Kali J Desautels

Happy Father’s Day to everyone. There are so many ways to show up in a person’s life and so many ways to be a dad.

In my family alone there are many versions of this – my kids have their dad, their grandad (my dad), their Uncle Ty, and many other surrogate uncles who all have a huge influence in their lives. In my sister’s home and the home of some of my friends, they are single moms and play both roles. Some of my very best friends all lost their dads at young ages, and find today to be a struggle as they miss their fathers. Growing up, I was a Grampa’s girl and miss him every day.

The point is that whether you have a dad to celebrate, or not, or a modern family with a variety of roles or non-traditional roles, I am hoping that you are having a wonderful Sunday and are able to appreciate the people who make your life full.

I am grateful to the people in my life who make it so much better. I am grateful to the people who help me to raise my not-so-little littles. I am proud to see my son admire my brother so ardently. I am thrilled to see Dave and our 13 year old tease each other and make each other laugh.

And if today is a day that you would rather didn’t come by ever, and causes you pain, I hope that you are able to enjoy a lovely, normal Sunday, and that this day passes as quickly as it can.

#fathersday #father #family #loveislove #love #uncle #grandfather #fatherfigure #greatgrandfather

I have this imaginary version of myself.

This version is wild and free.

This version lives in an Airstream with my kids, and my husband, and a small variety of pets.

This version never settles for long in one place.

This version dances on the beach at sunset, flower-print skirt and long braids flying in to breeze.

This version stops and watches my kids explore a really neat pile of rocks on the sides of the road in the middle of nowhere.

This version can eat everything and anything that I want without ever feeling sick.

This version has patience for things like a flat tire or teaching my kids math at the tiny table in the airstream.

This version doesn’t buy anything I don’t need because it won’t fit in our tiny ‘carry-on-our-backs’ home.

There is a reason that this is my imaginary me, though.

In all practicality, my family is tall, so how would 4 giant Amazon people live contentedly in a trailer full time?

In all practicality, a tiny trailer filled with 4 giant Amazon people, AND myriad pets would likely develop a funk that dancing on beaches at sunset would only exacerbate.

In all practicality, where do nomadic hippie families get the money to live as 4 giant Amazon people in an airstream, while never staying in place for long?

Also – the real version of me likes being home.
Also – the real version of me likes being able to go to my own corner of my home and curl up with my heavy green blanket and have peace and alone time.

Also – the real version of me likes being close enough to see my family and friends.
The real version of me is fond of being near doctors, and therapists, and stores, and work, and wifi.

And besides, “all my stuff’s here anyway.” (Pinch Me by Barenaked Ladies)

#imagines #real #freeverse #river #barenakedladies #hippiegirl #hippielifestyle #imaginary #flats #katzie #canada #britishcolumbia #me #home

“Caring for the earth is not a hippie thing. It’s a survival thing.”

I have always loved the look of the @adidas Stan Smith and Superstar runners, so when I found the Advantage Eco Sneaker, from their sustainable, PrimeGreen collection, I was really excited.

The Eco Advantage has the super cute white runner, vintagey look, with a clear pink sole, and the rest of the shoe is made from non-virgin (recycled) vinyl. The bottom of the clear sole has a window that shows the PrimeGreen recycled polyeuruthane “bullets” that make up the foundation of the shoe.

It has been hard during a pandemic where we live with the reality of single use, sterilized and often plastic products to navigate the day safely, to live sustainably and continue to protect the planet while also protecting ourselves and our neighbours from the virus.

It’s important to remember that little micro changes, such as using recycled or secondhand products or home goods, make a difference, too!

There are plenty of sites and blogs that offer suggestions on how to live more sustainable and how to shop more consciously.

Two of my favourites are @towwn and @genpadalecki – in fact Gen is one of the founders of Towwn (Takw Only What We Need). I recommend checking them out for great ideas and accessible options.

#lowwaste #primegreen #recycledmaterials #adidas #takeonlywhatyouneed #sustainablefashion #sustainability

(1st Image from circleshop.co)

Posted @withregram • @blm_van BLM Vancouver is taking the streets on June 25th (4pm – 8pm) to put pressure on city council to action our demands. ✊🏽
Our demands have not been met! We did not ask for denial, obstruction or justifications. We have asked for justice, accountability and transformation. You have made the streets unsafe for us and we will take them back as often as is necessary until Black liberation and Indigenous sovereignty are realised and every single one of us can feel safe and secure on this land.

There’s never a better time to get free than now. We will have a rally with some speeches, a march and wrap up with some performances by incredible Black and Indigenous leaders and artists. Location TBD 

We will need volunteers to make this event happen! If you want to volunteer, sign up in the link in the @blm_van bio!

#blm #blmvan #blmmarch #march #vancouver #activism #vancouverbc #advocate #blacklivesmatter #bipoc