Everyone that knows me is aware that I hate the word Guru in general but really in regard to Social Media. Everyone that is involved in any Internet Marketing and or Social Media type of Industry realizes that this industry is still evolving and we are all on the fast track to continuous learning due to the super fast growth of this technology.
I had a wonderful encounter last week that I really need to write about. Now I am going to ask that you give me a little latitude – I promise I will get to the point of this title.
I attended the HR.com virtual conference on Social Media and Employee Communications last week. I really enjoyed the presentation on WorkForce Intelligence and Social Analytics by Yvette Cameron…
Still in the midst of winter, I look at photos from summers past – the myriad of sunset shots, sand castle escapades, seaweed filled swim trunks, etc – sigh
The namesake of this blog is actually a real place of sorts.
The Brule Shore is located in Northern Nova Scotia between River John and Tatamagouche – straddling Pictou and Colchester counties.
This area was once settled by the French, and Brule loosely is French for burned or burnt. In this case referring to the generally red sandy soil – however don’t hold me to task for translations.
While excellent for farming, the area is popular with cottagers – considering the warm shallow waters, twice daily tides that expose large sand bars that are most excellent for castle building and general frivolity.
Having spent summers there as a kid, this place holds great memories for this Bluenoser.
I hope you enjoy these images.
First off, I have been known to enjoy the odd video game. Not the first person shooter type, rather real time strategy or role playing (Full disclosure first person shooters give me vertigo aka hurling motion sickness).
My son certainly enjoys these games and didn’t inherit my nauseousness gene so lucky for him.
Trouble is as a parent where do we draw the line on the amount of time spent on gaming systems or computers. (We have the XBox 360 – and for the record the PS3 is fine – not here to talk about that).
I have spent time with my son pointing out that life lacks a reset button, there are other things to talk about outside of games. For the most part, we can talk about real life things and he does share life’s experiences.
However, no matter how good your kid is, there is a good chance they spend too much time gaming.
The straw in our house came after a recent test bomb. He was upset over the mark as we were as well. Why was this so? Ahhhh, he needed to study, not like math where osmosis and logic work. French on the other hand needed some application of grey matter.
So… Here is what I and and the drama that ensued.
Cold turkey on computer and game system. As the father unit, I also curtailed my computer access in solidarity. We talked about the reasoning and what we could do to reduce temptation. He came up with the idea of removing the controllers so playing wasn’t an option when we weren’t around.
Reaction? Out came the Lego, out came books, a request was made to visit Chapters to get new books, his cartoon series picked up, sledding, skateboarding (in January too!!) and just hanging around.
Mood? Better sleep, less grumpies, more chatting.
It didn’t fix the teenage boy dahhhh’s – but that is normal – you can’t expect miracles – part of teen year magic.
Next steps? I will be giving game access back, slowly and controlled – perhaps a game night or two and a (one) block on the weekend.
While it might be convenient to keep kids under lock and key with computers or game systems so they are safe from the big bad world, we are not doing them any favours – the systems are mindless entertainment and do nothing to educate or edify.
Don’t get me wrong, as I said at the outset, I think games are fun. Food is good, the sun is good, wine or dark beer is good, but ONLY in moderation with a balance of something else.
We all will do fine, just don’t forget to parent. Sony and Microsoft, while purveyors of some fine products, are businesses who need to make profits. Kids profit from education and direct parental involvement.
Just outside of Halifax towards Ketch Harbour is a wonderful seaside locale – Duncan’s Cove.
Slightly off the beaten track, this little nestle of houses in a sheltered bay are often placed precariously on the granite which is so abundant in our wonderful province.
One of the more interesting buildings is referred to as Whales Back – this former WWII military installation was converted into a dwelling. Last time for sale well in excess of $1M.
Walking past this building puts you on a wonderful trail along the ocean. Perfection in the summer, great all year long so long as you are prepared for a hike and watch the edges.
For a greater challenge, forget the trails and go along the rocky shore – my son and I enjoy this diversion – although I sometimes am reminded of my fear of heights.
Bring a camera, snack and time! You will leave with fond memories and a desire to return. Perhaps even making an inukshook along the way!
A magical spot in most Nova Scotians hearts – the lighthouse! A symbol of our maritime heritage, isolated, iconic and standing tall and strong.
Peggy’s Cove is especially beautiful, located on a granite shoreline – ruggedness at its best and very accessible to visitors.
While beautiful and scenic, dangers abound with large waves washing ashore and risk takers forgetting about the awesome power of the Atlantic Ocean.
A must visit – any time of the year.
Winter is such a wonderful time of the year, while I am no skier, sledding and enjoying the brisk winter air – ahhh.
I spent Sunday afternoon with my son, sis and my niece. Perfect fluffy snow, bright blue skies, kids sledding and great chatting with my sis. Our favourite spot?
The Haliburton House estate right in Windsor provided the perfect backdrop – glorious in winter, peaceful and lush in the summer – we are so fortunate to have these refuges. Another Nova Scotia gem – how many folk don’t even know it is there!
Enjoy a couple of pics from my day there.
It saddens me with all the History Halifax has that so many rich treasures are crumbling and are becoming inaccessible to the public.
A hidden gem is York Redoubt in Purcells Cove.
The upper fort has received many updates over the years the main observation building remains sealed for years.
The lower fort which always intrigued me as a child is rapidly crumbling and is now fenced off with warning signs. The views of the Harbour, McNab’s Island and the City itself are amazing.
Like some features at Point Pleasant Park which are being reclaimed by the sea show WWI and WWII fortifications which will forever be lost.
I don’t know about you, but this grown up still likes to explore forts!!!
Christmas Eve pic on my way to my sisters in Windsor, NS.
One of those perfect snowfall amounts and lasted for several days.
Funny dog story. For dog lovers – you will understand. For others – you might think I’m crazy.
Anyhoo – walking the dog, make it to the end of the driveway, he stops and does his squat, but after some groaning, nothing. He turns and shows me why, well the stuffing remnants of one of his stuffed animals seems to have passed through and… well….. got stuck. Dog owner (me) takes poo bag and proceeds to pull the ah new dog tail out. Took two tries.
Seemingly done, we walk down two doors and he doesn’t make it into a squat and proceeds to fire not one, not two but THREE poo missiles.
The fun of dog ownership.
