Central Journal 9
Feb 26th -

Parent- Teacher Day

Today I (Shylene) hung out and tried to cover some ground on the mosaic. I was available to answer questions and introduce the project to all who visited. It was a great opportunity for many new eyes to see the project and to learn all about this unique Community Unity project.

I had two very personal interactions with strangers today:

I talked with one visiting mom about personal growth. We talked about how this project provides the opportunity for strangers to connect and learn from one another. We discussed the importance of not judging books by their covers, as one doesn't really know what is in the inside. It was a very enlightening conversation.

Then I spoke with a teacher about her connections to the ocean. About her need to see some reference to the sea in the mosaic. She is hoping to put an image of a shell into the mosaic. She told me about growing up in Qualicum beach and her love of the west coast. She told me her connection to the shell was from her childhood. When she was thirteen and moved to Victoria, her mother told her she had to come out of her shell and meet people in their new community. This was when she joined local groups and really gained a love of Victoria. She told me that in celebration of her 50th year of life, she is planning to get a tattoo of a shell on her back. So this shell is very symbolic and spiritual for her.

She also shared with me her blood connection to this neighbourhood. As her material grandfather went to Springridge Elementary school, right her in Fernwood. So she is deeply connected to the is community, this school and now the Community Unity project.