Current Entries December 31, 2008. At this time of year, and especially with the very unusual "real winter" weather that afflicted Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands between December 15th and 27th (yes, that was over a foot of snow at sea level, on the 22nd!), it's nice to remember summer. All that snow was inconvenient, of course, as coastal communities are ill prepared for a "real Canadian winter" pattern, but it was also exceptionally beautiful! During the wintry days, it's nice to remember the blue and shimmer of high summer, too! This terrific waterfront property, with a brand new dock and two oceanside decks in place, and a stalwart panabode cottage/home and double garage to enjoy right now, and a great building site for a new home in the future, offers a lot of pleasure. Sunny (sunsets!), private, in area of fine homes, and a best buy opportunity. Enjoy ownership on special Salt Spring Island -- an excellent time to make an offer on this gem, and to enjoy this "summer season". December 30, 2008. This Information Age, which has created that binary world that computers own, with its reactive environment, its "off/on/off/on" rhythm, has done two things to humans. It has erased time, and has created this "immediacy" of all information, thus giving us no time to ponder over an event or an item. We simply react, in a nano second, to the initial stimulus. In that instantaneousness of reaction, there is no time to check veracity. This seems to mean that all information is evenly weighted; both truth and fiction are accepted as "so", and without question. Without thoughtful analysis of what presents itself to us, we aren't really getting information at all. Instead, we're just drowning in data. Our editing function doesn't have time to kick in, in such a highly reactive environment. No time to check up on anything, as the next item is already unrolling. A corollary of this instant society, where time has been erased, and the "off/on/off/on" instant action/reaction/action/reaction scenario is in full play, is that no one can possibly pay attention to all that data all at the same moment. Shouting and repetition, along with streaming bands of synopsis print, below and above the shouting heads on cable t.v., have become the norm of reportage, just to catch a shred of our overloaded senses. Attention deficit disorder seems a natural outcome to the pressures of immediacy of response. Noise catches our wavering ability to assimilate data. So, here we are, at a time when everything that worked in the 20th Century is collapsing, and we are at the mercy of constant repetitive shouting, of a deluge of data (is that a synonym for unsupported sound bites?), where we are drowning in the scenarios of fear...no time to do anything except react..."off/on/off/on"...now there's a cycle to consider! If we choose to remain in this fear ridden act/react mode, then how will we generate that creative spark that ignites positive change and lights the pathway forward? Instead of blindly following a pattern suited to machines, let's allow thought to intrude. That means some serious "time out". There is a door in every wall, but it takes patience and inspiration to feel it out, and creative thought to open it to the next adventure. If we're all caught up in that reactive cycle, we'll be stuck there. At the close of a year filled with global turmoil, in all aspects of the social order, let's allow ourselves the gift of time. Let's allow our creative selves to come up for air, and to think our way into the "real" 21st Century. It is supposed to be the Information Age, right? December 29, 2008. "In these difficult times, you must not lose hope. Never lose faith in the truth. In the end, everything will be all right." (Dalai Lama: "Words of Wisdom") December 28, 2008. Beauty awaits you on tranquil Mayne Island! The loved retreat home of an internationally known entertainer awaits your pleasure. Spacious main home, wood floors, country kitchen and dining, entertainment size living (room for a grand piano), library "nook", plus lots of storage, on main level. Master and den (or further bedroom) and bath on upper level (storey and a half design), plus bedroom "wing" off main (2 bed/bath, plus reception area --currently used as offices). The plus? Two adjacent guest/sitting (both ensuite), and a third separate guest/ensuite studio. Organic garden, orchard, herb garden. Views of Navy Channel and historic farmland. Sunny (s/sw/w), very private, close to superb Bennett Bay (sandy beach!), and to Mayne's charming village at Miner's Bay. Easy access by ferry from either Vancouver or Victoria, and floatplane service, too. The second plus? The land is zoned for a country inn useage, and this kind of commercial zoning is rare, indeed, on a Gulf Island. Ready to just move into and enjoy. Perfect as a family retreat, or as the perfect place for a professional couple working from home, or create the charming country inn again...lots of options, here! See Li for appts to view this rural gem. December 27, 2008. One often makes lists, at this time of year...new year resolutions, business plans for the upcoming year, and especially gratitude lists (always a good idea to list our many blessings, too -- keeps things in perspective!). Sometimes it's fun to do "trivia lists", and so here are some of my favourite films (you know, the ones we're always happy to watch more than once). *Best in Show, *Local Hero, *Cold Comfort Farm, *Sliding Doors, *Gladiator, *Thoroughly Modern Millie, *Risky Business, *Titanic, *A Perfect Narrative (with Will Ferrel and Emma Thompson), *Witness for the Prosecution, *March of the Penguins, *Singing in the Rain, *Gosford Park, *Sense and Sensibility.... And your picks would be???? December 26, 2008. "Each human has to take responsibility for the human condition or who else will do it?" (Dalai Lama: "Words of Wisdom") December 25, 2008. Merry Christmas! Wishing you and yours a peaceful and joyous celebration, with the best of tradition and room for new events and wonder! December 24, 2008. "Tibetan Buddhism is at one level the universal message similarly offered by Christianity, "love thy neighbor as thyself". (Dalai Lama: "Words of Wisdom") December 23, 2008. Looking to be self-sufficient? Here's a beautiful rural/pastoral gem, 10+ acres, in the heart of the Fulford Valley, awaiting your development ideas! With approximately one-third in forest and two-thirds in pasture (keep sheep or horses, here, or do a hay crop and enjoy farm taxes benefit), with good all day sun exposure, and just a short stroll to the Burgoyne Bay park reserve and to lovely beaches at Burgoyne Bay (keep a boat on a mooring buoy), this terrific rural acreage awaits you! Develop your dream now, or keep this as a superb holding property investment. Enjoy! December 22, 2008 "Why were the saints, saints? Because they were cheerful when it was difficult to be cheerful, patient when it was difficult to be patient; and because they pushed on when they wanted to stand still, and kept silent when they wanted to talk, and were agreeable when they wanted to be disagreeable. That was all. It was quite simple and always will be." (Anonymous) December 21, 2008 Wow! The past few days have definitely NOT been the typical rainy, cloudy, foggy, grey Pacific Northwest Coast weather pattern! Usually, the winter in this area could be described as a lengthy late Fall or a protracted early Spring (depending on one's point of view. A bit like that glass half full or half empty thing!). This early winter season has seen the kind of weather pattern usually "enjoyed" by those Prairie and Eastern provinces, but we're not prepared for it -- no snow plows, no salt trucks, and most drivers (if they can get out of their driveways and out of their country roads, onto one of the "main roads") do not have winter tires. It is beautiful, and because it's so rare, lot's of residents are snapping lots of snow photos! If the extreme cold keeps up, we'll be skating on those lakes and ponds! It is going to be one of those very rare west coast events...a White Christmas! Enjoy! December 20, 2008 "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 19, 2008. "When you finally go back to your old home, you find it wasn't the old home you missed but your childhood." (humorist, Sam Ewing) December 18, 2008. Here's a terrific holding property for now, and a great space to create your dream, for later. Almost five acres, mainly level, a forest and meadow mix, with some arable areas, and ocean views. All day sun exposure, here, with sunrises and sunsets! Drilled well developed, and driveway in to proposed building site. Zoned for main home, separate guest cottage and separate studio. Close to lovely beach access (keep a boat on a mooring buoy, in protected bay, and go swimming, too). Close to all of Ganges Village's many amenities, and to golf, to hiking/walking trails, to lake and to ferry, yet in its own lovely and serene world. This is truly a "best buy" opportunity, on very special Salt Spring Island! December 17, 2008. " Put forth your effort With no thought of gain." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") December 16, 2008. BBC news reports : Japan doubles size of rescue plan $50bn fraud charge at hedge fund US sales and producer prices fall Amish gene 'limits heart disease' Gore's tough message to leaders US shuts down 'scareware' sellers Growth fall jolts Indian economy Switzerland opens its borders EU leaders reach new climate deal Brown hails EU recovery package December 15, 2008. Truly the "best buy" oceanfront opportunity on Salt Spring Island! Architect designed home/custom built, in mid-1980s, and lovingly & dramatically updated in 2002. In "as new" condition -- immaculately maintained, and ready to just move into and enjoy! Open plan living/dining, with music room/library off, plus cosy den for t.v./reading. Custom kitchen (the cook will love this!). Lovely master / sitting, with ensuite. Separate guest/inlaw "suite", with private entrance. Guest bed/bath, and terrific home office. Lots of storage, spacious oceanside decking to expand those summer living pleasures, and easy access to oceanside deck (warm ocean swimming, here!). The plus? Foreshore licence in place; build your dock and keep your boat at home (Duck Bay offers year round moorage potential). A stylish West Coast Contemporary home, with double garage, storage/workshop, deer fenced, and easy care landscaping, and all day sun exposure (s/sw/w). In an area of fine homes, this beauty awaits you! December 14, 2008. Change is everywhere, of course, and no industry/job description is immune from this. The shift appears to be societal, and affects the entire world, and every aspect of life. In the real estate industry, there have been significant changes over time. Initially, the real estate companies were in control of the process of real estate sales, and this was termed the company centric model. In such a format, the realtors probably were all on a 50/50 "split", with the company paying many of their expenses, for that "half" of every commission "split". Then, in the mid-70s, Dave Liniger and his wife began the Re/Max company, and, over time, this format changed the industry completely. It then became an agent centric model, and agents would be on a 60/40 "split", with their companies, often getting to a 90/10 "split" by year's end, based on their commission sales benchmarks. Each year returned them to the base 60/40. The Re/Max idea was that an upfront fee would be paid to the office, monthly, plus all expenses to be borne by the realtor, and then the commission would be the realtors (usually, though, it was a blend of an upfront fee and anywhere from 5 to 10% off the commission, going to the company as well). The agent centric model ended with the Internet, although it wasn't immediately visible to most companies/realtors. Change takes time to work itself out! Now, it's a consumer centric model that is fully in play, and the customer is in control of the processes of a sale, and not the agent or the company. Buyers can discover a great deal, on their own, through internet searches, and so the role of the agent/company has dramatically changed. The mls system, which is a strong feature in North America, is also having to change its methodology, based on the demands of the computer saavy consumer. It may be, then, that one will see "big box" companies and boutique real estate ventures side by side, and the virtual world of real estate will take precedence over older models. As Heraclitus noted, long ago, in Ancient Greece, one never steps in the same water twice, when wading in a river. Change is the only constant, thus. In real estate marketing, it's essential to be in the moment, and the moment is now in favour of the consumer. More big changes coming up, to mirror this profound difference in the industry. December 13, 2008. Looking for the very best oceanview on Salt Spring Island? Here it is! A soaring, wide-angle panorama of ocean, islands, mountains! Excellent all day sun exposure (property enjoys s/sw/w facing direction), and magnificent sunsets! Private and quiet area of fine homes, and close to lake, to beach accesses (warm ocean swimming in this area of the Island), and to golf, marinas, shopping, yet in its own serene world. Walking/hiking trails on your doorstep, too. Very appealing European flair custom home, in "as new" condition (built in 2002), awaits your pleasure. Master / study, with ensuite, in its own "wing", with view balcony off. Guest, full bath, on main level, along with open plan living/dining, feature fireplace, library/gallery, and cook's kitchen (pantry/laundry off). Many unique finishes, and fabulous views from all rooms. Lots of decking to expand summer living pleasures, and the plus of a detached studio (artist? home occupation?). Enjoy! December 12, 2008. Change is bubbling all around us, and I'm sure many of us would like to tack into some calm waters for a bit, and just let the turmoil subside. I'm sometimes reminded of those George Eliot and Charles Dickens novels, which described the shift from the Agrarian world into the Industrial age. The descriptions of those caught in that moment of shift captured pain and suffering and loss, as well as the building of a new societal structure, which brought gain to some. It's sort of like putting on those sandpaper mitts, found in hardware stores...if you're in the middle of that rubbing through, it's painful! Change does bring opportunity, of course, but one has to be observant to find that pathway through...initially, it's about confusion, turbulence, and definitely fear. If 9/11 brought us sharply into the true beginning of the 21st Century, then the collapse of the financial markets/banks, the housing sector, and the stock markets, globally, iand all at the same time, s the "no going back to the past" definitive moment. Fear, though, breeds inaction in its early stages. So many changes, so many underpinnings ripped out from under us, as a society, and with no clear map for the future in play. We all seem to be at that "treading water" stage, unable to strike out for the shore of the new. We are, though, creative beings. We have invented things that revolutionized lifestyles. There is always a door in the wall...it doesn't have a conveniently visible handle, though, nor does it have a conveniently placed key to unlock it. One has to feel around for the tell-tale crack, that shows where to push, to emerge through the obstruction and into the new possibilities. During the moments of calm in this holiday season, with the light and the warmth that this special season brings, let us all put on our creative socks, and think about positive actions that might actually be the "door opener" in that wall, and might very well be the first steps on the new roadmap the world requires. Any individual can create...it's not always a group exercise, although the group may benefit. Remember, too, while staring at the sky, enjoying the star parade on a crisp winter evening, the Google challenge. To celebrate their tenth anniverary, they will gift the winner of their contest with ten million dollars. The contest? They are looking for the winning idea that will help the world. Now there's a challenge with a 21st Century flavour! And your idea is ?????? December 11, 2008. It's counting down to the Christmas moment! If you missed the Fulford Hall and the Beaver Point Hall Christmas crafts shows, then check out Winterfest, at Mahon Hall. So many talented artists on this Island! Wander through Pegasus Gallery, and Jill Louise Campbell's Gallery, for further ideas. Steffich Fine Art and J. Mitchell Gallery are also open and waiting for your pleasure. Frankly Scarlet offers up some unusual jewellery items! A seasonal menu awaits your pleasure, too, at RockSalt Cafe (they are doing New Year's Eve, as well). Calvin's is also offering its special seasonal menu right now, and this includes a traditional Canadian turkey dinner, among other treats. Christmas Day Dinner is offered at the Harbour House Hotel, too! Always wanted to try sculpting? Renowned local sculptor, Allan Crane, along with Graham Smith, is offering a beginner sculpting course (Jan. 23 - 25). Mark your calendars, and give them a call at 250-537-1344, to register/get more details. Moby's offers Dave Roland's blues, with music to start at 8 p.m. tonight. Enjoy the ArtSpring exhibit, from Dec. 15 to 21st (works of Peter Brown, a painter and sculptor, new to the Island). Scrooge Meets the Duke plays at ArtSpring, at 7:30, on Dec. 19th. You'll enjoy the traditional story, mixed in with the Nutcracker and Duke Ellington's sound. Very Salt Spring, this eclectic mix! Christmas by Candlelight, featuring the Salt Spring Singers, led by Deb Toole, will be performed in three concerts, Dec. 12 & 13 (call ArtSpring for more details, 250-537-2102). Sea Scouts Christmas Trees are selling daily, at Windsor Plywood. The 22nd annual Salt Spring bird count takes place this year on Dec. 27th. Call 250-537-9469 for more information. Take part! Lots to see and to do...enjoy this lovely time of year. December 10, 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") December 9, 2008. Looking for perfection, on tranquil Pender Island? Here's an absolute beauty, awaiting your pleasure! Superlative architect designed home (Blue Sky Architecture), built to exacting standards in the early 1990s, and meticulously upgraded in 2007, this gem offers soaring spaces to match the incredible views beyond. Enjoy a wide angle panoramic viewscape of ocean, islands, and mountains (see the Olympics majesty from here) on this bluff waterfront 10 acres, and savour the all day sun exposure (s/sw/w -- spectacular sunsets, forever!). Main home, with dramatic living, oceanside dining, cook's dream kitchen, master "wing", plus adjacent guest cottage (self sufficient, here -- your guests will love it!), plus state of the art garage/workshop (keep those classic cars at home) and an artist's dream studio (enfolded within the forest preserve). You will want to stay forever! And yes, the whales do dance in the sea below! December 8, 2008. "Birthdays, anniversaries, memorials, festivals Measure our progress on the path." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") December 7, 2008. If you're thinking of a day trip off Island, and have time to drive Ladysmith's main street, at dusk or later, don't miss the opportunity to be mesmerized by their incredible "light up" experience. It just gets better every year, and this town deserves to win the "best lighted town in B.C.". Combine this with dinner at the Crow and Gate Pub, at Yellowpoint, or at the Grapevine Restaurant in Maple Bay. It's always great to come home to Salt Spring, but it's fun to go investigate the nearby Vancouver Island communities, too. Enjoy! Another off island suggestion? Butchart's Gardens, in Saanich, is decorated for the season, and to wander the gardens, and to enjoy afternoon tea or lunch or dinner, in the restaurants, is a beautiful thing to do, at this time of year. It's magical! If you're all the way downtown, in Victoria, make sure that you stop at the Fairmont Empress, and check out the incredible array of Christmas trees -- pick your favourite and make a donation (it's for the Children's Miracle Network, and all funds go to the B.C. Children's Hospital). The trees are in the hotel's lobby, & in the convention centre, adjacent. It's a beautiful display, and you'll immediately be in the Christmas mood. Keep a light heart, and remember this season of love and forgiveness and sharing. It's not about money, but it is about an inclusive spirit. Enjoy! December 6, 2008. Looking for a stellar view building opportunity? Here's a panoramic ocean/islands/mountain vista small acreage (zoned for main home, sep. guest and sep. studio), close to beach accesses (warm ocean swimming, here!), golf, park, hiking/walking trails, yet is close to all amenities. Bring your architect, and walk this one, soon. Sunsets forever, from here, plus privacy and a wonderful sense of "calm". Arable potential -- put in your garden, and be self-sufficient! Adjacent properties are developed; neighbours are friendly, yet "apart", so the privacy is ensured. This is a best buy opportunity to own a pristine acreage, with exceptional oceanviews, on special Salt Spring Island! A great holding property, too. Call Li for more details, and an appt. to walk this property. December 5, 2008. Be sure to stroll the Village, after hours, and enjoy all those special window displays! A lot of creative retail owners, here, and the lights in the evening are lovely! Did you remember that the Salt Spring Inn is offering afternoon tea on Tuesdays, between noon and 4 p.m.? A treat! WinterCraft is on at Mahon Hall...a great place to browse for special gifts, from the many talented artists on Island. The unusual and the beautiful await your pleasure! Mark your calendars: Christmas by Candlelight, Songs for the Season, is at ArtSpring on Dec. 12 & 13, at 8 p.m. The annual Fulford Hall Christmas Fair starts today, and is also on the 6th and 7th. Food, desserts, over 60 vendors...enjoy! If you missed Santa's fly in, via Salt Spring Air, you can enjoy his arrival by boat, on the 13th, with carols and fireworks. It's a treat (down by the Coast Guard dock). Looking for some Christmas Dinner ideas? The Harbour House Hotel on Christmas Day, with two seatings, and Calvin's Bistro with a Christmas Eve dinner are two suggestions. WordPlay is presenting a Neil Simon comedy, at the ArtSpring Gallery, at 7:30 p.m. on the 6th & 7th. Enjoy the fun! Remember to smile, and to pay attention to those who live alone, or who may need some of our help, at this time of year. Remember the food bank, too! December 4, 2008. Advent, in the Christian Calendar, signals the preparation period for the Christmas celebration. Traditionally, one lights a candle every Sunday in Advent, with all of them glowing at once, on Christmas itself. The candles stand for 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") December 3, 2008. "What a strange thing is memory, and hope; one looks backward, the other forward. The one is of today, the other is the Tomorrow. Memory is history recorded in our brain, memory is a painter; it paints pictures of the past and of the day." (artist, Grandma Moses) December 2, 2008. BBC news reports : US holiday sales make solid start Opec refuses oil production cuts Crisis hits Romania at poll time Wine maker crack open hi-tech tricks Protection boost for rare gorilla Clue to break-up of ice shelves India considers anti-terror body Seeking a passport to a new life Amazon deforestation accelerates Medvedev in Cuba to improve ties Barak Obama's plans for the web Berlin split over palace design Russian art bubble bursts Pirates 'to release Ukraine ship" South Africa 'at risk of cholera' December 1, 2008. Here's an exceptional oceanview offering, ready to just move into and enjoy! Truly a wide-angle panoramic vista of ocean, islands, and mountains. Breath taking! Excellent all day sun exposure/year round, and those sunsets are extravagant! Custom designed and built home, with many unique finishing features. A European flair, here! Two bedrooms (master/ensuite in it's upper level "wing"), guest bedroom and bathroom on main level, gallery style library, open plan living/dining, feature gas fireplace, cook's dream kitchen (pantry/laundry off). The plus? A super studio, with a view...artist? home occupation? Close to beach accesses, to park areas with hiking/walking trails, and to all amenities, yet in its own serene world. Easy care landscaping, expansive decking for summer living pleasures, private, and that mesmerizing view, always. Enjoy!

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