Just when you think you’ve matured into a confident, self-assured adult, one family get-together blows it all to heck. Feelings of competitiveness and jealousy bubble to the surface, taking you back to your childhood when you fought for your parents’ attention and approval; or, perhaps you learned it was easier to stay in the shadow of a domineering sibling. Thankfully, adult relationships with our siblings don’t have to be a reminder of the rivalry of childhood, as Tracey Harper Wilson writes in her column this month ("Turning rivalry into revelry,"). It’s advice that will serve you well at the family reunion.

Sibling rivalry was likely the least concern for two sisters who journeyed to Canada from South Korea more than 20 years ago when they were just toddlers and transracial adoption wasn’t as common as it is today. Sara Lawson* and her parents sat down with writer Erin Isings to share their story about overcoming challenges and racism ("Growing up adopted,").

It may just be a happy coincidence but our new columnist Rita Gardiner also writes about sisters in her review of the movie The Other Boleyn Girl ("Flick Pick,"). The movie tells the story two women’s relationships with King Henry VIII. Although Gardiner gives the film an overall rating of three-out-of-five stilettos, she had high praise for the cinematography: "The film is beautifully-shot and is a feast for the eyes with exquisite costumes which the two sisters flaunt to the fullest." Sounds like it might be a worthwhile pick for a rainy day of movie-watching.

Rain does do wonders for the lawn and who doesn’t love lush, green grass? Moderation is the key, however, and since we can’t regulate rainfall it’s important to water lawns with discretion. It’s an important part of helping to reduce our ecological footprints, so before you haul out the hose and sprinklers, check out the watering tips in this month’s "Going Green" so you can maintain a healthy lawn and be kind to the environment.

Kindness doesn’t even begin to describe the efforts of Cathy Jenkins. This former teacher from Kitchener certainly didn’t take a conventional path when she was facing retirement ("A selfless journey,"). For the past two years, she’s been travelling regularly to the African country of Rwanda as part of a volunteer effort to help women there who are still rebuilding their lives after the 1994 genocide there.

Another woman hoping to play a role on the world stage is Olympic rowing hopeful, Jane Rumball who, at the time of her interview with writer Nicole Laidler ("An interview with,"), was waiting to see if she would be selected for the Canadian women’s rowing team at the summer games in Beijing. We wish her – and all Canadian athletes – the best of luck.

For those of us staying on this continent, excitement is within easy grasp, particularly if the thrill of a roller coaster is your thing. Travel writer Julia Browne has the scoop on the best amusement parks from here to Wisconsin ("The thrill of the theme park,"). You’ll also want to check out our special feature ("Summer fun,") for more ideas on how to make the most of summer – even if you don’t want to leave your own backyard.

* Pseudonym used to protect privacy

Shelley Vandermolen

Editor