January 30, 2007. Here's something to look forward to, in May. A Mozart festival, from May 5 to 14th, in Victoria. On May 5th, it's at the Royal Theatre. On May 6th, at the Alix Goolden Hall. On May 10th, it's at Christ Church Cathedral. May 12th is back at Alix Goolden Hall, & May 13 & 14, it finishes at the Royal Theatre. Call 250-386-6121 for ticket information.
January 29, 2007. Some more "golden oldies" in film, to while away a winter's evening? How about "Housesitter", with Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn? Another great Steve Martin classic is the wonderful "L.A. Story"! Yet another is "Bowfinger". Bette Midler in "Ruthless People" is priceless! Smiles are always welcome at the end of a rainy or a snowbound day...some of your choices?
January 28, 2007. The Greek philosophers, Heraclitus and Thales, were right: the only constant in life is change. Not always easy, though! It carries regret, a subtle emotion, and also the excitement of opportunity. The usual "yin and yang" of life, I suppose! In real estate, as an industry, there are huge changes occurring, due to the digital world, which allows for consumers to search, on their own, via the internet, many things which used to be seen to be the province of the realty industry. In Canada, the mls system is under attack from internet businesses, setting up in competition to the mls system, and offering information long assumed to be under the "ownership" of the mls system, through CREA, and administered by local boards and associations. I've been a realtor since 1989, and it's interesting to remember that I began when there were no cell phones, no pagers, no internet, no email, and the mls information was printed, monthly, in a book that all realtors received, for their area. Information on titles and taxes were stored via microfiche. Land registry information came by mail. Faxes weren't alway acceptable, legally, in contractual matters. What changes! I'm glad to be in the 21st century, even though it's still early days, and the major item seems to be that there is no one & only place for information, anymore. The role of a realtor has changed, too, from the arbiter of all knowledge to an editing function, an interpretive function, as the consumer can find out basic information without the help of a realtor, today. With Housesellers.com, Housevalues.com, Justlisted.com, Zillow.com, etc., all up and running in the U.S., and soon to "open in Canada", the information is openly presented, without a realtor's input, to the consumer at large. The consumer can keep abreast of markets, without ever contacting a realtor, at least to begin with. In the past, one might have had a longstanding relationship with a realtor in one's area, but this function of "your realtor for life" might also be undergoing change. In change lies opportunity. At the beginning of this new year, more changes to the real estate industry, as a whole, are underway, not just those outlined above, and this will be reflected in the options offered to the consumer. Will keep you posted!
January 27, 2007. "Life is a tragedy when seen in a close-up, but a comedy in a long shot." (director/actor, Charlie Chaplin)
January 26, 2007. More films for a "night in"? If you haven't seen Demi Moore's "The Butcher's Wife", it's a fun one! Some other "oldies but goodies": *Moonstruck, with Cher, of course! *Sliding Doors, with Gynneth Paltrow. *Shakespeare In Love, also with Gynneth Paltrow. *Hitchcock's classics: Dial M for Murder and Rear Window, both with Grace Kelly. *the original Jackel, with Edward Fox as the villain. *don't forget Some Like It Hot -- a true comedy classic! Enjoy!
January 25, 2007. Robbie Burns Night, with the traditional dinner and the toast to the Haggis, takes place in many locations. A famous Scottish poet, & the author of Auld Lang Syne, the traditional New Year's welcome, Robert Burns is most noted for his emphasis on the rights of the common man. He lived in a time (late 18th century) where this was not an accepted concept, and his main theme was the equality of all men. He wrote songs, and poems, and brought to life the Scottish lifestyle of his compatriots, with flair and with humour. If you've never been to a Burns Supper, then mark your calendars, and enjoy! Music, dancing, toasts and memories, and it's great fun. On Salt Spring, an annual Burns Night takes place at Meaden Hall, at the Legion. See you there! (Do I hear bagpipes?).
January 24, 2007. "If the boulders are moved, Even a river will change its flow." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
January 23, 2007. Need an instant uplift? Early daffodils are in the florist shop, and early tulips. Pick up a bunch, and enjoy their colour and promise of Spring's beauty to come.
January 22, 2007.
Winter's pewter light can also have its charms...the ocean's reflective quality, a thoughtful scene, with echoes of summer pleasures murmuring beneath the pale rainbow waves. It's pleasing, at this time of year, to walk the beach, and to listen to the sighing of the waves, as they splash at one's feet, the crunch of pebbles beneath one's boots, the screech of gulls wheeling above one. A fallow time, winter, a pause, a waiting period, a time to think, and plan, and prepare for Spring's effervescent joy. Ponder....the many shades of gray on a pearlescent winter day.
January 21, 2007. "It's a pleasure to share one's memories. Everything remembered is dear, endearing, touching, precious. At least the past is safe -- though we didn't know it at the time. We know it now. Because it's in the past; because we have survived." (writer, Susan Sontag)
January 20, 2007. Pad Thai Noodles 1/4 cup sunflower oil 4 eggs lightly beaten 6 oz. dried thick rice noodles, soaked in warm water for 5 minutes, then drained 3 cups curly kale or other leafy green, tough central core removed and leaves coarsely chopped 1/4 cup tamarind paste or 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1/4 cup sweet chile sauce 1/4 cup light soy sauce 1 cup freshly grated carrot 1 cup bean sprouts, trimmed and rinsed To serve: 1/3 cup roasted peanuts, chopped 2 scallions, finely sliced cilantro leaves Serves 4 Heat a wok until very hot, then add the oil. Add the eggs and noodles and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until the eggs are lightly scrambled. Add the remaining ingredients and stir-fry for a further 3 - 5 minutes, until the noodles are cooked. Divide between 4 warmed bowls and serve sprinkled with the peanuts, scallions, and cilantro. (New Vegetarian: bold and beautiful recipes for every occasion, by Celia Brooks Brown)
January 19, 2007. "Give me all the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities." (comment often made by Frank Lloyd Wright, architect).
January 18, 2007. It's important, in the presentation of properties, to attend conferences in other areas, to meet prospective buyers (Salt Spring has no "local" market!) and also their realtor/agents, as it's realtors that sell property. In January and in February, months when both the buyer profile and the seller tend to be in sunnier climes, I often step out of the local venue, and present both the Island and my listings to a larger audience. Personal promotion, of this nature, is offered both through RE/MAX International, which hosts important global conventions, and also through other affiliations I have built up, over time -- one of these, targeting the luxury marketplace, takes place on January 24 to 26. I will be attending this globally oriented conference, held this year in California, and will be showcasing my listings, and also promoting the Island. Call anytime, re any questions, on this important aspect of marketing. Always seeking the proactive path!
January 17, 2007. The Salt Spring Painters Guild has set up a series of workshops designed to stimulate and educate their artists. Workshops begin today, and wrap up on May 12th. For further information, contact Valerie at 537-1528. New members are always welcome. Flying Dreams Aerial Silks Classes begin a new six week session, starting on January 22nd and finishing on March 2nd. Contact Victoria, at: 537-4840, for more details. SSI Society for Community Education is offering several excellent courses in their winter mini-program. Contact them at 37-0037 for details of courses, and sign-up. There's an intermediate French Conversation course, running from February 7 to April 4th, every Wednesday, beginning at 8 p.m. See you there! It's true! Robert Aston, who has been keeping weather records on the Island for several years, stated that 2006 was the wettest year on record. It might not be so, but it certainly appeared, from my ground level, that it all fell in November/December! Plan to farm? As part of the community dialogues, in the Official Community Plan review process, we have several groups arranging for public meetings. On January 20th, between 1: 30 and 4:30 p.m., at the multipurpose room of the Gulf Islands Secondary School, there's Discussion # 1 on the future of food and farming on Salt Spring Island. See you there! Another series of meetings, sponsored by the "Imagine Salt Spring, Planning for the Future" group is showcasing a Speaker Series. January 25th begins it, at the Community Gospel Chapel, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., admission is free, with the first speaker addressing: "planning for uncertainty: design concepts to shape a resilient and sustainable island community". See you there! It's your island, and at this pivotal time, with many interested parties all seeking to create an Island for the 21st Century, it's important that your voice is heard, too. Turn out, and take part!
January 16, 2007. "When you live with another person for fifty years, all of your memories are invested in that person, like a bank account of shared memories. It's not that you refer to them constantly. In fact, for most people who do not live in the past, you almost never say, "Do you remember that night we...?" But you don't have to. That is the best of all. You know that the other person does remember. Thus, the past is part of the present as long as the other person lives. It is better than any scrapbook, because you are both living scrapbooks." (director, Federico Fellini)
January 15, 2007. Chicken Soup with Vegetables a handful of mini asparagus tips, halved crosswise a large handful of sugar snap peas, cut into 2 - 3 pieces each 1 basket cherry tomatoes, quartered and seeded sea salt and freshly ground black pepper chicken stock (south-east asian chicken stock) 1 small organic chicken 2 whole star anise 2 cinnamon sticks a handful of kaffir lime leaves 2 stalks of lemongrass, halved lengthwise and bruised 3 inches ginger, peeled and sliced 4 garlic cloves, lightly crushed but whole 1 red chile, halved lengthwise 1 tablespoon peppercorns, bruised to serve: 1 red or green chile, sliced fresh cilantro, Chinese chives, parsley, chives, or other herbs cooked noodles (optional) serves 4 Put all the chicken stock ingredients in a large saucepan, add water to cover the chicken by 1 inch, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour. Remove the chicken, whole, from the pan and reserve. Scoop out the solids from the stock, reserving the ginger. Put the ginger on a plate and cut into tiny slivers. Strain the stock into a saucepan, ladling at first, then pouring through cheesecloth. It should be clear but slightly fatty on top, although you may wish to blot off some of the excess fat. Taste the stock and reduce if necessary. Season to taste. Pull shreds of chicken off the bird and cut into bite-size pieces if necessary. Put in a bowl and cover. Return the stock to a boil, add the ginger slivers and the thick parts of the asparagus, and blanch for 30 seconds. Add the asparagus tips and blanch for 3 seconds more. Add the peas, tomatoes, and chicken and blanch for 30 seconds. You are heating them and keeping the peas and tomatoes fresh, rather than cooking them to a mush. Ladle into large soup bowls and top with sliced chile and the herb of your choice. Cooked noodles may also be added. (from: Hearty Soups...delicious meals in a bowl: Ryland, Peters, & Small) Don't forget -- tonight, at 7 p.m., at the Lion's Club Hall on Drake Road, the Salt Spring Island Construction Association meeting will take place. For more information, call: 537-2882. Some topics: soil removal by-law update and registration of association.
January 14, 2007. This has been an El Nino year, weather-wise! Late Fall (end of November) began a series of windstorms and torrential rainstorms (often called the "pineapple express", here, as the weather pattern brings very mild and very wet conditions, straight from Hawaii). A burst of heavy & wet snow was a part of this precipitation wave, and the relentlessness of it caused tree root balls to loosen in the overly saturated earth -- the next windstorm caused huge forest trees to topple, and, in some areas, homes and vehicles were heavily damaged. Not the usual pattern for our area, that's for sure! An El Nino year is often characterized by mild conditions in the east and middle sections of the continent, where snow and extremely cold temperatures are the "norm". Instead, the instability and cold (the Arctic Express meets the Pineapple Express) cause bitter temperatures on the southern B.C. Coast, not a normal pattern, and areas that rarely see snow get inches, if not feet, of same! The good news is that it doesn't last long -- maybe a week, instead of the months of winter experienced in the east. Most coastal people, especially in the southern coastal areas, and the islanders, are ready for Spring, though, at this point! Check the Weather Channel for updates on the further vagaries of the El Nino weather pattern -- it touches South America, as well as North America, and disrupts normal weather conditions. Floods, mudslides, torrential rains, heavy winds...they're all characteristics of this consistent though not usual weather pattern. Global warming may be a fact, but this year's pattern can be linked to our old friend, El Nino.
January 13, 2007. "You can't turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again." (fitness expert, Bonnie Prudden)
January 12, 2007.
Spring is coming, and summer's not far behind...at this time of year, when days can be grayer, and the rainy season with us, it's good to imagine the blues of sky and ocean in June and July! Salt Spring shimmers and beckons, and it really is "an island for all seasons". Even in January, we get days that look exactly like this! Enjoy!
January 11, 2007. 2007, along with being the Year of the Pig, in the Chinese Zodiac, is also noted as being under the auspices of Jupiter, in the Western Zodiac. Jupiter is the sign of good fortune, and so all signs are supposed to find benefit from this placement. Interested in how your sign fares, specifically? Check out your local bookstore for a general astrology update -- can sometimes be fun!
January 10, 2007. The next day trip to Victoria, make sure to leave some time to visit the wonderful display of Baroque period paintings, currently at the Victoria Art Gallery on Moss Street. On loan from the National Gallery in Ottawa, this is an exceptional opportunity to view Rubens, Rembrandt, etc., "on our doorstep". It's very rare that these paintings leave their Ottawa gallery home, so don't miss this rare treat! Enjoy!
January 9, 2007. Looking for some fun, on a grey January day? There's a two part workshop on the art of tea leaf reading, one on Sunday, January 14th, and the second one on Sunday, January 21st, from 1 to 4 p.m., both days. It's taught by Tanya Lester, and you can sign up by calling Tanya at: 250-538-0086 or email Tanya at: t_lester@yahoo.com Tanya has had a decade of experience as a tea leaf reader/intuitive, and has read for many people. Something a little different!
January 8, 2007. "We miss some of what we try for, but all of what we don't try for." (favour quote, from a Christmas cracker).
January 7, 2007. "Do you know Where you are On your journey?" (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
January 6, 2007. Some "golden oldies" in films, that make one smile on a winter's evening? How about: * Local Hero * My Favorite Year * Bridget Jones' Diary * Moonstruck * Cold Comfort Farm or, if watching a series is of appeal, how about: * Jewel in the Crown * Brideshead Revisited * The Forsyte Saga * Vanity Fair * Seinfeld re-runs Enjoy!
January 5, 2007. Tomorrow is the last day of the English celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas -- called Epiphany, it celebrates the Magi in the Christmas story, and tomorrow is Twelfth Night. A special cake, holding a coin, is part of the dinner, and the one who finds it in their piece gets good luck in the coming year. The tree comes down, and all of the Christmas ornaments are put away, until the next Christmas Eve. Have a feast, & enjoy!
January 4, 2007.
Ganges Harbour, on special Salt Spring Island, in a "summer moment". At this time of year, it's good to remember that each day is a little longer, as we progress through Winter, towards the beginning of Spring (March 20th). Already, it's light out at 5:30 p.m., and this is great! On sunny days, with no wind, one can be lulled into thinking that Spring is already here! Every day the sun is higher in the sky, and the days lengthen -- in some cases, buds are formed, on early flowering bushes, and a sense of green is waiting to explode into real Spring. Fallow periods are good for making plans, though. Like every good gardener, it's a time to rake out the old leaves from the Fall, prepare fresh ground, and be ready for the adventure of the New Year!
January 3, 2007. A New Year, and, in mid-February, the start of the Chinese New Year (based on a lunar calendar). 2007 is the Year of the Pig, in the Chinese zodiac (twelve animal signs, holding sway for "their" year). The Year of the Dog is just passing out, and on February 18th, it will begin the Year of the Pig. The Pig year completes the cycle of 12 years, which begins with the sign of the Rat. Pig years are characterized by having lots of potential, and it's a year that favours family values and the home. Emphasis can often be placed on leading a more balanced lifestyle. Economic prospects are encouraging, the financial sector can perform well, and construction industries can boom. The Pig year, though, can also call for personal restraint. Pigs are innovative, and the Year of the Pig may herald in some further wonderful inventions. For more information on the Chinese zodiac, and how the various animal signs will fare, in this coming Year of the Pig, check out your local bookstore. What's your sign?
January 2, 2007. "I believe that all roads lead to the same place -- and that is wherever all roads lead to." (musician, Willie Nelson)
January 1, 2007. Happy New Year!