April 30, 2007. "When you drink water, Remember its source." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
April 29, 2007. Almost every newspaper and magazine has tips, right now, on how individuals can reduce their impact on the earth, in an effort to "save the planet". An individual can make a difference, over time, and a lot of individuals making a difference will speed up the time period. Some ideas I've been reading: * composting * drive more slowly * turn the heat down a few degrees * shower rather than bath * use tupperware instead of sandwich bags (landfills will be happier) * make sure appliances are energy efficient * use compact fluorescent lights * cycle, if you can, rather than drive * use low phosphate dishwashing liquid & detergent * buy local (this one has huge impact on our global economy, perhaps!). * grow an organic veggie garden * carpool * holiday locally (again, huge impact on our global economy!) * use cloth grocery bags (reuseable) not plastic (again, landfill will be happy!) * drink tap or filtered water & use less bottled water * turn off electrical appliances instead of leaving them on standby * clean the back of your fridge * forget disposable cups (use your own mug) * invest in ethical or green companies & mutual funds * walk to work, if possible * choose wet cleaning for your clothes, not drycleaning (again, our economy will change) * buy organic foods * don't let balloons fly away * turn off lights that don't need to be on * plant a tree * do errands on your way home from work * get a clothes line and hang your laundry out to dry * build green (another economy shift) * defrost your freezer * get house plants * use a microwave instead of an oven * drive a hybrid (again, an economic shift) * eliminate pesticides from the garden * eat less red meat (another economy shift) * turn off your cell phone or battery charger when you're not using it * buy eggs in cardboard cartons * get a rain barrel for your garden * buy recycled paper and chlorine free paper (another economy shift) * check your tire pressure * keep your car tuned * buy a bird or bee house * go paperless, if possible * dress for the conditions * co-operate with your neighbours. Doing any of these? Maybe start with not accepting the groceries in a plastic bag? It takes hundreds of years for one bag to decompose. Earth Day was officially the 22nd, but it's really "every day".
April 28, 2007.
Looking for a three bedroom home, with privacy, good sun exposure, a sense of calm, a pleasing neighbourhood, close to all amenities, yet in its own quiet world? Here's a gem in Trincomali Heights area! Designed by a noted painter, in the early 90s, this gem is a lovely blend of Asian and Scandanavian design ethics -- dramatic living, separate dining, master "wing". Easy-care "natural" landscaping. The plus? A separately sited studio/office -- perfect space for an artist or for a home occupation use. Ready to just move into and to enjoy the Salt Spring lifestyle!
April 27, 2007. "Our age is essentially one of understanding and reflection, without passion, momentarily bursting into enthusiasm, and shrewdly relapsing into repose.... ...But an age without passion has no values, and everything is transformed into representational ideas..... ...In the end, therefore, money will be the one thing people will desire, which is moreover only representative, an abstraction. Nowadays, a young man hardly envies anyone his gifts, his art, the love of a beautiful girl, or his fame; he only envies him his money. Give me money, he will say, and I am saved. But the young man will not run riot, he will not deserve what repentance repays. He would die with nothing to reproach himself with, and under the impression that if only he had had the money he might really have lived and might even have achieved something great." (Soren Kierkegaard: "The Present Age").
April 26, 2007. "Sun shines in the center of the sky. All things turn their faces toward the light." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
April 25, 2007. "I love growing older in my garden. It's maturing along with me and is always changing, something I hope for in myself as well. You cannot touch a garden without being touched by it in a profound way. We are the stewards of such a small space on the planet, and we should make sure we leave it better than we found it. Gardening changed my life from being merely interesting into something ecstatic. And it can do the same for you." (Marjorie Harris: "How to Make a Garden. The 7 Essential Steps for the Canadian Gardener.")
April 24, 2007.
Looking for a Fulford Harbour waterfront retreat? Here's a sweet one, a family home/authentic log structure, with easy access waterfront, and lovely beach (walk for "miles", here!). Private property, sunny and quiet area, close to Fulford Village's shopping, galleries, marinas, restaurants, and to ferry to Victoria, yet in its own serene world. 24 hr. notice essential, re showings. See Li for your appointment to view. A true Salt Spring home!
April 23, 2007. Some things to mark on your calendar! On May 4, 5 & 6, at ArtSpring, the Salt Spring Singers present: Besame Mucho (Kissing, Drinking, and Insect Songs). Friday and Saturday begin at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. On May 11th and 12th, Tuned Air, along with Bill Henderson, will present Early Morning Rain, at ArtSpring (8 p.m., both evenings, tickets $20). A "preview" evening, tickets $10, at 8 p.m., on Thursday, May 10th. Auntie Kate and the Uncles of Funk is playing at Meaden Hall on April 28th (tickets available at Steffich Fine Art, in Grace Point. Doors at 8 p.m, with music at 9. Tickets, $20. Galleons Lap Photography Gallery is open, at this time, on Saturdays, between 11 and 5, and by appointment or by chance, at other times. See Space Babies by George S. Zimbel, right now. Enjoy! It's Spring!
April 22, 2007. Celebrate Earth Day by taking in the "Land Marks" gallery show at The Point Gallery on South Ridge Drive (just off Beaver Point Road, just up from Fulford Village). It opens today, with a reception from 2 to 5, where one can meet the artists (Ronald Crawford, Gillian McConnell, and Ian Thomas. The show runs from today till May 6th. See you there!
April 21, 2007. Mark your calendars for the evening of the 24th, if you can get to Victoria, for the public lecture by Pat and Rosemarie Keough, entitled: "Antarctica: Passion and Obsession". Held at the University of Victoria, 7 to 9 p.m., and you can phone U.Vic. (250-472-4747) for details, location, registration. The course code is: ASHI369 2007S C01. The Keoughs have been long time residents of Salt Spring Island, and spent a decade creating the incredible art of the award-winning major book Antarctica, which is considered by critics to be among the finest photography books of the modern era. Don't overlook this evening, if you can get to Victoria.
April 20, 2007. "What a strange machine man is! You fill him with bread, wine, fish, radishes, and out of him come sighs, laughter, and dreams." (Kazantzakis: "Zorba the Greek")
April 19, 2007. "A garden at the cabin, the cottage or the weekend/holiday retreat has one major principle: it should have no lawn. A lawn intrudes on natural ecosystems, and the work involved maintaining it (along with noise and potential pollution) makes no sense at all. Meadows are more compatible with cottages, perhaps with mown paths through them. (These paths are mowed only a couple of times a summer). Cottage gardeners should take their cue from the local ecology, and use plants that grow naturally in the area to create integrated and low-maintenance landscapes." (Marjorie Harris: "How to Make a Garden -- The 7 Essential Steps for the Canadian Gardener").
April 18, 2007. "Learning is the fountain of youth. No matter how old you are, You mustn't stop growing." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
April 17, 2007.
Here's a Galiano Island beauty, on the waterfront, easy access, beautiful wide-angle views over Trincomali Channel towards Salt Spring Island and the Vancouver Island mountains, sunny (s/sw/w) exposures, and privacy and calm. The custom designed home, on 6 acres, is ready to just move into and enjoy. The adjacent 4 acres is also available, separately, if desired (also w.f., and with some stands of first growth trees). See Li for more details! Galiano is only a 55 min. ferry trip from Vancouver's Tsswassan ferry terminal -- an easy commute! Enjoy!
April 16, 2007. "I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils." (William Wordsworth, English Romantic poet)
April 15, 2007. It's interesting that April issues of some general magazines are all emblazoning the word "Green" on their covers. Time magazine's latest issue has a feature on fifty things the average person can do, to help solve the global warming crisis. In raising the awareness of the individual, it will help to facilitate anything that can be done by man, at a government level, to halt and to improve. Get involved! It's so easy, always, to think that things are so bad, so whatever, what can I do, I'm just one little person...yet every major event in history has been created or solved or energized by one person. What are you doing, in your area? Building a new home? Is it a green home? Renovating? What choices are you making? Shopping habits? Local purchases are in your grocery basket? Trifles add up to huge events. Everything counts!
April 14, 2007. Interested in being a part of Salt Spring's own radio station? Behind the scenes, things are progressing, with licencing, etc. If you're interested in working as a station manager, or sales manager, or being a volunteer who will become a voice of Salt Spring, be sure to get in contact with Richard Moses (program director), as soon as possible! Great idea! Our own flag, our own currency, our own radio station? Mmmm......
April 13, 2007.
Here's a lovely "south end" opportunity on Salt Spring Island! The current owner operated the very appealing Owl Tree B & B, here, and is willing to sell fully equipped, with database of guests offered to new owner, if interested in the B & B aspect. Main home, with sep. (daylight) lower level "suite", plus a very pretty separately sited guest cottage (good tenant in place, here). Beautifully maintained, very sunny and attracting property, private, valley and mountain vistas, close to lakes, beach accesses, and to ferry and shopping, yet in its own magical and serene world. A true "gulf island" acreage! See Li for details, and appointments to view this gem!
April 12, 2007. "One side of a ridge is cold and foggy, The other is hot and dry. Just by choosing where you stand, You alter your destiny." (Deng Ming Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
April 11, 2007. Did you remember to mark your calendar for the "Women in Business" event, on April 26th?? This is the third year for this important networking day, and it's held, this time, at ArtSpring. Contact the Driftwood for more information, and tickets. There's a talk, today, on Salt Spring Island's geology. This audio- visual event is a feature of the Salt Spring Historical Society's meeting, at Central Hall, at 2 p.m. See you there! Don't forget the Salt Spring Painter's Guild's show at ArtSpring (runs from the 7th to the 22nd), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
April 10, 2007. Greenwoods Foundation is holding its Spring Ahead Gala Auction on April 27 & 28th, at ArtSpring. Silent Auction on April 27th, from 1 to 6 p.m., and again on the 28th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Live Auction is at 7 p.m. on the 28th. Refreshments and Entertainment! See you there!
April 9, 2007. Don't forget the "imagine salt spring...planning for the future" third meeting, on April 19th, at Community Gospel Chapel, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, and this third speaker's topic, in a three part series, is called: "The Great Climate Challenge: Practical Solutions for Salt Spring". Sponsored by the Islands Trust, and the Real Estate Foundation, this evening is chaired by Guy Dauncy. See you there!
April 8, 2007. Happy Easter!
April 7, 2007. Don't forget this Easter Weekend's Salt Spring Art Tour. Sponsored by the Salt Spring Arts Council, there is an impressive array of local studios, open daily, from ten until six, both today, and the 8th and the 9th. Pick up a map at Mahon Hall, where Diana Dean's "Easter Show" is on display, and then wander through several artists' studios (including: Kathy & Dean Ventor Studio, Diana Dean, Kathy Robertson, Tom McPhee, Blue View Studio, Margaret Threllfall, Landing Party, Blue Horse Studio, Garry & Bly Kaye, Osman Phillips). Galleries will be open, too, in "downtown Ganges": Judy Mitchell Gallery, Steffich Fine Art (formerly Thunderbird Gallery), Pegasus Gallery, Jill Louise Campbell, Galleon's Lap (Photography Gallery), Morley Myers Gallery, Point Gallery, Painters Guild Show at ArtSpring, Salt Spring Woodworks). Enjoy! Wave, if you see me!
April 6, 2007.
Looking for a wonderful retreat? Here's 160 acres, some with exceptional ocean/islands/mountain vistas (including the spectacular Olympic Mountains, in Washington State), the remainder with forest glades and open land (potential pasture for horses or sheep??), seasonal creeks, ponds, all with good all day/year round sun exposure (e/s/w vistas), and awaiting your development ideas. Adjacent to a Buddhist monastery acreage, and bounded by park reserve on another boundary line, this beautiful land is just minutes away from Musgrave Landing, and potential boat moorage. Hiking & walking trails abound, in this area. Truly a unque and beautiful offering! See Li for more details!
April 5, 2007. Mark your calendars for a book launch on April 15th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at 1070 Meyer Road (which is off Bulman, which is off Beaver Point Road). Called: Forgotten Cusheon Cove, Chris Hatfield researched the history of his land, and Charles Kahn, a writer/editor of several books on the Gulf Islands, has created this very interesting tale. Tours of Chris Hatfield's museum, with an opportunity to see the property (Chris Hatfield partly donated and partly sold 100 acres of this parcel to B.C. Parks, to preserve it), and refreshments are available. See you there!
April 4, 2007.
Looking for a sweet oceanfront cottage, with wood floors, one bedroom, loft guest area, oceanview deck, with good access to a year round dock? In serene Duck Bay, with lovely panoramic ocean and mountain vistas, and with sunny (s/sw/w) exposures, this little beauty sits privately on its natural landscaped property, awaiting your pleasure. The perfect summer/weekender, for now, and a lovely lot to develop with your dream home, for later! Right now, though, your boat is at your dock. See Li for appointments to view!
April 3, 2007. "Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is the only moment." (Thich Nhat Hanh)
April 2, 2007.
Looking for that perfect weekender retreat? Here's a lovely "south end" property, with wonderful forest and creek, dividing the land into two distinct "sections". A studio/guest, for camping out in, now, awaits your pleasure. A sunny building site is ready for your development ideas, for later! Close to walking/hiking trails, to beach accesses, and an easy stroll to the ferry to Victoria. A nearby marina can host your boat! A lovely, private, sunny, and meditative space, with Harbour glimpses in the winter months. Enjoy!
April 1, 2007. "Which came first, Experience or meaning?" (Deng Ming Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").