Columns & News

Camrose to lead rural healthcare

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose could become Alberta’s leading centre for rural health care if a new long-term strategy presented to City Council reaches its goals.

During its July 20 committee of the whole meeting, council reviewed a proposed 10-year Rural Health Care Excellence Goal, with the goal of establishing Camrose as Alberta’s Centre of Excellence for Rural Health and Wellness.

The vision calls for Camrose to become a provincial leader in rural health-care delivery, education, research and innovation by 2036, while improving access to care for residents throughout east-central Alberta.

The plan is divided into three phases.

The first phase, spanning 2026 to 2028, centres on building partnerships and identifying regional needs. It proposes creating a Rural Health Care Excellence steering committee that would include the City of Camrose, the University of Alberta Augustana Campus, provincial health agencies, the Camrose Primary Care Network, Family and Community Support Services, neighbouring municipalities and private health-care providers. The group would also complete assessments of local health services and workforce shortages to identify gaps and opportunities.

Councillor Don Rosland suggested that The Bethany Group be added to the list of community partners, as one of the largest healthcare employers in the community.

The second phase, from 2028 to 2033, shifts towards growing the local workforce and expanding services. Proposed initiatives include recruiting physicians, nurses and other health professionals, supporting additional mental health and seniors’ care services, advocating for expanded health-related programming at Augustana, increasing clinical placements and exploring the feasibility of a multidisciplinary health-care and research clinic.

The final phase would see Camrose position itself as a leader in rural health innovation by developing research partnerships, hosting an annual rural health summit and promoting the community as a provincial demonstration site for rural health-care excellence. The strategy also calls for greater investment in community wellness initiatives and preventive health programs.

“This vision dates back to 2017, when the first brainstorming was done at the University of Alberta Augustana campus in regards to what it could look like if Camrose and the University became a hub for rural health and wellness. And we know that rural health and wellness is a critical dimension of rural sustainability,” said Councillor Agnes Hoveland. She highlighted that Camrose is well-positioned with the hospital, university and the healthcare facilities in the City to become the centre for rural healthcare.

After receiving great support and feedback from the council, the administration was directed to make a few revisions for the final strategic plan before it is brought forward to a future council meeting for approval.

Petals, pride and prizes

Anita Baier entered a Tea Rose into the Rose & Lily Show, taking home the top prize in the rose category. She is a talented gardener who has learned how to take great care of her flowers. When touring the Baier’s yard, people will want to stop and enjoy looking at each plant in the gardens. These gorgeous roses are amongst the beauty around their home.

By Nadine Leming

For anyone who knows Ron and Anita Baier, they know how beautiful their yard is. Anita grew up gardening and has been entering the Camrose and Area Horticultural Society’s Rose & Lily Show since the early ’80s.

In her first year of entering, she was a little nervous how her roses would do in the show.

She ended up with a first place ribbon and first in the category. Each flower was judged under the Danish judging system, which Anita said is a fun way to judge roses. This year one of Anita’s entries was a Tea Rose, which took home Top Rose receiving recognition for the Annabel Omoth Memorial Award. These roses are famous for their striking two-tone colour and spicy-sweet perfume.

Anita said, “I can take that rose to a show anywhere, it’s just gorgeous.” The rose has a creamy white base with a beautiful red-pink top giving it a very elegant look.

As an avid gardener with a variety of roses and lilies, Anita has developed unique techniques over the years and carefully prepares them each fall to safely keep them over the winter. Throughout the summer she gives them plenty of water and fertilizer.

Ron is also a passionate gardener and mentioned how creative he has been when creating some of the gardens around their home. He selects soil that will allow the trees, shrubs and flowers flourish.
He takes a lot of pride in tending to each plant and his love for what he creates is evident when you take a tour of their yard. From the perfectly manicured lawn to each rose, lily and tree, everything is stunningly beautiful and fragrant.

City administration shares report on July flood incident

By Adan Shaikh

A series of heavy rain events in late June pushed Camrose’s wastewater system to its limits, with the South Lift Station briefly overwhelmed and the City taking emergency measures to prevent further flooding impacts.

At the committee of the council meeting, held on July 20, Patricia MacQuarrie, general manager of community development, presented a report to the council to share how the City crews and management responded to the event.

The first major issue occurred around 11:30 p.m. on June 20, when utilities crews were called to the South Lift Station after an extreme rainfall event caused a surge of wastewater into the system. MacQuarrie applauded the staff members who worked overnight to monitor the situation.

She shared that the station received more flow than it could manage, causing effluent to come out through a manhole. Crews redirected the water into overflow ponds, but the City reported a release into the valley lasting less than half an hour. Alberta Environment was notified the following day.

Additional rainfall over the next several days increased pressure on the system, with saturated ground contributing to higher-than-normal flows through groundwater infiltration.

Residents were asked to reduce water use on June 21 to help ease pressure on the South Lift Station. The City also brought in hydrovac trucks to remove wastewater from the system before it reached the station.

By June 29, the City had activated its Emergency Coordination Centre to coordinate the response. Crews brought in additional equipment, including more hydrovac trucks and an 8-inch pump and hose to remove water from Pond B at the South Lift Station.

The City also worked with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and closed valley parks and waterways as crews responded to rising water levels. Some submerged manholes were identified as possible sources of additional water entering the wastewater system.

Another severe storm on Canada Day brought even heavier rain over a short period of time, along with hail and flooding across the City. Crews built a berm around the South Lift Station to help reduce the risk of another release, while the Wastewater Treatment Plant continued operating above normal capacity.

“On July 1, we saw some pretty intensive flooding in certain parts of the City, up to truck grills in certain areas,” said MacQuarrie. “We had crews going out to the main areas where flooding was happening and pulling debris away from our storm grates to allow the water to flow and you could see very quickly the impact of them going out there.”

She shared that in addition to six trucks pumping water out of the creek before it made its way to the South Lift Station, the crews put sandbags around the station to create an extra catchment area in case the water flow did not go down to ensure the City would not have any unauthorized releases.

By early July, conditions began to improve. Pumping efforts at Pond B helped reduce pressure on the system, and wet well levels at the South Lift Station started to decline. The Emergency Coordination Centre stood down on July 9 and at no point did the City have to declare a state of emergency.

Currently, the flows at the South Lift Station remain higher than normal due to ongoing groundwater entering the sanitary sewer system, but pumps are currently keeping up. The overflow ponds are empty again, providing additional capacity if another major storm occurs.

One of the most discussed flood-related topics online was foam seen near the pedestrian bridge at Jubilee Park. Administration said the foam was a natural occurrence caused by fast-moving water through channels and was not connected to a wastewater release. “We were consistently having to take people out of the parks, wanting to take pictures next to it,” she shared.

“In this location there is a large storm pipe that goes underneath the bridge, so you’ve got your bridge, and you’ve got some big girders that go under the bridge that the pipe goes between, and what happened here is that the white stuff that generally just flowed around the creek would hit those girders and start building up,” she explained.

MacQuarrie told council the City is completing a review of the flood response, including a form for residents, who had their basements flooded during the rainfall event, to fill out, all of which will allow the administration to assess their emergency response and identify areas of improvement in the City.

Administration is also applying for provincial funding through the Hazard Assistance Resiliency Program to help cover eligible disaster-related costs.

On another note, she expressed that the administration is pretty confident that Camrose will not experience a drought this year, which is a positive change in comparison to the last few years in the area.

Octogenarian redefining retirement

By Nadine Leming

Robert (Bob) Fletcher is an adventure cyclist turning 84 in August. This octogenarian has kicked off a bicycle journey across Canada that will see him cycle over 8,000 kilometres. He started his cross-country trek in White Rock, B.C., with the goal of finishing his travels mid-September in St. John’s, NFLD. Along the way he will celebrate his 84th birthday in Quebec City, QC.

This is Bob’s fourth long-distance trip on his e-bicycle. The first trip was to celebrate his 80th birthday. One of his stops on his current odyssey was right here in Camrose on June 28. When asked what inspired these trips Bob said, “When I started, I had a few goals. One was to motivate senior citizens to live a full life and step out of their comfort zone and stay mentally and physically active.”

He continued, “I also wanted to share that retirement is not the end of your life. As seniors, we’ve got a lot of time and experience we can contribute.” Bob is dispelling the stereotype that seniors shouldn’t be riding a bike anymore, but staying home to watch TV. He wants to encourage people of all ages to remain active and live out their dreams and live life to the fullest.

Over the years of riding his e-bike, he’s learned that the world isn’t waiting for him, but it does welcome him. He’s discovered that wherever he is in the world, people are generous and hospitable regardless of language barriers, the colour of their skin, religion or culture. We all want the same thing, to live a safe, happy life raising our families.
He’s experienced many things on his expeditions over the years. He spoke of the Mexican people fondly, referring to the fact that many of them don’t have the money we might have, but they would share food and beverages with him.

He has enjoyed so much beautiful scenery on his travels. Turkey stands out in his mind as he didn’t have a lot of expectations for the country and was pleasantly surprised it surpassed his expectations.

He said, “I really liked Turkish culture, coming together from the east, north and west. Their religion was different, their food was different and the people were so friendly.” It was a highlight for him.

Bob’s journey proves that age is just a number. By lacing up his running shoes every single morning, he reminds people that the golden years are not for slowing down, but for stepping into your prime.

Bob hopes to encourage others to get out there, find your passion, and keep moving. To follow his journey on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/share/18x9DP9Mv2/

Little Sprouts Camp, nurturing nature

By Adan Shaikh

Young nature lovers will have the chance to spend an afternoon exploring the outdoors during the Camrose Heritage Railway Station and Museum’s Little Sprouts Nature Camp on August 7.

Designed for children ages four and five, the program combines nature learning with outdoor play, encouraging young minds to discover and appreciate the natural world around them.
“Because we are a botanical garden, one of our goals is to educate, and that includes all generations,” said master gardener, Glenys Smith.

Throughout the afternoon, children will take part in interactive stories, games and nature-based activities before planting a seed to take home and watch grow.

“Our goal is to introduce children to nature in sensory ways, to deliver a programme in such a manner that helps children cooperate with one another too,” she said, highlighting the importance of encouraging children to get in touch with nature and the wonderful impact it can have on their overall well-being.

According to UNICEF, the amount of time children spend outdoors is declining, while the research on the benefits of spending time connecting with nature continues to grow. Researchers also point out that numbers are even lower in countries like Canada, where weather can reduce the amount of time children can spend in nature. Programs like this are a great way to nurture growth and knowledge in developing minds.

The activities will begin with circle time, where children will get a brief introduction to nature, before embarking upon a caterpillar walk. “In that caterpillar walk, they will be pretending they are butterflies, and we will be looking at different colours of flowers, for them to touch, we will have them find trees and rocks and to look under the rocks,” added Glenys.

The program also includes a Teddy Bear Picnic, with participants encouraged to bring along their favourite teddy bear or stuffed animal. “Kids can bring a teddy bear with them, and we will be sitting down to have some cookies and lemonade,” added Addison Longbotham, summer student at the Heritage Railway Station and Museum.

The afternoon will wrap up with a train ride, and parents are welcome to accompany their children throughout the event. Little Sprouts Nature Camp runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on August 7. Space is limited to 15 participants, and advance registration is required.

For more information or to register, call 780-672-3099.

Rob Jaap’s 1956 172 Cessna is filled with memories

Rob Jaap is director of Canadian Owners and Pilots Association for the Alberta and NWT. He visited Camrose for the Warbirds Alley Pop-Up at the Camrose Airport, in his beloved plane – Spam Can.

By Adan Shaikh

Rob Jaap owns a 1956 Cessna 172 Skyhawk that he has restored nearly from scratch. He found it about 10 years ago sitting in a hangar on cinder blocks. “I bought the plane for scrap value. The engine was on the floor, and the firewall had been repaired, but that was it. The previous owner landed short in a snowbank and there was a bunch of damage,” explained Rob.

“1956 was the first full production year of the 172, so it had different characteristics than the modern ones,” he added.

One of the biggest challenges, taking on this project was the expense, but Rob connected with Dave, an aircraft maintenance engineer and engine shop owner, who struck a deal with him. He purchased the parts, Dave assembled the engine, and Rob worked off the remaining cost.

Rob spent a year working evenings and weekends to pay off the work and continued working part-time with Dave for another eight years, because he enjoyed the work and gaining more aviation experience.

“It took me three months of every waking minute I had, other than my full-time job, to get it airworthy again and flying,” he said.

After the aircraft returned to the sky, Rob began polishing the bare metal exterior – a process that took much longer than he had expected.

“I started on the vertical stab and the rudder and that took me 12 hours,” he said. “I was a little bit heartbroken because it was a lot of work, so I left it that way for a little while.”

The aircraft’s silver body reflects the colours around it, sometimes appearing different depending on the light. The polished section on the tail eventually led to the addition of Bender on the tail, the humorous robot character from the popular television show Futurama.

The aircraft is also known as the Spam Can, a nickname that came from the early Cessnas built in Wichita, Kansas. Rob said a friend later introduced him at a memorial flyover as the pilot flying the Spam Can, and the name stuck.

The aircraft remains mostly original. “It’s the factory wings, factory struts, factory everything. The only thing that I have done is I put slightly bigger tires on because I go onto grass strips and gravel roads a lot. It just makes it easier on the aircraft.”

Based in Innisfail, Rob spends much of his flying time around the Rocky Mountains. Some of his favourite memories include his first flight after restoration, taking his mother flying, and flying with his daughter. Rob even scattered the ashes of both of his late brothers over the mountains from the aircraft. “They would’ve found it hilarious,” he said.

Some of the more adventurous memories include landing on icy lakes including one on the famous Abraham Lake.

He shared that owning the plane has been a source of countless cherished memories for him and every time he takes to the sky in the Spam Can, it’s another memory in the bank and he looks forward to continuing making many more.

High-octane energy

By Nadine Leming

The BrassTactics will be bringing their must-see act, unstoppable energy and unique musical style to the Lougheed Performing Arts Centre (LPAC) on August 7 at 7:30 p.m. on the Verda McNeill Plaza.

Their magnetic vibe is fueled by original songs that blend punk, jazz and modern pop, guaranteed to get the audience up and dancing.

This ultimate party band has a style that is reminiscent of New Orleans brass bands, with a more modern edge. They draw inspiration from the likes of Billy Eilish, Lizzo and Macklemore and will rock the plaza without the need for a sound system.

The BrassTactics are known for taking their music straight to the audience. Don’t be surprised if a conga line breaks out and turns the plaza into a dance floor.

Their debut album Tribute to the Groove was released in July 2024 and hit number one on the CKUA charts. CKUA is a legendary Canadian donor-supported arts and culture institution and radio station based in Alberta.

For more information or tickets, go to www.camroselive.ca

Camrose Flying Club recognized

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Camrose Airport was filled with families and community members, stopping by to look at the majestic World War II planes. At the event, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) named Camrose Flying Club (COPA Flight 137) the recipient of its 2026 Flight Excellence Award, recognizing the club as one of Canada’s leading grassroots aviation organizations. Rob Jaap, director of Alberta and NWT COPA, presented the award to the Camrose Flying Club on July 21, in front of the Erickson Aircraft Collection’s P-38 Lightning. Selected from more than 140 active COPA Flights across the country, Camrose Flying Club has built its reputation on community involvement and a commitment to growing interest in aviation. Over the years, the club has organized events ranging from Warbird displays and Canadian Forces Snowbirds demonstrations to air shows and the annual Camrose Fly-In Breakfast. It also supports youth through scholarships and educational programs, promotes aviation safety and works with local organizations on community initiatives. Jadene Mah, president of the Camrose Flying Club, shared that the goal is to make the Camrose Airport a welcoming gathering place for the community, not just for pilots.

Kick’n Country Parade

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce is busy organizing their annual Kick’n Country Parade to mark the beginning of Big Valley Jamboree weekend in Camrose.

Each year the event brings thousands of attendees to the event from all over North America into the City, and whether Camrose residents attend the music festival or not, the annual parade highlights the local businesses and organizations in the community with an event that is enjoyable for all.

This year’s theme, “Western Roots and Country Roads” celebrates the traditions and rural lifestyle of Alberta. “Each year, our parade theme is designed to celebrate the western spirit synonymous with the Kick’n Country festivities and the start of Big Valley Jamboree,” said Aaron Morris, executive director of the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce. “Western Roots and Country Roads recognizes the heritage, traditions, and rural lifestyle that are such an important part of our region.”

While the Snowbirds will not be part of this year’s parade, Morris said spectators can expect plenty of excitement, including new floats and first-time entries alongside familiar community favourites.

“The Kick’n Country Parade is one of Camrose’s signature community events, bringing together residents, visitors, businesses, and community organizations to celebrate what makes our city special,” he shared.

More information on the parade route and advisories is shared above.

Wildrose Safety

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Wildrose Safety Solutions held their grand opening on July 18, officially opening doors to the community to provide safety education and resources. From left, back row, Aaron Morris, executive director of the Camrose & District Chamber of Commerce; Mayor PJ Stasko; Jaden Forsyth, owner of Wildrose Safety Solutions; Darrelynn Fair, first vice-president of Camrose & District Chamber of Commerce; and Danny Drisdelle, board director for Camrose & District Chamber of Commerce. Front row, Ledger Forsyth, left, and Rylynn Forsyth.

Step out for Parkinson’s

By Nadine Leming

Once again the Parkinson Association of Alberta (PAA) will hold its Step ’n Stride for Parkinson’s walk at Grand Drive Park on September 20, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This event helps PAA raise much needed funds and bring awareness for the disease as well as the funds needed to deliver the programs and services that communities have come to depend on. Most people know someone who has been affected by Parkinson’s disease. This is a progressive neurological disorder that mainly affects parts of the brain controlling movement.

Parkinson’s disease and Atypical Parkinsonism affects more than 1 in 500 people across Canada and more than 15,000 Albertans. Lance Corbett is the communications and development manager for PAA. He said, “Every step makes a difference. By supporting Parkinson Association of Alberta’s Step ’n Stride, you help provide life-changing programs, education, support groups, and resources for Albertans living with Parkinson disease and the people who love and care for them.”

He continued, “Your participation creates hope, strengthens communities, and ensures no one faces Parkinson’s alone.” For people in Camrose and area, they offer in-person support groups every second month (next meeting is September 22 at 10 a.m.). There are also numerous active and virtual educational programs that focus on fitness, speech, cognition and care partners, all at no cost.

Step ’n Stride is an inclusive, family friendly event filled with fun, fresh air, entertainment and barbecue. Ways to support this event are to register to walk, donate, volunteer, or sponsor the event. By supporting this walk in any way, it has a lasting impact. For more information, go to www.stepnstride.ca

OLMP Cake Kits

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

Our Lady of Mount Pleasant School collected items for cake kits to donate to Neighbor Aid Center for their clients. Becky Gumpinger, school principal, mentioned the kids did an amazing job. They almost doubled their goal. In total, 100 birthday cake kits were delivered to the food bank. Holly Field, assistant director at the Neighbor Aid Center, said they were grateful for the cake kits and they come in handy when clients mention upcoming birthdays.

Council approves land acquisition

By Adan Shaikh

Plans to extend 26 Avenue to the west entrance of St. Carlo Acutis Catholic High School took a step forward after Camrose City council approved the land acquisition needed for the project at the July 20, regular council meeting.

Council approved the expropriation of a portion of land required for the extension between 65 Street and the school’s west entrance after the required public notice process concluded with no objections.

The approval clears the way for the City to complete the land acquisition process and move ahead with the next stages.

Camrose Softball

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

The Family Thrift Shop made a generous $2,000 donation to the Camrose Softball Association. Back row from left, Neil Bratrud, board and coach; Wanita Toews, Thrift Shop director; Emily Bratrud, player; Meghan Gunderson, board and coach. Front row from left, Kate Bratrud, player; Teijaye Kearns, player; and Alyvia Kearns, player.

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

Going to the lake

So there we were, my brother and I, in the back of a half-ton with a blanket around us. We had begged until our parents said “yes,” to us sitting in the pile of sand we were bringing home from the lake for our sandbox in the back yard.

In the cab of the half-ton were our parents and our younger sister and brother.

This set-up would be totally illegal now.

– Four people in the seat of the truck cab. No, there was no other seat.
– No seat belts. (Hadn’t been invented yet.)
– Anyone – let alone children – riding in the truck box, unprotected.
– Bringing sand from a public beach.

Today, if I knew someone was going to do any of those things, I’d probably try to talk them out of it. But in those olden days, it was just fun.

One thing my brother and I hadn’t anticipated was that sand blows around when it’s moving. By the time we got home, we were pretty gritty. That just added to the adventure.

***

“Going to the lake” was (and still is) one of the best parts of summer.

Miquelon Lake was the closest and the one we visited most frequently. But it was not the Miquelon Lake of today, with a paved road to get there, many camping spots, paved parking areas, buildings with electricity and plumbing, a research station, and and and…

Our Miquelon Lake was just the lake, with its sandy beach surrounded by long grass and short brush.
The hilly gravel road to get there often had mud holes at the bottom of hills, and there was always a possibility that you’d get stuck. It was fun to watch for the first hill that, when you got to the top, you could say, “There’s the lake!”

You drove as close as you wanted to the lake, parked wherever, spread your towels and blankets out on the sand and raced into the water.

Some people had row boats or motor boats, but most people didn’t. We just splashed around in the water and built sand castles on the beach.

Later, you built an open bonfire for hot dogs to go with the rest of the picnic food spread out on blankets on the ground. I have no memory of taking folding chairs to the lake. I do remember grown-ups and kids sitting on blankets on the ground.

And sometimes you shovelled sand into the back of the half-ton to take home for the kids’ sandbox in the back yard.

***

There’s something about a lake. Whether it’s a Sunday afternoon adventure, a weekend in a tent or RV, or a week in a cabin, being by a body of water does something for you. Whatever else might be going on in your life seems to fade away at the lake. I’ve heard people say, “I don’t know what it is, but I feel more peaceful at the lake.”

Even walking around the paths or sitting on a bench by Mirror Lake in Camrose can work its magic to help whatever is on your mind to fade away for a while.

And then there are the water sports – swimming, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing… For some, the lake is relaxing. For others, the lake is physical adventure. It’s all fun.

Miquelon Lake, Pigeon Lake, Buffalo Lake, Gull Lake, Sylvan Lake, Wabamun Lake, Lac Ste. Anne, Clear Lake, Dewberry Lake, Cold Lake… We’re fortunate in Central Alberta to have many lakes within driving distance. They each have their charm and personality. They all seem to help wash away cares for a while.

So why am I thinking about lakes? Well, partly because “going to the lake” has many happy summer memories – but mostly because next weekend (the August long weekend) I’m heading out to visit with friends at a lake. Can’t wait!

***

I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, e-mail Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within one business day.

Laurel nadon 2019 — Homespun By Laurel Nadon

Homespun

By Laurel Nadon

Fine proverbial phrases

I’ve been drawn to proverbial phrases for some time now – those artfully crafted sentences that pack a lot of sage life lessons. The phrases come from centuries of daily experiences and they often rhyme or use alliteration to make them easy to remember. I’m a big fan of not re-inventing the wheel, so why not learn from others if it makes our lives a little easier or better?

One I heard a lot from my Grandma growing up was “many hands make light work” which I suppose was used to motivate everyone to help out in a time where regular tasks took so much more time and effort than today.

I’m prone to saying proverbial phrases like “better safe than sorry” or “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” (If everyone followed that last one, the world would be a better place.)

Other phrases I might say are “April showers bring May flowers” or “anything worth doing is worth doing well” and “home is where the heart is”.

There are many proverbial phrases that tell you all the things not to do in life “don’t cry over spilled milk” or “don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched” and “don’t judge a book by its cover”(except at the library, of course, where this is encouraged).

There are other phrases that seem to be tips on how to lead a more fulfilling life:

– It’s better to give than to receive.
– Laughter is the best medicine.
– Count your blessings.
– Fake it till you make it.
– It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.

As I looked into this topic more, I discovered a few new personal favourites that I hadn’t heard before, and they all seem to have a nautical theme:

– Fish and guests smell after three days.
– Calm seas never made a good sailor.
– A ship in harbour is safe, but that’s not what a ship is for.

Some of the phrases definitely contradict themselves: how can the early bird get the worm, but slow and steady wins the race? One suggests that it’s important to be quick and decisive; the other claims that working methodically is the best way.

One I created is “listen to your feelings”, or said another way, “follow your instincts.” While attending university, I was able to take a self-defence course where we practiced attacking each other from behind. To get out of the attack, we pushed our bums out, stomped on our attacker’s feet, elbowed their stomachs and later talked about if we’d be willing to poke someone in the eye if it came to that. But the biggest takeaway was to follow your instincts and to take precautions about your personal safety.

A new proverbial phrase to me was “rain does not fall on one roof alone” which I think really recognizes that we all have struggles.

Many proverbial phrases don’t really help us out in our modern society: “there’s more than one way to skin a cat” and “it isn’t over until the fat lady sings” seem like odd things to say in today’s world.

My favourite is still the phrase that is most likely to come to mind in my daily life, and that is “better safe than sorry.”

I’m a planner; I would rather think ahead of time to bring an umbrella, than to wish I had an umbrella. The best proverbial phrases are the ones that guide our routine in a practical way.

Though there’s also something to be said for the phrases that just make us laugh, like this one: “A man with no pants fears no pickpocket.”