Lorna, My First Mentor

Lorna and Lorraine 2018 

In grade three, I found myself with an unexpected mentor—not a teacher, but my fellow student and friend, Lorna. She was an avid reader, especially enchanted by the Anne of Green Gables series. Watching her fall so deeply into those books sparked something in me. I wanted to do what she did, to dive into stories and worlds that stretched beyond our classroom. Because of her, I began to take reading more seriously, and her love of characters—full of imagination and spirit—inspired me too.

Lorna wasn’t just a reader; she was creative and mischievous, a trickster who always seemed to come up with clever ways to fool the teacher. She had a laugh that was contagious, a warmth that drew people in, and a personality so vibrant it stayed with me all these years.

What began in grade three grew into a friendship and a mentorship of sorts that left a lasting mark—more than seventy years later, I still carry her influence. She showed me that books could be companions, that laughter could soften even the hardest days, and that a generous spirit could shine for a lifetime.

Over the years we kept in touch, on birthdays and Christmas time. I really appreciated her pictorial story of her family each year. These correspondences are still tucked away in my memorabilia box. 

Fond Memories of Gallivan, Saskatchewan

The Hamlet of Gallivan was located near highway 40 between the Battlefords and Cut Knife in West- Central,  Saskatchewan, Canada 

 

I grew up on a farm near Gallivan, Saskatchewan, where the land stretched as far as the eye could see and the rhythm of life was guided by the seasons. The farm was more than a place to live—it was a classroom, a playground, and a sanctuary. From an early age, I learned essential life skills: how to care for animals, how to nurture a garden, and how to meet challenges with resilience.

But beyond the work, the farm was rich with love and security. My mentors were family members whose wisdom came not from books, but from lived experience. Adventures were woven into daily life—exploring fields, chasing the horizon, and finding magic in the ordinary. Those years instilled in me a strong foundation of stability, mentorship, and belonging. They gave me memories that continue to inspire the way I live, and the way I share my journey with others today.

Now there is a marker to indicate where the Hamlet once was. 

My Gallivan story is found in my Autobiography 

Notes and Clippings- It all started in Saskatchewan 

Gallivan Story   https://notesandclippings.blogspot.com/2021/04/ 

The Life We Made Together

The Life We Made Together -- 20 Years 

For 20 years, I’ve been a witness to your life—and what a beautiful life it is.

We found joy in the small things: early morning conversations, walks in nature, and the comfort of shared silence. Your helping hand has guided me through hard days, and your spirit has brought laughter to even the simplest moments.

Together, we’ve built things—projects, memories, dreams—and filled our days with hobbies, plans, and passions that connect us. Whether we’re tackling a new idea or just enjoying a quiet morning, you are always my favorite person to do life with.

This second chance at love has been a gift I never take for granted. Thank you for 20 years of showing up, creating joy, and sharing everything that matters most.

Remembering My Father, Azarie Joseph Ovide Bertrand

 My father, Ovide Bertrand, was born in  Argyle Minnesota, USA  on June 7th, 1902. He was the 6th child of a family of 10 of Arthur and Clara (Tessier) Bertrand, who were born in Quebec, Canada, and moved to USA (Ovide is standing between his parents, Arthur and Clara in the middle row) 

He came to Canada in 1917 with his father and older bothers to homestead in the Rosemound District. He met my mother, Hughenna Rutley, who was teaching  at the Rosemound School. They married on August 8, 1928

They purchased a farm in the Gallivan District and raised a family of seven. Besides farming Ovide, learned to be an electrician and repaired tube radios. He was a member of the Cut Knife Knights of Columbus. Dad passed away on December 28, 1964

I fondly remember my father as being a softly spoken, kind-hearted man who would like to tease. 

Keeping Grounded with Nature's Gift, The Soil and Personal Well-being

 My family got together on our Annual Family ZOOM call. From North Carolina, Ontario,  Alberta and British Columbia. As each took turns in telling what  they accomplished and was important to them in 2024, one common theme merged  Looking after Nature's Gift, The Soil. The other theme was looking after who your wellbeing 

Mark and Svava 

Mark and Svava Operates Concession Road Garden located in Haldimand County Ontario https://www.concessionroadgarden.ca/about.html#/   "Our primary mission is to nurture the soil. By nourishing the ground, we are able to grow a varied selection of native wildflowers, perennials, spring bulbs, and annual pollinator friendly cut flowers for our customers, while also helping to the preserve and protect native flora and fauna. In creating bouquets and arrangements, our aim is to awaken senses and create a setting of joy for your kitchen table, a wedding reception or special event."  This kind of farming is rewarding, as they take in many farm markets and create events on their farm. 

Lynne and Kerry 

Lynne and Kerry look back on 2024 with satisfaction of an exercise program and working from home in the Breath Body Works in Calgary  www.breathbodyworkwellness.com/ "Our interdisciplinary clinic is dedicated to helping you regain and maintain your health and well-being.  We offer a variety of simple and sustainable wellness solutions for a wide variety of health challenges. These natural healing techniques and programs are safe, effective and well established."  Kerry is working  as a ski guide a Lake Louise this winter. They enjoy coming to Wasa, to take part in the events here. It is a good place for biking, as well as motor cycling. Lynne is always learning about health and wellness practices. 

Leon and Geni 

Leon and Geni and their daughter, Kayla and her husband Arturo, (who were unable to join our ZOOM) live on an off-grid farm near Earthaven Eco-Village, Black Mountain NC.  Leon is one being interviewed, featuring how he natures the soil, on this video, as residents of Earthaven describes their work getting back to nature.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YfcVFExDJE While Leon keep busy building, works on the land and helping in the community. Geni also helps in the community, as well as, attends Mediation Sessions. 

Kaney 

Kaney: "I works as a Wetland and Vegetation Biologist doing surveys and putting together reports. I am also learning to speak French! "

Lexi and Andy 

Lexi: "I have been working full time at the Calgary Climbing Center were I teach people to climb. I also wrote three art grants last year (2024) and received funding for two of them. This is what I am working on, completing these two art grant projects into 2025. My partner, Andy, and I have been moving this month apart it's been a very time getting settled. We are looking forward to the next year being more stable and secure and are open to all the fun and possibilities."

Nikki 

Nikki "I’m going /have been going through lots of movement and changes with school, work and overall life. Hoping to focus on my health in 2025 and gain some intel on where my passion lie”. 

Thanks to Randal for being the technical operator for this ZOOM.  Throughout 2024 Randal enjoyed being taking pictures of all that nature offered. These pictures are posted under  Studio-eh Design on Face book. 

As I look back over 2024, I must say I have learned many technical ways of manages the different platforms, not without frustration, however!!  I joined in many ZOOM calls with the Wellness Community I belong to, as well as, I host a Wellness Gathering group with Lynne, on Principles of Core Alignment, which she leads. I have a YouTube site under  Lorraine Martin. The latest thing is a WhatsApp page link on my business website  https://lramartin.mynikken.com/  Be sides that, I spare-headed an Archive Renewal with Beth Jacob Synagogue in Regina. Although I live in BC and we contact on ZOOM, there is a dedicated group doing the work there. What I desire for 2025 is to stay as active mentally and physically as possible, to enjoy the rest of my life. It could be another book on Aging Gracefully!! 

Both Randal and I are very grateful , in a comfortable home on Pat and Kate Fitzgerald's acreage, in Wasa, BC  The best thing is having visitors and suppling fresh muffins!!! 

60th Birthday of Mark Stephen Joseph

Happy 60th Birthday Mark 

Mark and Svava Concession Garden Ontario  

Mark with Lorraine 

Mark with Jerold 

                                                               

Mark with Lynne 

Mark with Grandma Bertrand, Lynne & Leon 

Mark , Leon, Jerold, Lorraine, Lynne 

Bar Mitzvah 

Grandpa  and Grandma Birstein with Mark, Lynne & Leon 

Great Grandpa Rutley with Mark & Lynne 

A Family Story "Jungle" and "Caring"

  

Here is a family story on the Marcovitch / Birstein Side 

Regina Leader Post, April 20, 1935 Front Page Headline

KINDLY REGINA MERCHANT DIES

Dewdney Ave. Man Befriended many Transients in Northern District 

Kindly “Mac” Marcovitch, 65-years old Dewdney Avenue, storekeeper, who befriended many a transient who came to his shop, is dead. Mr. Marcovitch died Thursday in Regina hospital. He had been ill for two months. For some years he operated a store at 610 Dewdney Avenue and never once was known to keep a hungry man from his door. Men who came to the “Jungle” * just north of his store, were often befriended. He kept one transient during a two weeks cold snap until the weather warmed sufficiently to permit the traveler to continue on his way. He was born in Roumania 65 years ago, coming to this country when 30 years of age, settling in Winnipeg and opened a store business, a business he was in all his life. Fourteen years later he move to Cupar, Saskatchewan and then six years later to Regina, where he opened the present store. He is survived by one son, William, and three daughters, Caroline, Mrs. A. (Edith) Birstein, Regina, and Mrs, A. (Lottie) Stengle. He was predeceased by his wife (Gertrude) in 1929.Services were held from the House of Jacob Friday afternoon with Rabbi Max Kalef officiating. Internment was made at the Regina Jewish Cemetery.

Near every city "jungle” grew up in which the homeless men made their temporary headquarters before passing on to the next centre. Sanitary conditions in these ‘jungles’ began to receive unfavourable publicity, ‘rod-riding’ on the railroads was severely criticized, there arose grave concerns that the wandering men were a threat to the life and property , and by 1939 the situation came to be considered a national scandal. –L.Richter, Canada’s Unemployment Problem 

Looking Back, Tales from Saskatchewan: On July 1st 1935 the Regina Riot took place