Movember Mama

Hi Everyone!

Unless you've been living under a rock, I'm sure you're well aware that what is otherwise the dreariest, greyest month of the year, November, is also fondly known as "Movember". It's the time of the year where all of the usually clean-shaven, baby-faced men we all know and love suddenly start to sprout every imaginable shape and variety of "manly" facial hair (and those who love them keep just THAT much more distance when embracing them), all in the name of philanthropy.

What kind of philanthropy requires suddenly sprouting 'staches, you ask? The kind that raises awareness and funds for men's health issues (including prostate and other cancers). They're "changing the face of men's health". (Get it?!)

As a lady who (thankfully) cannot grow hair on my face, I have decided to contribute my part as a "Mo Sista"by supporting those who can. Even little miss is helping out!

My hubby is participating in Movember for the first time this year. Inspired by other #MovemberDads on Twitter, he joined up with  the Canadian Dads Movember Team. (You can read all about his inspiration and decision to dive face-first into Movember here: Mitch's Movember blog post .) Check out Mitch's Mo Space! to keep up with his valiant efforts (and donate if you're so inclined).

I also actually just purchased 2 of the cutest mustache-print head-scarves (1 for me and 1 for munchkin) from MoTies on Etsy. All proceeds from the sales of this shop will be going to the Movember campaign of one of Mitch's MoBro teammates, Mike Reynolds (@puzzlingpostdad ).

Waiting for them to arrive in the mail to snap some fun mommy-daughter selfies to share!

They are also selling these awesome MoTies in their Etsy store.

Still not convinced you're ready to donate to the cause (really? even with those cute headbands?!)? Did you know you could get back up to 29% of your donations as a federal tax credit? Yup! The Funny Accountant explains how.


Now go Mo!



P.S. Did you know that as of 2011, Canadians are the largest contributors to Movember?

Book Review & Event Invitation: So Much it Hurts

So Much it Hurts
Author: Monique Polak
Publication: 2013, Orca Book Publishers

PUBLISHER'S SYNOPSIS:

Iris is an aspiring actress, so when Mick, a well-known visiting Aussie director, takes an interest in her, she's flattered. He's fourteen years older, attractive, smart, charming and sexy--in other words, nothing like her hapless ex-boyfriend, Tommy. But when Iris and Mick start a secret relationship, she soon witnesses Mick's darker side, and his temper frightens her. Before long, she becomes the target of his rage, but she makes endless excuses for him. Isolated and often in pain, Iris struggles to continue going to school, where she is preparing for her role as Ophelia. When her family and friends begin to realize that something is terribly wrong, Iris defends her man, but she also takes the first tentative steps toward self-preservation.

MY REVIEW:

Note:  I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Monique Polak manages to take a difficult (and too often taboo) subject and makes it accessible and straightforward for young readers who might not otherwise consider themselves "readers". Teenagers who might not normally pick up a book and read for the fun of it might find themselves surprised with just how engaged they become with Iris and her descent into a dark, abusive relationship with an older man. 

The book is not perfect, but it is honest and that is what makes it so well done for the audience it was written for. "Young-adult" categorization aside, Iris, her state of mind and her struggles will resonate with female readers of all ages who have (like most of us, sadly) found themselves in a relationship that just "wasn't good" for them-- physically abusive or not. Yes, at times Iris borders on being so maddeningly naive that you just want to shake her, but the way she rationalizes with herself and makes excuses for Mick always manage to bring the reader back on her side with the bare, relatable truth behind her words.

"I wish Mick didn't have such an explosive temper. That's the right word for it: explosive. And it's hard to know what'll set him off. I know it comes with being passionate and creative. Mick gets upset because he cares so much-- too much, maybe. I could never be with someone who wasn't passionate and creative or who didn't care too much.... I know I'd be bored to death with anyone but Mick."

Iris and her need to and process of defending Mick and his actions to justify them to herself are just too familiar-- simply expressed or not. They're honest, real and raw. I know I've had similar conversations with myself in my own head at times while trying to rationalize someone else's behaviour that I logically and rationally know were "bad for me"-- the reasons we stay. I also know that I have heard too many friends have the same conversations out loud with me (and themselves). Polak has given a voice to Iris that, while still childish and frustrating at times, speaks to real and honest human experiences that are all to often dismissed through victim blaming, shaming or even acceptable as socially expected.

If you are in the Montreal area, you are invited to join Monique Polak and Orca Book Publishers at the launch of So Much It Hurts, tomorrow evening, Thursday, November 7th (details above). All ages are welcome and a portion of book sales will be donated to La rue des femmes, a Montreal centre for homeless women, many of whom have been affected by domestic violence. I hope to see you all there!

"...Because I lost myself, but now I am beginning to find myself again..."