Blog Out Loud 2010

by Lynn The Ottawa blogging scene is great. There are so many local bloggers who are smart, funny, and wise. There's an endless array of great people out there, and great reading.

Best of all, everyone online here is so supportive -- we read each other, we comment on each others' blogs, we help each other through the rough times and laugh with each other in the good times. It's easy to feel as though some of your best friends are bloggers -- even if you haven't had the chance to meet them in person.

Blog Out Loud is a chance to finally put a voice to the words you've been reading online. It's a get-together for Ottawa-area bloggers, a social evening for us all to hang out, exchange URLs, and buy each other a drink. Don't be shy! We're all new here.

And there's more! Around 20 local bloggers will be reading out loud. Oh yes! They'll pick their favourite post from the past year and bravely take a turn reading at the mike. You'll hear all sorts of different stories, from the likes of Dani at Postcards from the Mothership to Rebecca of A Little Bit Of Momsense to Kids In The Capital's very own Brie. Entertainment and fun for all!

And on top of all that, several local photo bloggers will be showcasing their stuff at Blog Out Loud, too. Come and see some beautiful works of art -- and maybe show some of your own stuff, too. We still have room for more photo bloggers, and all are welcome.

Blog Out Loud (or BOLO, as it's affectionately called) is on Wednesday, July 7th, from 7 p.m. to around 10ish. It's at Irene's Pub on Bank Street, just a block or so north of Landsdowne Park. Irene's has a full menu, so you'll be able to eat there - I hear their veggie burgers are awesome. And you'll be able to share a pint or two with your favourite blogger. Hope to see you all there!

Lynn is mom to 7-year-old Captain Jelly Belly, 5.5-year-old Gal Smiley, and 2.5-year-old Little Miss Sunshine. She blogs over at Turtlehead.

Canada Day Fireworks

by Vicky Are you thinking about taking the kids to see the Canada Day fireworks on Parliament Hill this year? If you are hesitating because the thought of pushing a stroller or keeping a small child close by among thousands and thousands of people all rushing to catch the free OC Transpo bus freaks you out just a little bit?

Here's a tip, there is this little place with a pretty much unobstructed view of the fireworks, without the throngs of people pushing you from side to side at the end (and no, I don't mean watching them on TV at home in your living room).

The Minto Bridge near the New Edinburgh Park is a great place little place to watch the fireworks. There are lots of wide open spaces to set up blankets or chairs, or you can find yourself a spot on the bridge like most people do. Street parking in New Edinburgh is free, but it may be hard to find a spot close by so you may have to walk a bit. But the best part is not having to deal with the crowds on Parliament Hill, and making a quick exit down the Vanier Parkway back to the 417!

We haven't been back to watch the fireworks since having kids.  But at the time, we lived in New Edinburgh, and this was always a great place to spend the evening on Canada Day! Keep in mind that there are no bathrooms close by (but lots of shrubs in New Edinburgh park for a pee pee emergency!)

The Minto Bridge is on Maple Island, behind the old Ottawa City Hall.

Will you be watching the fireworks? What is your favorite spot?

Vicky is the mom to 3.5 year old son named Joel and 9 month old daughter named Mieka. You can read her blog at blog Some Kind of Wondermom.

Celebrating Canada Day

Canada Day is almost here and there is no better place to celebrate it then here in Ottawa. But with all the activities going on around the city, how do you choose? Tell us how you celebrate Canada Day in the capital. Do you visit the Hill? Take in the fireworks? Host a backyard party for friends? Take part in a neighbourhood celebration.

We want to hear how you celebrate!

Noongam Aboriginal Powwow

by Sara I'm not sure how I stumbled onto the Noongam Traditional Powwow but am I ever glad I did.  The cultural celebration took place this weekend at Queen Juliana Park, which is across from Dow's Lake (intersection of Carling Avenue and Preston street).  Admission is free although donations are encouraged.

We arrived at noon on Sunday to watch the preparations for the Grand Entry and the start of the powwow.  Because this is a cultural celebration and not intended as entertainment, there are limited concessions and scheduled activities.  There is plenty of seating available but make sure to bring lawn chairs or a blanket (and an umbrella).  Before the powwow got underway my boys were happy to run around the back field with a group of other children who were hiding from the hot sun and playing with pine cones underneath the trees.

Because a powwow is a cultural event, there are rules and etiquette, which vary depending on the region.  The National Aboriginal Veteran's Association has written a helpful guide, "What's What" and "Who's Who" - Pow Wow Etiquette about what to expect when you attend a powwow.

We had not expected to be invited to join the Grand Entry today but were very excited when the MC invited the audience to participate.  One of the dancers explained the rules to us before we entered the dance circle (no photographs, children walk beside their parents), showed us the basic step, and then provided adults with tobacco to make an offering upon entrance to the dance circle.

Not 2 minutes into the circle, it started to rain.  The drizzle was a welcome relief to the heat of the day!  My youngest didn't understand stepping in time to the drum beat and was quite happy to march alongside my husband but I spent almost the entire entry watching our four year try to keep his step in time with the drum beat.  He was mesmerized by the dancers and elders that we followed.  Despite the rain we were honoured to participate: you could feel the rhythmic drums and singing in your chest and it was amazing to watch the dancers in their beautiful regalia.

Our powwow experience was interrupted by the unrelenting downpour but I'm glad we had the chance to participate in our first powwow today.  We hope it won't be our last.

Listings for Ontario powwows can be found at:

500 Nations

Aboriginal Experiences

Sara is mom to a 4-year-old firefighter and 2-year-old monkey.  You can find her at her blog, My Points of View

"If you go out in the woods today....

by Julie You're sure of a big surprise. If you go out in the woods today You'd better go in disguise.

For every bear that ever there was Will gather there for certain, because Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic"

Every year, CHEO hosts a Teddy Bears' Picnic as a way to say thank you to the community for their support.  Held on the beautiful grounds at Rideau Hall, the picnic usually includes a pancake breakfast, a parade, entertainment, often rides and/or a petting farm, a BBQ, and the most popular attraction: the B*A*S*H tent (Bear Ambulatory Surgical Hospital) where kids can bring their bears (or any stuffed animal really) to be checked over and patched up by a doctor. 

 In past years, the picnic has also featured face painting, a visit from several Mounties, a display from the Ottawa Police and/or Fire Services, a games area (with games perfect for 2-5 yr olds), and of course clowns.

Enterance to the picnic and most attractions is free.  A nominal charge applies to some games, rides and food concessions.

Since there is no parking on site, the organizors have teamed up with OC Transpo to provide a free shuttle service running to and from the Aviation Museum.  Let me tell you, this ride alone is sometimes half the fun: a bus filled with picnic goers and their bears what more could a kid ask for? 

If you're planning to check it out, be sure to pack hats, sunscreen, water and snacks....and don't forget your bear!  The grounds are woven with paved pathways making most of the area stroller, wagon and wheelchair friendly. 

The year, the picnic will take place on Saturday June 26th.  Hope to see you there!

“Julie is a mom to 7 year old Maya and 5 ½ year old Evan. She is photographer and samples of her work can be found at www.inspiredphotography.ca “