April 30, 2006. "Go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is." (statesman, & former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter).
April 29, 2006. Salt Spring Blues... Chapter 12 It was Frannie who found Old Sol's remains. Old Sol hadn't left the Island, after all, so everyone wondered who had reported all those sightings on Mayne & Galiano Islands. Frank was the first person Frannie phoned about her discovery. He was randomly on the Island, that weekend, so was actually there to get her call. Later, everyone said it was a gift, for Frannie to have connected with Frank like that, as, of course, everyone knew that Frank's weakness was his desire to be needed. Later, no one was surprised that Frank asked her to marry him. Some people were surprised, though, that Frannie accepted. Florrie wanted to give the wedding reception in her new dance studio, out in the back garden of her village home. Although Frannie wasn't so sure about that, Ann prevailed, and Frannie had to agree that she wouldn't have time to be organizing a wedding, as she had to finish the Sidney gallery's commission for a dinner service for twelve. First, though, there was the slow descent of Old Sol's remains (better not describe what was left of him, Mattie confided to Billie, over coffee at the Roasters) off Maxwell mountain. The burial, at Ann's expense (Billie and Peter chipped in, when they discovered she'd designated herself as Old Sol's kin, since he seemed to be what he'd always claimed: a hermit, a loner), at the cementary next door to the movie theatre, was sparsely attended. It was difficult for the few who straggled to the graveyard service to feel anything at all, as Old Sol had kept so much to himself. No one had anything to share about why he would be missed, on the Island. He had died as he had lived, on his own. "I've always wondered why the cinema is next door to the graveyard", remarked Frank, who came, and Frannie thought about that, too. "Weddings always follow funerals", added Patricia, who had agreed to play the piano at the reception. Mattie thought the whole thing was like an Ingmar Bergman movie, but in colour, and that there was some spiritual reality to the movie theatre's bulk, looming over the gravestones. Frannie woke up for a few nights, the shocking sight of Old Sol's carcase sprawled at the bottom of a rock ("must have slipped on some moss", suggested Frank) shaking her resolve to be in the present, to look to the future. In her dreams, Paul's shimmering hand, reaching out of the dark water, a recurring nightmare since the report of his death (why did she always imagine that his last thought was a plea to her, to save him?), had awakened her into the longing for what had been. For a few nights, there, the lumpy corpse of Old Sol, nothing left of his smile or his charm, had slipped in front of Paul's ethereal hand. Then it began to settle out and to become calm. Work on the wheel always did that to her, and she spun and molded her heart into the special commission, glad that the fee coming her way at the end of it supported her efforts. How odd the way things had worked out. Did she deserve this? Frank seemed to think so, and he left her alone, mostly, even suggesting that they maintain separate residences, to start with, until they were used to each other. Frannie had always thought that Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir had been very intelligent to do this, in Paris, and it had been one of the things that had drawn her to their existential philosophy, back in college. How daring, to admit that you only needed each other for sex and intermittent conversation. The real business of the self being exactly that: of the self. "Well, of course, you're an artist," said Billie, helping to pack the finished commission in the bubble wrapped containers. As if that explained anything, thought Frannie. Still, Ann was right. It was ok to be happy. One had to give oneself permission, of course, but why not? "Just as easy to be happy as to be miserable", Ann had commented, tossing weeds into a pile at the end of each garden row. Frannie had thought about that for some time. Ann did not have an easy life, and yet, there she was, choosing for happiness. Were the sages right? It really was that simple? Either...or? "Left or right, at Main Street?" Her mother had said that, a long time ago, at a traffic light, maybe dropping Frannie at a music lesson...she had meant it as a joke, probably. Her mother liked fun. Had she been like Ann? A single mother, not much money...thinking back, Frannie remembered a lot of laughter and silly games. Yes, it was a choice. A hand clutched at her heart. How lucky she was, then, that she had made those pavlovas, and trudged through the fields to that distant party. What if the architect hadn't come to the Island? Her friends wouldn't have tried to fix her up with him, and she wouldn't have connected with Frank. And Frank...he was randomly on the Island. If he hadn't run into Peter at the lumber yard, earlier that day, he wouldn't have been at the party, either. It was too much, all these "what ifs" and "might have beens", thought Frannie. The fact that they might have missed each other shocked her into immobility. How lucky! How very lucky! She stood for awhile, at the cottage door, and she could just make out Paul's ghostly shape, drifting with the pale clouds in the night sky, over and away, feathering into the clouds, no longer distinguishable, evaporated now behind Mt. Maxwell's bulk, and glad that she had finally released him, no doubt. She would have to struggle with this fearful shell, this quavering heart. She wanted to meet Frank half-way. Lucky, lucky...she did not want to waste, to squander...she wanted to hold that luck. She needed to come to him without all that past baggage. Later, she got up in the night, and sat at her wheel till dawn, creating the ceremonial bowl that she had envisioned, in a dream. It would be her gift to him, on their wedding day. She stared at it, recognizing that it was the best thing that she had ever done. A gift. She covered herself with the afghan and curled into the corner window seat. She slept through for almost 24 hours, and, when she wakened, her heart felt light. She felt that she had lost years, and been reborn. She could not stop smiling. A gift. Meanwhile, the daffodils on Lee's Hill were replaced with elegant tulip globes in fiery red, and the hawthorn trees were redolent with blossoms, and the apple and cherry trees had sprayed their blossoms over the wind-tossed fields, and the eagles soared in their mating rituals over Mt. Maxwell's peak, and the sun coaxed everyone out to the explosion of Spring into Summer. Meanwhile....
April 28, 2006. On Island right now? * Check out the "Swing into Spring" al fresco display, at the Salt Spring Woodworks gallery, at the corner of Churchill & Upper Ganges Roads -- it's showcasing garden furniture, architecture & arts (bells, benches, lanterns, planters, fences, fountains, arbours & swings), with demonstrations & refreshments. It's a two day affair, on April 29 & 30, from 11 to 5. See you there! * Are you remembering to pay attention to the invitation to the Iris gardens, on Furness Road? Check the Driftwood for dates/times, when the Bakers invite the Islanders to enjoy their beautiful Iris garden creation! * Have you been into Houseboat, lately, on the corner of Jackson & Hereford? Changes over the winter months, and new arrivals daily -- create your cottage & seascape vision with the help of Tom Hoff & Ron Aird! Note: Bristol Cutter is now located at Houseboat's building, with access off Jackson Road. (the former Bristol Cutter location has been included into the Nature Works store, as they've expanded their "apothecary" section). * some "tried & true" Spring flings? Ruckle Park, Mt. Maxwell Park's lookout, Drummond Park, Vesuvius Beach, the beach access at the end of Arbutus Road, at Southey Point, wonderful Beddis Beach, of course, the beach at Fernwood Dock, and, with permission, the trails at Maracaibo. * site prep is underway for the rec centre on Rainbow Road (skating rink and indoor pool, to start with) -- check it out! * the bubbles are off the tennis courts at Portlock Park -- get started! * remember the Feng Shui advice, and "de-clutter". You haven't worn it or used it for two years? Out! Recycle, sell, give away, but it's gone...you'll be glad! * what about a skyride with St. McColl of Salt Spring Air?? Check out the Island from the air, and rediscover what you miss, on the same old road. Every day is a little lighter, as we move towards the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year. It was still light, last evening, after 8:30 p.m. Wonderful!
April 27, 2006. "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." (humanitarian, Mother Teresa).
April 26, 2006. "The great secret that all old people share is that you really haven't changed in seventy or eighty years. Your body changes, but you don't change at all. And that, of course, causes great confusion." (writer, Doris Lessing)
April 25, 2006. "Upon completion comes fulfillment. With fulfillment comes liberation. Liberation allows you to go on. Even death is not a true ending. Life is infinite continuation." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
April 24, 2006. Spring... cartwheeling into our lives, stripping numbing winter's care, erupting everywhere... spraying blossoms, stretching grass, unfurling leaves, glowing and bubbling and tossing us back to our essential selves. Spirit calls... "spring into Spring", the Island's banner shouts from the village street, while eagles soar, wheeling above the Harbour's liquid light. Welcome, welcome, we all chorus, as kayakers trail through pearlescent foam, & iridescent seals glimmer & dive, & floatplanes taxi to the Island's lure, of Spring-time birthing to summer's cradling call. Awake! Warm, & fresh, & just new green, a spilling over the edges green, intoxicated green, green everywhere, light captured in green's sheen... It's Spring! (L.R.)
April 23, 2006. Pearl Luke, a well known Canadian writer, currently making her home on Salt Spring Island, has published her new book: "Madame Zee". A fictional recounting of the life of the historical figure, the partner in the commune established in the 1920s and 1930s, by Brother Twelve, in Cedar, just south of Nanaimo, and with outposts on DeCourcy and Valdes Islands, this novel will entice and entertain you. If you're on Island, there will be readings by Pearl and a celebration of the publication. Order at your favourite bookstore, or, online. Enjoy!
April 22, 2006. "Mistakes are part of the dues that one pays for a full life." (actress, Sophia Loren).
April 21, 2006.
Terrific panoramic oceanview opportunity on special Salt Spring Island! Main level master/study/ensuite, plus open plan kitchen/dining (with a view!), and lovely living room (cosy fireplace & views forever!), plus den or extra guest, formal entry/foyer, & guest powder room. Easy access to sunny and private view deck, from all principal rooms. The plus? Lower (daylight) level, with the same panoramic ocean/islands/mountain vistas, offers three ensuite bedrooms. Perfect for a family, or, continue the "high end" B & B business successfully in place. Your choice! Close to everything, with a truly "pow" view! See Li for the details, & appointments to view.
April 20, 2006. ** If you haven't made it to the Salt Spring Painter's Guild Spring Show & Sale, then don't delay -- it's been on, at the ArtSpring Gallery, since April 9th, and closes on April 23rd. Enjoy the talent of your fellow Islanders! ** If you haven't caught the showing of Diana Dean's paintings, under the umbrella title of "The Passion of Diana Dean Art Exhibit", which is on display at the Salt Spring Woodworks gallery, owned by Celia Duthie & Nick Hunt, and located at the corner of Upper Ganges and Churchill Roads, then don't delay -- it opened on April 13th, and continues until April 30th. This is a uniquely talented painter, who makes her home on Salt Spring, and who shows "globally". ** Don't forget that Tree House South is open, every night, for dinner. Live music, most nights, too! ** Galleon's Lap Atelier-Gallery, showcasing Fine Art Photography, has been highlighting the works of John Denniston. His show began on April 14th and closes on April 23rd. Called "Landscape Amnesia", it shouldn't be missed! ** other live music venues, while you dine? The Glass Onion at Barb's Buns location, the Shipstones Pub, at the Oystercatcher location, Moby's Marine Pub, &, as the weather improves, at Tree House, Ganges. Check it out! Huge musical talent on this Island! Lucky locals! ** Check out the new arrivals for garden creations at: Garden Faire, on Rainbow Road, & at Thimble Farm on Arbutus Road, out at Southey Point, & at Christine Copeland's nursery across from Garner Road, on the Fulford-Ganges Road, & also at the venerable Foxglove Nursery, at the corner of Lower Ganges and Atkins Roads. Did you plant your apple tree, yet? If still looking, it's down to Apple Lucious, off King Road, on Heidi Place. It's Spring! Enjoy!
April 19, 2006. Interested in Rammed Earth construction? Would like to build a guest cottage with this construction technique, and live lighter on the planet? Terra Sky is the name of a series of rammed earth cottages that Terra Firma Builders of Salt Spring is promoting. Check it out! An innovative and a beautiful solution to the soft footprint desires of many owners, today. Check out their website, at: www.sirewall.com or email them at: office@sirewall.com Let them know that you heard about them from Li! Thanks!
April 18, 2006. The local Driftwood weekly newspaper had an insert called "The Green Edition" as a part of its April 5, 2006 edition. It's the first of such enclosures in the regular paper, and was packed with lots of information about local endangered species, air quality, pesticide use and greenhouse gas emissions -- & what the Islanders can do to make the Islands a greener place to live. Check it out, online! Lots of excellent information, here! Be informed! (The Driftwood newspaper's website is: www.gulfislands.net). P.S. The Eco-Home Tour, which was a first, last year, will be repeated in 2006. Call the Salt Spring Conservancy Office for information about this event (250-538-0318) or, email to ssiconservancy@saltspring.com or check out their website at: saltspring.gulfislands.com/conservancy/ See you there!
April 17, 2006. "Don't be afraid to explore; Without exploration there are no discoveries. Don't be afraid of partial solutions; Without the tentative there is no accomplishment." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
April 16, 2006. "Celebrate your success and find humor in your failures. Don't take yourself so seriously. Loosen up and everyone around you will loosen up. Have fun and always show enthusiasm. When all else fails, put on a costume and sing a silly song." (Business executive: Sam Walton).
April 15, 2006. Something new, in the dining out department! Hastings House, always a special place for special occasions, now has an a la carte menu to choose from. The same exceptional quality offerings from chefs Marcel, Nick, Sunshyne, and Jim, to tempt your palate -- just more choices for your dining pleasure, on any particular evening! Reservations essential! Tonights menu?? Call them, at: 250-537-2362, and be prepared to be spoiled!
April 14, 2006. Some more authentic "character houses", to search out on your drives around Island? * the Beaver Point School building, adjacent to the Beaver Point Hall, is a gem worth checking out -- built in 1885, it's been lovingly cared for. * the Alfred Ruckle house, within Ruckle Park, built in 1906, is another "sweetie" that has been lovingly "retained". * St. Mary's Anglican Church, in the Fulford Valley, built in 1894, still holds services. * St. Paul's Catholic Church, also in the Fulford Valley, was built in 1880. Services are also still held, here. Jill Louise Campbell's painting of same is a magical rendering of this well known landmark. * Burgoyne United Church, now a historical site, is another recognized landmark, in the Fulford Valley, and it was built in 1887. * At the side of Burgoyne Bay Road, lies the lovely old stone barn, built by Dick Maxwell, in 1901. Enjoy this gem! * the old Lady Minto Hospital, built in 1914, is now the Community Society office space; it is on the Fulford-Ganges Road, just as one drops down the hill into Ganges, en route from Fulford. * Fairacres, originally built in 1906, has been beautifully restored and renovated, and the essential nature of this waterfront gem, on the edge of Ganges Village, has been substantially retained. * the Salt Spring Island Creamery, built in 1904, is now the home of Embe Bakery! * the original Mouat's store, now the site of Home Hardware, plus an art gallery, a restaurant, and a bookstore, was built in 1912. Check out those historic photographs, on the walls as you enter from the street side, just up from the Coast Guard dock! Enjoy your tour! It's Spring, and the blossoms on the apple and cherry trees are worth the spin around "your" Island, at this wonderful time of year! Wave, if you pass me!
April 13, 2006. Salt Spring Blues... Chapter 11 Marcus quit his job on a Monday morning. He'd worked at the forestry company for twelve years, and enough was enough. He would see his reflection, when he passed store windows, and be shocked...all that sitting in the office had created some middle age spread, there, looking back at him. His vision of himself was still the Marcus of ten years earlier, someone lean and trim, someone who wore jeans, and loafers without socks, and sweaters. Not this person in a suit, two sizes larger than his earlier self, and with a receding hairline. The reason he'd quit had had everything to do with the recent weekend visit to his sister, who had left her husband and family, and gone to live at their family summer place on Salt Spring Island. He'd gone over to talk some sense into her, after her husband, Sam, had turned up at his condo, loudly complaining about Rita's decamping from the city. He'd found himself promising to go over and visit, and to find out when she was planning to get over this "woman thing", and get back to her responsibilities. Sam was too busy running the garage, and making sure the kids had clean clothes for school...he needed Marcus to go over and talk sense into his sister. He'd found Rita very aggressive in her refusal to return. Her parting salvo had been to point out to him the waste that his life had become. The ferry trip back to the city had left lots of time for the sting of her words to settle into the wound, and fester into a full blown depression. Here he was, 43, overweight, balding, and with no prospects. He was a salaried desk jockey, with no future for promotion, in an industry under attack by the environmentalists, some of whom he found himself agreeing with. His days were numbered. He'd always been in awe of Rita, and her mouthy antagonism to their parents' blueprints for their futures. She was still the same, having told Sam where to put it, and had packed two bags and disappeared on her whole life. She thought it was about rediscovering her life. Finding it again. That's what she'd said. Finding it, again. After a sleepless night, and a day walking in Stanley Park, twice past Lost Lagoon, his whole life to that point unravelling in his head, he'd resigned, and the impression left was that he would have been fired, anyway, so he'd just put in his papers a little sooner. Small mercies; self-esteem intact. What then? He'd never felt comfortable with Rita, so no point in going to stay with her for awhile. A classified ad for a rental at Fulford had caught his eye, when he'd picked up the local paper on his visit to Rita, and he'd called the number. It was still available, $950 a month, one bedroom, a studio in the back garden, a six month lease. The owner lived in San Francisco, and wanted a short term tenant, for insurance reasons. It was furnished. "I'll take it". Marcus listened to the echo of anxiety in his voice. The details were worked out; he would be there at the end of the month. He decided not to tell Rita. It was entirely possible that he would not run into her; Rita had her own rhythms, and they weren't his. Siblings weren't clones, he thought, not for the first time, and put her out of his mind. Her life was her life, and his was his. Theirs had never been a close family. In the end, there were surprisingly few people to tell about his move. He'd easily found a sublease for his Vancouver condo, glad, in a way, that he'd left a small opening for a return, "just in case". Most of his friends turned out to be office acquaintances, and not friends at all. They hadn't lasted beyond his two week hand-over, after his resignation. On the way to the Island, everything he wanted to keep fitted into his car's trunk and back seat, he'd stood out on the deck, the wind straightening his remaining wisps of hair, like fine filaments, blowing straight back over his coat collar. He breathed deeply, letting the stench of his sense of failure dissipate with the wind. New beginnings, new beginnings...was it possible? Would it be the Island Spring of Marcus? Yes...yes...yes...the propeller's rhythm hummed the beat of his heart. Surely, yes.... Salt Spring's hills relaxed into Long Harbour, and the ferry slid into its welcoming embrace. He softened into his skin. Whatever happened, it would be better than what had been. He felt oddly expectant, oddly liberated, oddly...yes, happy. The first thing he would do would be to buy a pair of jeans. And, chop wood. And, go for a daily walk. And, try that vegetarian diet. And...search for the shadow that wanted to sneak out from underneath this unwieldy carapace of the pretend Marcus, this shell that he had so carefully constructed for all these years. There was still hope, after all. Meanwhile, the eagles soared in pairs, above Sansum Narrows, and the lambs in the Fulford Valley strengthened into sheep, and the vineyard owners on the Valley hill were out among their vines, tending and snipping, and the artists were hanging out their studio signs, all over the Island, inviting early tourists to drop by, and the Saturday Market in the Park had opened for the season, and the floatplanes arriving in Ganges Harbour were full of seekers, and the Salt Spring Centre was advertising yoga retreats, and the peace and the fertility of Spring on Salt Spring was blooming into full measure. Meanwhile....
April 12, 2006. "There is one cardinal rule: "Never Despair." That word is forbidden." (Winston Churchill: "The Wit and Wisdom of Winston Churchill").
April 11, 2006. Judy Mitchell Gallery's Spring Show, 2006, is featuring the works of: Michael Robb, Pat Bennett, Lea Mabberley, J.D. Evans, Judy Weeden, Ronald T. Crawford, Bill Boyd, Peter McFarlane, Michelle Wilman, Jerry Davidson, Gerda Lattey, among many others. If you missed the opening, drop along any day, for personal viewings of some superb artistic expressions, all from Salt Spring/Southern Gulf Islands artists. See you there!
April 10, 2006. Interested in authentic character properties? Some "gems" to be on the alert for, while driving around Salt Spring Island, are: 1) Central Hall, at the intersection of North End, Upper Ganges, & Lower Ganges Roads. It was constructed in 1896. This is currently the home of the Salt Spring Cinema. Check out the building, next time you catch the latest film! 2) On Upper Ganges Road there's Bullock's Old Creamery building, originally built in 1895, & which has recently been lovingly restored and is now enjoyed as a private residence. Admire, from the street! 3) A sweetie property at Upper Ganges Road, built in 1893, and restored, more recently, is still a charming sight. Beautiful apple and other fruit trees greet one, as one views the property, from the corner of Highwood and Upper Ganges Roads. 4) Across Upper Ganges Road, from the above parcel, is a home originally constructed in 1905. It's currently a "farm style" B & B experience. 5) An authentic 1898 character home, on Upper Ganges, across from Churchill Street, has been beautifully restored, with an addition that is seamless to the original. On site is also the restored building known as Mrs. Moorehouse's Private School, which operated between 1932 and 1937. 6) The former Scott House, at the corner of Lower Ganges and Atkins Road, built in 1912, has become the "clubhouse"/office facility of the Summerside townhome development, and an indoor pool has been attached to same. Slow down, in those drives back and forth on the Island, and enjoy some charming glimpses of Salt Spring's past!
April 9, 2006.
Exceptional waterfront! Sunny (s/sw/w exposures -- sunsets, here!), private, lowbank oceanfront, and extensive foreshore lease, which allows construction of a dock for your boat. Currently, a mooring buoy in place. Architect designed, "west coast contemporary" home, with exceptional master/study/ensuite "wing", and guest accomodation, too. Open plan living/dining, country kitchen, double garage, paved driveway, orchard and easy- care landscaping. The plus? An oceanside studio (artist?). Enjoy the oceanside deck, with firepit, too! Crushed shell and sand beach to wander at lowtide! This is truly a "one off" opportunity, in one of Salt Spring's best areas. See Li for appointments to view!
April 8, 2006. "My robe hangs in the garden, dripping like a tree. One day I'll step out of my body exactly like this." (Peter Levitt: "One Hundred Butterflies").
April 7, 2006. "I have younger friends who don't work, and they aren't doing so well. My secret is to keep going, keep working." (Les Paul, guitarist, at age 87).
April 6, 2006.
Wonderful waterfront, nestled into its own private rocky knoll, with easy access to a crushed shell & sand beach (keep your kayak or canoe, here!), and with sunny (s/sw/w) exposures. Sunsets forever! Two w.f. titles, one with main home (master/study/ensuite, plus three guest bed, in separate wing, plus nanny's suite (caretaker? inlaw?), double garage, lots of storage, exceptional living/dining, country kitchen, private decking to follow the sun. Easy-care "natural" landscaping. Second w.f. title remains undeveloped, except for a sweetie studio (artist?). Architect designed & custom built, for current artist/owner, this is the best of "west coast contemporary" design! Both titles being sold as one unit -- keep one, sell the other? Enjoy both? It's your choice! One of the best w.f. opportunities on Salt Spring Island, today!
April 5, 2006. "Though life is a dream, Act as if it isn't. Act with no weight." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
April 4, 2006. Did you know that the Islands Trust has hired new Bylaw Enforcement Officers, to make certain that current bylaws are adhered to, and that these Bylaw Enforcement Officers will have the authority to issue fines, in the form of a ticket, for infractions? If you haven't picked up a copy of the most recent version of the Bylaws, lately, then it's time to update, and make sure you have the most recent information. The Trust office is now located at one side of the B.C. Hydro building, just beyond Foxglove Nursery, when driving from Ganges to Vesuvius. Drop in, and get the latest, so you're on top of any changes to the information. Since Salt Spring is not a municipality, the Trust is our form of government, and the new Trustees, elected this past November, for a three year term, ran on a platform of adherence to the bylaws currently in force, and they also plan to review the Official Community Plan. Since Trust meetings are usually held in the early afternoon, most people working (retail merchants, teachers, realtors, hotel and resort owners, farmers, contractors, excavators, hospital employees, doctors, lawyers, students, etc.) cannot attend. It would be interesting to see what would occur, re Islanders participation, if Trust meetings were held at 7 p.m. This is an important time, for the safe-guarding of the lifestyle of the Islanders. It's important that we try to keep up and to make our voices heard, if the few at the afternoon meetings are not truly representative of the main Islander thought pattern. Make sure you're informed! Some offence descriptions: * dwelling unit with more than one kitchen (fine amount: $150.) * accessory building used for accomodation (fine amount: $150.) * accessory building containing shower/bathtub/kitchen/more than three separate rooms (fine amount: $150.) * accessory building exceeding maximum floor area (fine amount: $150.) * home based business conducted outdoors (fine amount: $150.). * more than one additional person employed in home based business (fine amount: $150.) * advertising home based business (fine amount: $150.) * exterior indication of a home based business (fine amount: $150.) * B & B More than one per lot (fine amount: $150.) * B & B More Rooms Used Than Permitted (fine amount: $150.) * B & B Serving Meals Other Than Breakfast (fine amount: $150.) * B & B Insufficient Parking Spaces (fine amount: $150.) * Seasonal Cottage on Undersized Lot (fine amount: $150.) * Seasonal Cottage Attached to Another Building (fine amount: $150.) * Seasonal Cottage Used for Commercial Accomodation (fine amount: $200.) * Seasonal Cottage Used for Dwelling Unit (fine amount: $150.) * Occupying a Travel Trailer/Recreational Vehicle for more than 90 days (fine amount: $100.) * Building/Structure within 15 metres of a water body (fine amount: $150.) * Sewage Disposal within 60 metres of a water body (fine amount: $200.) * etc. etc. etc. Is it time for bringing back the idea of a Gulf Islands Municipality, where the Trust and the 2 elected trustees remain, to continue the "preserve & protect" mandate to control development, through density controls, but where there is also an elected council, to make certain that everyone's interests are well met, & to preserve the Islanders lifestyle, on the Island? Be informed! No apathy, please! There is no "them"; there's only "us". Has the Trust overstepped its mandate? One of Salt Spring's charms is the fact that "everyone" is here. Let's not lose this tolerant caring spirit. Are you paying attention?
April 3, 2006. This year will be a hiatus for the popular Salt Spring Home Tour. One of ArtSpring's main fundraisers, the weekend tour brings a lot of non-Islanders over to see "what's what" on beautiful Salt Spring. Normally, I help fund this Home Tour, as part of my ongoing support for ArtSpring, so am sending my donation on to the Salt Spring Festival of the Arts, which is held in July, annually, and I will instead be supporting some of the great groups coming, at that time, to entertain both Islanders and summer visitors alike. Reflecting my Scottish heritage, one of the "summer shows" that I will be helping to sponsor will be some super fiddling and Celtic music, from a Scottish group, playing in early July. Dates to come. See you there!
April 2, 2006. Aqua Magazine, the quarterly magazine on the Gulf Islands lifestyle, put out by the Driftwood Newspaper, seems to have hit its stride. This latest issue has lots of interesting write-ups, on Islanders, and showcases, in particular, Salt Spring's evolution into a fine food venue. Soya Nova Tofu, Moonstruck Organic Cheese, gelato and chocolate factories in Merchant's Mews, SeaChange Seafoods, herb farms, The Bread Lady, Food Farms on Stark Road (organic beef stock), Salt Spring Flour Mill (using imported organic grain from Saskatchewan), Monsoon Coast (specializing in exotic world spices), David Woods' Salt Spring Cheese, Salt Spring Coffee, Sandy Robley's Sunset Drive farm (SSI lamb), plus all of the organic vegetable and fruit growers...the list goes on and on! Make sure you enjoy the flair and the flavour presented to you by the Islanders who are your neighbours!
April 1, 2006. "Sleek sky of cobalt blue; Water like nectar satisfies deeply. Air sweeter than the best perfume; Sunlight warms a grateful cat." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").