Not so much their appearance that horrified me but the fact that kids from school would gather them into mounds, stomp on them and leave splatters and trails of caterpillar guts all over the sidewalks and schoolyard. Distressing times walking to and from school and generally being outdoors.
#05
i pledge allegiance
We recited this every morning to the flag high up in the corner of our classroom. I’m not sure what the purpose or significance of this was but I do still remember it, along with the words to the national anthem and America. On a side note, I did make sure I learned O Canada before heading back to the motherland for uni but it didn't help much in adjusting to life there or feeling more Canadian. Back to allegiances to flags and so called republics, I hope that in everything we do, we continually strive towards liberty and justice for all.
#04
caramel apple
I was first introduced to these treats on a stick when mum ordered them from school for a fundraiser. It became something I looked forward to each fall and something I longed for when we left. My next encounter with a caramel apple was eight years later in the window of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at First Canadian Place. Seeing rows upon rows of apples brought me back to that day walking home from school carrying six caramel apples in a white paper bag.
#03
sugar plum fairy's entourage
Every winter, the entire third grade put on the Nutcracker. I was given the role of one of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s entourage. It's the first time I remember feeling self-conscious about my body, likely due to the fact we had to dance across stage in tight pink frilly outfits. Pink didn't ever quite resonate with me.
#02
state project
I believe I was assigned Ohio. I don’t remember anything about the state except that silly joke I read in one of my research books. The cardinal is the state bird in case you wanted to know. I had to look that up right before I started painting. I don't recall what grade I was in but we each had to give an oral presentation about our state so technically, from the entire class, I should’ve learned something about 50% of the United States. I need to visit Ohio for some closure.
#01