Art by me, Kelsey Ehler. Use with permission. It is a fact that the Coast Salish people weave some kickin' rad wool textiles, but you might wonder how they developed the art without any sheep around. The answer to this, along with a number of life's problems, is 'dogs'. In this case, the Salish Wool … Continue reading The Salish Wool Dog
Old? Popular? Great! But maybe have an heir in Mind when you drop dead. One of the benefits of the Westminster system of government is that it can survive five heads of government in five years more or less intact. The downside is that it makes such scenarios much more possible. Such was the case … Continue reading Five Prime Ministers, Five Years Haiku
Pros of nun schooling - Skills to stay so cool before Nazi judge, death stalled. You might have inferred from my post about my dear Grandpa Ivan that beneath the plaid exterior of the Nova Scotian man potentially lies the heart of a badass. Turns out, that applies to the women too. Mona Louise Parsons … Continue reading Mona Parsons Haiku
Always known drunkard Would wind up the death of him, Shocked it's not John A. It is a truth universally acknowledged by Canadian historians that if you were an anglophone of any note in 19th century Canada, there was an even chance you were a Scot. George Brown (Father of Confederation, founder of the Toronto … Continue reading George Brown Haiku
Values to impart - Rectitude, kindness to dogs, Being tough as balls. A little late for Remembrance Day proper, I know, but I choose to recognize the day by writing about the career soldier nearest to my black and crusty heart: my own paternal grandfather. (It is late because it kept raining on my face.) … Continue reading Ivan Ehler Haiku
When I was your age, We'd walk miles, uphill, both ways, Just to fight Nazis. Remembrance Day is tomorrow, so it seems only proper to dedicate the next few posts to related topics. So let's start with Tommy Prince, the most decorated First Nations soldier in Canadian history. Tommy Prince was born in Brokenhead Ojibway … Continue reading Tommy Prince Haiku
Oh, hey, USA. Freedom sounds really great, but... It's not us, it's you. You might recall that thirteen British North American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. If you can count, you'll know that the number of colonies they held on the continent was a little more than that. Why didn't they … Continue reading British North America Haiku
Love him or hate him, One fact remains unchallenged: Dude needed a shrink. Ah, John A. Canada's first Prime Minister has been having some public image issues as of late, revolving around shitty policies towards First Nations folk, statues, and what have you. We are not delving into that quagmire today. I am just going … Continue reading John A Macdonald Haiku
Brit boy rebels by Sailing to Canada to Organize union. I'm still kind of... weird, so today, you've got some family history. The man in the picture is Francis 'Frank' Austen Lewis, one of my great grandfathers. He was born in 1870 to a rich muckity muck family in England. I know his father was … Continue reading Frank Lewis Haiku
Sad your stupid words Were twisted, thrown back at you? Cry more, punk premier. Today on Ehler's Choice Week, Nellie McClung! Canadian suffragette and another pick from my sainted mother. Women of other countries attained the vote through hardship, long and bitter campaigns, and the occasional threats of violence. Women of Canada caught their foot … Continue reading Nellie McClung Haiku
