V on V :: Anna Vandas plays the Van Dop Gallery, and an electoral stop in between

Here are some shots of the Anna Vandas concert I helped host at my mom’s gallery a couple of weeks ago — Everyone had a great time I think.

Anna is such a lovely person with such a lovely voice. You should listen to her music here.

I first met Anna in a parking lot as she smooched her hubby Dave goodbye. It was the summer of 2005 and Dave and I were leaving to travel clear across most of the great white north to meet with our country’s top political leaders. I had just completed the Women’s Campaign School and for the first time in my life felt that my perspective, particularly as a woman, mattered to the political process.

The motive of our rag-tag group of 12 was to engage our leaders in discussion from a young, socially conservative (read small “c”) perspective. Dave got it all on film. I got it all in my heart. That trip, save for a short stint as a provincial campaign manager for the Greens, was the first time I actually spoke my mind to elected officials. The most important lesson I learned, after more than 35 political stops, was that politicians need us. They need to hear from us. All of us. And they want to. Especially from our country’s youth.

With these memories fresh in mind, I am heading solo (Michael has to work late) to a nomination meeting this evening. Michael and I are great believers in the gift of democracy. In fact, it’s this passion that brought us together.

I hope that everyone casts their ballot this Fall — we have ample opportunity to do so. Our country’s future is our choice.