August 31, 2006. "Accomplish your visions. Persevere in your ambitions. Only then can you negate Visions and ambitions." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations).
August 30, 2006. Harry Warner and friends can be found at the Salt Spring Vineyards today, from 2 to 4 p.m., playing Celtic music. Enjoy! If you haven't taken the Gallery Walk (11 galleries, in Ganges Village, take part in this "opening" of their spaces), then make sure that you do this before the summer season ends. Exceptional offerings, for your viewing pleasure, and each gallery has its own resonance. Check out www.gallerywalk.com for further details! Yes, it's almost September, and thoughts of "school" begin to surface. Community Ed programs are there for the sampling -- list of courses will be in the Sept. 6th Driftwood newspaper. Information and registration forms will be available at the Salt Spring Library, Driftwood desk, PARC desk, Salt Spring Books box, school board office, and in Fulford. Check it out! Something you've always wanted to learn? Here's your chance! Fall Fair is coming in September -- be a part of it! The Fair is held, this year, on September 16 & 17. Lots of fun, and a good sampling of the authentic Salt Spring! The Terry Fox Run is set for Sept. 24th. Contact Catherine Bennett for more details. (I was very lucky to see Terry Fox running, in his bid to cross Canada, after losing a leg to Cancer. I happened to be driving across Canada, that August, en route from Vancouver to Toronto. There, in the "wilds" of northern Ontario, between Thunder Bay and Sault St. Marie, I came across him, heading west. A straight stretch of road, between the thick and truncated forest of northern Ontario, no one else there, a ribbon of highway stretching between racing green trees, Terry Fox came into view, concentrated, frowning, probably in pain, as the run was cancelled within 24 hours of my seeing him, and he went back to Vancouver, where he died. At least a half hour behind him was his support van. Everyone in my car pooled all their money, and we dashed across the road to give it to the van's support team. One had to be there, had to see that intense focus. Everyone was weeping, not out of pity, but out of respect for that incredible courage and single-mindedness. It was a blessing to have seen him, and a message that none of us should ever give up. Much later, I heard that he had inspired Rick Hanson to do that round the world wheel chair journey, to raise money for spinal injury research. Terry Fox is worth remembering, and worth getting out for, "on the run". See you there!
August 29, 2006. Don't forget the Jazz Dance, at Fulford Hall, on September 1st! Dance the night away, at this debut performance, starting at 8 p.m., and ending at 11 p.m The performance will include a cash bar and light fare food. Tickets are available at Acoustic Planet, ArtSpring, Mouat's, Patterson's, & from the Salt Spring Jazz and Blues Society, plus they'll also be available at the door ($20). See you there!
August 28, 2006. "Money is boring. When you get to my age, you don't know what to spend it on. When I was your age, I was "money, money, money...save, save." Now, what does it matter?" (director, Billy Wilder)
August 27, 2006. Don't forget to visit the Salt Spring Vineyards at 151 Lee Road, at the lovely "south end" of the Island. Today is "picnic time" -- cheese, pate, tapenade, smoked oysters, plus more, all available at the winery. New menu at the Harbour House Hotel, which is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., daily. Check out the renovation to the dining room and lounge, too -- if you haven't been for awhile, don't overlook this one! Don't forget the Art Show (paintings and photography) at ArtSpring - - Margaret Briggs, Nirmal Dryden, and Joan Wrigley are showcased until Sept. 4th. Called Island Impressions, you won't want to miss this! The 1000 Words show (sculpture, clay, fibre optics) continues at ArtCraft, at the Stage Gallery Exhibit, until August 30th. Moby's offers DJ night (House Party), with live music, every Saturday. A little dancing in your life? The Artful Bodger offers Twig Chair Workshops -- one is on Sept. 2 & 3, if you're still in town! September 9th is the Que Bola magic show, at ArtSpring (magic, comedy, & illusion -- Cuban style). See you there! Have you been to the Tea Cosy yet? It truly serves authentic English tea, in a "yesteryear" setting. A super experience, and will smooth you right out! Great tea time delights, too! Enjoy!
August 26, 2006. "Drama is very important in life. You have to come on with a bang. You never want to go out with a whimper. Everything can have drama if it's done right. Even a pancake." (chef, Julia Child)
August 25, 2006.
Just fly into Vancouver airport, catch the floatplane from the "south terminal", and land at Ganges Harbour within 12 to 15 minutes. Walk home to this gem! Unit # 2 in Grace Point, the only oceanside townhome development on Salt Spring Island, is available for your lifestyle pleasure! Ocean and island vistas from all principal rooms, and wonderfully finished for your enjoyment. Ready for you to just move in, and make it "your own". Very special, and totally unique. See Li for appointments to view!
August 24, 2006. "I don't know what I may seem to the world, but as to myself, I seem to have been only like a boy playing on a sea shore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me." (scientist, Isaac Newton)
August 23, 2006.
Here's a great investment in your future! A seaside property, in Ganges Village, with a foreshore lease (build a dock, here!). The main home and attached studio/cottage reflect an earlier era, and both units are currently tenanted. Nice beach here, a valuable footprint to use re building your new home, with your boat at your own dock, and viewscapes down Ganges Harbour all the way to Thieves Bay on Pender Island, and beyond, to the San Juans! Exceptional opportunity! Walk everywhere, and enjoy the "downtown/seaside" lifestyle, without a strata council in your life! See Li for more details!
August 22, 2006. "The majority of people feel they must be doing something all the time. Many who sit all day in an office or clean the house or work in a factory think that if they sit down at a sidewalk cafe and fold their arms and look at people, they are merely wasting time. They are wrong. In watching people and enjoying life, they may only then be truly alive." (musician, Arthur Rubinstein).
August 21, 2006. What is it about this time of year? Morning mists, promising that Autumn is on its way. Afternoon sun and hot temperatures, harking back to the fullness of summer. A mix, a melange, a blend...past, present, and future. Films are produced and books are written about the dog days of summer, the cold wind in August, the heat and the humidity and the parched feeling of too much sun...thirst is an evocative word, carrying with it the sense of desert, the sense of attrition. Things happen at seasonal changes, and the end of summer brings both a joy at a change and a desire not to entertain another winter. We're lucky, on Salt Spring Island, that winter is more like a long early Spring or a long late Fall, depending upon one's point of view. Even so, in spite of the blessing of this micro-climate, known as "cool Mediterranean", it's a mixed feeling as we march to the end of August, and know that the Fall is before us. Lots of sunny and warm days still to come, with earlier darkness as the sun wheels towards its lowest point (late December), and the fullness of the harvest moment promises a luxury of plenty and fullness...still, it's a winding down, a reminder that we need to "make hay while the sun shines", the old truism. "The bird is on the wing", and if we haven't enjoyed those summer moments, just yet, we'd better hurry up. Some suggestions for seasonal pleasures on wonderful Salt Spring? See Li!
August 20, 2006. "In my youth I stressed freedom, and in my old age I stress order. I have made the great discovery that liberty is a product of order." (historian, Will Durant)
August 19, 2006.
Wonderful pastoral property on special Salt Spring! Almost five acres, with a seasonal creek, natural ponds, forest trails, and a sunny ridge to hike to, for quiet meditative thought. Pleasing lawn and pasture areas surround this beautifully restored and rebuilt authentic character home (from the 30s). Impossible to detect where the original's renovation and the additional new construction melds-- the flavour of the home has been retained. The main level offers a formal living with feature fireplace, a formal dining, a den (potential office), a sunsplashed country kitchen, and a full bath. The upper level enjoys a guest bed, separate bath, a sewing room/further bedroom, and a wonderful master/ensuite. A full lower level (unfinished basement, with 9 ft. ceiling height, at the moment) could be finished as a media room, offices, extra guest. Attached double garage, expansive decking to expand summer living pleasures, and a pleasing valley and mountain vista. Sunny (s/sw/w), private, and peaceful property. Just move in and enjoy this beauty! See Li for appointments to view; brochure available.
August 18, 2006. "The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you're learning, you're not old." (scientist, Rosalyn S. Yalow)
August 17, 2006. Sometimes, at this time of year, in early morning or late evening, whispers of autumn intrude. Maybe it's a shred of fog, out in the Harbour, or a tiny chill wind, when standing out of the direct sun...it's a harbinger of upcoming seasonal change. The summer season seems so short, and already it's fleeting. Had that picnic yet? What about the floatplane flight over the lovely Gulf Islands? Taken those kayak lessons, yet, and gone paddling to Chocolate Island's crushed shell and sand beach, like a taste of Hawaii on Salt Spring? What about the studio tour, and discovering some of the incredibly talented artistic production on this beautiful Island? Dropped down to Treehouse, in Ganges Village, to listen to the musicians that entertain, nightly? Tried alfresco dining at Piccolo's, at Calvin's, at Oystercatcher, at Shipstones, at Artists' Bistro, at Auntie Pesto's, at Moby's, at Harbour House Hotel, at Seaside Kitchen, at Raven Street Cafe, at Tree House South, at Hastings House, at La Cucina? Sat on the beach at Vesuvius, at Beddis, at Southey Point, at Fernwood, at Drummond Park, at Ruckle Park, at Cranberry Beach, at Churchill Beach, at Musgrave Landing, at Burgoyne Bay? Walk, swim, ponder, "chill out". Don't delay...it's still summer, and summer is on the wing. Enjoy!
August 16, 2006. Don't forget Jan Rabson's Great Radio Show, playing at ArtSpring on the 17th and the 18th. Curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m., both evenings! This was a rollicking sold out success, in February -- you'll have fun!
August 15, 2006. "A lot of people like snow. I find it to an unnecessary freezing of water." (Carl Reiner)
August 14, 2006. "Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." (comedian, Groucho Marx)
August 13, 2006.
Super Pender Island oceanfront -- architect designed and custom built, awaiting your discovery and living pleasures! Sunny (s/sw/w exposures), extravagant views of ocean/islands/mountains, and very private. On community water and sewer systems, and close to all of Pender's pleasing amenities. Just move in and enjoy this gem! See Li for details, and appointments to view!
August 12, 2006. "If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can't, you're right." (business executive, Mary Kay Ash).
August 11, 2006.
An elegant oceanfront gem awaits you -- a totally renovated home, with exquisite design choices and finishes. The plus? A year round new dock, with lots of moorage space for your boat and those of your friends. Serene, sunny, quiet and private...beach plus year round deep water dock. It doesn't get any better! See Li for your appointment to view...don't delay on this one! Very rare!
August 10, 2006. Looking for some different things to do? Have you been kayaking yet? Go from Ganges Harbour out to First Sister's Island (Chocolate Island) and return at sunset -- unforgettable! Or, if you're at the "south end", do the same sunset paddle out of Fulford Harbour -- breathtakingly beautiful! Seen the artistic gems at ArtCraft yet? Or, the latest show at ArtSpring's Bateman gallery? The Friday evening art tour, with an open door at each of the Village's galleries, is a not to be missed treat, too. (Judy Mitchell Gallery and Thunderbird Gallery, in Grace Point Square, plus Jill Louise Campbell Gallery, adjacent to Oystercatcher Restaurant, are just some of the options open to you). The Gourmet Safari Tour is a fun day -- lots to see and to experience, with three different tour options for your personalized day. Have you checked out the Burgoyne Park yet? Don't delay! The vineyard tours, the cheese makers, the flower and the plant nurseries, the lavender fields, the artists studio tour, the eco house network...it all adds up to a very interesting and eclectic Island lifestyle, and you will be hugely pleased at what awaits you. Go explore! Your suggestions? Thanks for sharing!
August 9, 2006.
Wonderful lowbank oceanfront, private and sunny property (sw/w exposures), and magnificent sunsets. Warm ocean swimming, here! Mooring buoy in place, and one can go for a foreshore lease for a dock, here, too. Lovely crushed shell/sand cove, and sandstone beachfront. The three bedroom home has been totally renovated, and one can just move in and enjoy. There's a separate guest/inlaw "suite", too, for expanded living spaces. A lovely gem, awaiting your pleasure. See Li for appointment to view!
August 8, 2006. The Queen of de Nile is the little ferry that crosses the Harbour, from Moby's/Salt Spring Marina to Ganges Village. Supported by local businesses (I'm proud to be one of the supporters), this lovely "ferry" ride adds to the comfort and the enjoyment of visitors. More information? See Li!
August 7, 2006. "People think they don't have to learn, Because there is so much information available. But knowledge is more than possessing information. Only the wise move fast enough." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
August 6, 2006. The B.C. Day holiday weekend is on us, with tomorrow, Monday the 7th, being the holiday weekend. Hope you've been taking in the sights offered, this weekend, on Salt Spring, and have been enjoying yourself on this wonderful Island! Are we at mid-summer yet??? Hard to believe that it's well into August, already! Enjoy!
August 5, 2006. I belong to the Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber has struck a committee, to bring forward points that the business people on Salt Spring would like to see incorporated into the Official Community Plan (OCP) review, now underway by the Salt Spring trustees. The interested parties, who volunteered to be a part of this Chamber committee task force, meet at 8 to 9 a.m. on Thursdays. If you have a point that you would like to see considered, then just give me a call. The Chamber's concern is the economic viability of the Island, so that Islanders can operate businesses that can be supported by other Islanders, and thus maintain the economic sustainability of Salt Spring Island. See me for more details!
August 4, 2006. "He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I ever met" (Abraham Lincoln, former US President)
August 3, 2006. "The time for action is now. It's never too late to do something." (poet, Carl Sandburg)
August 2, 2006. Don't forget Jan Rabson's reprise of his terrific (and sold out!) Great Radio Show! Playing two nights, with opening night on Friday, August 18th, curtain at 7:30 p.m., and the second evening's performance on August 19th, the Saturday evening, with curtain at 7: 30 p.m. Tickets on sale at ArtSpring, the venue for the shows. It's a delight -- don't miss it!
August 1, 2006. "Time is all there is, so don't hoard it or waste it trying to recapture youth." (writer, Letty Cottin Pogrebin).