Current Entries April 30, 2009. Don't forget that today is the Women In Business networking opportunity, at the Harbour House Hotel (sponsored by the Driftwood newspaper and by the Harbour House Hotel). This is a great time to meet your fellow business owners, and to share tips and concerns and winning ideas. Networking at its best! Mark your calendars, too, for the May holiday weekend -- it's the annual Round Salt Spring Sailing Race! (May 16/17). This event attracts over 100 sailors, annually, with many of them using this local race as a shakedown for their crews, preparatory to entering the Swiftsure Race, out of Victoria, on the following weekend. The Swiftsure is "the" race for a yachtsman, and it's always held on the U.S. Memorial Day weekend. Don't miss the colourful starts to the races, whether in Ganges Harbour, or just off Victoria's Inner Harbour...if you're lucky, it's a spinnaker run "start". So beautiful! Some years, there's little wind, and a lot of boats don't finish in the time. Other years, it's a howling gale, and the finished race takes place in quicktime! If you have a chance to crew, take it! Lots happening on the Canadian May holiday weekend...enjoy the pleasures of the Salt Spring Island and Southern Gulf Islands lifestyles. April 29, 2009. "The actual Is only actual In one place And one time." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") April 28, 2009. Here's a "West Coast Contemporary" gem, nestled into the hillside, with dramatic ocean, island and mountain viewscapes! Sunny (s/sw/w exposures - enjoy sunsets year round), easy care landscaping, pleasing home with open plan living/dining/galley style kitchen, wood accents, vaulted ceiling, cosy bedrooms, plus studio space and "guest/inlaw" on garden level. A lovely Gulf Island property, with that Mediterranean flavour! Walk to beach accesses, to park walking/hiking trails, and just minutes to all services/amenities, to golf, to tennis, and yet in a quiet area of fine homes, with an "apart" feeling. A best buy oceanview property, on special Salt Spring Island! April 27, 2009. The real estate market on the Coast, including on Salt Spring Island and on the Southern Gulf Islands, continues to inch its way along into consistent activity. No one has a crystal ball, of course, and there is still a lot of gloomy financial news waiting to be reported. People have lost jobs, globally, and many have also lost homes with inability to pay mortgages. Equity has been erased from many homes, in many areas. The stock market continues to shudder up and down, and the only people able to make it work for them are traders. For the average investor, the stock market is still a place to lose money. Financial institutions are still shaky, and there are failures of banks, in other countries. There is a growing fear, too, that cash may well and truly be the next "bubble". So much being printed, with little backing same except more paper, and a government. Those with some discretionary funds, then, are seeking hard asset investments, in "protected" areas, and locally, there's that Islands Trust. In creating a "preserve and protect" mandate, via severe growth controls, the Trust created an enclave area on the Gulf Islands, and the temperate microclimate enjoyed on the Southern Gulf Islands grouping (Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Penders, Saturna, Thetis, and the nearby water access only options) is a strong attractor. Listing inventory remains relatively "thin" on all the Islands. As soon as one states a price range, a property type, whether a view is essential, etc., the choices start to thin out dramatically. In 2008, which I am calling the Year of the Fear, buyers did not want to act. Since we are a secondary home/discretionary marketplace, buyers could put us "on hold", while the dusts of change settled. In this societal shift that we are currently in, there is a lot of fear out there, and fear can stop activity. Fear can also propel, though, and in our area it may be the underlying reason for the uptick in action. Prices have not seen any increases, and there is often a substantial price reduction delivered by the buyer, at the point of the offer. Nevertheless, it is not 2008, and buyers are back looking, and they are making offers, and there is good activity in real estate sales. Yes, it started in the low end residential, but we are now entering our main grid of activity (May to September), and we are seeing a more affluent buyer profile begin to appear, and to consider offering on some very fine oceanviews and prime waterfronts. More info? Give me a call! Always quickly available. April 26, 2009. "I want to make myself an empty room: Quiet whitewashed walls with slant sunshine And a fresh breeze through open windows." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") April 25, 2009. Wow! 24 acres of lovely land, with an exceptionally appealing home (master sitting with ensuuite, on upper level, with private balcony off, plus guest bed/bath on main level, and three other bedrooms/bathroom (children? make them offices?) on upper level. Open plan living/dining, country kitchen, pantry, family/games room, sep. laundry/mudroom, office complete the main level. Wood floors, custom windows, terrific verandah style decking, wonderful garden area, with fruit trees, and an appealing separately sited guest cottage. Studio structure, too. Some oceanviews, forest privacy (walk your own trails), a quarry that offered lovely stonework for patios and garden walls, fenced pasture areas (keep horses or sheep or goats), and close to all amenities while still enjoying a superb sense of being totally apart. It is a dramatic parcel, in the heart of the Salt Spring rural ambiance, in an area of fine homes. You will love it! April 24, 2009. Salt Spring Chamber Players present a concert of chamber music (Beethoven, Bruch, Mignone, Newmark are featured composers), at All Saints by the Sea, at 3 p.m. on May 2nd (tickets at the door: $15). Mark your calendars! Salt Spring Singers celebrate 35 years of music-making, with a Made in Canada show at ArtSpring, on May 2 and 3 -- call 250-537-2102 for tickets/info. Hastings House offers a special three course dinner, featuring Dungeness Crab, on Sundays and Mondays (reservations, please). Open for dinner, every evening from 5:30 p.m. Enjoy Mother's Day Brunch, too. It's halibut season, at the Harbour House Hotel! Calvin's Bistro is open on Sundays, now, for the season! Tree House Cafe invites you to enjoy their new patio, and experience their delicious vegetarian soups, daily. Jason Scotts "Diamond Forever", a Solo Celebration of Neil Diamond, plays ArtSpring at 8 p.m. on May 4th (tickets $17). Looking for some volunteer work? GISS students have benefitted from the Mary and Harry Williamson Scholarship. Fundraising for same needs some fresh input. Contact Jill Tarswell and Dawn Luker for more info: 250-537-0675 or 250-537-5115. A worthy cause! Don't forget the Salt Spring Concert Band's "Rhythm and Rags" performance, tomorrow night, the 25th, at ArtSpring, at 8 p.m. (featuring the magical and renowned Luanne Katz, a Marimba Virtuoso). The annual Spring show of the Salt Spring Painters Guild continues at the ArtSpring Gallery...don't miss this! Pick up your copy of the new Artists Studio Tour brochure/map, at the Chamber office in Ganges, and give yourself a treat...be a tourist in your own backyard. Add visits to the cheesemakers, the vineyards, the bread makers, the organic farms...Spring is at long last here, and to wander the byways of this idyllic Island is a recipe for soothing the soul. Enjoy! April 23, 2009. If you were lucky enough to be in ArtSpring, on Salt Spring Island, on the evening of April 21st., you enjoyed a very spiritual, effervescent, thoughtful program, by Raffi. After almost thirty years as a noted children's entertainer, Raffi is now bringing to fruition a philosophy that he has been promoting/working with others to bring about, for the past eleven years. The Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela, plus Jane Goodall, have all supported his endeavour. Raffi is starting a teaching centre, based upon the concept of Child Honouring, as a way to reconfigure society, and to bring about peace. Check out his website (www.raffinews.com) for more information, and to download his latest CD song (Communion). As usual, it's hard to stay in your seat, with Raffi's joyous music, and there were a lot of people almost "dancing in the street"! Raffi welcomes all Beluga Grads! He has chosen Salt Spring as the place to create the Centre, and he plans to export the model/concept globally. Be a part of this! More Information April 22, 2009. "Do your devotions make you happy? Is your life a joyous song?" (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") April 21, 2009. Here's a great holding opportunity! 160 acres, off Musgrave Road, approximately 20 minutes from Fulford ferry/Fulford Village, and approximately 35 minutes to Ganges Village. Superb ocean, islands, mountain views (see Mt. Baker from here!), with the entire Fulford Valley/Vineyard "hill" also in view). Sunny, private, quiet, with creek that "divides" the parcel into two completely different sections. Roughed in road (needs a 4 x 4, but not difficult), and power is on one boundary line, so possibility of connection. Adjacent to very large parcel, which may be able to be subdivided into 20 acre parcels, in the future. A "best buy" opportunity, here! Call for details! April 20, 2009 BBC news reports : China looks to its own consumers General Electric profits fall 35% Citigroup results beat forecasts Worst of UK recession 'behind us' Negative equity stops home moves Hope for child cancer treatment Many unaware of alcohol calories Key role of forests 'may be lost' Iran jails journalist as US spy Dig 'may reveal' Cleopatra's tomb Dutch forces free pirate captives Sir Paul dedicates show to Linda How Susan Boyle won over the world Are e-books the new newspapers? April 19, 2009. Here is a very stylish "traditional design ethic" quality home, close to all of Ganges amenities (walk to the Village, and to a superb beach access), and yet in a quiet area of fine homes. In "as new" condition, this custom home awaits your pleasure. Private and sunny property, with seasonal creek and forest trails -- do your own "circuit" exercise walk -- and with easy care landscaping. Separate garage/workshop, too! Private, sunny (s/sw/w exposures), patio areas to expand summer living pleasures, fenced rear garden (dogs?), veggie garden, main level living with loft/office. Dramatic living room, feature stone fireplace, formal entry/foyer, plus mudroom/entry, sep. laundry, cook's kitchen, dining, master sitting with ensuite in its own "wing", and two guest bed/bathroom, also in own "wing". Maximum privacy, and huge style! Ready to just move into and enjoy! April 18, 2009. Tonight, at 7 p.m., and tomorrow at 2 p.m., at All Saints by the Sea, one can enjoy Bach on the Rock! Tickets at ArtSpring (250-537-2102). Don't forget to mark your calendars for next weekend, April 25th, for the Salt Spring Concert Band & their "Rhythm & Rags" presentation, featuring superb Luanne Katz, a marimba virtuoso, & SSCB Percussion. It starts at 8 p.m., at ArtSpring, and is not to be missed! April 21st, Tuesday, beginning at 7:30, also at ArtSpring, is the much anticipated presentation by Raffi, who will be showcasing his Spirit of One concept, en route to the creation of his Child Honouring Centre, on Salt Spring Island. See you there! A writer in desire? Take part in Kathy Page and Derek Lundy's workshop, to be held on May 9 to 11, with tips for both fiction and non-fiction writing. Robert Hilles and Pearl Luke will also be in attendance. For more info/to sign up, visit: www.dereklundy.shaw-webspace.ca or www.kathypage.info (this is your moment to venture out of your head and onto the page!). Harbour House Hotel is offering a special Maple Syrup Creme Brulee dessert, made from their own big leaf maple trees. A taste delight! Salt Spring Singers entertain on May 2nd, at 8 p.m., and on May 3rd, at 2 p.m., at ArtSpring (call for ticket info, to 250-537-2102). ArtSpring Dance presents The Electronic Series, performed by MOVE, on Monday, April 20th, at 8 p.m. Call ArtSpring ticket office for more info. Yes, the Provincial Election is underway...make sure you're on the voters list. We are so lucky to live in a place that allows us to make our individual voices count. Be sure to exercise this privilege, and get out and vote! April 22nd is Earth Day -- have you adopted a few blocks of the road you live on, and made it your mission to keep it pristine and free of litter? A simple thing, and yet has huge benefit. The Garden Club's guest speaker is noted Rhododendron expert, Bill McMillan -- at Meaden Hall, on April 22nd, at 7 p.m. Enjoy all the wonderful blossom trees, and the tulips bursting into colour in all the gardens...it is (finally!) Spring! April 17, 2009. Just a reminder, if you have not already done so, please take a moment to read my April Market Analysis, and also my Spring 2009 Newsletter. Thank you. Interesting fact: there are now more text messages sent in a day, then there are humans on the planet. April 16, 2009. Looking for a building opportunity that's very close to a great beach access, and enjoys a sunny perspective? Some ocean glimpses possible with selective limbing/trimming. Stalwart "studio" structure on site (camp out, and decide on the building site!). Motivated sellers makes this a potential best buy building lot on special Salt Spring Island! Easy access, a trail to the studio/cabin, which could be expanded for now, and this would make a great summer/weekender "retreat". Call for more details, appts. to view! April 15, 2009. Are we good stewards of our Island? I notice, as I drive about, sometimes with clients, sometimes on the way to appointments, that the same people are out taking care of the roadways in their specific area. They carry poles with a spike on the end, and green garbage bags, and they pick up the litter at the roadsides. I think they are doing this out of a community minded spirit, as I'm not aware of any Trust or CRD initiative, to keep our road verges free of refuse. Who are these litter bugs, anyway? Probably islanders, as well as thoughtless tourists -- I've seen bike riders throw things into the ditch, while pedalling for a ferry! Tour directors of bike/kayak options should have to check the roadsides...they do seem to follow their bike tours, with vans for roadside assistance. Perhaps, though, we could all adopt a few blocks of roadside, where we live, and follow the good community example of our neighbours who already do this on our behalves. Thank you to them all, too. It is "our" Island, and we need to take care of it. The Trust and the CRD do not look after this aspect. It's up to us! April 14, 2009. The bubbling pot of activity, that began in early February, continues. This is not 2008! I think, when we look back in a couple of years, that we will all recognize 2008 as the Year of Fear, and in fear markets, everyone simply "stops". For Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, we did perceive a slowdown in activity by late 2005/early 2006, as we reflect issues in the home areas of our non-local buyer profile. We are a secondary home market, and we can thus be put "on hold". The main buyer in the Gulf Islands, including on Salt Spring Island, remains out of province/out of country, and their activity slowed much earlier than was seen in B.C.'s primary residence areas. By early 2008, though, the subprime meltdown/credit crunch outcomes had delivered "pause mode" to all B.C. areas. I always thought that we would lift earlier, too, simply because issues in the distant home areas of our buyers would improve sooner, and we would benefit from same. That might be one reason for the pick up in action, since early February. Another reason, though, might be the imminent collapse of the fourth pillar of the North American, and therefore Global, economy -- cash itself. By late Fall, 2008, the housing market had tanked everywhere, the stock market had collapsed, with severe losses, and banks/financial institutions continued to wobble. The endless printing of paper money, based on other paper, backed only by a government, continued. For those resting in cash, it began to make sense that one outcome of this could be hyperinflation. In the endless spending to stave off total collapse, in the futile hope of returning things to the "way they were", the immediate deflationary/deleveraging spiral of demand destruction could be replaced, and pretty quickly, with inflation of a serious dimension. Impossible to call timelines, but it might be a reason why we are seeing this decision to buy, after so many many months of inactivity from buyers. It could simply be a preservation of capital move. The Islands Trust certainly didn't come into being, locally, to make us a protected investment area, but that has been the outcome of those early 70s bylaws. With a cap on growth, in an area with a temperate climate (one can grow food and be self-sufficient, here), with proximity to major centres, but with an amazing sense of "apartness", & with all amenities/services available, on Island, we deliver a very pleasing year round lifestyle. The shift of the market, which was almost overnight, in a 24 hr. period, in early Feb., began where it should have begun, in order to show strength/health to the marketplace, too -- it began in the low end residential. Now we're seeing it build into the mid-ranges, and further up into the higher end properties. Even undeveloped land is getting activity, and that hasn't happened for a good two years. It all seems to be occurring, too, a good five weeks earlier than the "norm" of a "regular market". Another indicator, perhaps, that it is being propelled by a buyer wanting to secure capital? Things may get worse, but the buyer is buying, and one has to remember that it's buyers that set a market, not sellers or realtors. Listing inventory remains low. Unless one "has to" sell, most owners are not wanting to let their Island properties go. For good properties, then, it's not inconceivable that bidding wars could take place, as the season evolves. One property, more than one buyer...it's a definite possibility. To date, offers that have been successful have also shown a price reduction at the point of the offer. This may also change, as the listing inventory, in any one category/price point, continues to "thin". Mortgage rates remain historically low. This may not last much longer, however, as currencies may start to falter, with all the printing of cash itself. More info? Call me! If you're seriously for sale, though, now would be a good time to be presented to the marketplace...one can't sell without being "on the market". I look forward to your call. April 13, 2009. Seals and Sailing Dreams is an apt description of this wonderful 9 + acre oceanfront beauty. Architect designed cottage style home (by H. Schubart, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright), this home has been extensively upgraded by current owners, while keeping the allure of the authentic "West Coast Contemporary" original design. Your own private hiking/walking trails, this land is a mix of Coastal Forest (Cedar, Fir, Hemlock, Maple, Alder) and Arbutus (Madrona) & Garry Oak groves. Old Growth forest here! Gentle access to the dock (pilings are drilled into rock -- this is a stalwart structure!), and lots of locations to site a guest cottage and a studio (zoned for these), Very private and sunny, and with inspiring views of ocean, islands, mountains (including the dramatic Olympics, in Washington State). This quiet "south end" gem awaits your ideas and your pleasure...it is totally unique, and totally beautiful. Call for more info, appointments to view! April 12, 2009. Happy Easter! Happy Spring! April 11, 2009. Don't forget to take part in the Salt Spring Island Art Tour, this Easter Weekend. Self-guided tour, remember, and maps are available at Mahon Hall. Check out the special exhibit at Mahon Hall, too -- paintings by Leslie Corry. There are 28 fine art galleries, artist studios, and special exhibits on display, from 10 to 6 daily, today and tomorrow, the 12th. Enjoy! On Wednesday, April 15th, as part of the Music and Munch series, at All Saints by the Sea, enjoy Simply Organic, an organ recital, with the concert beginning at 12:10 p.m. Enjoy! Sunday Brunch at Hastings House this Easter Weekend! 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Now there's a treat! Mark your calendars -- on April 25th, it's the Salt Spring Concert Band with Rhythm & Rags, featuring Marimba Virtuoso, Luanne Katz & SSCB Percussion. Don't miss this! At ArtSpring, starting at 8 p.m. Alison Crowe's Spring Show is tonight, with a concert in aid of SSI BCSPCA -- at the United Church, on Hereford Ave., at 7 p.m. Don't forget the charm of Treehouse's new patio....it's Spring! Best breakfast in town! On April 17th, Fulford Inn is inviting islanders to a Wine & Cheese Tasting, hosted by Saturna Island Family Estate Winery. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. See you at the Painters Guild annual spring show and sale, at ArtSpring, opening with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m., on April 14th. New talent at Salt Spring Woodworks, at the corner of Upper Ganges and Churchill Roads...if you haven't been buy for a bit, check it out. Very inspiring, indeed! Still feeling that Spring is just a little late? Pop into Jill Louise Campbell's jewel box of a gallery, and be uplifted by her evocative paintings and effervescent palette. Be there at ArtSpring, to welcome Raffi and his Spirit of One opening presentation...free admission, but need a ticket to hold a seat. On April 21st, at 7:30 p.m. The apple blossoms seem to have exploded overnight, and the early flowering cherry trees have been frothing for a few days, daffodils are tossing in the wind, and the maple leaves are unrolling before our eyes....it is spring, and it is dancing forward to meet us! Enjoy! April 10, 2009. "Seven geese pierce straight line over frigid bay, Intervals between them constantly equal. Pointed wings slash as if joined to an axle: Today is the ideal moment between yesterday and tomorrow." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") April 9, 2009. Here's a sweetheart of a getaway cottage, on special Salt Spring Island! This gem was designed by a noted Canadian artist, in the mid-80s, as a replica of Thomas Jefferson's honeymoon cottage. Wood floors, custom stone fireplace on main level and in upper level bedroom, private and sunny property, with expansive decking for summer living pleasures (gets all day sunshine, here --e/s/w exposures). On comm. water system, close to hiking/walking trails, to lake, to golf, to tennis and theatre, to beach accesses, and to all amenities/services, yet in its own serene world. Recently upgraded/renovated by excellent craftsman/contractor...spa style bath, galley style kitchen, stacked washer/dryer, new roof, new decking...ready to go! A separate studio structure, too. A best buy price for privacy and tranquility, on lovely Salt Spring Island. Enjoy! April 8, 2009. BBC news reports : OECD names and shames tax havens Further jump in US unemployment Developing agenda wins at G20 Spain predicts surge in jobless House prices 'drop 1.9% in March' Sisters 'make people happy' Ice bridge ruptures in Antarctic Google sees voice search as core UN to respond to N Korea launch Obama promotes nuclear-free world April 7, 2008. "Without too much trouble, One can keep to the main road. But people love to be distracted, And perspective is difficult." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao....Daily Meditations") April 6, 2008. Here is an exceptional opportunity, on special Salt Spring Island! A perfect family retreat home, or, would be a wonderful corporate retreat option, too. Continue the "high end" B & B business enjoyed by the current owners, if desired. A custom designed and built home, in the mid 90s, easily blends the personal with the business aspect, and it was designed to return to a family home with little effort, at all. Many unique features, including air conditioning, plus walk in elevator, and level entry main level (wheel chair friendly, thus). Gently sloping property at house location allows for a full garden level lower level, with guest "suite", exercise room, commercial style laundry, huge workshop (would suit an artist or home occupation use), plus generous storage, plus an office. Wide easy stair access, or, use that walk in elevator. Main level, with level entry, offers formal entry/foyer, large dining area, living room, an incredible kitchen with separate pantry, library, powder room, and a master sitting with ensuite, in its own private "wing". Upper level (storey and a half design) offers four bed-sitting rooms, all ensuite, with easy stair access, or elevator access, and with private exterior entry, too. This is a 'country inn' style of B & B accomodation, if desired. The six plus acres enjoys privacy, exceptional wide-angle panoramic ocean, islands, mountain viewscapes, and terrific sun exposure (s/sw/w -- sunsets forever!). Separate double garage, paved driveway, zoned for sep. guest cottage and sep. studio. Lovely oceanside location for same, if desired. Foreshore licence applied for; build your dock and keep your boat at home. This is an incredbile "best buy" opportunity, for all that is offered, and for this quiet location of fine homes. Just move in and enjoy your Island treasure! April 5, 2009. I'm looking forward to attending a major international real estate conference, at the end of this month. It's realtors who have buyers, and to be able to connect with, and to network with, top selling real estate agents, from all over the world, will be a true benefit to my sellers, here. I get to speak about this wonderful area, and to pass along photos/details, on all my listings, and to share the reasons for a purchase in our secondary home/discretionary marketplace. A low Canadian dollar, low interest rates, a pristine region in the best protected boating waters in the world...these Southern Gulf Islands & Salt Spring Island are truly a "best buy" opportunity, in many ways. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes, it enjoys easy access coupled with a lovely sense of being "apart". Yes, prices have reduced in the past two year period, and properties are much more affordable than was the case four to five years ago. Protected investment is also offered by our form of government -- the Islands Trust's "preserve & protect" mandate ensures that there will always be a limited inventory of properties avaiilable, regardless of market trend in play, on any Gulf Island. Someone looking for a safe hard asset/good real estate venue, to place cash, in order to preserve capital, will be interested in our superb locale. More details? Wanting to make sure that your property is featured at this exceptional venue? Call, anytime. April 4, 2009. The self-guided tour will be held on Easter Weekend...it's the biggest one organized, so far, and maps plus special exhibits will be available at Mahon Hall. This is the Third Annual Salt Spring Easter Art Tour, put on by the Salt Spring Island Arts Council. It runs from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, with 30 galleries, artist studios, plus the exhibit at Mahon Hall, all on the tour. Don't miss this! Green balloons indicate the participating exhibitors. Locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There's an opening reception, too, on the Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. Allison Crowe's Spring Show is on April 11th, at 7 p.m., with a concert to benefit the SSI BCSPCA, held at SSI United Church. Tickets at: Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Sound, Stuff & Nonsense, & Raven Street Market Cafe. Tonight, catch Evelyn Hart, renowned Canadian ballerina, at ArtSpring. A 7:30 p.m. presentation -- call ArtSpring for details. The Mishras play Beaver Point on Monday, the 6th, with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door. Calvin's Bistro is offering an April Residents Card Promotion...Tuesday to Saturday, Lunch or Dinner, with purchase of a main meal (get a free "scratch and win" ticket), and, Sunday nights only, 10% off your food bill. Hope you've got that Residents Card up and running! Good news...J. Mitchell Gallery may have found a buyer, after all, and will remain open. Will keep you posted! Such a great roster of artists showcased, there. Easter Brunch menu at Rock Salt Cafe (including Good Friday and Easter Monday). Salt Spring Painters Guild Spring Show & Sale, on at ArtSpring Gallery, from April 14 to 28th. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Opening reception on the 14th, from 5 to 7 p.m. Spirit of One, on April 21st, at ArtSpring, showcases Raffi's Child Honouring Centre project. Be there! The Driftwood's Fifth Annual Women in Business day is April 30th, at the Harbour House Hotel. Call the Driftwood for more information. Easter Services: Our Lady of Grace, United Church, Anglican Parish of SSI. Easter Sunday Brunch at Hastings House! Reservations. Let your heart lighten...it is Spring! April 2, 2009. Looking for a wonderfully upgraded oceanfront home, with separate studio/guest? Easy access to foreshore, with foreshore licence applied for (build your dock, and keep your boat at home!), and beautiful panoramic ocean, islands, mountain vistas! Sunny (s/sw/w), very private, in quiet area of fine homes, this beauty enjoys the very best of that "west coast contemporary" appeal! Wood floors, master "suite" in its own wing, guest bed/bath plus office on loft level, open plan living, dining off, all with sensational views, and cook's kitchen (galley style for maximum efficiency), with breakfast area off. Wood floors, expansive decking to expand summer living pleasures, easy care "natural" landscaping, orchard! The plus is that separate studio! This is a treasure (original design by H. Schubart, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright -- upgraded to 21st Century rhythms in 2008/2009). Enjoy! April 1, 2009. "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")

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