Current Entries January 31, 2009. Here is an appealing cedar cottage, right beside the seaside. Two bed/one bath, open plan living/dining/kitchen...an authentic "summer cottage". Some TLC will recreate this gem, and it will make a great summer/weekender space, for now, and build your dream home later. Sandy beach, perfect for beachcombing, swimming, plus foreshore licence in place (build your dock). Adjacent to Sailing Club property...could just join, and keep your boat next door! The Sailing Club is not a marina, and except for the annual Round Salt Spring Sailing Race, is a quiet space. Orchard, meadow, forest, private and sunny, an English Country Garden setting, with easy access to the beach. The placement of the cottage is a valuable footprint, if one wished to build a new home at ocean's edge. Other sites possible...bring your architect, and walk this one soon. Definitely a "best buy" oceanfront opportunity! On community water, close to all amenities, yet private and quiet location. Enjoy! January 30, 2009. Salt Spring Woodworks annual sale starts today, and runs through to Feb. 28th. It's 20 to 40% off everything, and there are some truly beautiful options on display, here. At the corner of Churchill and Upper Ganges Roads, this studio which showcases the incredible talent on Island and in B.C., re woodworking options, is not to be missed. Hot Latin Sounds can be enjoyed at Cafe El Zocalo, tomorrow, at 7 p.m. It's a rhythm guaranteed to chase away those grey January blues! Call 250-537-9911 for reservations (Susana Abreu and Zapato Negro play for your pleasure). Mark your calendars for the next Salt Spring Folk Club presentation. It's on February 9th, at the Fulford Hall, doors open a 6:45 and show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, available at Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Books, and Stuff and Nonsense. Outlaw Social plays, with opening act: Peter Prince. Enjoy! (soups, suppers, & sweets by Fiddlehead Catering). Don't miss Scott Hyland's presentation of Waiting for Godot! Performances start at 8 p.m., at ArtSpring, on Feb 6, 7, 14th, with matinees (2:30 p.m.) on 8th and 15th. A play with universal themes, especially relevant today. A classic! Remember, one performance only, on Feb. 1st, at 2 p.m., of Ballet Jorgen Canada's presentation of Romeo & Juliet. At ArtSpring (call 250-537-2102) for further details/ticket info. The Salt Spring Painter's Guild is presenting a retrospective of Jack Avison's work, at ArtSpring, from Feb. 1st to 10th. There's an opening reception on the 1st, from 5 to 7 p.m. Don't miss this important exhibit. The Music and Munch series begins on Feb. 4th, at All Saints by the Sea, with the Stubbs family of musicians, and special guest, Carolyn Hatch. This popular series of recitals is held monthly, on Wednesdays, through the noon hour. If you haven't attended, before, give yourself a treat! Calvin's reopens in early Feb., Rendezvous Cafe offers great pastries/coffee, plus quiche (for a quick lunch), Bocados Bistro awaits your pleasure, the Tuesday Afternoon Tea continues at Salt Spring Inn, Cafe Talia reopens in Feb., check out the new menu choices at Harbour House Hotel's restaurant, Piccolo's offers that special dining pleasure, and Rock Salt Cafe continues its creative menu choices down at Fulford. Treat yourself to dinner out, in these lengthening days of impending Spring. A quieter season...those longer days and lighter mornings, earlier, promise the feathering out of Winter-into-Spring. Enjoy! January 29, 2009 BBC news reports : McDonald's to open 1,000 stores US home sales see surprise rise Bank mortgage approvals down 52% Single cell 'can store memories' Vitamin D 'is mental health aid' Editorial row engulfs Wikipedia Parties see in Chinese New Year Obama aims for oil independence UN debates global food cost rise One-woman aid mission to Zimbabwe Scots celebrate bard's birthday Brown warns against 'pessimism' January 28, 2009. "I don't like people who have never fallen or stumbled. Their virtue is lifeless and isn't of much value. Life hasn't revealed its beauty to them." (writer, Boris Pasternak) January 27, 2009. Here's a terrific holding property on special Salt Spring Island! 40 + acres, a mix of coastal forest (cedar, fir, maple, alder) and arbutus/garry oak groves, and natural meadow areas, with panoramic ocean and mountain vistas (can see the Olympics from here!), with all day/year round sun (sunsets, here!), and very private. Off the grid lifestyle, with drilled well in place. Seasonal creek. On the doorstep of wonderful park reserves, and hiking/walking trails. Just minutes to the gov't dock at Musgrave Landing -- keep your boat, here! Better than cash in the bank! Call me, and bring your architect, and let's walk this beauty soon. January 26, 2008. So, today is the beginning of the Year of the Ox, in the Chinese Lunar New Year calendar. Have you checked out what your animal sign is, and found out how it will fare in this year characterized by authentic diligence and focus? Slow and steady wins the race might be a characteristic of the Ox year. Always fun to figure out the astrological implications, and to meld the Western and Asian descriptions. Doesn't mean we can ignore our own part in our destinies, though! All Scots have been celebrating the poet Robert Burns, and it's interesting that this remembrance of a poet recalled as the voice of the common man should be in synch with the Chinese New Year celebrations! We all sing Auld Lang Syne, at the turn of the western calendar from one year to another. Many people probably don't realize that this was written by Robert Burns in the 18th Century. His A Man's A Man for A That is recognized as a plea to have character be the value of a man, and not one's station in life. Revolutionary, in his day, and still a model description of democracy and the power of the individual worth. We are crawling along to the end of January, when the grey skies and bare trees and pewter light of winter, on the Pacific Northwest Coast, can seem a bit endless. Remember the daffodil, and crocus, and snowdrop bulbs are all poking up, and in wind free corners of the gardens there are already fluffing cherry blossoms on the ornamental trees, and the forsythia is in bloom, and the snowdrops are totally out. Spring is on its way....... January 25, 2009. Mark your calendars for Scott Hyland's production of Waiting for Godot -- it plays at ArtSpring, for five performances, beginning on Feb. 6th (call ArtSpring for ticket info. / other dates & times. Don't miss this! One performance only, on Feb 1st, 2 p.m. at ArtSpring -- Romeo and Juliet, presented by Ballet Jorgen Canada. Enjoy! The curious case of Benjamin Button is playing at The Fritz. See you there! Wontanara Drum & Dance is offering a six week introductory class on African Dance. Starts on Feb. 6th, at All Saints by the Sea. Call Deanna for cost/info/registration at: 250-653-2431. Here's something not to miss -- on January 31st, drama lovers, aspiring playwrights, actors, directors can attend Playing with the Play -- it's an intereactive exploration of the challenges and rewards if writing for the stage, and Jane Petch, an island writer who is passionate about theatre, will read from her new script. Call Patricia at 250-537-1116, to attend. Amarah Gabriel is offering her art class based on the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain -- call her at: 250-537-0051 for more info/and to register. Registration for the 6th Annual Salt Spring Island Folk Dance Festival, to be held at Fulford Hall on May 1 to 3, is now open. Islanders need to register for this event now, to make sure they can attend. There are so many talented people on our lovely Island...remember to get out and support their efforts, and remember that the audience is a part of the total equation of the artistic process. January 24, 2009. "Contemplate in the morning, Pull weeds in the afternoon. The joys and labor of a single day Are part of a whole journey." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") January 23, 2009. Here's an authentic log home, on lowbank and sandy beachfront, at the tranquil "south end" of Salt Spring Island. Private, quiet, with serene views out Fulford Harbour. Close to marina, to golf, to hiking/walking trails, this Island gem awaits your ideas! A kitchen renovation and bathroom renovations would lift this treasure into the 21st Century. Walk to shopping, if desired! Close to ferry, galleries, restaurant. If you love the chalets in Austria, you will thrive on this "real log" home! Bring your architect, and wander this one with me, soon. January 22, 2009. The Southern Gulf Islands are famous for sheep. Small farms dot the Islands, and there is an entire group devoted to collecting the wool, spinning it, dying it from natural vegetation dyes, creating wonderful handknits from same, and the entire process is done from start to finish, locally. Definitely a description of a cottage industry. On Salt Spring, the annual Fibre Festival is something looked forward to, and if you can get here while it's on, you'll be glad (takes place in late Spring). All of the Islands are a mix of rocky knolls, steep hills, pastoral fields, and dramatic oceanfronts. Governed by the Islands Trust, a provincial government body that has been in place since the mid 1970s, with the mandate of "to preserve and protect", for the benefit of all B.C. residents, growth is therefore controlled on all of the Gulf Islands. These environmentally protected islands, then, are better understood as "preserve areas". They swim enticingly in the Strait of Georgia, up against the east side of Vancovuer Island, where they enjoy a rain shadow effect from this much larger Island. With a microclimate, known as "cool Mediterranean", the Islands support vineyards, olive groves, apple/pear/cherry orchards, and there is a thriving organic food growing movement in evidence on all of them. They all have their own individual characters, and are worth a day of exploration. Salt Spring, the largest and best serviced of the islands, and the one with the year round lifestyle, is easily reached by ferry from Vancouver, or Victoria, or from mid-Vancouver Island. Floatplanes from the Vancouver airport and from downtown Vancouver also have daily service to Salt Spring, year round. In the summer season, a floatplane arrives direct from Seattle to Salt Spring. These havens await your pleasure...how may I help to connect you to your Island treasure? January 21, 2008. I watched Obama's inauguration yesterday, with a group of friends. An inspiring speech, and one that harked to the older virtues of personal responsibility and authentic work ethic. Such a recipe can lead to increased confidence, as each one of us, personally, in our own spheres, works from positivity. It will be interesting to see the changes that are certainly upcoming. En route to the friend's home, I had to drive along the road that parallels the Harbour. It was 7:30 a.m. (we're on Pacific Standard Time), and an uneven ribbon of fog, dark against the first glow of sunrise, was lying above the shimmering Harbour, a mirror of the still waters below. Above the fog, poking into the clear morning sky, a slice of moon still hanging in the west, the forested hills ridged the skyline. I'm lucky to live in this pristine area. The alluring scene made me think of all the times we rush past similar wonderful vistas; nature is always delivering bursts of beauty to us. I stopped the car at an open field, and got out, just standing there observing. The fur of frost riming the bare apple orchard, each strand of wild grass pricked out by the thick frost, the heavy flap of a heron's wings (the effort it takes to keep them airborne, heard in that measured slap at the air), the glow of growing light, the shimmer of the sea, the ribbon of fog...it made me think of the only poem I've ever remembered, from school days of memorization. A Canadian poet, W.H. Davies, who reminded us that: "A poor life this, if full of care, We have no time to stand and stare." The inspirational message of Obama, to the entire world, and the beauty that surrounds all of us, everywhere, wherever we are, if we only take time to observe. Two reminders, at the opening days of a new year, perhaps in more ways than one. January 20, 2009. Looking for an exceptional oceanfront building opportunity? Here is a very prime parcel, with privacy, excellent sun exposure, and a sensitive development -- the pristine quality of the land has been preserved, in this environmentally aware subdivision from an historic family large acreage holding. It is a gem! Lowbank, gently sloping to the sea, with panoramic vistas towards Pender, Moresby, and Portland Islands, and over towards Southern Vancouver Island. Watch the whales, the sea lions, and the otters play at your doorstep! This beautiful offering would be an excellent holding property, for now, and build your dream when it suits. A superb oceanfront property, at Salt Spring's special "south end". Call for directions to view (no sign, at owner's request). I look forward to showing this one to you...bring your architect! January 19, 2009. "Since people are going to be living longer and getting older, they'll just have to learn how to be babies longer." (artist, Andy Warhol) January 18, 2009. Here's a gem of a townhome opportunity on beautiful Salt Spring Island! A quiet location, very sunny (e/s/w exposures, here, with two balconies that follow the sun), with the plus of one level living (an elevator shaft was built into the structure, at point of construction, so one just has to drop in the equipment, for a full elevator service, if not wishing to use stair access to this upper level unit). Vaulted ceiling, many unique finishes/upgrades (this was the show home unit, and was created by a noted Vancouver designer, for the developer), with master bedroom and exceptional ensuite, plus two further bedrooms/full bathroom (current owner uses one bedroom as an office with daybed), plus open plan living/dining, and wonderful "cook's dream" kitchen, with Ultraline appliances. Appliances, custom window coverings, custom dining furniture all remains, for the list price. An indoor pool, clubhouse facility with guest bedrooms, plus forest/meadow mix, and a lovely sense of a "village atmosphere". Walk to both the upper and the seaside villages, and close to golf, marinas, and all amenities. This is truly a "best buy" opportunity to be a part of the Salt Spring lifestyle. Call Li for your appointment to view. January 17, 2009. Mark your calendars for this one...Gary Fjellgaard, with Saskia and Darrel, will appear on February 14th, at Mahon Hall, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22.50, and more details can be found at: 250-537-4196. See you there! Tonight, at Cafe El Zocalo, starting at 6:30 p.m., there's the first Jazz Jam of the year. Be there! (250-537-9911, for more info). MusicMakers continues at All Saints by the Sea, at 11:10 a.m., on January 21st (light refreshments follow, for suggested donation of $2). If you've not enjoyed this musical presentation, don't miss this event on the 21st. Tonight, at 8 p.m., and tomorrow at 2 p.m., there's the one woman show by Toronto actor and playwright, Maja Ardal...at ArtSpring! Local Trustee, George Erhing, continues his music appreciation "course" at ArtSpring. This season's title is: Milestones in Music. It begins on Jan 21st and runs through to March 4th, once weekly, for cost of $50. Call ArtSpring's ticket centre (250-537-2102) for more info. On Jan. 24 & 25, the very talented artist, Michael O'Toole, presents "A Passion for Atmosphere in Painting", at the Lions Hall, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call Carolyn Withers at 250-537-5114 for more details/registration info. Looking for supplies for your business needs? Local residents, Frank and Connie Ledger, of Tierneys Wholesale, are available to help you out, at cost effective pricings. Give therm a call (250-538-0111). Don't forget Rona Robbins and the Upstairs Bears location on the upper level of Grace Point Square. Hours: Wed to Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rona is your purveyor of fine teddies. Writing...a powerful tool with the potential to transform both the writer and the reader. A new series of women's journal writing and memoir workshops begins on Feb. 2 to 23. For more information, or to register, call: 250-653-4286. Yes, it's winter, and the fields are fallow, but underneath the life force is bubbling...a good time to get out there and to soak up some different experiences. Enter Spring with some new knowledge. Your thoughts? Always welcome. January 16, 2009. "City on a hill, Untouched land beyond. A fallow field is The secret of fertility." (Deng Ming-Dao" "Tao...Daily Meditations") January 15, 2009. Well, here we are, at the half-way point in a month that is considered, by many, to be the grey/lost month of the year, in our Pacific Northwest Coast area. It's true that a lot of "locals" do choose to visit Hawaii, or Mexico, or Southern California, or Arizona at such a time. Sun seeking is a serious affair! Still, winter is on its way to its inevitable end, and already daffodil bulbs and crocus bulbs and snowdrop bulbs are poking up in local gardens. A fuzz of budding is occurring on the bushes that line the roadways, and pussywillows are beckoning. Bird song is noisy in the bare trees, early in the morning, and was that a robin I saw the other day? Some people clip forsythia branches, and bring them inside, to "force" them into bloom, right this minute. Every day is just that little bit "longer", before darkness falls. It's a good idea, to remember to feed one's mind at this time of year. There's a digital photography class being offered at the Continuing Education evening courses, plus French conversation, and some dance classes, too. There's an exercise thought! Remember to spoil yourself a little, too, and try some quick treats -- what about a madeleine and a cappucino at Cafe Talia? An apricot tart and an espresso at Rendezvous Cafe? If it's Tuesday, then it's traditional tea at the Salt Spring Inn. A browse around the book stores? A wander through the art galleries, to inspire one? Light the woodstove, catch a favourite DVD, or curl up with a new novel. It's ok to take it a little easier, and remember how energetic bears are, after the hibernation time. A little bit of work, a little bit of pleasure, a little bit of energy, a little bit of calm...not a bad recipe for a winter month, a softer time in a Gulf Island experience.... January 14, 2009. Wow! Here is an exceptional oceanview home, ready to just move into and enjoy. Many unique features, here! Custom designed and built for the current owners, the open plan living and dining, with a cook's dream kitchen off, awaits your pleasure. Feature stone fireplace in entertainment size living, custom doors that open completely to the deck, off the dining, to expand those summer living pleasures. Spacious deck, outdoor fireplace, incredible outdoor kitchen (a barbecue afficianado's delight!), plus hot tub are waiting for you to enjoy. A true panoramic view, here, of ocean, islands, mountains -- sunsets forever! Library/den, custom dedicated office, full bath, guest powder room, super laundry room, pantry and wine storage, completes the main level. Master "suite", with superb master bath and his and hers walk-in closets in its own "wing" on upper level. Separate guest/sitting, with ensuite, private laundry, sunny decking, access from main home and from exterior decking, and those same superlative views. Lots of storage, here, plus garage for that classic car, and an exercise room. Wood burning and gas fireplaces, for cosy off season moments (living, librrary, master, and guest). Perfect for a professional couple, working from home. A Toronto visitor was heard to exclaim that this home could be featured in Architectural Digest. It is a gem! Enjoy! January 13, 2009. "In the family sandwich, the older people and the younger ones can recognize one another as the bread. Those in the middle are, for a time, the meat." (writer, Anna Quindlen) January 12, 2009. Looking for a best buy "holding property", on lovely Salt Spring Island? Here is a gem! Just a short stroll to a lovely bay, perfect for swimming/kayaking, and one can keep a boat on a mooring buoy here, too. The property is undeveloped, and with some tree clearing or limbing/trimming of branches, it may be possible to get an oceanview. A sturdy one room cabin is in place (like a hard tent, for camping out!), accessed by a trail from the roadway. This is definitely a diamond in the rough, and has a lot of uptick...motivated sellers llive out of country, and welcome all serious offers. Phone for directions, or, meet me at the site, and we'll wander the pathway to the cabin. Just minutes from shopping and all services/amenities, yet in a tranquil area of fine homes. Sunny, private, close to golf. Truly the "best buy oppportunity" on Salt Spring, right now. January 11, 2009. I notice a lot of price reductions coming in on almost all listings, from all companies. I've also noticed some realtors are hanging up their licences, and deciding not to continue in the business. It is very expensive to be a realtor. The general public doesn't always recognize the business expenses involved in being a realtor. Yes, there is a gross commission paid by a seller to a listing realtor. Often, a buyer's agent is also involved in a transaction, and so that gross commission is immediately split between the two agents involved. The company that the agent works for also takes a portion of the commission. There are also Board/MLS fees, there are company fees if a realtor works for a franchise company, there are also the print ad publication costs in local venues, the costs of internet advertising, plus any extra print media marketing (other magazines, aside from predictable local ones, brochures/flyers, professional photography, etc.), and the individual realtor pays for all of this -- companies pass along all costs to their realtors, plus take a portion of the commission. If someone made 1000 gross commission, then, they might only net 100. I once heard of a realtor who made a 17,000 commission, gross, and retained (net) 1000 (after all expenses were paid, the realtor got paid). I don't think the public understands this. I remember a realtor of many years duration saying that the U.B.C. Sauder School of Business, which maintains the real estate course materials/testing, in B.C., should alert all people wanting to go into the business that they need at least 100,000 in the bank, to carry themselves, while they get started. An interesting perspective! One can see, though, in a downmarket moment, with all of the costs involved to generate a livelihood income stream, that some realtors would decide to hang up their licence, and to look for work with a steady paycheck. The last time B.C. experienced a downturn in the market (between Fall 1994 and Spring 2000, with 1995 and 1996 being the two "worst" years), there were 9 real estate companies and 89 realtors in my small area, at the end of 1994. By the end of 1999, we had shrunk to 3 companies and 34 realtors. Sellers and realtors, then, in a downmarket scenario, do suffer. It is a cyclical business, however. We now have eight companies and approx. 65 realtors. We may be experiencing the beginning of attrition in the business. In the last downturn, there had been an increase in prices, between 1992 and 1994 of approx. 60%. By 1999, prices had gone down 30%. They had not suppressed, though, to the original pre-rise level. Subsequently, between 2003 and 2005, another 60% increase in pricing was experienced. Some feel that we have lost 30%, to date. It is an up and down business, it does follow cyclical models, it never returns to the original low...a good way to imagine it is a lurch/fall back/spring forward momentum. Important, though, to be able to ride out the low periods, somehow still intact, and that's the trick, indeed. January 10, 2009. Here's an interesting idea, to catch one's attention in this January "pause" moment! Jill Louise Campbell's gallery is offering a Dutch Auction idea, on selected paintings. You need to be quick, here -- it began on the 6th and runs through to the 18th (definitely a time llimited offer). Only 100 canvases are available -- no orders/no rain checks. When they're sold, that's "it". A great time to gift either yourself, or someone near and dear to you, who might be having a birthday or anniversary celebration, in the near future. Don't miss this! Something else to consider: Creative Fire Studio offers children's clay classes from Jan. 30th to Feb. 27th, on Fridays between 10 a.m. and noon. For more details, email at: www.creativefirestudio.org (cost is $175). Looking for a fun workshop, with the goal of creating a clay gift for your sweetie, for Valentine's? Again, contact Creative Fire Studio (1375 Beddis Road), and enjoy yourself. No previous art experience is necessary! ($50 for adults, and $25 for children/youth). Mark your calendars, too, so you don't miss the Potters Guild Events, upcoming: *The annual Guild Spring Show & Sale begins on May 9th, this year, at Mahon Hall, between 10 a.m. & 4 p.m. (opening reception on the 8th, at 7 to 9 p.m.). *The wonderful Marks Work Wearhouse Display, held each year in July/August. This year's theme is: The Harbour. *And, of course, Fall Fair with the Potters Guild Display and Demonstration (this year, it's on Sept. 12 & 13). Big stars on these dates! See you there! ArtSpring's second season of professional theatre offerings begins on Jan. 17th, with You Fancy Yourself (on the 17th and the 18th). A one woman play, by Toronto actor/playwright, Maya Ardal, it's set in 1950s Glasgow. On Feb. 6 to 15, Scott Hylands, noted local actor, presents five performances of Waiting for Godot, the signature play by Samuel Beckett. This subscription series of theatre closes with If I Were Me, running from May 21 to 31. Three short plays, written by Mort Ransen, another noted Islander, will be presented. Again, big stars on these dates! Wave, if you see me. Don't forget to give yourself a treat, every Tuesday, one to four p.m. -- it's Afternoon Tea at the Salt Spring Inn. A great tradition! ArtSpring's very proactive Recession Buster Pass idea is worth exploring -- contact ArtSpring direct, re details (250-537-2102). One Dollar gets you a lot of "extras"/benefits. Check this out! Did you know that Rock Salt Cafe was offering wine tasting Wednesdays? Call them for details! When you open your property assessment this month, remember that you are only paying the lower of the two values you'll see there. It's only for this year that there is this option. The notice will show the market value (in the tax assessor's opinion) of your property as of both July 1, 2007 and July 1, 2008. The lower of these two assessments is your official 2009 property assessment and will be used to calculate your 2009 property taxes. Check out www.bcassessment.ca for further information. The course calendar for Community Education options is now available. Check out your choices at: www.ssicommunityed.com and register, or call them at: 250-537-0037 for more details. If you'd like to offer a course, call that same number. Yes, it's January, and yes it's still definitely the heart of winter, but there's lots to see and to do and to explore...a softer and quieter season, with time to reflect and enjoy the opportunity to learn something new. Important to feed the mind, too! January 9. 2009. Looking for a romantic hideaway? Here it is, on special Salt Spring Island. Originally designed and built (in mid 1980s), by a noted artist, this appealing cottage/home has been lovingly updated by talented contractor. The original design was based on Thomas Jefferson's honeymoon cottage. Stone fireplace, open plan living/dining, galley style kitchen, spa bathroom, stacked washer/dryer, expansive decking at rear garden (east/south exposures) and at main entry (southwest/west exposures), plus a terrific upper level bedroom (with stone fireplace). Wood floors, updated kitchen and bathroom, wood accents, new roof, new decking, easy care landscaping, private and quiet area of fine homes, close to golf, to marinas, to beach and lake accesses, to theatre and to tennis, and to shopping and all services. This is a very very sweet property, and a great opportunity to enjoy the Salt Spring lifestyle. Easy to add onto, and expand, or, build anew and leave this as a guest option. The plus? A lovely workshop/studio -- artist? Enjoy! January 8, 2009. I watched a very interesting t.v. program the other evening. It was a documentary on Stephen Hawking's search for a unified theory of everything. Although I come from an arts background, and not a science oriented schedule, I found this search, by physicists, to be very absorbing. Stephen Hawking, who was given two years to live, by his doctors, is still with us, decades later. That made me think about the power of an individual will. At the end of the documentary, Hawking "talked" about how lucky he was...he had wonderful children, an absorbing career, full of accolades and discoveries, and his passion for his work was very clear. This gratitude from someone in a wheel chair, unable to speak without an electronic device (one word produced every four minutes, I believe), yet he appeared happy, also made me ponder. To observe this made one think about what it is that a human being needs, to feel totally fulfilled. His quest, the thing that clearly drives him, and all his team of physicists, is to discover a unified theory of everything. In doing this, he is trying to mesh the study of the very small with a study of the very large. I was interested to learn of the string theory, of the concept of eleven dimensions, not just the three we're familiar with, the idea of branes (and how our entire universe might be stuck on one such huge piece of matter, much as a water droplet on a shower curtain), and was sorry that I couldn't go back to university and start to tackle some of these enormously exciting areas of research. It also made me think of the 21st Century, and how this message of trying to connect the very small (our individual lives/concerns?) with the very large (global/international concerns?) could also be applied to daily life., in the here and now. Maybe the 20th Century was more about divisions, and the 21st will be about connections? If so, then there will be huge societal changes to reflect this different philosophy, and business will also shift. Mmmm....how to be at least "with" the change, if not slightly ahead? Maybe that's something we could all be thinking about, right now. Stephen Hawking and his life's passion can be an inspiration, even though not always easy to follow his mathematical journey. Your thoughts???? January 7, 2009. Looking for a great opportunity for a holding property, on special Salt Spring Island? Here's a best buy option, awaiting your pleasure. 9+ acres, with ocean and mountain viewscapes, excellent all day sun exposure (s/sw/w -- sunsets from here!), and with terrific privacy, yet close to all amenities, and close to golf course, marina, beach accesses, lakes, plus shopping and services -- it doesn't get any better! Zoned for main home, separate guest cottage and separate studio, and located in an area of very fine homes. Bring your architect, and walk this one soon. Build your dream, now, or enjoy this best buy opportunity as a holding property -- listed below market, and off island seller is motivated. It's a lovely piece of land, with expansive views and tranquility. Enjoy! January 6, 2009. "I have thousands of opinions still, but that is down from millions, and as always, I know nothing." (writer, Harold Brodkey) January 5, 2009. Yes, it is time to buy...interest rates remain exceptionally low, sellers are aware that it is firmly a buyer's market (serious sellers will listen to valid offers), and the spectre of inflation is in the wings. So much paper currency has been printed, globally, for all these bailouts, and nothing is backing same...except a government. A purchase on Salt Spring Island or another of the Southern Gulf Islands has a "protected investment" aspect, due to the Islands Trust (with its "preserve and protect" mandate). The Trust capped growth on all Gulf Islands, in the mid-1970s, and so there will always be a limited inventory available on any of these stellar islands. Salt Spring is the largest and the best serviced of the Gulf Islands, and offers both ease of access to major centres and also a wonderful sense of being "apart". A year round lifestyle is available on Salt Spring. This gem of an oceanview property offers privacy (a land configuration that is like a "double lot"), exceptional wide-angle and secure views of ocean/islands/mountains, including Mt. Baker's majesty (a true panoramic vista), good all day sun exposure/year round, a community water system, and proximity to shopping in Ganges Village, to the Sailing Club, to golf and to all amenities. The post and beam rancher style home is a great rental option/holding property, for now, and easy to either renovate into a 21st Century gem, or, start anew. The area and the land itself, with that stellar view, are worth it! This is one of the very best oceanview properties on special Salt Spring Island! Bring your designer/architect, and walk this one, soon. To be a saavy investor, one must recognize the signposts of change, and do so "before the pack". Motivated seller, wonderful land, superb views, an easy renovation to enjoy fully...this is a "best buy". How may I help you to purchase this property on beautiful Salt Spring Island? Call me, today...."See Li for Successful Solutions" is my promise to my clients. More details at: www.liread.com/1562.htm January 4, 2009. "Feasting is the flame in mid-winter That kindles the fire of friendship And strengthens the community." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") January 3, 2009. BBC news reports : Record stock market falls in 2008 Record numbers 'face insolvency' Housing market sees another fall Grape extract kills cancer cells Marinating 'may cut cancer risk' Pioneer of cyberspace honoured Crime to boom as downturn blooms China finds major dinosaur site Iraq takes control of Green Zone Venezuela slashes US dollar quota Russia shuts off gas to Ukraine Slovakia becomes eurozone member Car worth £3m is found in garage Brown warns of tough year ahead Most Britons 'still oppose euro' January 2, 2009. Here's a super restoration of an authentic Arts and Crafts character home, with a new addition (upper and garden levels) that is so perfectly rendered that one cannot see where the restored original melds with the new "in keeping", design-wise, additions. A seamless blending, accomplished by a master craftsman! On a sunny (s/sw/w) and private five acres of pastoral charm, with ponds and seasonal creek, and orchard plus fenced veggie garden (be self-sufficient, here!), this well-positioned acreage is zoned for separate guest cottage and separate studio, too. Close to lakes, to park hiking/walking trails, to golf, shopping, all amenities, yet in its own quiet rural world, this gem awaits your pleasure! Formal living, formal dining, country kitchen with breakfast area, full bath (original claw foot tub), library/den, wood floors, custom windows, easy access to spacious decking on main...on upper level, enjoy three bedrooms (master ensuite), guest bath. Garden level ready for your finishing ideas! Double garage, for those classic cars. A beautiful opportunity for a casually elegant lifestyle on special Salt Spring Island! January 1, 2009. Happy New Year!

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