Human Library

So I did this really cool thing today at the Country Hills KPL called Human Library. If you don't know about it, they have volunteers who share their story through talking to you. You can book a session and talk to the "books," asking questions about their life. Pretty much a one-on-one session with cool people for like half an hour.

I went with my brother and my dad... they thought it was okay, and I thought it was awesome!
Nyell and I talked to a WW2 Vet first, who was a dispatch rider (he rode a motorcycle and delivered stuff/messages). It was really interesting to talk to him, and he was really sweet and open to whatever we wanted to hear about. It was also a HUGE change from all of Mr. Mayot's rantings, so I found it fascinating to compare what I knew about the war to what this guy was telling us. He had a very strong Canadian bias obviously, and a very heroic/happy ending side to the story. He said he never regretted signing up, because seeing the starving people in Holland and bringing the kids food made it all worth it. He also talked about how they brought democracy to the villages in Italy, and saved them from communism... Yeah... Lol. At least they had good intentions.
My brother asked if he ever thought about what things could have been like, or if he was scared when he was over there.. He told us that he always knew they'd win, no question, so he wasn't ever scared of losing the war. Hm, I would have been terrified of Hitler lol. I was under the impression that we only didn't lose because he made a mistake.. Talk about different sides to the story.
There was also a story he told us about the troops who were brought in from Morocco for this one battle... He said they looked like women, with hair tied up and wearing grass skirts. Plus they didn't have real weapons, only these long knives.. But he said they were absolutely ruthless, and just wanted to be out there killing, and after the battle they ran around looting the poor Italian civilians. I feel like there's probably more to the story than that, they aren't just EVIL people... But still, it was pretty interesting, because that's something you'd never know if it wasn't for the few people who are still alive, like him.

The other lady I talked to was named Maxine, and she was a set designer/crazy costume lady. She was EPIC, and so so so funny and quirky! I loved her! She'd make a very funny grandma:P
She's worked for The National Ballet, Stratford, and the Canadian Opera Company specializing in English theatre. I saw some of her portfolio, and she had some GORGEOUS stuff. What an amazing career:)
I just loved how she didn't care what people thought, or what might actually work out, she just knew what she loved to do. So she went to school, said SCREW YOU to anyone who tried to discourage her, and had this incredible journey doing what made her happy. I think I've found the person I'd want to model my life after, Monika;)

Anyways I have an essay to write... I should probably go:P
Can't wait to tell people about Human Library on Monday! (aka Brenna, Mayot, Alex, whoever else will listen..). Lol.