My go-to backpack. A perfect size for my bike ride to work, going on day trips, weekend adventures, to get groceries or to pack a picnic and my tennis racket and head to the park. This bag is waterproof and versatile and also one of my favourite colours.
The contents of my bag are neatly laid out. I have a method of how I pack my bag and am usually quite organized. I am an avid reader and usually have a few books on me at all times and a journal to write or draw in. Currently, I have a novel which I am almost finished and a book of poetry which I usually read when sitting in nature. I seem to always carry some type of water colours with me and enjoy sketching and drawing as a way to ground me to my surroundings. I usually carry extra socks and a sweater, especially when biking around the city of Montreal to be prepared for any weather and to be comfortable. I have hazel eyes, so I always try to keep my sunglasses with me, but have never gotten a ‘good’ pair so they are worn in and a bit scratched.
I have two handmade bags within my bags and use these for hygiene items and earrings. I usually carry my toothbrush, deodorant and bio-oil in the red bag that my sister-in-law got made for me while on a trip in Tanzania. As a teacher, I never know what the day will bring and like to be spontaneous when I am not working so having these items on hand can be essential. Wearing earrings has become a big part of my identity, especially earrings that I have made myself or ones that I have bought from local artists. I learned this skill while living in Northern Quebec as a teacher from local Indigenous women. The whale earrings are currently my favourite pair and I bought them last year when I was in BC for a summer MET institute from a wonderful woman named Gloria who I met when visiting Ahousat. I also have a scrunchy for my long hair which has Picasso images printed onto the material. Finally, I have my water bottle and a small brown wallet. There are many aspects of communication and technology in my bag, from handmade woven fabrics and beads that each tell a story to the stories shared by the authors included to my own story of my memories and personal thoughts recorded in my journal.
To me, my bag represents my organization, preparation and passion for reading and earrings. My backpack is somewhat like a trusted friend, as it is reliable and has stuck with me for many adventures. This image is a common collection of what I carry with me most days, depending on the season I may also add some warm gloves and a hat. It is similar to something I might have carried 15 years ago, going to high school, I always loved to read on the subway and might have had a pencil case with a larger assortment of markers, pens, pencils and white out. I played lots of sports back then, so usually I would also be stuffing in a jersey or hanging off my cleats from the straps. I almost always carry my iphone and snacks as well, but I used my phone to take this picture and lately I’ve been eating too much at home all day and might just throw in an apple.
My bag shows my privilege as a white woman in Canada. I engage in reading for pleasure and making art through jewelry and painting. My bag shows that I have free time to enjoy the outdoors and alludes to my able body being able to move around my community with ease by bike or by foot. I don’t carry keys because I have been able to leave my door unlocked and feel safe about the neighbourhood I live in. I carry my wallet and some cash, but don’t have to worry about proving my identity or being denied service if I need it. I usually carry food, specifically baked goods to share, but because of Covid I have not been able to share my passion for cooking with others. Also, my bag shows my privilege of only having to look after myself these days, and my lack of dependant family members, both nieces/nephews and elders who I feel the physical distance from after two months of social distancing.
Hi Emily,
This was a really interesting peek into your bag!
From an outsider view, the contents of your bag makes me think that you live in a place where there’s an architecture of relaxation, enjoyment, and life. I’ve only been to Montreal a few times, but have noticed that the people there seem so relaxed compared to what I experience in downtown Toronto. When I was in Montreal, I noticed people stop to listen to street musicians, they walk slower, they use the street furniture to sit and chat. I also see this appreciation of life and living in your multiple books and water colours (amazing!!).
Looking forward to reading more of your posts,
Linda
Hi Linda,
After having lived in both Toronto and Montreal, I agree that Montreal can have a slower pace to life. The relaxed environment really emphasizes the importance of creativity and expression through countless street murals, musicians and free music and arts festivals all year long (even in the dead of winter).
Hi Emily,
I really enjoyed this reflection, particularly the thoughts on how the contents of your bag also reflect your place in society. It’s so interesting to be in Germany now, and to carry items of value on me freely. In South Africa, I hardly ever carry backpacks with valuables with me as it does increase the chances of you being targeted. But I had never even thought of this up until now, it was always just normal for me.
It’s nice to see that others share obsessions for watercolour and earrings though, and that this is part of the stuff they carry around with them. Makes me feel a little less insane.
Hey Jamie,
It is interesting to think about how many objects in my bag are replaceable as well and after reading your post and seeing our similarities. It makes me think about what objects I intentionally leave at home to safeguard. There are some books that I would not bring out with me just in case something were to happen to them, and your note on security and reference to ‘Evocative Objects’ allows me to reconsider what are my most valued objects, most of which are not in my everyday bag. Also, I would say at any given time I have at least 3 pairs of earrings with me. Linda had mentioned in her post that she also carried multiple lipsticks, and I think for me I feel more confident and prepared when wearing earring, but definitely think vanity also plays a part in that.
Hello Emily,
What a great insight into your life! When you were in Northern Quebec, what First Nation were you staying with? Did you get to have many cultural opportunities? I taught in First Nations for 4 years and absolutely loved being able to learn about Indigenous culture and community!
Have an amazing day
Andrew
Hey Andrew,
I moved up to Whapmaggostui, on the the Hudson’s Bay in February of 2014 and it was -60 for the first two weeks I lived there. It was a shock to say the least! I worked with the Cree Nation of James Bay, but was moved to another school in Mistissini and stayed there for 2 years. After that, I worked in Kahnawake among the Mohawk people (close to Montreal). I also really enjoyed my experience and am considering moving to work in Nunavut in the foreseeable future. I am very outgoing and made many lifelong friends where I lived and am so fortunate to have been included in their cultural practices. Your comment has given me the idea for my voice-to-text to be about going out hunting and fishing on the land, and afterwards, preparing and cooking the kills. Stay tuned 🙂
Emily
Hi Emily,
First I love the alliteration in your blog title “Emily’s Explorations.” I also love this sentence “There are many aspects of communication and technology in my bag, from woven fabrics and beads that each tell a story to the stories shared by the authors included to my own story of my memories and personal thoughts recorded in my journal.” The stories of authors “woven” or beaded is simply beautiful. You mention the bag speaking of a white woman’s privilege in society and the ability to explore freely. Would this have been the case 25 years ago? Are you know more aware of non-white women’s lack of this luxury in the past? This awareness speaks as a literacy as well. Thanks for sharing, your words compliment your bag well!