incredible we are, you may want to head on over to the Canadian Children’s Museum where your kids can take an interactive journey through an international village. Guaranteed fun for them, and you. Heart = Swelling with pride
IMAX
Just watching the preview for Born to Be Wild 3D, I knew I was going to love it. First, Morgan Freeman’s voice is like butter. I could listen to him talk all day. Second, there are baby elephants and orangutans! Really, need I to say more? The cuteness factor is in overdrive here! By the end of the movie we were ready to sell all our earthly possessions and go help the orphaned animals. The only thing stopping us was we couldn’t agree as a family if we’d go live with the elephants or orangutans. Hmmmm, guess we'll stay put for now. Watch this preview and then run, don’t walk, to go see it at the IMAX.*** Heart = Gushing
Mosaika
In yet another, “I can’t believe we've never done this” moment, we ended our evening on Parliament Hill watching Mosaika. There is no way my words will describe this incredible show adequately. Breathtaking, beautiful, inspiring, how-the-heck-did-they-do-that wonderful! It is simply amazing. We had such a wonderful evening lying on the grass on Parliament Hill, wishing on stars pre-show, ooh'ing and aah'ing during and holding hands and excitedly sharing our favourite parts with each other afterwards. This show runs from July 6 to August 6 every evening, weather dependent. If you live in Ottawa or plan to visit soon, make sure you don't miss this. Heart = Bursting
By the time we got home, our hearts were singing. What a beautiful evening in the nation's capital.
***The next movie at the IMAX is Rescue 3D. It focuses on rescue efforts in Haiti after the massive earthquake that struck there recently. We'll definitely be going back to see it. Heart = racing.
Thanks to Ottawa Tourism for helping with such a great itinerary. Looking forward to sharing our next adventure with you!
I could sit here today and rant for the next 5 or 6 paragraphs about how our culture is sexualizing our kids way too young. About the damage we're doing to our children by letting our media run rampant all over their youth, but I'm sure you've heard it all before. I don’t really feel like getting up on that soapbox today anyway.
No, today I’m feeling scrappy. I’m feeling like a pretty damn good example of what a grown up looks like. I think over forty is the best I’ve felt about myself yet. I’m thinking I’m tired of being told I want to look like a 13 year old. I'm beginning to feel a little beat down myself, never mind the kids for a minute. I’m feeling like it’s time to pick a fight.
So to the fashion industry, I say this, what the hell is wrong with you?
For the record, I, nor any of my sisters over 40, identify with the Fanning sisters. There is no question they are cute, sweet, innocent, but representative of the women who actually buy your clothes? Please. They’re kids. They look out of place and awkward to us because we know things they don’t about being a woman. Things that will only come to them with maturity, experience, age and stretch marks. What is it exactly that I’m supposed to identify with them on? That I’m old enough to be their mother?
Then there’s the photo shoot French Vogue did with a 10-year old, under the guise of “art”. Apparently French Vogue is trying to make a statement on our obsession with youth in our culture. I guess French Vogue thinks we were all born yesterday, like their model, to not see through this very obvious play for attention. Tarting up a ten year old is the intelligent way to draw attention to our obsession with youth right? Sorry Vogue, but Abercrombie beat you to it. Why not do a photo spread with a 75 year old woman if you want to draw attention to our obsession with youth? Oh right, I know, because people wouldn’t be pissed off about that. There would be no controversy. Nope, you saw a line and hurdled over it and then used “art” as your shield. Not gonna lie to you Vogue. Felt a little gross after seeing that photo shoot.
These are obviously extreme examples, but they are representative of a industry that has clearly lost its way. I don't expect to see Cindy Crawford modelling Gymboree clothing, why are young girls barely through puberty modelling women's clothes? Can we get everybody to start acting their age?
So here’s a thought for the fashion industry. Find models that actually represent your market. I don’t know about you but most girls under 15 don’t have the budget for your overpriced duds anyway. Allowances generally aren’t that large.
Here are a few women you might want to consider for your next shoot:
Diane Keaton
Meryl Streep
Diane Lane
Susan Sarandon
Demi Moore (even though she has clearly signed a deal with the devil)
Judi Dench
Helen Mirren
Julianne Moore
Sela Ward
And I even offer up myself, because I'm giving like that. Look I even come with my own fashionable lap dog.
See, lots and lots of women past puberty available. So, I guess what I’m really trying to say to you fashion rulers, in the kindest way possible, is, please get your head out of your arse and start treating us with a little respect. OK? We are beautiful even *gasp* over 40.
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