Barbara Godin is a graduate of Athabasca University. She writes the “”Dear Barb” and the “Women of Interest” columns. As well, Barb has written many personal interest stories and enjoys connecting with others through her writing. She has been writing for The Voice since 2003.
If you enjoy reading Dear Barb, you can also purchase her curated collection, Dear Barb: Answers to Everyday Questions at her website, http://www.barbgodin.com.
Dear Barb: I have a question, my husband and I have two dogs and we walk them regularly and always pick up after them. Recently a new person has moved into the neighborhood and she has a large dog that she walks frequently. The problem is I have never seen her pick up after her… Read more »
Anne Ottenbrite, born May 12, 1966, in Whitby Ontario, was the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming. At three years of age Anne Ottenbrite enjoyed swimming with her father so much that he obtained a swimming coach who quickly became aware of her potential. Ottenbrite’s swimming career included the 1982… Read more »
Dear Barb: My mother and I had a falling out and I have chosen not to speak to her for the last year. Recently I ran into her and we talked a bit. She wants to get together, but I’m not sure that’s what I want. I feel awkward around her and would rather not… Read more »
Ellen Neel, was born November 14, 1916, in Alert Bay, British Columbia, and died in 1966 at the age of 49. Neel became the first woman who was known to have been a professional totem pole carver. She learned the Northwest Art of carving from her grandfather, Charlie James, who was a renowned totem pole… Read more »
Dear Barb: My boyfriend and I have been dating for three months. We get along pretty well and have a lot of fun together. Recently he’s been talking about going to watch strippers. He even wants me to go with him to see them! To be honest I never really thought much about strippers, It’s… Read more »
Isobel Moria Dunbar, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on February 3, 1918, and died November 22, 1999. Isobel immigrated to Canada in 1947 and worked as an ice research scientist. She was one of the first women to be taken on a Canadian Government Icebreaker Cruise. She began her career in Canada working for the… Read more »
Dear Barb: I have a friend of about fifteen years, Maureen, who, up until a few years ago, I got along great with. But then she said something about my boyfriend that I really didn’t appreciate. We discussed this and I thought we would but able to move on, but the relationship has never been… Read more »
Recently, I was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. I’d never heard of this condition, so decided to do some research. Cardiomyopathy, it turns out, is a disease of the heart muscle, and most people don’t know that they have it until they have symptoms or are tested by having an echocardiogram. I learned there are four… Read more »
Dear Barb: I am in my early thirties and working as a waitress while finishing my degree in social work at AU. My fiancée and I are planning to get married this coming September. I grew up in a large farm family as did my fiancée. I no longer work on the farm, as I… Read more »
There are many different types of camping. Backwoods camping, tent camping and RV camping, just to name a few. Backwoods camping is pretty rustic, with a tent, sleeping bag and minimal comforts and not in a park or designated campground. Tent camping is a step up from backwoods camping, it includes electricity, hot showers nearby,… Read more »