A fantastic event today- Leadership Summit for Women 2015

Although the day itself was rainy and dreary, that did not deter the many people who turned up for a day of interesting talks held at the David Braley Health Science Centre at 100 Main Street West in Hamilton, Ontario.

Here is what their website said about the event.

"The Leadership Summit for Women is presented in partnership by McMaster University and the McMaster Students Union with the YWCA Hamilton. The Summit brings together women, trans* individuals, and allies from the McMaster and Hamilton communities.

An annual intergenerational community-wide event, the Summit provides the skills, space, and support for all participants, regardless of gender, to reach their full potential as individuals and as collaborative members of the community.

Participants in the Leadership Summit for Women are catalysts of change, driving the creation of a more just and equitable society.

The 2015 Leadership Summit for Women will be held at McMaster’s new downtown campus, the David Braley Health Sciences Centre located at 100 Main Street West on Saturday, October 24, 2015. For the most up-to-date information, Like the Leadership Summit for Women on Facebook.

2015 Workshops

The theme for the 2015 Leadership Summit for Women is Make it Happen Hamilton.

The event will feature a wide variety of workshops and a keynote panel discussion.

Topics include:

• Building Your Leadership Brand
• Leadership Values
• Creating Change in Your Community
• Women in Trades
• Women in the Arts
• Women in Politics
• Women as Entrepreneurs
• Women in Medicine
• The Role of Mentorship
• Creating an Inclusive Workplace
• Activism and Advocacy"

On a personal note, I chose to attend two of the sessions. I would have loved to attend more but one had to pick one topic for the morning and one for the afternoon.

I chose the topic of how Muslim women feel as "the other" and found it very interesting.  There was no "new" information for me but rather confirmed what I have observed over the years.  I found it wonderful that the young women students lead this seminar and they did a very good job of it.  Jon Wells from the Spectator sat in on this one and took notes on his laptop so I suspect that something will be in the paper within a few days time.  

It was certainly a day of good eats, good conversation and audience participation.  The lunch was delicious - wraps with meat and wraps for vegetarians plus fresh fruit and fruit bars.  I also noticed that there was coffee available as well during the day.

After we had finished the luncheon, we went to our second topic.  I chose the one led by my friend Linda Marshall.  She and her dear daughter Olivia had it all set up and ready to go.  

Linda's topic was on emotional intelligence and how it affected every day life.  She had a slide presentation which Olivia ran for her.  

Linda Marshall giving her presentation

One of the prizes - I really liked this one but was not lucky enough to win it.

 

Her prizes plus her book also


The afternoon seemed to fly by and soon it was time to return to the auditorium for a wrap up of the day.

I was very fortunate to meet two ladies, one who sat beside me in the auditorium called Deb and the other, a very nice young lady who packed a little lunch for me from the left over food.  Her name is Carol and she already has gotten in touch with me via email.  Fortunately, I had some of my business cards with me and gave both of them a card.

Here are some random shots of the event.

This exhibition truly amazed me

The stairs going down.  There also were elevators.

The scrumptious buffet

A small outdoor patio

I cannot stress enough how worthwhile an event this was.  Thanks to all the sponsors the price was extremely reasonable considering one had snacks and beverage when one arrived, then a wonderful lunch, then again, more food and to top it all off, people were asked to take food home with them!

Twenty dollars ($20.00 plus tax of $2.00) was the price.  There was even help for people who may not have been able to afford it which I thought, was wonderful!

A day well spent in good company with good topics to think about and to act upon.

Thanks for dropping by.

Beauty in Lachine, P.Q. by Michele Comeau

A beautiful shot of Lac St. Louis in Lachine, P.Q. by Michele Comeau

What a difference a walk makes!

I had rather a difficult start to the day as I had no sleep the night before, plus have a little cold and other minor problems.

I had planned to go to church but things did not work out.  In the afternoon, I had an invitation for tea at one of my neighbour's place which I enjoyed.

After a nice visit, I suggested we go out for a walk as the day was gorgeous.  No takers on that one unfortunately.

Off I went with my trusty walker, walked down almost to Wilson and popped into the mall on the way back.  There was very few people there and most of the shops were closed this being Thanksgiving Sunday.  The wind had really picked up and I was glad to be inside for a short while.

On my way home, I saw a bunch of young people singing their hearts out in Gore Park, so being the curious person that I am, I went over and sat and listened to them.  It was wonderful.  They appeared to be Spanish speaking so I spoke to them in Spanish and they invited me to their church.

Just before the young people came over to speak to me, a German man stopped in front of where I was sitting, and spoke to me.  Without thinking, I replied to him in German but I could not remember where I had seen him before.  He reminded me that we had sat together at a nice supper at St. John's.  Then I remembered him.

What interesting experienced can be had when one takes a stroll and gets among people.  I watched the young people and another dear fellow near Jackson Square, as they tried to share their faith with others.  Most people just walked by, unconcerned and unmoved.

I really admire these people who stand up for what they believe and share with whoever will listen to them.

The weather was brisk but in the sun it was heavenly.  I was so glad to be outside, watching people, watching the buses go by, and talking to people.

I wish now that I had let Adam arrange for a friend to pick me up for the Commons tonight but in the morning I felt so punk that I cancelled the event.

Jeanette Anne and Matt and Adam are three of the people that I know there and most likely others.

Perhaps another time I will go.

Life is full of joy if one opens up themselves to people and is approachable.  I feel so happy for this afternoon's little adventures and the fresh air has been so good for me.

On that note, thanks for dropping by and have a very Happy Thanksgiving if you are in Canada.  Here it is a family time, and usually people have roasted turkey with all the trimmings and families gather.

A wonderful time!

A beautiful message shared today

1. John 14: 20 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” 

This is Jesus talking here. 

Read this verse over again!

Jesus tells us that he is giving us peace, but it is not the kind of peace that the world gives. 

If we are "lucky", the world gives us the peace of wealth, health, and happiness, but Jesus is not promising that sort of peace at all. He tells us not to let our hearts be troubled and not to be afraid. Think about that for a moment- we are not to be troubled or afraid, and yet, he is NOT promising the things that you might think of when you think of peace (health, wealth, happiness). 

He is promising us a greater and everlasting peace; the peace of knowing God and having a relationship with him, through Christ. Pause to think about that for a moment: we are offered an everlasting, FOREVER peace with God, the creator of the universe.

  

The kind of peace we think of in this life, even when we do achieve it (health, wealth, happiness), is ALWAYS temporary. It will never give you real peace, because there is always a threat that it will disappear, even when you do have it (money can be taken away, health can disappear, and we can feel unhappy). Whether taken by death or circumstance, the world’s peace will be gone eventually. 

The peace you find in Christ will last forever. Praying for the holy spirit to show you God’s truth and to receive His peace, will help you to feel this true peace. This is the only kind of peace that will settle your heart and mind. 

My first social occasion

I almost missed it as I slept till 12 noon today.  Needless to say, I was up quite a bit of the night and thus slept longer when I did finally doze off.

I was supposed to meet my Whitehern group of friends at the Harvest Moon at 11:30.

You can see the problem here, right?  By the time I woke up at 12, I was already half an hour late!

I scurried around as fast as my fat little legs could take me and zoomed out the door with my chariot (walker) and speeded as fast as I could down to Wilson and James North.

It was 1 p.m. by the time I arrived so I just ordered a wonderful corn, rice and chicken soup.  I could not eat it all, so shared some with my friends and still had enough for a couple of small bowls for supper!  All for $7.99.

We had a wonderful time, good conversation, lots of laughs, some serious moments - we are so fortunate to have such a wonderful group of pals to hang out with.

After we left the restaurant, I went to the Italian store next to it to get my yearly supply of underwear and under shirts.  The quality is very good, a little pricey but it is worth it as one does not need to replace them for quite some time.  I still have some from two years ago which are doing fine, but needed more to top up.

I walked home, sat at different spots where the benches are, people watched, enjoyed the sun and the activity and was glad to be well enough to get about.

My friend Rosie is now home from the hospital and I called her to see how she is making out.  She will need a lot of home care for the foreseeable future.

Good to know that she is now home though.

Lots of wonderful events coming up which I hope to be able to do!

Thanks for dropping by.