June 30, 2006. "Age only matters when one is aging. Now that I have arrived at a great age, I might just as well be twenty." (artist, Pablo Picasso).
June 29, 2006. The Islands Trust representatives, for Salt Spring Island (two elected representatives, for each Island, not based on population figures) have decided to do a review of the Official Community Plan (OCP) for Salt Spring Island. Although there is money to hire "off island" planners, skilled in such overviews of community plans, for areas such as Salt Spring, the Trustees have opted to use the local planners, on Island, to do the overview of the OCP. This means that the local planners, and their assistants, in the local SSI office, won't have time to deal with the many requests/development permit application processes. This kind of hold-up of important projects, while overview reports are created for the OCP review, is a type of "moratorium" on any change. The Trust was brought into being, in the mid-1970s, with a clear mandate, from the then Provincial Government -- it was to "preserve and protect", for the benefit of all B.C. residents, the jewel like environment of the Gulf Islands. This has been accomplished, over the intervening years, through strict zoning/density controls. Lately, however, the Trust has, perhaps, been overstepping its mandate, to include lifestyle decisions, of each home owner. This is beyond their mandate, and might smack of "fiefdom" mentality. The current Trustees, for Salt Spring Island, were elected on a platform of adhering to the original bylaws, and to maintaining an Island lifestyle of the 70s. The issues that the current Trust is wanting to pay attention to are outlined in the Trust website, for SSI. Public input is welcomed, and one can fill out a specifically programmed internet forum, to comment on what the Trust has outlined as their pertinent issues. If you would like to see alternative processes put in place, which would preserve both the environmental aspects of the Island, while at the same time protecting the lifestyle of the Islanders, then you need to start attending the public meetings, and to making your voice heard. Changes to the Official Community Plan (OCP) result in changes to the Land Use Bylaws, and the Trustees perception may not be your perception. Pay attention, attend the meetings, make your voice heard. It is a democracy, but, to have it succeed, every voice in the "agora" must be heard. Step to the plate -- it's your Island. See you at the meetings!
June 28, 2006. Don't forget the fireworks, on Canada Day (July 1st), as soon as it's dark enough to enjoy the "show". The fire department is in charge, and they create the display from just beyond the Coast Guard dock, in Ganges Harbour. Donations from the community pay for this colourful greeting to summer. The best views are from the Boardwalk area -- this is something the entire community turns out for, with lots of boats in Ganges Harbour, the Boardwalk area filled, and the best window seats at restaurants and decks "taken". Enjoy! Celebrate the Salt Spring community's ambiance, on the birthday of our country. See you there!
June 27, 2006.
Here's a Galiano oceanfront gem, ready to just move into and enjoy! 10+ acres, zoned for two homes and two guest cottages, with easy- care landscaping (the pond feature won a landscaping award for its designers, based in Vancouver), and lowbank oceanfront. Very private and sunny (s/sw/w exposures), in a quiet area, with panoramic views of ocean/islands/mountains. A custom design, with wonderful wood accents, wood floors, and vaulted ceilings. First growth trees on this property, too (walk your own trails). The plus? It's subdividable, if this is of interest to a new owner. See Li for appointments to view!
June 26, 2006. "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").
June 25, 2006.
Wonderful lakefront, private and sunny (s/sw/w exposures), on tranquil St. Mary Lake, in a quiet neighbourhood. Totally renovated home (4 bed/3 bath, ready to just move into and enjoy -- wood floors, tiled bathrooms, new deck, new roof, guest/inlaw potential. Walk to Salt Spring cinema, swim and sail, serenity awaits....see Li for appointments to view!
June 24, 2006. "If you wait, all that happens is that you get older." (writer, Larry McMurtry)
June 23, 2006.
Fantastic property! Almost 70 acres, low bank waterfront, coves and sweeping stretches of beach in protected bays. Sunny and private (east/south/west exposures), with panoramic viewscapes of ocean/islands/mountains (see Mt. Baker and the Olympics from here), and just steps from year round protected moorage (Horton Bay), this gem also offers first growth trees, historic apple orchard, meadow area, and historic cabin. Current owners have cared for this tranquil beauty since the early 1950s, and have basically just camped out on it. Includes a wonderful point of land. This kind of property is extremely rare, anywhere in the world, today, and this pristine loveliness is sited on secluded Mayne Island. Corporate retreat, to recharge those executive batteries? Wonderful family retreat/compound? Exclusive executive retreat? It doesn't get any better! See Li for all appointments to view.
June 22, 2006. The recent cancer fund-raiser, the Relay for Life, was a huge success, raising a net of $76,000 by the relayers. Well done, Salt Spring! Some artistic June events included the exhibitions of recent works by the Salt Spring Woodworkers Guild, on at ArtSpring. A recital by pianist Paul Verville takes place at 8 p.m. on June 24th, also at ArtSpring. June 24th, Tom Hooper and the Angry Hippies play Barb's Buns. June 29th and 30th, with a repeat on July 6th & 7th, showcases Stewart Katz' one man show, at Barb's Buns (Confessions of a New Age Neurotic). Galleon's Lap is showcasing photography by David Evans, from June 22 to July 4th. Don't miss this! An Intimate Evening with Harry Manx plays the Fulford Hall, on June 24th, at 8 p.m. We now know the date of this year's eco-home tour -- mark your calendars for the August 6th date. Tickets are $25 each or two for $45. The Island Treasure Fair live auction will be held on July 15th, and it's an exciting live event -- tickets go fast!
June 21, 2006. It's here! The longest day of the year! It will be light, in this area, till around 10:30 at night, and the glow of twilight remains for a little while longer. Some of us celebrate with strawberries and champagne! A toast to summer's pleasures!
June 20, 2006. I'm always so glad to reconnect with people who have purchased properties from me, over the years. I do care about what happens to the people I'm lucky enough to meet with, at the point of a real estate transaction, even though I may not encounter them on a regular basis after their purchase, here. I sometimes think that my job is a bit like a "gate keeper" -- I see people, as they pass through the gate, and then they go off to their Island adventures, on their own time. I'm still back at the gate, welcoming new arrivals, and being helpful re sharing information and arranging viewings of this spectacular Island. I sometimes tease, and say that being a realtor is good training for being a Buddhist, as it is so firmly rooted in the "here and now". Lately, I've re-met so many great people, some of whom purchased property through my services back when I was newly arrived on Island, in late 1989 and early 1990. There have been a lot of changes, on the Island, since I arrived, but it's essentially the same -- a respectful and opinionated community, with a strong appreciation of the natural world, and a desire to "maintain" the beauties of this Island treasure. We all agree on that! If I haven't met up with you, lately, just know that I retain my interest in you and your lives, and please drop by and say hello! I really do like to keep in touch! Thanks!
June 19, 2006. Been to Windflower Moon lately? Wonderful and dramatic clothing choices, plus metaphysical books and tapes, beautiful crystals, hand-made jewellery, unique wind chimes, organic chocolate, flower essences therapy options, tarot readings, etc. Expand your mind and drop into Laura and Nic's wonderful shop -- on the main street, next door to the Salt Spring Soap Works and Admiral Foods. While you're in the neigbourhood, don't forget to take in the Salt Spring Soap Works and check out their latest lines in bath bombes and scrubs. Again, all natural products, made on Island. (Follow the bubbles!). A sushi fan? You're close to the Admiral Foods location, and they are the home of organic options, fresh fish, and terrific sushi selections (including vegetarian). Some other nearby shops, to entice you, are: the Kitchen Shop, Harlan's chocolates (and gelato), and the marvelous Acoustic Planet. Lots of interesting things to see and do -- enjoy!
June 18, 2006. "Relaxation Is total peace." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
June 17, 2006. I've been a staunch supporter of the Luxury Real Estate group for several years, and am very pleased to continue my association with this "by invitation only" Seattle based group, which specializes in the marketing of luxury real estate offerings around the world. As the only individual real estate agent representing Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, I'm very pleased to showcase my special estate style listings with this group, both in specific print media (such as Unique Homes and the Wall Street Journal, among others) and via their targeted website. See me for more details on this extra marketing programme that I've been pleased to offer to my clients since 1995. Contact me at: Li Read 1-800-731-7131 Fax: 250-537-4287 Email: islands@liread.com
June 16, 2006. On Island this evening? Don't miss the Pegasus Gallery's "Art Appreciation Day" event, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., celebrating the release of significant new art works by Carol Evans and Christopher Walker, among others. Wine and hors d'oeuvres to tempt you, and the exceptional viewing of Carol Evans' major work: "Raising the Cumshewa Pole" (33" x 58"). Frank Johnston's "Promise of Spring" (24" x 30") is another new arrival at this eclectic and important Gallery. Also showing: new original works by Robert Genn, Ken Kirby, Joe Fafard, Nixie Barton, Grant Leier, Christopher Walker, Steven Armstrong and others. This lovely waterfront Gallery showcases a wide selection of historical Canadian Art by artists such as the Group of Seven, Robert Pilot, Walter Phillips, Henry Hunt, Mungo Martin, and many more. Don't miss this! See you there!
June 15, 2006. "We need to find God, and he can't be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature -- trees, flowers, grass -- grows in silence, see the stars, the moon and the sun, see how they move in silence. We need silence to be able to touch souls." (humanitarian, Mother Teresa).
June 14, 2006. Jerry Ringrose, the superb glass artist who makes his home on Salt Spring, suffered a fire at his studio, in the Function Junction location at corner of Upper Ganges Road. Everything was destroyed, including works in progress, his contact database, his pictorial record of past works, designs for new ones, etc. A fund has been opened, at Island Savings Credit Union, in Ganges, if anyone would like to make a donation to help get Jerry back on his feet. Call the Credit Union direct, re this. Once a musician with the Jefferson Airplane, Jerry has been creating unique and wonderful glass creations for the past several years, and has done specialty commissions around North America. Very talented!
June 13, 2006. Great news! Jan Rabson, who created "The Great Radio Caper" in January, is replaying his homage to the radio shows of the 40s as part of ArtSpring's Summer Festival. It should be on in mid-August -- check the paper for dates/times, and don't miss it! Lots of fun!
June 12, 2006. As part of my "Real Talk", I wrote a story about Salt Spring -- I called it "Salt Spring Blues...", and the chapters appeared between January and May, 2006. Hope you enjoy it, if you haven't dropped into the story before now. Thanks for checking it out!
June 11, 2006. SeaCapers is "on" this year -- parade, boat building contest, sand castle contest, lots of special events. It signals summer! Enjoy! (Look for the classic car part of the parade -- some gems on this Island!). Tree House Cafe's music lineup for the week includes guitar/original songs, acoustic roots, west coast style "world" folk music, vocals/keyboard, & cool evocative mood. Open Stage is always on a Tuesday. See you there! June 9th to 28th finds Judy Mitchell Gallery showcasing the works of jd evans and Judy Weeden. Don't miss the latest works from these two talented Islanders. Judy Mitchell Gallery is found in Grace Point Square. ArtCraft is showcasing eight artist exhibits at the ArtCraft Stage Gallery, right now -- the theme is: "8 artists -- 8 visions". Check it out, along with all the other artist's works on display, at ArtCraft, in Mahon Hall, Ganges Village. ArtSpring offers Sizzling Summer Nights, with 15 amazing events, throughout July. Ache Brasil Back of the Moon (from Scotland) The Great Danes Happy Birthday Amadeus Bienvenue Les Batinses Kickin' Pickin' and Bowin' Alpha Yaya Diallo The Joy of Jazz Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Cafe (sold out) The Cottars Return! Italiano Cabaret An Evening With Jane Urquhart Boundless: Rajaton La Bomba De Puerto Rico Come Play With Us Fire Your Passion and Feed Your Soul. This is your music. (I'm happy to be one of the sponsors of this amazing array of great music! See you there!)
June 10, 2006. Did you know that you can do a tour of the Islands, with Salt Spring Air? This is the best way to really get a sense of the variety and the beauty of Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. Contact Salt Spring Air and take to the skies, on any lovely sunny day. Regular scheduled flights to both downtown Vancouver (landing at the Bayshore Inn), and to the Vancouver Airport, are also offered by Salt Spring Air.
June 9, 2006. It seems that there's a lot of anxiety and uncertainty in the world, right now, and it's very easy to be drawn into a pattern of "woe". It's important, too, however, to remember that there are many wonderful events and exceptional people who create the rhythm of our lives. Yes, negative and horrific events do occur. At such times it's even more important to remember our compassionate and caring selves, and also to focus on that which is positive, so that we can retain what is vital to our humanity -- the sense of perspective. Your thoughts?
June 8, 2006. Mark your calendar -- the Artist's Bistro is holding a wine tasting dinner, pairing the Garry Oak Vineyards wines with a specially chosen dinner menu. Save June 16th, for this event, and make sure that you have a reservation -- it sells out quickly! See you there!
June 7, 2006. "When admiring a painting, Don't examine the paint. When meeting an artist, Don't look at the brush." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations").
June 6, 2006. More music suggestions -- Saturday, June 17th, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at ArtSpring, there's a jazz fest showcase (Soul Shakedown). Presented by the Salt Spring Jazz & Blues Society, the Gumboot Dancers and other "special guests" will add their flair to the musicians line-up. Wave if you see me!
June 5, 2006. More downtown music and entertainment can be found at Moby's Marine Pub, where, every second week, Moby's House Band (featuring Bachman, Hooper, and Johnson) plays for your pleasure - - Friday, June 9th, is their night! The music is shared, some evenings, between Moby's and Shipstones, the Boardwalk Pub below the Oystercatcher, in "downtown Ganges". Check it out! More thoughts on sound? Barb's Buns, a licenced bakery and bistro, offers Planet Music on June 10th. Family friendly music, 9 p.m. to midnight, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday. See you there! Enjoy!
June 4, 2006. Music, music, music! Summer in Ganges offers an eclectic mix of Island sounds. The Tree House Cafe, in Ganges, offers nightly live music -- folk and country blues play tonight, and jazz/soul/r & b plays on Monday evening. Every Tuesday is "Open Stage", and the fun is in being surprised! Check the chalk board, outside the Tree House, and discover who will be playing for your pleasure, rain or shine, that evening. Something else on today is Bob Murphy and the Pat Coleman Quartet, presented by the Salt Spring Jazz & Blues Society, at the Lions Hall, on Bonnet Avenue, at 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy!
June 3, 2006. "I'm very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. "Don't complain about growing old -- many, many people do not have that privilege." (jurist, Earl Warren).
June 2, 2006. Life is a cul de sac affair, not a linear line. Think of a text-book diagram of a lung -- all those little branches, like a tree, each nodule as important as the next. Experience is like that. It's good to have an eye on a target, a goal, but it's also important to wander the byways that present themselves, in case the real goal isn't the one that was first thought of. The imaginative response to experience can often lead to destinations never thought of, until one's initial & limited knowledge expands. The next time you note one of those cul de sac pathways opening on your left or your right, take the journey.
June 1, 2006. "It reduces itself to this. You have to be in the right place at the right time, but when it comes, you better have something on the ball." (comedian, Groucho Marx).