I am proud to live in a country where all religions are welcomed and practiced. I’m proud to be part of the ‘polite country’ that is not quick to anger. Some might say that we are passive, or apathetic, or cowards, because we don’t seem to ‘stand up’ for ourselves. Perhaps this is true in some instances, but I like to think Canadians realize that there isn’t one way of doing things, or one right answer. When you see all sides to a problem, making a decision becomes less of a hot headed, raw raw, angry outrage, and more of a discussion. 
    However, in the name of unity and being inclusive, we are beginning to exclude an entire religious group. If someone said to you, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Chinese New Year, would you become offended? Personally, I would not, and if you would that is your choice. When someone says these words to me, they are essentially saying ‘Bless you,’ or ‘have a good day’, just with different words. These are all nice things, not intended to curse or offend me, so if I choose to take it that way, that is really my choice. No one is saying - you must become Jewish. 
    But for some reason the phrase “Merry Christmas” has become dangerous and threatening. We can’t say it in work settings or in schools. I remember when I was in school learning about different traditions like Chinese New Year, making lanterns and different crafts to commemorate it, I was not confused or threatened by another culture's celebration, instead my understanding of the world and friends was enriched. 
   The more cultures that become part of Canada’s melting pot the better, but our country was colonized by a Christian society, and we can’t take that out of our history. 
    Unfortunately, Christmas has become consumer mania, and you and I both dislike that, but every year I continue to buy presents and expect to receive them, so I am partially to blame in this game. Still, I don’t want my kids growing up and thinking that Christmas is the time of year we celebrate Santa Claus coming and consumerism. My kids will know the meaning behind it, and the joy it brings.
    This year, when I wish you Merry Christmas, I hope, even if you don’t believe in or celebrate the tradition, that you will know that I am wishing you happiness and love for this coming year. And if you in turn say “Happy Holidays”, I will assume you mean the same.
-Sara

It’s funny how the holiday season makes a giant sap out of me. I guess I’ve got a case of Christmas Spirit! The coziness of the snow blanketed over the trees, the classic Christmas songs playing in the malls, and the glow of decorations and lights – how could you not love it? I get this warm, happy feeling in my heart as I think how blessed I truly am. Don’t get me wrong I have my not-so-warm fuzzy moments as well. Thinking of all the cards I have to write and send out. Making a shopping list of what I need to buy for friends and family, and struggling with what to get them. As well as the handmade items I have yet to finish. I get anxious just thinking of how much time I DON’T have. Like most good things I can find the bad. In it all I like to take step back and readjust my thoughts.

This past week I had a group of friends return home from their trip to Rwanda. They went overseas to help with a project called Home of Hope Rwanda. This is a project that sponsors orphans, widows and gives teaching and work opportunity to the community. The team came back with many stories, and as they reminisced in their experience, you can noticeably hear a change in their voice. It is not sadness neither happiness – rather a seriousness that both the storyteller and listener recognize that their lives have been forever changed.

They told stories of giving baby pigs to families, toys and clothing to children, mattresses for households, food to the hungry, healing the lame, and stories of the broken.

One of the stories that stuck out to me was one Sunday morning they were having a church service outdoors where they were around a hundred people. In the middle of the service it began to pour rain. The only covering near by was a small roof that was held up with long poles on all four corners. As everyone rushed underneath to the cramped confined space, everyone continued to dance, shout and praise God.

Isn’t it beautiful that in the midst of their circumstances their joy and peace is overflowing in their lives? Meanwhile, my peace and joy can be so easily jolted to a stop if I don’t find the perfect gift or if things don’t go my way. My goal this season is to be thankful each day. To love those around me and to not let minor details or first world problems change my attitude. Christmas is about hope, love and celebration. So may we love one another and celebrate each day.

Merry Christmas

-M 

Block 1912, a cafe full of like-minded people, an aroma of chai lattes and steeping teas, and couches who’s overuse and gratitude engulfed their guests. We sat. Four girls ripe out of college with dreams and goals and no doubts or fears, not yet tainted by the failures and lessons life kindly hands over when you go for something big. 

We needed a name. As so many theatre companies that have come before us and the endless amount that will be born after. We started with a need, a great desire to create but most of all, create together. It isn’t everyday you find a group of people with the same amount of passion for a singular thing, each bringing their own special gifts. We shared a need to work in theatre, and if the roles we were itching to play didn’t exist, we’d create them ourselves. How hard could writing a show be?

But we still needed a name. As we sat in the cafe, we discussed every possible company name that came to mind. Inside jokes, popular titles, funny words, sappy and heartfelt labels. What would describe who we are and still be pleasant to a stranger’s ear? Melissa sat in her large, tufted chair as we debated, looking through a book she happened to have with her at the time. And she found it. Poiema. Google came in handy as we searched it’s exact meaning and context. 

Poiema (noun) po-ay-mah. A hebrew word meaning masterpiece and workmanship. The words were epic, meaningful… and a bit dramatic for our small theatre company. But we knew we were beginning something great and lasting, and having a powerful name to live up to was the perfect way to set our goals high and have a constant reminder of where we started and the passion that brought us together. 

It hasn’t been easy. We have failed, succeeded, fought, cried, laughed, argued and lost sight of goals. But, as Sara so importantly wrote in our blog two weeks ago, we’ve always tried to enjoy the process. The workmanship. What is the point of having a great show if you hated the year leading up to it? If you lost friends in the process? If you became unhealthy due to stress? To us, there is nothing more important than spending time together creating in a positive and healthy way and learning as much as we can in the process. 

As an avid 'diy'-er (of clothing), I found a great craft of writing on fabric with bleach to create a design. As all the Poiema Gals (except for me) have birthdays in October and November, I thought it would be a great present. I made us all “I am Poiema” shirts and it occurred to me what that means. I am hardworking, I am a masterpiece, I have big dreams, and I do my best to enjoy life as it comes without constantly pushing myself for a final result. It makes me wonder: Are you Poiema?

-B

I have been reading a book called "Lioness Arising" by Lisa Bevere and it has really started to stir something within me. 

As I read this woman's empowering book, I can't help but think how lucky I am to be in a company of women, who together seem fearless.  Bevere really encourages us to do life together, drawing on each other's strengths.  This may seem like common sense but as I look around I notice a very self focused "I want it now" world.  Margaret Mead, a cultural anthropologist once said, "'Sister' is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship."  I love this because who we first view as an enemy in our lives turns out to be a best friend.  Think how many "best friends" we would have if we stopped competing against one another.  British poet and philosopher, Matthew Arnold, once said, "If ever there comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known."  

So next time we feel that glimmer of jealousy creep in, think how much stronger we'll be if we turn it into friendship.  We were not created to do life alone and I am thankful to have my fierce lioness sisters to do life with. 

-C