Just between us

Now, that was a parade

BOFarrell — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:33:37 -0400

Well, I tip my hat to the folks at Cunningham's Pub in Hudson and Your Local Journal in St. Lazare for the incredible event they hosted Saturday in Hudson.

The inaugural Hudson St. Patrick's Day parade was nothing short of amazing. And the crowd that turned out for this lively celebration of Irish pride was – in a word – impressive.

The streets were lined several deep the entire parade route, and the crowd at Cunningham's was ready for a good time. And that is exactly what everyone had.

Who needs the Farmers' Almanac?

BOFarrell — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:43:54 -0500

Nice day, eh?

Don’t you just love the weather we’re having? Today’s expected high is 8-degrees Celsius. Tomorrow, they are predicting 11.

And the folks at Environment Canada, who yesterday said there would be a strong likelihood of rain on Saturday and Sunday, just to put a damper on the St. Patrick’s Day parades in Hudson and Montreal, have changed their tune in the last 24 hours. Now, they are predicting sunny skies all weekend. So prepare to let those Irish eyes smile.

This is for all who dream big

BOFarrell — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:15:37 -0500

There is something to be said about a shared experience. It has the ability to bring people together. It doesn’t really matter where it happens or what is said, but how it makes you feel is what lasts. That is what you carry with you.

Hudson's St. Patrick's Day parade promises to be quite the event

BOFarrell — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:11:52 -0500

People who live downtown often brag about how they have everything they could want – restaurants, stores, services – right around the corner, within walking distance. When these same people hear that you live in the West Island, they feel compelled to feel sorry for you because “you live so far.”

If you admit to living even farther out, like I do, in the western edges of the province known as the “off-island,” well, they just don’t get that at all. They just dismiss you for opting for the “boonies.”

Sports should always inspire

BOFarrell — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:35:05 -0500

Sports have always played a big part in my life. And there is no doubt, I’m all pumped up about the Olympics.

It is not just the competition, but the spirit behind the Games that is captivating. It’s the idea that anyone, anywhere can aspire to be the best.

The Olympics are indeed a time to believe. They remind us to dream big and set the bar high. How can you not be inspired?

But winning is not necessarily black and white. There are many shades in the spectrum of success.

Do you know anyone who bobsleds?

BOFarrell — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:49:40 -0500

If you talk to anyone who has kids in elementary school, you get the impression that every student is working on some sort of project that revolves around the Olympics.

They are researching who will be competing for Canada and listing the sports that will be showcased in the Winter Games.

Are you excited about the Olympics yet?

BOFarrell — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:10:36 -0500

I don’t know about you, but I am getting very excited about the Olympics. It has been building for months.

I first caught the spirit before the holidays, when the torch relay came through St. Lazare. It was a cold afternoon, but everyone in town, it seemed, including me, was out there to catch a glimpse of the flame. It was inspiring. And very festive.

West Island Community Shares has much to be proud of

BOFarrell — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:35:01 -0500

It only took one evening and one spectacular event, and by the time it was over, an impressive $82,000 was raised.

It was a classy affair – West Island Community Shares’ Red & White Benefit Evening on Monday at 40 Westt in Pointe Claire. About 230 attended. The wine and the food were perfect. The entertainment – a performance by Megan Smith, a 15-year-old St. Thomas High School student – was surprisingly captivating.

But it was the performance of the fundraising group’s executive director, Caroline Tison, that brought the whole evening together.

It seems that everything now can be mixed and matched

BOFarrell — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:59 -0500

I’m not quite sure when it happened, but one day, we woke up and it was all suddenly OK to wear blue and green – together.

The whole “blue and green should never be seen ...” thing just didn’t apply any more. We were ready to make bold fashion statements, it seems.

That was fine. We all survived. Rules are meant to be broken. I get that. But does this mean anything can be matched up, all so haphazardly? Whatever happened to orderly pairings?

Two recent items have sparked these questions.

Have you done your good deed for the day?

BOFarrell — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:42:42 -0500

There is truth to the saying that no good deed goes unpunished. The interesting debate is how you view the punishment.

I have come to realize that good things always come from being nice. So at the risk of sounding corny, I genuinely attempt to commit at least one good deed a day. Most times, these acts are small gestures. The intent is what counts.

And in most instance – not all, mind you – the response you receive is satisfying. It puts a smile on your face. And sometimes, it even renews your faith in the kindness of others.