Posts By: Barb Godin

Barb Godin

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.

Women of Interest—Emilie Augusta Louise “Lizzy” Lind af Hageby

Definition of anti-vivisection : opposed to experimentation on living animals especially when considered to cause pain or distress to the subject: opposed to vivisection Emilie Augusta Louise “Lizzy” Lind af Hageby was a staunch supporter of the anti-vivisection movement and, in 1906, was co-founder of the Animal Defence and Anti-Vivisection Society. Lind af Hageby was born on September 20,… Read more »

Dear Barb—Post-Pandemic Diet

Dear Barb: I don’t know if you can help me, but here goes. I have a friend that I’ve known for many years. We have kept in touch throughout the pandemic and have recently begun seeing each other again. She keeps talking about when the borders are open she wants me to go to her… Read more »

Dear Barb—For the Love of Dog

Dear Barb: Hi, I enjoy reading your columns and find some issues really hit home, so I thought I would write.  My husband and our two boys just moved into a new neighbourhood.  When we viewed the house we noticed there was a dog in the yard next door and since we all like dogs,… Read more »

Dear Barb—The Green Eyed Friend

Dear Barb: A couple of years ago I met a friend at work, and we immediately became BFFs.  We had a lot in common and both loved hiking, biking, and most outdoor activities, however in the last few months things have changed.  She has been making a lot of negative comments towards me.  I have… Read more »

Dear Barb—Friendly Advice & Consequences

Dear Barb: I have a situation and I’m not sure what to do about it.  A friend told me she recently met a new guy and is already saying he might be the one.  But she has been married twice before and had a few failed relationships, obviously she doesn’t make good choices.  Unfortunately, the… Read more »

Women of Interest—Doris Lessing

Doris May Lessing was the oldest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Literature.  At age 88 Lessing was the oldest Nobel Laureate and only the eleventh woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature in the Swedish Academy’s 106 year history. Doris May Lessing was born in Iran on October 22,… Read more »

Dear Barb—Cringe Distance

Dear Barb: I have this really great friend and we have lots of fun together.  He is a very sarcastic guy and at times he has crossed the line and offended people.  I mostly don’t get offended but just laugh along with him.  Recently a mutual friend asked me if Mike’s sense of humor ever… Read more »

Dear Barb—A Wondering Witness

Dear Barb: Yesterday morning I was having a coffee and looking out my front window and I saw my neighbor back out of his driveway into another neighbor’s car that was parked on the side of the road.  It didn’t look like there was a lot of damage, but there definitely was some damage.  Since… Read more »

Dear Barb—A Mom’s Lesson

Dear Barb: I am the mother of two—one 18-year-old and one 12-year-old.  I have worked all my life at low paying jobs and finally decided to try some online courses to see if I could do it.  So far, I love it, though that is not what I’m writing about.  The problem is my 18-year-old… Read more »

Dear Barb—Mind Your Manners

Dear Barb: I am the mother of two teenagers, and I am trying to teach them how to live their lives with dignity, respect, and good manners, as I believe these qualities will help them to achieve a happy and more successful life.  I am finding this very difficult to accomplish, as most of the… Read more »