Hey there, everybody! I don’t know if you’ve watched it, but I have recently fallen in LOVE with BBC Sherlock, created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. [*Shakes fist at air screaming MOFFAT!*] The brilliant portrayal of Sherlock by Benedict Cumberbatch had me captivated, and the incredible acting from Martin Freeman as John Watson had my attention the entire time. [Because I definitely watch for the plot…. Yup] But in all seriousness, the series has six “episodes” in all, each considered a movie on it’s own, being an hour and a half long. If you haven’t watched, or don’t plan to [which you should], here’s a quick run-down of the show.

Sherlock Holmes is now in modern day, with cell phones, computers, television, and every thing else you could imagine. John Watson has returned from Afghanistan with a bullet wound in his left shoulder, and Sherlock, the world’s only Consulting Detective [he created the job], is a high-functioning sociopath, solving crimes with the Science of Deduction. The two meet when one of John’s acquaintances sets them up, both Sherlock and John needing a flat-mate. Without revealing TOO much about the series, they become partners: the insane genius and the army doctor. John follows Sherlock into several cases, solving them all, with Sherlock’s brilliant mind and John’s courage and sense of adventure. These crimes are all connected, in a way. But how? The man who joins them together is Moriarty, the consulting criminal. He’s quite the same, but completely the opposite of Sherlock. Will Sherlock stop the insane mastermind in a crown or will he continue to run loose, leading the two on a wild goose chase?

Ya… that is what the show is about… mostly. I highly recommend the series to absolutely anyone. Well, perhaps not five year olds, because the show deals with some more mature subjects, but it is really good, and the actors are brilliant (*coughadorablecough*). Unfortunately, the second series has just been released in North America, but that’s why we have this lovely invention called the Internet. Let me know what you think in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.

(P.S. Ten million Internet points and a gold star to anyone who can tell me what the reference to the show is. You get one hint: It’s in the summary. Have fun!)  

Hey All! So, I have absolutely no inspiration for anything whatsoever at the moment, so I thought I would take a project I wrote for French class. We had to write a obituary for an object we are fond of, so I chose my teddy bear which I have had since the moment of my birth. So here you go, the brilliantly stupid paragraph that got me 86% in French. The picture you see is an actual hospital-like scene I made for this, with the exact dolls I thought of while writing it. J  

Teddy Plush, loved by her family, her community and Becca, her best friend. Her husband, Tigger Plush and their two children, SnowBall and Lionelle, found Teddy on the floor of their apartment when returning from a day out with Dad. She passed away in hospital on the 5^th of January. Mrs. Teddy, was loved by all, and always had the biggest smile on her face. Teddy and Becca used to play every day, even though Becca was a little rough by pulling out her fur by accident. Her family, community and friends lost a joy in their lives. The funeral will be held on the 15^th of January in the bedroom of Miss Becca. Rest in peace, Teddy Plush. 

Blog note:  The following post deals with a sensitive, but important, issue.  It is presented by our blogger, Becca’s, personal perspective and GGC commends her for being brave and talking about this issue with all of you.  GGC believes the blog is a safe place to share thoughts on any topic and we support Becca in sharing her personal experiences.  We recognize Becca has the support of her family and we appreciate the support she offers to others.

Hey Everybody. So I don’t know if you caught my intro on the blog for this year. I deleted it because there was something wrong with it, and you guys already know me! J So, lately I’ve been supporting a wonderful YouTuber named Lisa Schwartz in her #wearyourheart campaign to end self-harm and suicide. (Link to the video at the bottom)

 It is a big problem in the world, and I want to help. I’m going to tell you something personal, but I feel some of you will be able to relate.

 I used to cut. In fact, I still do sometimes. It’s not to get attention. It’s more of a cry for help. I’ve been through hell and back, and so have many other people out there. I want to let people know that they truly are loved, and that someone cares about them. I don’t know half of the people I talk to on the Internet, but if they ever need to talk about this kind of stuff, I’m there to listen. Because that is really what people need. For adults, help seems to mean “Listen for a few minutes then lecture the child.” But really, what someone going through tough times needs is someone who will sit there and listen, let them talk about what is bothering them without fear of being judged or hurt. So I am taking a stand. I will listen to anyone who needs to talk. I will talk to anyone who is willing to listen. Even though I’m not the perfect person to talk to, I’m always there. And if you don’t want to talk to me, there is the Kids Help Phone. It’s a great resource. I’ve used it many times, and it really helps.  1-800-668-6868

 And if you ever feel down and don’t want to call or talk, find an outlet for your pain. One of my outlets is writing my stories, another is watching YouTube videos. Find something to put all of your emotions into in a positive way, and I guarantee you things will get SO much better. I love you so much. I wouldn’t be alive without some of you guys, reading my stuff and caring.

 Lisa Schwartz:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R--Y-KYMQo

Becca’s post raises a serious issue that faces many girls today. If you need helping in dealing with this issue, contact the Kid’s Help Phone, or a mental health specialist in your province.

BC – http://www.bcmhas.ca/default.htm

Alberta – http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp?pid=service&rid=7484

Saskatchewan – http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/mental-health

Manitoba – http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mh/system.html

Ontario – http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mh/system.html

Quebec – http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/sujets/prob_sante/sante_mentale/index.php?accueil_en, http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/sujets/prob_sante/sante_mentale/index.php?id=37,51,0,0,1,0

Newfoundland & Labrador – http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/mentalhealth/index.html

Nova Scotia – http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/mhs/

PEI – http://www.healthpei.ca/mentalhealth

New Brunswick – http://www.gnb.ca/0055/mental-health-e.asp

Yukon – http://www.hss.gov.yk.ca/mental_health.php

NWT – http://www.hlthss.gov.nt.ca/english/services/addictions/default.htm

Nunavut - http://www.hss.gov.nu.ca/en/Your%20Health%20MHA.aspx

You can talk about it here in the blog, or email us at Programs@GirlGuides.ca for more information.

Hello! Yes, it's true! I'm sick. I forgot I had a post due yesterday, even though Heather kindly reminded me about sixty times. I've done absolutely nothing productive all weekend. Nothing. I slept and I ate, then threw up what i ate, then slept again. Do you see anything productive in that list? Me either. So that's why I'm creating the Becca's 10 Productive Things To Do When You're Sick list. 

1. EAT SOUP! It's acutally proven that eating chicken soup when you're sick can actually help you feel better! 

2. READ A BOOK! If you're one of those people that has so many books they want to read, but don't have enough time, this is for you. 

3. WRITE A STORY! If you're like me and you write stories for pleasure, go for it! I tend to have better ideas when I'm sick than not.

4. SLEEP! Not so productive, but it will help you feel better!

5. DO HOMEWORK! This is actually a good time to get caught up on things you've missed too! 

6. CLEAN THE HOUSE! I know it's not fun, but hey, it's something to do, and it's productive.

7. ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS! When I'm sick, I tend to think a lot deeper and let my mind wander. It helps! 

8. EAT MORE SOUP! It really does help! 

9. GO ON THE INTERWEBZ! Memebase, tumblr, twitter and facebook are ALWAYS a good thing! 

10. BE A KID AGAIN! Do the things you used to do. Play with dolls, make a puzzle, role-play! All these are fun and make you feel better (and younger too!) 

So, yes, being sick isn't fun, but there's always something fun you can do to feel better. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Kalel Cullen isn't your typical woman of the month. First, she isn't in any way, shape or form, related to Edward the glittering fairy princess. (no offense to any Twihards out there.) Second, she hasn't done anything super out of the ordinary, for any ordinary person. She gets a lot of hate through the internet. Why? She is dating YouTube Star Anthony Padilla, and a LOT of girls are jealous of her. She is extremely pretty, funny, talented, and girly, but everyone calls her names and thinks she's an annoying diva. However, no matter what, she always seems to be happy, positive and confident in life. She is a role model to me, and I think more girls should look up to her, because she strives in life, even with all the negative around her. So that is why she is my Woman of the Month.