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December 31, 2005.

The end of a calendar year is a time for reflection on the past, and a time for pondering
aspirations and hopes for the future.    

The year 2005 saw many natural disasters, that created despair and which negatively
changed lives.     

It also saw a global outpouring of aid and caring wishes, from around the world, in
response to the destruction caused by these natural disasters.     

This global & humanitarian caring response is a good thing to focus on, at the end of such
a turbulent year, and a thing to carry into the New Year.

Personally, it is a time to rethink, recharge, reconfirm, renew. Perhaps this is the point
of all New Year Resolutions?

On lovely Salt Spring Island, which is protected by the Islands Trust's mandate of "to
preserve and protect", which has been in place since the mid-1970s, and has thus saved a
natural beauty, unspoiled by much of the development of the latter half of the Twentieth
Century, it is sometimes easy to fall into the habit of assuming that the rest of the
world still enjoys this unspoiled paradise, this pristine quality of lifestyle.   

It's important for all of us to "go out", and to encounter the larger world, and to offer
our help to those in need, and our aid to causes that work to preserve the environment, on
both a regional and a global scale.

The internet has created a global community, and we can no longer withdraw into our
personal spaces, ignoring the larger sphere.   

We are, as John Donne reminded us, in the 17th Century, a part of all mankind, and
whatever befalls a place in the world, affects us all, wherever we are.

There is only "us".     

Perhaps the real message of places like Salt Spring is to show the world the value of a
community model of living?

It's a thought!



"Then let us pray that come it may,
         As come it will, for a' that,
That sense and worth o'er all the earth
         Shall bear the gree, and a' that!
               For a' that and a' that,
                  It's comin yet, for a' that,
         That man to man the warld o'er,
               Shall brothers be for a' that".

(Robert Burns -- "For A' That and A' That").



"Auld Lang Syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
     And never brought to min'?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
     And auld lang syne!

For auld lang syne, my jo,
     For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
     For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
     And surely I'll be mine;
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
     For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
     And pu'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary foot
     Sin' auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidled i' the burn,
     From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roared,
     Sin' auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere,
     And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right guid-willie-waught,
     For auld lang syne."

(Robert Burns -- "Auld Lang Syne").


December 30, 2005.

New Year's Eve "celebration" ideas?

There's a Scottish New Year's Eve (the traditional Hogmanay), starting at 8 p.m., at
Jonathan Grant's home, and it's open to all family, friends, & fans of Triskele Celtic
Band. The haggis will be piped in, the dancing will be buoyant, and music by Triskele
Celtic Band will help everyone there to feel Scottish, even if they're not, if only for an
evening!

The Royal Canadian Legion is hosting a New Year's Eve Dinner and Dance at Meaden Hall
(dance to the music of the Swing Shift Band). Tickets are $45, and reservations are at:
537-5822.

Artist's Bistro is hosting a New Year's Eve special dinner (they're located in Grace Point
Square, remember!).

Calvin's Restaurant is also hosting a New Year's Eve special dinner, and there are two
sittings.

Piccolo's is also open on New Year's Eve, for a festive evening.

Oystercatcher, Shipstone's Pub, and the newly reopened Moby's Marine Pub are also awaiting
your celebratory dining pleasure, on New Year's Eve.

The Harbour House Hotel, is another choice in the Ganges Village area.

"Down south"? Don't overlook the dinner specials at the Treehouse South!

Welcome in the New Year, and remember: don't drink and drive! Choose a designated driver,
or call that cab! Be responsible.

Enjoy!


December 29, 2005.

"....  Home is where one starts from.    As we grow older
The world becomes stranger, the pattern more complicated
Of dead and living.   Not the intense moment
Isolated, with no before and after,
But a lifetime burning in every moment
And not the lifetime of one man only
But of old stones that cannot be deciphered.
There is a time for the evening under starlight,
A time for the evening under lamplight
(The evening with the photograph album).
Love is most nearly itself
When here and now cease to matter.
Old men ought to be explorers
Here and there does not matter
We must be still and still moving
Into another intensity
For a further union, a deeper communion
Through the dark cold and the empty desolation,
The wave cry, the wind cry, the vast waters
Of the petrel and the porpoise.    In my end is my beginning."

(T.S. Eliot -- "East Coker").



".... We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time."

(T.S. Eliot -- "Little Gidding").


December 28, 2005.

Looking for some off island options?     

If you haven't seen the lights of Ladysmith, yet, here's a great thing to enjoy!     

Or, try a play at the Chemainus Theatre (dinner theatre, for your pleasure).

Butchart's Gardens, in Saanich, offers an outdoor skating rink, this year, along with
magical decorations!

The Fairmont Empress, in Victoria, continues to celebrate its version of the 12 Days of
Christmas, with a Dickens/Olde English flavour, and the decorated trees, (donations for
your favourite are sent to the B.C. Children's Hospital, under the Children's Miracle
Network affiliation with the businesses and institutions that donated the decorated
trees), are throughout the hotel's lobby and reception areas. Festive treats!

Enjoy!


December 27, 2005.

One of the most interesting gifts I received, at Christmas, was a wonderful book called
"Islands in the Salish Sea (A Community Atlas)", edited by Sheila Harrington & Judi
Stevenson, with a preface by Robert Bateman and a forward by Briony Penn and a history by
Kathy Dunster.

From the "dust jacket" notes:

"The Islands in the Salish Sea are widely celebrated for their beauty, rare ecology and
peaceful, rural communities, special qualities that also make them a magnet for growing
numbers of tourists and new residents.

This unusual atlas presents a fascinating and visually stunning picture of a region richly
endowed and inviting but also vulnerable.

The Islands in the Salish Sea Community Mapping Project engaged over 3000 people and
involved everything from oral history with elders to reviews of scientific data to school
kids with clipboards. More than 30 local artists then brought these layers of accumulated
information to life in unique and extraordinary maps.

Their loving and painstaking work is showcased in this atlas, accompanied by accounts of
how each map came to be. Additional chapters describe the origins and strengths of a new
discipline, artistic community mapping, as well as the unfolding of the mapping project
from first spark to proud finale, and the history and character of the islands."


This is truly a book to keep out on the coffee table -- guests, though, who visit and pick
it up, will be lost to you. The paintings, the "history", the appeal of these evocative
maps, will carry them into the beauty of this region of the world.

The Salish Sea encompasses what is known, on the Canadian side of the border, as the
Strait of Georgia, and is the island studded stretch of the Inside Passage between
Vancouver Island and the Mainland.    

Enjoy!


December 26, 2005.

Boxing Day, as this date has been called, is not just about lining up in stores for
post-Christmas sales.    

It had its beginnings in the Victorian Christmas tradition, upon which so much is
accepted, today, as if it had always been the way Christmas is celebrated. Charles
Dickens, in A Christmas Carol, was one of the chief interpreters of this Victorian
Christmas "charm".

It is, though, a date that is linked with visiting, and sharing further the joys and
merriment connected with this solstice time.

In the Christian tradition, it's also the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian
martyr. The wonderful carol celebrating this Saint is sung with gusto -- Good King
Wenceslas.

Here is a day to go outward from the family circle, and to invite friends in and to visit
them, too, and to include, as much as possible, the "outer" world of the expanded human
family.

Wishing you a joyous and peaceful holiday season!


December 25, 2005.

Merry Christmas!


December 24, 2005.

"Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung
by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would be there; 

....He sprang to his sleigh,
to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew
like the down of a thistle.

But I  heard him exclaim,
ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all...
And to all a Good Night."

(Clement C. Moore:  "The Night Before Christmas").

I can remember leaving out shortbread and 7 Up, for Santa to 
enjoy, when he left gifts for me.    The reading of "The Night Before
Christmas" was a part of my childhood.    It's interesting, all these
"hooks" of the past, that come out to greet us at this time of year.

Along with the memory bank that seems to open, at such a holiday 
season, it's important, also, to remember the point of this holiday, with
its roots in the Christian era that created much of the Western culture.  
 

As an adult, it was suddenly appealing to celebrate the French 
tradition of Christmas Eve, the attendance at a church service 
where the old carols were still sung, and the promise of the 
Christian message was reborn, each year.    Then, the feasting and 
the "gifting".

Each culture celebrates the "light" that is so essentially a part of this
solstice time, the shortest day of the year, the looking to the sun to
reappear, and strengthen, daily.   

All cultural traditions offer the response of generosity and sharing.  

This season, though, does have its genesis in the Christian 
message of the Messiah, born to save his people.   

Let us all celebrate, and remember our nearest and dearest, and 
also share our benefits with those who require our attention and our
generous spirits.    Let us all look outward, and "be there", for each
other.    
                  *******************************************************

"When all things began, the Word already was.   The Word dwelt 
with God, and what God was, the Word was.  The Word, then, was 
with God at the beginning, and through him all things came to be; 
no single thing was created without him.   All that came to be was 
alive with his life, and that life was the light of men.   The light
shines on in the dark, and the darkness has never mastered it."

(The Gospel According to John (The New English Bible).

                           **********************************************

(Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas)

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light,
From now on, our troubles
will be out of sight.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay,
From now on, our troubles
will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore,
Faithful friends who are dear to us,
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years we all will be together,
If the Fates allow,
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now."


December 23, 2005.

...There were more dances, and there were more forfeits, and more 
dances, and there was cake, and there was negus, and there was a great piece of cold
roast, and there was a great piece of cold boiled, and there were mince-pies, and plenty
of beer. But the great effect of the evening came after the roast and boiled, when the
fiddler (an artful dog, mind! the sort of man who knew his business better than you or I
could have told it him!) struck up "Sir Roger de Coverley". Then old Fezziwig stood out to
dance with Mrs. Fezziwig. Top couple, too, with a good stiff piece of work cut out for
them; three or four and twenty pair of partners; people who were not to be trifled with;
people who would dance, and had no notion of walking.

But if they had been twice as many -- ah, four times -- old Fezziwig would have been a
match for them, and so would Mrs. Fezziwig. As to her, she was worthy to be his partner in
every sense of the term. If that's not high praise, tell me higher, and I'll use it. A
positive light appeared to issue from Fezziwig's calves. They shone in every part of the
dance like moons. You couldn't have predicted, at any given time, what would become of
them next....

...When the clock struck eleven, this domestic ball broke up.   Mr. 
and Mrs. Fezziwig took their stations, one on either side of the door, and shaking hands
with every person individually as he or she went out, wished him or her a merry Christmas.
When everybody had retired but the two prentices, they did the same to them; and thus the
cheerful voices died away, and the lads were left to their beds, which were under a
counter in the back shop.

During the whole of this time, Scrooge had acted like a man out of his wits. His heart and
soul were in the scene, and with his former self. He corroborated everything, remembered
everything, enjoyed everything, and underwent the strangest agitation. It was not until
now, when the bright faces of his former self and Dick were turned from them, that he
remembered the Ghost, and became conscious that it was looking full upon him, while the
light upon its head burned very clear.

"A small matter," said the Ghost, "to make these silly folks so full of gratitude".

"Small!" echoed Scrooge....

..."Why, is it not?   He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal 
money: three or four, perhaps. Is that so much that he deserves this praise?"

"It isn't that", said Scrooge, heated by the remark, and speaking unconsciously like his
former self, not his latter self -- "it isn't that, Spirit. He has the power to render us
happy or unhappy, to make our service light or burdonsome, a pleasure or a toil. Say that
his power lies in words and looks, in things so slight and insignificant that it is
impossible to add and count 'em up; what then? The happiness he gives is quite as great as
if it was a fortune."

(Charles Dickens: "A Christmas Carol").   


December 22, 2005.

Sometimes, driving around the Island, I ponder things that might "improve" the Island, for
the benefit of the "locals".    

I wonder, in Ganges Village, if it wouldn't be possible for the Trust to consider allowing
the upper levels of both Grace Point Square and the former Gasoline Alley complex (now
called Harbour Square) to be used as residential options, as opposed to retail or office
spaces??   

Perhaps they could be rental options, which would allow some affordable housing, right in
the Village proper?? Since these two complexes bound the Park, it would also help to keep
the Park secure for year round residents, at all times.     

Affordable housing clientele often don't maintain vehicles, and such "mid-Village"
residents would be able to walk everywhere, including to the schools and the hospital and
health system options, where they might choose to work.   

Just a thought!

Another idea: instead of putting in traffic lights, to help the traffic flow, at peak
periods (summer season, especially!), why not put in those "circles", where vehicles give
way to a vehicle in the circle. Both Duncan & Chemainus, on Vancouver Island, have done
this, successfully, and it could be implemented, too, on Salt Spring.    

Just a thought!

Also, re the weekly rental scenario -- to be able to continue living here, many residents,
if they can move in with family, or, if they're teachers, and attending summer school
courses in Vancouver or Victoria, at the various colleges/universities, in these urban
centres, might decide to move out and rent their dwellings to "summer people". It's a way
to make money, which allows them the opportunity to live on Island, pleasingly, in a year
round fashion.

It's not about being in competition, then, with a B & B business, or with a
resort/commercially zoned business. It's a way to bring in income, that allows taxes to be
paid, and life to be continued, on an ever upscaling Island (because of those Trust
bylaws, limiting growth).     

I'm not sure, anymore, how it started, this "antipathy" for weekly rentals -- it might
even have grown out of the feeling on the part of some people, who might have that "raise
the drawbridge/I'm here" sydrome. Whatever!     

People who do weekly rentals, in the "high season" (May to September) are not people who
would rent, on an annual basis, to a "regular tenant".    

Neither are they in the B & B business, which implies contact with the tourist "tenant".
It's a different market, entirely.

The Island, with its bylaws that limit growth, can support many options for the tourist
season. There's room for resorts, for B & Bs, for weekly rental opportunities. No one will
be "left out", if they are truly "in business", and are supplying a need to the tourist
clientele.   

There is no industry on Salt Spring. It needs the galleries, the restaurants, the book
stores, the gift outlets, the marinas, the coffee shops, the ArtSpring, the Art Craft, the
evening music at Tree House Ganges, the live music at Tree House South and ShipStone Pub,
the SeaCapers fun weekend/parade, the Saturday Market in the Park, the Artist's Studio
Tour, the opportunity to enjoy a more casual and earth-friendly lifestyle.

As a result of the Trust bylaws, the park-like atmosphere of the Island has been "saved".

It's a large world, though, and the people who live here have a right, surely, to maintain
their lifestyle. If this means weekly rentals, then so be it. In the "high season" (end of
May to first of October, perhaps, lying between the "May 24th" holiday weekend and the
Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend, with only July and August having daily business), it's
important to keep the residents lifestyles "alive and well". Weekly rentals, to a global
audience, might be the best way to do this, with the least impact on the infrastructure of
the Island.

There's a limited inventory of residential and commercial options, in any case, due to
those firm Trust bylaws controlling density/growth. To "share", instead of building
"more", is surely an opportunity to create a new blueprint for a Twenty First Century
resort area/sustainable lifestyle?

Again, just some thoughts!

Your ideas are welcome!


December 21, 2005.

One of Canada's treasures, the noted wildlife painter, Robert Bateman, makes his home on
Salt Spring Island.   

Robert has added prestige and targeted information to many environmental causes, on the
Island, and his energetic response to the natural world brings both pleasure and clarity
to his audience, whether he is speaking or presenting his images of preservation through
his magical paintings.   

Sometimes, when showing a property, I will see some wonderful evocative Bateman painting
on the wall of the owner, and one such, a straight on portrait of a Salt Spring sheep,
catches my attention, totally, each time I view it.    

The essence of the eagle glides from the canvas, and the power and the fluidity of the
tiger is evident, immediately. The shyness and intelligence of the wolf gleams from the
forest surround, and the otters skim playfully into my thoughts.    

On the Coast, we are often spoiled, by being so immersed in our surroundings, that we no
longer "see" them.    

Robert Bateman's paintings, and Birgit Bateman's poetic photographs of the natural world,
focus us, and, for that time, we are there, with them, appreciating the element of that
special coming together of mountain/flower/forest/animal "totem"/rock/ocean...we really
"see", and this is the Bateman gift to us.

Salt Spring is very lucky to have Robert and Birgit Bateman as part of the colourful
fabric of this community.

Check out Robert Bateman's website, for more information on his evocative and stirring
paintings.


December 20, 2005.

Looking for some financing suggestions, information on current rates, options for your
consideration?

Salt Spring Island has two banks (CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) & BMO (Bank of
Montreal), plus a branch of Island Savings Credit Union. There are also three mortgage
broker specialists on the Island: Arlene Modderman (of Mortgage Depot), David Stirling
(TD/Canada Trust), & Carolyn & Margaret (Invis).     

Call me, for their contact numbers/email addresses.

Some people, who bank with the Royal Bank of Canada, or the Nova Scotia Bank, or the TD
(Toronto-Dominion Bank), or HSBC (Hong Kong Shanghai Bank of Canada), can do so in either
Sidney or Victoria or in Duncan. These towns are just a short ferry trip away!

Arlene Modderman, of Mortgage Depot, and Margaret & Carolyn, of Invis, maintain local
offices on Salt Spring Island.

See Li for the details!

****************************************

Last minute gift buys? The local shops are full of the unique and the beautiful! Shopping
local can be a winning proposition. Dining out? Almost every locale is offering a special
menu for the season, and all of them are deliciously available. Enjoy it with a friend!

The Village looks beautiful, at the moment, with the shimmer of lights from every
building/every store window. Make sure, if on Island, that you do a little "spin" in the
evening, around the town, and enjoy the festive spirit.     

I especially love the sailboats, lights to the top of the masts, in the marinas.  

Enjoy!


December 19, 2005.

Just heard from Jan Rabson that he plans to put on an old fashioned radio show, and is
holding auditions, for parts, & is looking for helpers in all categories, including hoping
for some "angels", to help out with production costs.    

It's going to be "live", at ArtSpring, in the New Year, and should be, as Jan says, "a
blast"!    

If you'd like to be involved, call me, and will put you in touch with Jan. (Jan is a voice
over specialist, and owns a studio in L.A.).



December 18, 2005.

Looking for some suggestions, for holiday dinners?    

Artist's Bistro is hosting a Christmas Eve dinner, and a New Year's Eve dinner, with
special menu for both occasions. Call them, at: 250-537-1701, for reservations.

Calvin's is offering a traditonal turkey dinner, throughout December, and will be hosting
same on Christmas Eve, too. (250-538-5551). Calvin's is also open on New Year's Eve, with
a special menu.

Piccolo's is also open on Christmas Eve, at: 250-537-1844, & on New Year's Eve.

Oystercatcher (250-537-5041), Moby's Marine Pub (newly reopened), and the Harbour House
Hotel (250-537-5571) will also be offering seasonal menus.

The Harbour House Hotel will be open on Christmas Day, for the traditional turkey dinner
(reservations required) -- 250-537-5571.

Share the festive spirit, and enjoy!


December 17, 2005.

"The Oxen

Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock.
    "Now they are all on their knees,"
An elder said as we sat in a flock
     By the embers in hearthside ease.

We pictured the meek mild creatures where
     They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
     To doubt they were kneeling then.

So fair a fancy few would weave
     In these years!   Yet, I feel, 
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
     "Come; see the oxen kneel,

"In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
     Our childhood used to know,"
I should go with him in the gloom,
     Hoping it might be so."

(Thomas Hardy:  "The Oxen").


December 16, 2005.

"Do you know 
Where you are
On your journey?"

(Deng Ming-Dao:  "Tao -- Daily Meditations").


December 15, 2005.

"may my heart always be open to little
birds who are the secrets of living
whatever they sing is better than to know
and if men should not hear them men are old

may my mind stroll about hungry
and fearless and thirsty and supple
and even if it's sunday may i be wrong
for whenever men are right they are not young

and may myself do nothing usefully
and love yourself so more than truly
there's never been quite such a fool who could fail
pulling all the sky over him with one smile"

(e.e. cummings) 


December 14, 2005.

I grew up in Vancouver, B.C., and it was quite typical to go to Seattle, Washington State,
then, to shop, to holiday, and I never had the feeling that I was entering a "foreign
country".    

B.C. and Washington State seemed to share so many things -- for awhile there, there was
even a suggestion that one should move to create something called "Cascadia", and it was
meant to be an amalgamation of B.C., Washington State, and Oregon.    

This "North/South" dialogue was more meaningful, at that time, in Canada, than the
"East/West" thing.

It comes as a surprise, then, that we will be needing a passport to visit the U.S., by
2007. I understand that there are real reasons why it's important for a country to control
their borders, in this changed world, post-9/11, but it makes me sad, too, that this
impression of visiting a "foreign country" will be the outcome of this necessity.

Sometimes, U.S. buyers on Salt Spring and the Southern Gulf Islands ask if they will be
"welcome" -- I look at the map on my office wall, the one taken from space, with the
dotted line showing the border between our two countries, superimposed on the space map.    

When one is in a boat, at sea, between all the Islands, including between the Canadian
Southern Gulf Islands, and the immediately adjacent U.S. San Juan Islands, it's impossible
to see that there is a division between us. It's an artificial line.

U.S. buyers are welcome! We have so much in common. There is no "dotted line" out there;
there's just "us". 

I admire many traits that I would call "wonderfully American".    

I often liken it to a decision to look in the rear view mirror, or, instead, to look down
the highway. It seems an American trait is to look ahead, to look for opportunity, to
emphasize the positive, and to look for ways to "circumvent" and to "achieve". These are
traits worth emulating.    

I ponder, sometimes, too, the inalienable right, not just for liberty, but also to pursue
happiness. That is an interesting birthright, and one which would seem to engender a
positive and life-affirming mind-set.

We can all learn from each other; the lovely thing about Salt Spring Island, and the
Southern Gulf Islands, is that they offer this opportunity to simply "be" an Islander!


December 13, 2005.

If you're a photography appreciator, then don't overlook the wonderful gallery called
"Galleons Lap". At the corner of Lower Ganges Road and Park Drive, this gallery features
the work of several exceptionally talented photographers, living and working and
displaying their talents, on Salt Spring Island.

A particular person to note is: Chris Stackhouse. Collectors, pay attention!

Looking for beautiful custom jewellery? Martinus offers his award winning craftsmanship in
his custom designs (gold, silver, platinum, fine gemstones). Now located across from
ArtSpring, on Seaview Avenue, Martinus blends European traditions with West Coast
"spirit". Also offering seminars and classes, for professionals and beginners, with a
maximum class size of 2 students, Martinus can be visited at: 145 Seaview Avenue, or,
contacted at: 250-538-1730.

Looking to pamper yourself, with a day at the spa? Check out Skin Sensations, Salt
Spring's most comprehensive spa service, in Grace Point Square (Day Spa and Healing Arts
Center). Contact the Spa at: 250-537-8807.

Have you been into Windflower Moon, lately? Check out owner, Laura's, latest imports for
your pleasure. Jewellery, clothing, books, music choices, metaphysical allure, and all
unique and beautiful options...at: 148 Fulford-Ganges Road (250-538-1889). "Gifts for the
Spirit".

Here's a treat!    

Robert Hilles, poet and novelist, who makes his home on Salt Spring Island, launches his
17th book ("Calling the Wild") with a reading, at the Lion's Hall, located at the corner
of Drake and Bonnet Roads, at 7 p.m., on Thursday, December 15th.     

Robert's previous work, a novel ("A Gradual Rain") is now available in paperback, at local
bookstores.   

Robert won the Governor General's Award for Poetry, in 1994.

Don't miss this event!    

See you there!


December 12, 2005.


"Let no pleasure tempt thee, no profit allure thee, no ambition 
compel thee, no example sway thee, no persuasion move thee to 
do anything which thou knowest to be evil, so shalt thou always 
live jollily, for a good conscience is a continual Christmas."

(Benjamin Franklin)


December 11, 2005.

Looking for an absolutely wonderful dessert, created and baked by a French patissiere?    

Check out Brigitte's Treats!

Brigitte creates, bakes and then sells her wares at the Saturday Market in the Park, in
"downtown Ganges", on Salt Spring! Or, contact Brigitte, for special orders, at:
250-537-9763.    

Her macaroons are incredible!

P.S. Brigitte, and husband Bruno, also operate the lovely Quails Nest B & B -- panoramic
ocean/islands/mountain viewscapes, and close to hiking/walking trails, and to lake and
beach accesses. Enjoy!


December 10, 2005.

BCREA (British Columbia Real Estate Association) is introducing the Quality of Life
concept to its membership.

BCREA represents 12 member Boards and their thousands of Realtor members on all provincial
issues.  

The Quality of Life philosopy is based on five principles:

1. Ensuring economic vitality.

2. Providing housing opportunities.

3. Preserving our environment.

4. Protecting property owners.

5. Building better communities.

Realtors are in the business of selling communities, not just homes, as the BCREA pamphlet
on the Quality of Life outlines.

Check out the information and research about Quality of Life by visiting:
www.qualityoflife.bcrea.bc.ca


December 9, 2005.

What does it mean, to win sales awards?

It means a recognition by one's peers, in this very interesting industry, that one has
performed sales activity that involves excellence in customer service.   

To put the customer first and always is the route to successful solutions in real estate
transactions.    

Consistent and knowledgable service, with an ethical base, results in good business
practices.    

To win a sales award is the acknowledgment by the industry that one has performed one's
job well.

I don't "keep score", as I am always "in the moment". My emphasis is on the needs of the
client before me, not on what the outcome might be, for me.    

I truly do want the best for my client base, whether sellers or buyers, and I always put
myself last in this equation of successful transactions.

It is pleasing, though, to be recognized by one's peers, as they understand the time and
the energy and the patience, and the constant upgrading of knowledge, that is required in
a real estate sales career.    

At the end of July, 2005, Re/Max International noted, in its quarterly "newspaper", for
sales associates, that I had achieved fifth place in the top 100 realtors, in all of
Canada, for an individual realtor (not a real estate team).    

In real estate, one sometimes runs into other realtors, who might like to have success,
without desiring to put in the time or the energy or the knowledge upgrading, and they
might forget their code of ethics, and denigrate another's work, perhaps just in an effort
to attract a client to them. (One of this sort of realtor, on Island, actually said to one
of my clients that it was a fallacy that I had been the top selling realtor on Salt Spring
& the Southern Gulf Islands for the past seven years. Since such statistics are
verifiable, I thought this was very strange!).     

Thus, to be acknowledged, in print, as # 5 in all of Canada, in sales, for an individual
realtor, is meaningful, as it lifts what I've accomplished out of the "strictly local",
and has placed it in a national venue.   

I appreciated reading this, and am very grateful to all of the clients who have chosen to
work with me, in either selling or purchasing their Gulf Islands "gem", as their faith in
my skills resulted in this sales level acknowledgment.

I consider myself to be blessed, and I work to share with the larger community any
benefits that I've achieved.     

This isn't a business that can truly be done "alone", and I am very appreciative of all
those who have mentored me, and shared with me, and taught me, and I hope always to "pass
it along".     

"See Li for Successful Solutions!" is my main "logo", and it means, to me, success (first
and foremost!) for my clients.


December 8, 2005.

"We make life real
By the thoughts we project."

(Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").


Salt Spring Woodworks is having a "new work" open house, on December 10th. The feature
woodworker/artist is Peter Pierobon - - check out his Gabriola satinwood and mahogany
table! A new "collectible"??

The open house, at the Salt Spring Woodworks location at the corner of Upper Ganges Road
and Churchill Road is from noon to 5 p.m.    

The Salt Spring Woodworks winter hours are: Thursday to Monday, from 10 to 5.

See you there!


December 7, 2005.

The Mothertongue Press owners (the poet, Mona Fertig, and her husband, Peter Haase) are
having an Open House & Sale on December 11th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at: 290
Fulford-Ganges Road. They're offering 20% off BACKLIST, plus, 4 new poetry chapbooks,
T-shirts, & letterpressed New Year cards.

See you there!


Churches and Religions are well represented on Salt Spring Island:

Anglican Parish of Salt Spring Island (All Saints by the Sea, in 
Ganges Village), 250-537-2171.

Buddhist (Kunzang Dechen Osel Ling) -- (for reservation for Buddist 
Meditation Retreat, call: 250-380-8610).    

Jewish Community of Salt Spring Island (250-537-9105).

Roman Catholic (Our Lady of Grace Church), at: 250-537-2150).

SSI Baptist Church, 520 Lower Ganges Road, at: 250-537-2222.

SSI Pentecostal Assembly, at: 250-537-0009.

United Church of Canada, at 111 Hereford Avenue, 250-537-5812.

Jehovah's Witnesses, 276 Fulford-Ganges Road, at: 250-537-9126.

Brightwood Spiritual Centre Kinomori Jinja, at 250 Holmes Road, 
250-653-4188.

Baha'i Faith, at: 250-537-5188.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, at 221 Vesuvius Bay 
Road, 250-537-9562.

Community Gospel Chapel, at 147 Vesuvius Bay Road, 250-537-
2622.

Quaker Meeting (Society of Friends), at: 250-537-5838.

Unitarian Fellowship, at: 250-537-8781.

Eckankar Canada, at: 250-653-4034.

Continuous Light Sanctuary, at: 250-538-8272.

The Island reflects a spiritual quality.


December 6, 2005.

Salt Spring attracts a thoughtful person, it seems, and the Island supports an excellent
library, plus enjoys several very good bookstores.   

Some bookstores are:

Salt Spring Books ("biggest book store in the Gulf Islands"), at 104 McPhillips,
250-537-2812. Thousands of magazine titles, specialty magazines included, plus art
supplies and stationery, and the store also offers email, internet, & fax service.

Volume Two Bookstore (Dockside, Mouat's Mall, 102 Fulford- Ganges Road, 250-537-9223.
Great cards for all occasions, plus full special order service, marine charts, government
maps, mail order service, & staff who know books!

Watermark Books, 113 McPhillips Road, 25-537-9212. "Books for the Discerning Reader".

Sabine's Bookshop -- Fine Used and Rare Books. In Grace Point Square, 250-538-0025. All
categories, including Children's Books, sheet music, marine charts, free search service.

Fables Cottage, 112 Hereford Street, 250-537-0028. Children's Bookstore, with art supplies
and classes, new & used books, learning resources, environmental books, scrapbook
supplies.

Salt Spring's Mary Hawkins Memorial Library can be found at 129 McPhillips Avenue, in
"downtown Ganges"! Call: 250-537-4666.

Have you read Tom Friedman's book (The World is Flat) yet??? Don't delay!


December 5, 2005.


" We part at the crossroads,
You leave with your joys and problems,
I with mine.   Alone, I look down the road.
Each one must walk one's own path."

(Deng Ming-Dao:  "Tao...Daily Meditations").


"The Dry Salvages.
....
At nightfall, in the rigging and the aerial,
Is a voice descanting (though not to the ear,
The murmuring shell of time, and not in any language)
'Fare forward, you who think that you are voyaging;
You are not those who saw the harbour
Receding, or those who will disembark.
Here between the hither and the farther shore
While time is withdrawn, consider the future
And the past with an equal mind.
At the moment which is not of action or inaction
You can receive this: "on whatever sphere of being
The mind of a man may be intent
At the time of death" -- that is the one action
(And the time of death is every moment)
Which shall fructify in the lives of others:
And do not think of the fruit of action.
Fare forward.

            O voyagers, O seamen,
You who come to port, and you whose bodies
Will suffer the trial and judgement of the sea
Or whatever event, this is your real destination.'
So Krishna, as when he admonished Arjuna
On the field of battle.
            
            Not fare well,
But fare forward, voyagers."

(T.S. Eliot -- "Four Quartets").



December 4, 2005.

Buyers of real estate are interested in many things.    

They need to understand the community aspects of the areas that they are interested in
viewing. Who else is living there? Are there like-minded people, that they feel they will
have interests in common with, and that they can talk to?     

These are serious concerns, when one is wanting to relocate to a new area, and to create a
"new lifestyle".    

They also need to understand the market trends in an area, so that they feel that they are
getting good advice about prices, in the current moment, and also understand about
appreciation value in the future.

In areas such as Salt Spring Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands, which are all
"governed" by the Islands Trust, with its "preserve & protect" mandate, for example, there
will always be a limited inventory for sale -- the Trust controls growth through severe
zoning/density controls. This protective nature of an investment, on a Gulf Island, then,
could be of interest to a buyer.

In B.C., including on Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, realtors work
under the Multiple Listing Service system (MLS). This means that any realtor can show a
buyer any property. In a community as small as Salt Spring Island, one realtor, if the
buyer has a good rapport with same, can show any property, and can act as the Buyer's
Agent, in any transaction.

Sometimes, when coming from a larger area, a buyer might think that trying on several
realtors will help to find "their" special space. It's good to interview realtors, but,
once the buyer has decided they're comfortable with a particular realtor, it's a good idea
to be "loyal", and to stick with them.    

It's about good business practices, and an ethical realtor, who understands the market
area they service, and who has a good knowledge of both the area & its high points, and
also the market forces in play, at any given moment, will be able to guide a buyer through
the process of a purchase.    

Such an ethical realtor will make certain that the buyer "sees it all", without the filter
of personal opinion, so that the buyer is in a position to make that all important
"informed decision", based on full knowledge of the market, at that given point in time.

Once that rapport has been created, and one has trust in the buyer's agent chosen, a buyer
needs to be loyal, too. The realtor is expending time, energy, and is also sharing their
expertise -- an intangible, but an important factor in a successful resolution to a
quality purchase search.   

We all hear about the buyer who spends two or three visits with a realtor, is introduced
to the area by that realtor, gains good information about market trends, and, then,
passing another office, sees a photo in the window, walks in, and ends up buying same
through a totally new realtor. Although this is a factor in the business, it's not
necessary.    

In a community that enjoys good information sharing, among realtors, which is the case on
Salt Spring, it just makes sense for a buyer to be loyal to the realtor who has helped
them to understand and to appreciate the Island.    

Every sale involves two parties -- the seller and the buyer. The "clean and shiny pipe"
that connects these two parties to the transaction is the hard-working realtor.    

Buyers need to remember that realtors appreciate loyalty and that the old adage of "go
home from the party with the one who brought you" could be recast to be applicable to real
estate sales, in a Buyer's Agent relationship.   

Thoughtfulness is the glue of all good relationships.


December 3, 2005.

An incredible artist, Michael Hames, is one of the key artists whose work is showcased by
the Thunderbird Gallery, on Salt Spring Island.   

Michael paints with light, and I was reminded of Rembrandt's work...the light emerges from
within the painting, and, as one admires the incredible talent of the artist, in rendering
landscapes, one is struck by this sense of light seeping from the canvas....

Don't delay in checking out Michael Hames' work, today!

Talent is always inspiring!


December 2, 2005.


Did you know that Santa arrives by boat, on Salt Spring Island?

Although I've been here since 1989, I'd never seen Santa's arrival till last year, the
week before Christmas Day.

I'd left the office, quite late, and, as I walked up the hill to my car, looking up at the
stars, on a very clear and quiet night, I could see, in my peripheral vision, fireworks
from the Harbour. I went down, along with a lot of other people, to see why -- there,
steaming down the Harbour, fireworks going off, and seasonal music playing from a
loudspeaker, came a 70 + foot boat, all decorated, and, when it pulled up by the Coast
Guard dock, out stepped a terrific Santa Claus, and two of his elves.

Santa looked wonderful, and his red velvet suit and his beard were great! His elves wore
green velvet suits, and they carried the packs of gifts. His welcoming committee took
Santa to the Salt Spring Elementary School's gymnasium, where the children were waiting
for their gifts, and to have their visit with Santa.     

Santa comes annually, by sea, from Bellingham in the U.S., and he makes stops at several
of the Islands, in both the San Juans and the Southern Gulf Islands.

A wonderful event, and I plan to be there, again, this year!


December 1, 2005.

Advent...the season of expectancy.

The four candles of Advent are:  

Love
Joy
Hope
Peace

"I will light candles this Christmas:
Candles of joy despite all sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn the whole year through."

(Howard Thurman: "Meditations of the Heart")



Entries from Past Months

November 2005
October 2005