2023: My Treasure Map

I would describe myself as an adventurous and creative individual, always seeking new experiences and challenges. Overcoming obstacles is just a natural part of who I am, and each year of my life has been filled with unique and exciting moments. However, 2023 was truly a year unlike any other, with twelve times the amount of special memories and accomplishments.

January

At the start of the year, I wrapped up a research project that began in 2022. The project was funded by the “City of Toronto” and focused on the East European communities’ response to the COVID-19 vaccine. The first community consultation was held at the “General Consulate of Romania” in Toronto, where I worked with Hon. Oana Gherghe, Consul of Romania in Toronto, to present the findings gathered from the study. Two additional community consultations were held with the Polish community and the East-European community from Toronto before the end of the month.

February

I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel extensively, as it is one of my top priorities in life. My husband and I share a passion for exploring new places and seeking knowledge, both intellectually and spiritually. We enjoy the freedom of the open road and are always on the lookout for new adventures. During our trip to Mexico in April 2023, my husband reached his goal of visiting 100 countries. However, our recent trip to Vietnam and Japan in February of the same year was especially memorable. Japan is one of the countries I would love to revisit, and I highly recommend trying the Japanese Tea Ceremony and Kimono Experience when in Tokyo. We went to the Asakusa Jidaiya Cultural Centre for this experience and were impressed by the Japanese spirit of hospitality that we felt with all five senses. Though the tea ceremony is a popular activity in Japan, few travelers choose to partake in it. Based on our experience, I strongly encourage you to choose the one that includes a Kimono. When making your booking, you might wonder why it takes almost an entire day, but the staff is well trained and will explain the history and principles of the Japanese tea ceremony, the proper use of tea utensils, and how the entire tea ceremony is conducted.

The instructor taught us about the history and spirit of the tea ceremony, as well as how to use the utensils and follow the flow of the ceremony, using proper utensils. After the instructional portion, we were able to experience actually making the tea. By wearing a kimono while drinking the Matcha Tea we prepared, we elevated the experience and felt the Japanese atmosphere. We didn’t need to bring anything as the staff provided all the necessary items and helped us dress up. We were able to choose from a variety of traditional costumes, from gorgeous Furisode to cool Samurai outfits. After the program, we enjoyed walking around the temple, feeling like we were Japanese for a day! The full-fledged tea ceremony in a tatami-matted Japanese-style room, dressed in kimono, was an amazing activity that you don’t want to miss!

March

It has been almost 20 years since we integrated the former RoCateach into the present Arts4People Movement non-profit organization. Our aim is to help women, especially those who are new to Canada, to succeed. We have grown and expanded our operations, supporting and promoting our culture and sharing stories that initiate a bigger conversation. Our culture is what empowers us and enables us to celebrate our identity and heritage. We organize and participate in numerous events throughout the year, but our primary focus remains on empowering women. Every year, we conduct two major fundraisers: one for International Women’s Day and the other for Christmas (more about this in December). We have been supporting YWCA Hamilton, Stella’s Place, and Shifra’s Home for many years. Both fundraising events have supported women in the Transitional Program at YWCA in Hamilton for several years. During the pandemic, we moved to Toronto and supported Stella’s Place, as mental health was affecting young women. For the past three years, we have been supporting Shifra’s Home in Halton. In March, we delivered over 100 pouches filled with goodies to one of the houses where young mothers and their babies are residing. These houses are maternity residences and shelter homes that protect and support women who are unsure how to parent, fleeing violence, or working to rebuild their lives. During the month of International Women’s Day, we bring them hope, love, and some beauty in their lives.

April

We have been enjoying the beautiful childhood stories written by Ion Creanga, who is considered one of the most beloved Romanian writers, raconteurs and schoolteachers. He is best known for his volume “Childhood Memories,” which includes novellas, short stories, and many anecdotes. One of Creanga’s stories inspired the movie “The Goat and Her Three Kids,” which was released in 2022 and became a huge success. The director and production manager of the film came on a tour of North America, and we were fortunate enough to have them visit Ontario. The movie tells the story of a single mother of three who must protect her family from a cold-blooded killer at all costs. Our organization hosted a sold-out screening of “The Goat and Her Three Kids,” directed by Victor Canache, here in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

May

Our organization supports at least two fundraising campaigns every year associated with different runs. Even during the pandemic, we didn’t stop and managed to raise funds through virtual runs. However, in 2023, we were finally able to participate in the in-person run and we ran 10K on the “Sporting Life” run to support “Campfire Circle”. This is a privately funded, nonprofit oncology camp that helps children and families affected by childhood cancer or serious illness. It felt great to be back in person and support these campaigns.

June

On June 24th, in celebration of the “La Blouse Roumaine” movement, we invited all Romanians to join us in a public park to celebrate our traditional culture. This event was organized in collaboration with the AREC association.

July

July 2023 was one of the most amazing moments of my life! Check out the next post on our page for more details.

August

August was a month of vacations, trips around the world, and amazing celebrations. A celebration of 30 years of love and 25 years of marriage.

September

Let’s begin writing another beautiful story – the first edition of Romanian Point Lace Day! It was a lovely and elegant start, filled with emotions. We were delighted to discover the creations and the precious heritage that many Romanian families have preserved at home with love. It’s time to showcase it, promote it, preserve it and pass it on to future generations.

October

I was fortunate to have been selected for the “Women in Civic Engagement” program, which is a six-month initiative that aims to empower women and promote their equal participation in decision-making processes. The program offers a range of workshops, seminars, and networking events to its participants, providing a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge, develop leadership skills, and contribute actively to positive change in our society. In October, we took a one-week trip to Ottawa, where we immersed ourselves in the political system and participated in several parliamentary functions.

November

It’s time to kickstart our second major campaign for women in need, supported by our not-for-profit organization. Our Christmas campaign called “From Our Table to Your Table” will continue to support the same organization as last year, SHIFRA Homes. SHIFRA Homes is a maternity residence and a shelter home. Our commitment is to prepare a special Christmas every year for the mothers, babies, and staff who live and work with the organization. Our campaign was a great success, and we are delighted to see it growing bigger and bigger each year, thanks to the support of our community.

December

For the first time, the Arts4People Movement represented Romania at the Santa Claus Parade in Canada for the first time. Romania was the float chosen by the Mayor of Burlington to represent the city’s 150th anniversary. In front of our float, Canada Post collected letters for Santa, while behind, it was the one and only Santa Claus. The float showcased Romanian winter holiday traditions, highlighting family gatherings, love, respect, and gift-giving. The parade was a vibrant spectacle, especially for children eagerly awaiting the arrival of Moș Crăciun (Santa Claus) and their gifts.

Undoubtedly, the most cherished Romanian Christmas tradition is caroling. Romanian Christmas carols, some of the world’s oldest, conveyed blessings to those who opened their doors to the carol singers and expressed wishes of good luck, health, and love for the New Year. The float incorporated winter traditions and dancing, including The Goat Dance and The Bear Dance.

The Romanian Masked Dances, such as the Goat and Bear Dance, are the most famous, with crowds of masked people singing, dancing, and making noise in the streets after Christmas and before New Year’s Eve. The traditional goat dance is a complex folk play with many characters and masks. The wooden head of the goat is covered with fur, while the lower jaw is mobile to „clatter.” Its cornels may come from a real animal (the goat, ram or deer) or may be made of wood. The characters are also decorated with items from the girls’ beadwork or their handkerchiefs, multi-colored tassels or ribbons, mirrors, tinsel, ivy, basil, and artificial or natural flowers.  Incorporating all these elements in the float, Romania won the “Most Loved Float” recognition from the residents of Burlington.

We sum up 2023 with one phrase: One of the greatest joys in life is doing what you love.