Current Entries June 30, 2010. Catch the Canada Day celebrations tomorrow, July 1st! From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Salt Spring Elementary School playing field, just off Rainbow Road, enjoy the Car Show! Live music, too. At noon, O Canada will be sung with cannons, and a Sky Diver will perform. The Canada Day Cake will be available, too! At 10:25 p.m., the formal singing of O Canada (by Howard Kliamen) will take place, followed by fireworks, plus Beach Ball Toss Kids, as well as highlights from the Olympics (played on the big screen) at Rotary Park. Enjoy the day...and be thankful that we live in such a beautiful place, and with all of the many things that make life as a Canadian citizen so special. We are lucky! Mark your calendars! Lots happening in July, at ArtSpring: on Sunday, July 4th, at 4:30 and at 8:30, t's John Lefebvre and The Stonehouse Ravens. Two free concerts; a blend of rock, blues and country, with many original compositions by John Lefebvre. Enjoy! Tuesday, at ArtSpring, it's George Sipos and Paul Tyler, at 7 p.m. Two for the Road: a literary reading. Don't miss this! July 9th, at 8 p.m., it's White Dogs of Texas with Vaughn Fulford. On July 16, direct from Cuba, Wil Campa y su Gran Union, one of the most dynamic 13 piece Latin orchestras from Havana, Cuba. Show starts at 8 p.m. Definitely be there for the ArtSpring annual Treasure Fair Live Auction, on the 17th. Don't forget that the amazing Photo Lumiere exhibition continues in the Gallery until July 10th. Many people are taking the Friday off, too, if possible. Makes a very nice long weekend -- Canada Day holiday on Thursday, the 1st, all the galleries in town with special shows, plus ArtCraft, plus ArtSpring gallery, plus studio tours in full force, plus Saturday Market in the Park, plus July 4th holiday for all our U.S. friends (if you have a boat, take in the fireworks at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island!), plus special live music venues all around town, and always at Treehouse, plus dining al fresco in all the great restaurants...yes, yes, it's really summer at last! Get out there and enjoy! P.S. Make sure to drop into our super bookstores (Volume 2, Salt Spring Books, and Watermark Books), and stock up on the writers who call Salt Spring home -- poetry, mysteries, memoirs, novels, you name it, it's there, and all to be savoured. Time for a hammock, an iced tea, and some summer downtime? Go for it! June 29, 2010. "Give back what you've learned. Share your experience." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") June 28, 2010. Hmm...real estate industry changes continue to rapidly evolve. Yes, in Canada, there are significant changes to the mls system, and further shifts may be on the way. The bottom line in the Competition Bureau's response to CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association) is that the consumer must have choice. However, the change is larger than that specific Canadian mls outcome: globally the shift in all business models from a company and/or agent orientation to a consumer centric model means that the way any business is done experiences massive change. The internet age has delivered one of those epoch altering events that ends up changing all aspects of all businesses, and thus our culture. The way we live, in response to the internet delivered changes, has shifted. Technology is in hyperdrive to produce new methodologies to answer the demands of the now consumer driven economy. Technology inevitably changes us as a people...if we looked back at the huge changes that the invention of the printing press, in the 14th Century, delivered to society, we will get a glimmer. The "old" world, the pre-internet model, continues to pass away, at an escalating rate, and we are almost out of the transition period between the 20th and the "real" 21st century. In real estate, before 1999, print media was still viable. Post-tech revolution and consumer weighted information searches, has almost 98 percent of property searches now beginning on the internet. This weights things in favour of a listing agent -- the listing is what is capturing the consumer's attention. This has always been understood by realtors; listings have always been the way to get a buyer, and to end up with a transaction. Search engines have only solidified this aspect of the business. The consumer searching now, though, can find all about an area without ever calling a realtor, can scroll through endless data without ever contacting a realtor, and they are doing this search via the internet, and not via print media. Stats show that less than 2 percent of inquiries come off print media, and around 7 percent off signage on a property.. The internet searcher doesn't care about company or real estate agent. The searcher just wants the facts about a property. That's it. The hunt for listings then will intensify. If you, a seller or a prospective seller, find yourself being solicited by a realtor, who is badmouthing another realtor (which is against the code of ethics), then just know that this realtor will be after your listing. If you hear a realtor being criticized by another realtor, without that realtor present, then ask for the remarks to be repeated in the hearing of the maligned realtor. You will quickly discover the meaning of the words: jealousy, envy, spite. You will also understand that some realtors may try unethical ways to get a listing. Listings, on the internet, are the way to get a buyer. It's that simple. All the other promo available may be beautiful, enticing, have merit at some point in the process, but like print media, it's not what delivers the buyer at the first moment. Hmmm...lots of changes, then, and the most profound of all is that the consumer is now in charge, and that definitely is the most profound change of all. And your thoughts are? Always welcome.... June 27, 2010. Here we are, at the mid-point in the year, just past the Solstice weekend, true Summer is underway and the natural world continues to work to that expansive fruition moment of our harvest season. These next few weeks of largesse, of expansive light, of wandering hours of time deferred/time slowed, the real ethic of summer, continues to unfurl around us. It is the gift of slow time...the time to mull, to ponder, to enjoy the peace of hanging out with family and friends, of dabbling toes in rivers and lakes, of dropping off ropes into deep tidal pools, of lulling our saline selves doing a backfloat in the smooth sea of summer...yes, it's time deferred.... Isn't that the best message of summer? To take "five"...to recharge...to enjoy and to revive...that is the real gift of the season: a recalling to ourselves, to "be" ourselves. Take time...it's all we have, after all. June 26, 2010. Looking for more information about the Islanders for Self-Government? Mark your calendars, and be at Centennial Park, July 4th, between noon and 3 p.m. The event's purpose is to express the need for a balance between the Islands Trust's "preserve and protect" mandate and ensuring the community's economic viability. People are already planning for the Fall Fair -- entering one of the competitions? Entry forms are due by Saturday, September 11th. More live music: at Harbour House Hotel, catch KC Kelly tonight, tomorrow it's Peter Taschuk and Ian Van Wyck, and Tuesday it's the very talented Gene Grooms. (6:30 to 9 p.m.). Tomorrow, at Ango Retreat, join the Salt Spring Zen Circle, from 8 to noon (arrive by 7:45). Discover how meditation helps in our everyday lives. Thinking about building a healthy, natural home? Be at today's one day intensive seminar: Homing in on Your Nesting Instinct, led by Eco Nest co-authors Paula Baker-Laporte and Robert Laporte at Salt Spring Centre School. Ecological and health impacts of 9 different building methods will be discussed. (9 to 5, at Salt Spring Centre School: 250-537-0076). Studio tours, Gallery walks, music, theatre, beachcombing, sailing, kayaking, al fresco dining...it's wonderful summer! Enjoy! June 25, 2010. The perfect recreational opportunity on special Salt Spring Island awaits your pleasure! Cedar cottage, wood floors, panoramic ocean, islands, mountain vistas, sunsets forever! Year round dock, warm ocean swimming, in the heart of the best boating and diving protected waters in the world! On community water, and in an area of fine homes. A "best buy" oceanfront opportunity on special Salt Spring Island, the "year round lifestyle" southern Gulf Island. Enjoy! June 24, 2010. Hastings House is offering some interesting opportunities this summer season: Chefs Across The Water offers food and wine pairings with chefs from notable Vancouver and Victoria venues (first one is June 29th). There's also a Sunday Concerts on the Lawn offering, two in July, one in August, and one in September (gourmet picnic and a chance to hear talented local musicians). The Hastings House Sculpture Garden is open every Tuesday, with private tours, by appointment, beginning July 6th. An adventure awaits you...enjoy! The Rivers of Life fundraising event, at Beaver Point Hall, to benefit the Friends of Bute Inlet, takes place June 26th. For more info check out their website (www.buteinlet.net). Be inspired by Wildlife Bronzes at Starfish Gallery, in Grace Point Square -- this showcase of Paul Harder's work runs to June 30th. Don't miss Photo Lumiere, one of Salt Spring's most eagerly anticipated annual arts events. Five photographers, Five visions. The show runs from June 25 to July 10. Birgit Freybe Bateman, Janet Dwyer, Steven Friedman, Eric Onasick, and Gillean Proctor display their enormous creativity for your pleasure. Don't miss this show! ArtCraft continues, daily, 10 to 5, at Mahon Hall. Stage showcase of individual artists every two weeks! Yes, Canada Day offers that terrific Classic Car show, live music, fireworks, sky diving demo...it's our party! Music and Munch showcases Black Velvet Band, with Irish and Salt Spring tunes, on June 30, concert starting at 12:10 p.m. Harry Warner, Denise McCann Bachman, Briony Penn, and Jo Lundstrom offer their rousing performance for you! Treehouse continues their nightly music: tonight, catch the Barley Brothers, tomorrow Billie Woods, Saturday it's Lane 31, and Sunday enjoy Peter Prince. Monday is Happy Feet Howe, Tuesday it's Open Mic with David Jaquest, and Wednesday is the oh so talented Planet Music! Enjoy! Moby's live music, too: tonight it's blues with Soul Shakedown, Friday it's Planet Music, Saturday catch the Mancubs, and Sunday enjoy great Jazz offerings with Swing Shift and Quintessential. Mark your calendars for ArtSpring's annual fundraiser, the Treasure Fair: July 15 to 17. Silent and Live Auctions, Cash and Carry Room. Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art is hosting a talk by one of the most important living Northwest Coast artists, Chief Tony Hunt, from 11 to 1, on Saturday, June 26th. Very special! We are so lucky, on this amazing Island -- enjoy the offerings! It's Summer! June 23, 2010. Portofino West? Here it is, with all the allure of the "cool Mediterranean" microclimate on special Salt Spring Island! Located in Grace Point Square, renowned as an art gallery haven, (6 galleries, plus other involving businesses), this dynamic restaurant awaits your input. Bocados Bistro offers a beautiful ambiance, and both interior and exterior (patio) seating. The business would suit a chef/waiter combo or a husband and wife partnership. Call for further information, appointments to view. Are you looking for entrepreneurial immigration opportunities? This may be a viable option for you. Or, you're seeking a lifestyle change and look forward to a business opportunity? This is an ideal choice -- be a part of the vibrant Salt Spring scene! Location, location, location -- Bocados Bistro has it all! June 22, 2010. "Do you know Where you are On your journey?" (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") June 21, 2010. Looking to be self-sufficient? A country home is in your plans? Here is a beauty, on special Salt Spring Island, in the heart of the wondrous Fulford Valley, walking distance to Burgoyne Bay (beach, government dock), and mere minutes to shopping and to ferry, at Fulford Village. This "green design" Timber Peg home offers spacious entry/foyer, open plan living/dining, country kitchen, vaulted ceiling, feature fireplace, custom windows, wood and slate flooring, loft-office, guest bed/full bath, master with ensuite bath...basement offers large laundry, potential media room, cold storage. Expansive decking invites one to enjoy summer living pleasures. Pasture, forest (walk your own trails), fenced veggie and flower garden, studio, barn/workshop...this private 10+ acres awaits your pleasure! The very best of the rural lifestyle! June 20, 2010. Mona Fertig, of Mothertongue Press, has a book launch, today, at Lions Hall, at 8 p.m. Her 14 years of research has produced a long-awaited biography of George Fertig...his exceptional paintings and his life in the underacknowledged B.C. art scene, in mid-century Vancouver. A major solo exhibition of George Fertig's luminous paintings is currently underway at the Burnaby Art Gallery, until July 11th. This book is a part of the Unheralded Artists series, and can be ordered through Mother Tongue Press, or find at local art galleries, too. (A special thing to do on Father's Day!). This is the final day of the exceptional Masterpiece Weekend art exhibition at ArtSpring...don't miss this. Superlative work, by 24 very different artists. Then, wander through the Ganges Village galleries, all of whom will be open for your viewing pleasure, this special weekend, too. Live music venues, for your pleasure also, at: Moby's, Treehouse, Harbour House Hotel, Fulford Pub....the usual eclectic mix! A classic car buff? Then this a.m/early afternoon, Qualicum Beach hosts their annual show and shine, and it truly is one of the best! A 20 minute ferry trip from Vesuvius to Crofton, and approximately one hour and fifteen minutes later, you're in Qualicum Beach (take the "new highway", all the way). Also a day to pack a picnic, and to try some beachcombing (Vesuvius Beach, beach at end of Arbutus Road at Southey Point, trail to beach on Trincomali Channel, also reached off Southey Point Road, Beddis Beach, Drummond Children's Beach at Fulford Harbour, Ruckle Park, Mt. Maxwell Park, the Burgoyne Valley Park, anywhere along North Beach and Walker's Hook Road....enjoy! Dine out on Father's Day, too, at: Harbour House Hotel, Moby's, Calvin's Bistro, Auntie Pesto's (yes, they are now doing Sunday dinner, through to end of August), Salt Spring Inn, Seaside Kitchen, Fulford Pub, Rock Salt Cafe...special menu items to spoil the "Dad" in your life! Longest day of the year is with us....get out there and enjoy! Don't forget to tune into my live radio show, tomorrow, Monday, 7 to 9 a.m. (Pacific Time), at 107.9 fm or www.cfsi-fm.com (click on "listen now", just underneath the photo on the website). Same thing on Wednesday, now, too. Thank you! June 19, 2010. Here we are, at the longest day of the year. The Solstice weekend signals the calendar beginning of the Summer Season. Even though we seem to be having one of those rainy/cloudy/cool spring-into-summer weather patterns so far, the calendar days unfold into one of the "four seasons". Summer is a mental state, as well as an actual season, it seems to me. We carry with us all those summer days from our pasts, the days when we were small, when we learned to swim, when we lazed in hammocks and read books, when the adult world shimmered before us, but could still be put on hold. Later, we passed along the lazy charms of summer to our children...days at the cabin, making pies and jam from all those blackberries, floating on our backs in lakes, and ponds, waterskiing in ocean bays... There is an ethic of summer.... Whatever it is that spells summer to you, I wish you lots of it! For me, I plan to walk a lot of beaches.... June 18, 2010. Had a sneak preview of the Masterpiece Weekend display at ArtSpring -- 24 exceptional artists! Don't miss this! There is a reception this evening, with artists in attendance, from 6 to 8 p.m. You will be amazed! (Show runs today, tomorrow, and Sunday). Live music, every night remember, at Treehouse. Tonight, it's the Salt Shakers. Tomorrow, the ever marvellous Soul Shakedown. Sunday: Jon Bone. Monday: Emily West. Every Tuesday, catch Open Stage with David Jaquest. Wednesday: Chamigos. Enjoy! Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m., Derek Lundy will read from his latest work (Borderlands) -- at ArtSpring. Kudos to the students of the Wolf Kids wilderness education program. They collected over $1000 for the Tsawout First Nation's longhouse (which burned down last year), with a kayak and canoe trip to Vancouver Island. More info? Contact Frank Burnaby, parent and founder, at fburnaby@gmail.com (support this!). Into classic cars and show and shines? Catch this weekend at Qualicum Beach. You won't be disappointed on Sunday, Father's Day. On July 1st, Canada Day, it's the classic car meet on Salt Spring -- such gems, in all those Island garages! Enjoy the "art" of the motor. Al fresco dining pleasures, in Ganges? Calvin's Bistro's oceanview deck; Bocados Bistro's oceanview patio; Harbour House Hotel's oceanview patio; Moby's Marine Pub's oceanside deck; Piccolo's patio; Salt Spring Inn's deck; Auntie Pesto's oceanside deck; Oystercatcher's oceanside deck; Treehouse's patio; Barb's Bun's deck; TJ Beans' patio; Cafe Talia's patio; Rendezvous Cafe's patio; Marketplace Cafe's patio; the Local's patio...wow! Are we ever lucky! This is the beginning of summer (the calendar says so!) -- get out there and enjoy the "season"! If you haven't discovered the Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art, on McPhillips Avenue, you have a treat before you. 12 stellar artists in this co-op gallery...don't miss it! More music? Catch Mike Demers Trio at Shipstones (7 p.m.), tonight. Sweetwater and Co. are at Harbour House lounge (6:30 to 9). Tomorrow night it's Sunyata at Fulford Pub, Randy and Karen at Harbour House. Sunday, the Barley Brothers are at Fulford Pub. Catch my live radio show, too, every Monday and Wednesday, 7 to 9 a.m. (PT), at 107.9 fm or via streaming audio (www.cfsi-fm.com) -- music, musings, interviews. (Podcasts of many interviews at: www.liread.com/radio.htm). We are so lucky here -- artists of world class stature, musicians of stellar sound, award winning wines from local vineyards, cheese makers that are globally acknowledged, food growers who are maintaining and creating local produce with flair...it is an eclectic and opinionated island, to be sure, but it's also a strong community, afloat in the Salish Sea. Again, lucky us! June 17, 2010. Wow...solstice weekend, and lots going on, on beautiful Salt Spring Island! ArtCraft opens on June 18th, and showcases artistic production from the Gulf Islands right up until September 19th. Something new this year: a gift shop/artist gallery concept. Check it out! Open daily, 10 to 5. Yes, ArtCraft opening, in Mahon Hall, means the beginning of summer! The ArtCraft Showcase Gallery is featuring Kathy & Deon Venter, June 18 to 30, with an opening reception on the 18th, from 6 to 8 p.m. Second Annual Masterpiece Weekend is a much awaited event, and showcases an artist's best work. 24 artists have been invited to take part this year...held at ArtSpring's gallery, the show runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, the 18th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday the 19th, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, the 20th. Masterpiece Weekend is organized by the Salt Spring Fine Art Group: Galleon's Lap Atelier-Gallery, Jill Louise Campbell Fine Art Gallery, Gallery 8, Martinus Studio-Gallery, Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art, Steffich Fine Art, Stone Fish Gallery with sculptor Allan Crane, and sponsors Hastings House Country House Hotel and ArtSpring. Friday will see the artists in attendance, from 6 to 8 p.m. This is an amazing event, with stellar works for your appreciation and enjoyment -- be there! Starfish Gallery in Grace Point Square is showcasing Wildlife Bronzes by Paul Harder from June 17th, today, through to the 30th. A celebration of the arts takes place on Galiano Island this solstice weekend, too! The Kunamokst mural is to be unveiled at its permanent home, plus the 19-20 sees an art show and sale in the gardens and the inn, from noon to 5 p.m. An artist's reception on Sunday the 20th runs from 1 to 3 p.m., with classical music performed by Toby Beaulieu. The mural will be unveiled at 3 p.m. If you're on Galiano, catch this entire event! Wow...Russell DeCarle, along with sidemen Steve Briggs and Denis Keldie, will be playing at Fulford Hall on the 19th. DeCarle is a founding member of the acclaimed Prairie Oyster. The Salt Spring Folk Club presents this great evening...concert tickets available at Stuff & Nonsense, in Fulford, and at Salt Spring Books and Acoustic Planet, in Ganges. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Enjoy! Salt Spring Vineyard is also hosting a Summer Solstice Salt Spring Celebration, on the 20th, noon to 6 p.m. A full line up of live music is promised, including: Silk, Harry and Friends, David Jaquest, Oliver B on fiddle, Norris and Friends. Tasty delights from local restaurants to be served during the celebration. The terrific Music and Munch series continues, at All Saints by the Sea, on June 26th, with Braveheart, a Montreal based trio offering live jazz. Tickets at the door: don't miss this! Steffich Fine Art, in Grace Point Square, presents an exhibition and sale of new paintings by Carol Haigh, opening today, the 17th. Carol also is featured at the Masterpiece Weekend event, at ArtSpring. On June 23, Music and Munch presents Billie Woods and Mike Wall and their rhythmic and spontaneous sounds...an homage to Brazilian popular music. Free music begins at 12:10 p.m. at All Saints by the Sea. Enjoy! Saturday, the 19th, it's Uncle Wiggly's Hot Shoes Blues Band, at Moby's. Don't miss this...music starts at 8 p.m. On the 20th, it's jazz at Moby's (starting at 7 p.m.). Gallery 8 Spring Show continues, The Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art, on McPhillips, just above the Library, offers terrific artists in their eclectic cooperative gallery, plus more localized venues such as Cafe Talia's art display, Salt Spring Roasting Company's gallery wall, Calvin's Bistro's art exhibit (thanks to Gallery 8), and Bocados Bistro's showcase (also thanks to Gallery 8)....catch it all over this lovely weekend. So much to see and to do, this solstice weekend, the longest day of the year, the official calendar start of summer...take it all in! It's our Island, and it's terrific! P.S. Catch my podcasts of interviews with some of the featured artists at the Masterpiece Weekend show: Jerry Davidson, Ronald T. Crawford, Allan Crane, who were kind enough to drop by my early morning radio show on the community station, cfsi, at 107.9fm, and to share their thoughts on the importance of this weekend's events -- (www.liread.com/radio.htm). June 16, 2010. Looking for an investment on special Salt Spring Island? Consider the St. Mary Lake 5+ acre resort...The Cottage Resort enjoys an amazing and beautiful English Country ambiance, with privacy (off Suffolk Road, a quiet byway), and with great sun exposures (s/sw/w -- sunsets, here!). St. Mary Lake is stocked with fish (trout and smallmouth bass), and is a challenging freshwater fishing delight. No gas power motors are allowed on the lake, so it's canoeing, kayaking, sailing, or electric motors for fishermen. The Cottage Resort has 9 lovely cottages, all with woodburning fireplaces, and only about 1/3 of the property is developed. It is zoned for 22 cottages in total. It's possible to continue the family run business, and it would be easy to expand to a year round opportunity (current owners only focus on the summer business). It's also possible to do a "strata resort" -- build out the total envelope of cottages, sell them to individual owners. When the owner is not using "their" cottage, it remains in a managed rental pool, and so the resort aspect is retained. The Islands Trust cap on growth, on all Gulf Islands, means that it is not possible to repeat this commercial zoning. One could live here residentially, and retain the very valuable zoning, or, continue the resort useage. Lots of choice, here, and the investment is terrific. More info? Call me! liread33@gmail.com How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me! June 15, 2010. "Put forth your effort With no thought of gain." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations) June 14, 2010. This House Has "CHI" This artfully restored authentic Salt Spring Island heritage house has many unique and charming features. Built on-site in 1912 of full dimension old growth Douglas fir, it has settled and stood with grace...and a little whimsy, for nearly a century. And it has that je ne sais quoi; it has "CHI". Situated within walking distance to town, on (just shy of two acres) it is both private and accessible. The ground level entry through patio gardens and a lovely ‘loggia’ creates a feeling of ‘human scale’ despite the substantial size of this 3 level 4 bedroom, 2 bath main home with additional one-bedroom suite and studio/workshop on the lower level. Many original features lend this house true warmth and substance: original edge-grain Douglas Fir flooring throughout the main level; original beautifully painted tongue and groove fir panelling through the dining room and main halls into the kitchen and breakfast room imbue these spaces with depth, warmth and texture. This house has been an artist’s textural palette. Lost details drawn out, structural elements enhanced and special relationships emphasized, and sophisticated colour laid upon the subtle wear of generations. June 13, 2010. There are so many incredible ocean, sky, mountain, island panoramic vistas in my part of the world. I keep overusing words like "superb" to describe same, too! This shot is taken from North Trail Island, just off Sechelt, on the Sunshine Coast, looking across Georgia Strait towards Nanaimo area on Vancouver Island. It's approximately a 33 mile wide Strait, between the Mainland and Vancouver Island (a huge Island!). Georgia Strait was called the Salish Sea, historically, and there's a move on right now to revert to this poetic name, once again. When taking a photo, which is never as incredible as being there/eyeballing the view, I can never decide what is the better vista -- an open view or a cosy cove/limited view? A limited view might give a feeling that it's on a small lake? The key is to catch a buyer's attention, of course.... Dilemmas...nice ones to have, though. I am very lucky to live where I do! liread33@gmail.com June 12, 2010. So many changes to all businesses, today, in this post-internet world we now inhabit. Nothing is untouched. Real estate as an industry is also experiencing huge shift. Two years from now, I'm sure that the industry model will be dramatically different in both marketing and in style. The consumer is in charge today, not individual agents and not companies. Technology evolves every couple of months, if not weeks. Knowledge about schools, neighbourhoods, weather, services, amenities, pricings and sales statistics, taxes, listings, clubs, transportation...you name it, it's out there, it's searchable, and it's free. It's also constantly updated/upgraded. NAR (National Association of Realtors) reports that most purchases begin as an internet search, and also start a good 8 months before a purchase takes place. In all that searching, a realtor may not even be contacted until approximately 4 weeks before a purchase. At that point, the prospective buyer may get in touch with a realtor -- very likely the realtor with the listing that caught the buyer's eye. All conventional modes of advertising no longer work. New models are not fully proven. The style of a 20th Century marketing piece will not "fit" the new (and still evolving) 21st Century model. Initially, between 1999 and 2007, we were able to do a transition mode of "everything", but now print truly is "dead". None of it brings the buyer today. Websites have become like an encyclopaedia, since 2006. Important "basement info" -- the place you store stuff and go ferreting through, to find out serious detail -- is on a website, but it's no longer the "go to" place for first contacts. No one has time. The internet erased time and geography, and when time is erased it's suddenly always time, one is never "off". That means we're in time famine, and no one has time for indepth anything, in the first go around. So, websites are out of date, print is dead, and everyone is on overload/drowning in the sea of raw data we're all swimming in. So, here's the dilemma -- one listing, in one tiny area, up against every other equivalent listing globally (think of that Google Earth map search model!), and there's the other side of the consumer-centric business model: choice. The buyer can choose...anything/anywhere. Profound! Hmmm...how to bring that one listing to the attention span of a particular buyer who is looking for exactly that...niche marketing is not an idle thought. It is the point of our technology/information revolution. Twitter? Facebook? YouTube? Hmmm.... Am mulling what all this means, besides "not biz as usual". And your thoughts are? Always welcome! June 11, 2010. Looking for breakfast places, that start at 7 a.m.? Try: Harbour House Hotel, or Moby's, or Auntie Pesto's, or Treehouse! You can wait till 8 a.m.? Add: Salt Spring Inn, or Cafe Talia, or Barb's Buns, or TJ Beans, or Salt Spring Roasting Company. Lots of choices! (Upper Village? The Country Grocer coffee shop is open at 6 a.m.!). Catch Gary Gray's terrific show at ArtSpring's Bateman Gallery -- runs till June 16th, ten till four. Held over, at ArtSpring's Lobby, enjoy R.M. Dupuy's Landscapes and Portraits Oils (show held over till June 30th). Salt Spring Fine Art Initiative presents the 2nd Annual Masterpiece Weekend, 24 works by 24 artists. Friday, June 18th (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.), Saturday, June 19th (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and Sunday, June 20th (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.). This is an exceptional presentation -- held at ArtSpring's Robert Bateman Gallery. Along with this stellar showcase, there are auxiliary venues to check out, too: Hastings House and Sculpture Trail, Galleon's Lap Gallery (photography venue), ArtCraft (at Mahon Hall), Stone Fish Gallery (sculpture), Jill Louise Fine Art Gallery, Pegasus Gallery of Canadian Art, Steffich Fine Art, Gallery 8 Contemporary Art, Starfish Gallery and Studio, Martinus Jewelry Studio and Gallery, ArtSpring Island Arts Centre, Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art). I love the logo of the Masterpiece Weekend: "Salt Spring: Where Life is Art". Nice! Mark your calendars for the Salt Spring Jazz Festival -- August 13 to 15. Theme this year is: "Celebrating the Good Life on Salt Spring". Seven shows held at: Salt Spring Island Cheese, Mistaken Identity Vineyards, and Salt Spring Vineyards. It's the 5th annual festival, hosted by Salt Spring Jazz and Blues Society. Paul Mowbray is the festival's artistic director. He also promises non-stop jazz and blues in the evening at seven supporting pubs and eateries. Be there! Tonight, catch Tom Hooper, tomorrow it's Julia Beattie and friends, and Sunday enjoy Stephanie Rhodes. Live music at Treehouse, every night, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Enjoy -- it's a great Salt Spring tradition! Enjoy Nicola Wheston's evocative landscapes at Salt Spring Woodworks gallery until the 13th. Tonight, at Moby's, it's live music with Heyboy Heygirl, and Saturday catch Lane 31. Sunday always finds great jazz, and this week it's Preston and Bonkowski. June 19th, one night only, hear one of Victoria's stellar choirs (Starlight Pops Choir) at ArtSpring, at 2 p.m. Call ArtSpring ticket centre for more info (250-537-2102). Catch the incredible Silent Warriors photography exhibition, by renowned Eric Klemm, at Pegasus Gallery -- June 12 to 27. Exceptional! More live music offerings: tonight, at Harbour House Hotel, it's Alan Micelli, tomorrow catch Big Al and Tubob, and Tuesday enjoy Gene Grooms. 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Mishras, from Benares, bring classical North India ragas and folk music to Salt Spring, at All Saints by the Sea's Music and Munch series: June 14th, at 7:30 p.m. What an eclectic, involving, and involved Island we are -- so much to see and to enjoy! Go for it! June 10, 2010. Wow! English Country oceanfront estate property is for sale. Two oceanfront parcels, adjacent, being sold as one unit. One property enjoys an Engllish style country home, with formal living, formal dining, entry/foyer, country kitchen with breakfast area, appealing den (stone feature fireplace -- one of three woodburning fireplaces in this beautiful home), powder room, laundry area, main level master-sitting room, with ensuite bath, plus mudroom entry, too. Upper level (storey and a half design) offers two master bedrooms, both ensuite bathrooms, plus a den/study room. There is the option to add further bedrooms to this upper level, if desired. Attached garage, plus separate workshop space for the home handyman's pleasure. Heirloom orchard, fenced veggie and flower gardens, easy access to great walk-on sandy beach! The adjacent oceanfront property has an oceanside 2 bed/1 bath cedar cottage, plus there's a foreshore licence with this title -- build your dock and keep your boat at home! Again, heirloom orchard, fenced garden area, easy access to beach -- could launch a boat here, too (both titles have a wide pathway that is "driveable" to the beach). Two storage outbuildings on this second title, too. One can retain the cottage, build a new home, or enlarge the cottage...the choice is yours! The properties are being sold as one entity. One could retain one, sell other if desired, or keep the beauty that is currently in place and enjoy both, as current owner does. On community water, very sunny and private, quiet area, yet close to all amenities and services in Ganges Villages. Can walk to town on the beach, when the tide is out, or skiff over when tide is in. So much to enjoy here...a wonderful yesteryear ambiance, and yet ready to go lifestyle. Would make a great B & B opportunity, or suit a family retreat, or be perfect for a professional couple, wishing to work from home. Call me, for appointments to view. This is totally unique! liread33@gmail.com June 9, 2010. For some reason, it's usually quiet in secondary home/discretionary marketplaces, in the first half of June. A few years back, Salt Spring Islanders created an event called Sea Capers, and it was to try to attract tourism, in that "off" time in the first three weeks of June. Didn't work, of course, and after a few years Sea Capers just disappeared. Was fun, though, for the locals....some years, was a parade, others a boat building contest (out of any material, half hour to buld, set sail off the fisherman's wharf, first to get to Coast Guard dock was the winner -- did anyone get that far?). Perhaps the quietness is due to weddings, graduations, holidays starting in first two weeks of July, etc. Or, maybe a recognition that June is an "iffy" month for weather. Some years, we have Spring in February, and June can be more like March. (This is certainly the case, this year!). They don't call B.C., Washington State, and Oregon the "wet coast" for nothing! A lush beauty is everywhere this year...Nature has simply exploded outwards in greenery, blossom, fruition...we are so lucky to live in this stellar coastal area, and to be on a Gulf Island is just that much sweeter. How may I help you to discover your Salt Spring Island or Southern Gulf Islands or Southern Vancouver Island gem? Look forward to your call! liread33@gmail.com June 8, 2010. "Meaning in life is arbitrary. Why ruin the universe with rigidity?" (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations") June 7, 2010. Here is a yesteryear treasure, beautifully restored, and with all of today's amenities! Very private, sunny, Harbour views, delectable garden, lawn for croquet games, heirloom orchard, sunsplashed patio with fountain, like a little bit of "south of France", right at your doorstep...this beauty is close to Ganges Village (can walk there, plus to Sailing Club, if desired), and offers lots of options! Could have a very busy B & B here, if that's your pleasure. Or, an exceptional family opportunity. A professional couple, working from home, would also find this a very gracious living space. Large country kitchen, separate laundry, pantry off, formal dining room, lovely and inviting formal living room, verandah style porch off living, self-contained "wing" on main level could be guest/inlaw option, or B & B potential. Upper level (storey and a half design) offers two bedrooms, full bath, plus master suite with ensuite bath. Basement, too! Tack room/storage structure could be a studio space, for an artist...set in the enticing garden. This is a very best buy opportunity for this kind of property, on special Salt Spring Island. Call me, for appointments to view (liread33@gmail.com ). June 6, 2010. This is the anniversary of D-Day, during World War II. There are still people alive who either experienced directly, or knew someone involved in, what is now known as the Second World War. So many wars since: Korean War, Viet Nam, Gulf Wars one and two, Afganistan...and what about all those firestorm outbreaks in Africa, the Middle East, and South America? War, chaos, turbulence...it appears to be a part of the human condition. I like to think of the post-internet societal shift as a bell-weather of hope. Recently, the BBC world news did a "special" called Superpower. It was about the digital, post-internet world. The internet, in my opinion, erased time, geography, age, race, gender...it's about intellect to intellect. The premise of this special program was that the power in the 21st Century would rest with those of the consumer oriented and cohesive digital universe. It is above country boundaries and fixed thought from the 20th Century. It implied a more enlightened and less parochial viewpoint. That may just be the euphoria of the new...the jury is still out in this "brave new world" of the digital generation. In the meantime, as things roll and tumble through the diminishing days of the transition from 20th Century thought to the "real" 21st Century reality, it is a matter of respect for those who stepped to the plate, accepted the moment in time that they were born into, and who chose the ethical response, to simply say "thank you". That's why we're here, right? And having this kind of free interchange of thought? So...thank you, again. June 5, 2010. Don't miss the Photo Lumiere show at ArtSpring's Gallery! Showcasing Birgit Bateman, Janet Dwyer, Steven Friedmann, Eric Onasick, and Gillean Proctor, this is an event for all photography enthusiasts! Opening reception on June 24th, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Five artists, Five visions.... Mark your calendars! More photography? John Denniston and Steven Dixon are presenting at the Point Gallery in Fulford, until June 20th. Also mark your calendars for the dramatic PhotoSynthesis photography exhibition, starting on August 18th, and featuring the work of 24 photographers (show runs three weeks). Such talent on this island, and in all the "arts". Don't forget the Solstice Celebration of Creativity for Women. Presented by Lorraine Gane, who has taught writing workshops for the past 20 years, this two day event starts on Saturday, June 19th, at Beaver Point Hall. Singer/songwriter Oona McQuat begins the day with simple chanting, toning and breath-work. Painting sessions will be led by artist, educator and author, Lisa Lipsett. Gane will lead the writing aspects. No artistic experience is needed for the event (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., potluck lunch). Call Lorraine Gane at 250-537-5294 for more details/registration/costs. Enjoy! Tonight and tomorrow afternoon, at ArtSpring, it's the choral presentation by Viva Voce! See you there! On June 19th, it's Starlight Pops Choir: All We Need is Music, at 2 p.m., at ArtSpring. Garry Gray's painting exhibition is showcased until June 16th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, at ArtSpring Gallery. Garry Gray has come to Salt Spring from the Sunshine Coast...his evocative work emphasizes man's need to regain an integrated presence in the natural world. Julianna Slomka's exhibition is showcased at ArtSpring's Multi-Purpose Gallery, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily, until June 13th. Catch the opening reception, tonight, from 4 to 6 p.m. The 2nd Annual Masterpiece Weekend exhibition is June 18 to 20, Friday it's 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This "Best of Show" is recognized as the Island's premier art event, and takes place in the Bateman Gallery. Works on display must be new, so each artist is creating a single piece representing their best work. 24 prominent artists are featured, including: Jill Louise Campbell, John Macdonald, Ronald Crawford, and Carol Haigh. Don't miss this stellar event! Catch my live radio show, too, every Monday and Wednesday morning, 7 to 9 a.m., PT, either at 107.9 fm or via streaming audio off station's website ( www.cfsi-fm.com) -- interviews with Islanders! All Things Salt Spring is my "theme". Your suggestions/comments are always welcomed! (Can listen to podcasts of some of my interviews at: www.liread.com/radio.htm). Thank you! June 4, 2010. Here is a terrific dock, waiting for you and your boat! This beautiful oceanfront lot, in prestigious Scott Point area, enjoys privacy, excellent sun exposure (s/sw/w), and has a great building envelope for your dream home! In the meantime, there's a panabode 2 bed/1 bath home, living room, kitchen off, separate laundry, plus dining room/den (could be 3rd bed) for your summer/weekender pleasure (or, live in it while you build). Double panabode garage, too. The property is in "natural state", and there is an inspiring and dramatic ocean, islands, mountain panorama -- double decking at oceanside, too. A "best buy" oceanfront investment. Enjoy! June 3, 2010. Mark your calendars: the Salt Spring Folk Club presents Russell deCarle of the Prairie Oyster Band, with Steve Briggs and Denis Keldie, at Fulford Hall, on June 19th. Tickets at Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Books, and Stuff and Nonsense. Tree House Cafe, well on their way with their nighly live music program, showcases Black Velvet Band, tonight, with the Stack Sisters and Andy Hickman tomorrow, and the Man Cubs on Saturday. Simone and the Soul Intentions play on Sunday. Monday features Andy Ramesh Meyers and the Allowed Sound Songwriting Workshop. Open Stage continues on Tuesdays, with David Jaquest. This is a terrific part of the Salt Spring Scene -- enjoy! At Moby's, on Friday, catch Soul Intentions, and Saturday enjoy Paxton Bachman. Jazz, as always, on Sundays -- Quintessential plays on the 6th. The Point Gallery's new exhibition continues until June 20th. John Denniston and Steven Dixon examine alterations to the natural landscape in photography. On Tuesday, June 8th, 10 to 4, at the Guild Room at ArtSpring, enjoy Richard Tetrault's Relief Printmaking Workshop. A master printer, this one day course is a must! June 5th to 13th, Julianna Slomka and Terri Reid present at ArtSpring, 10 to 4. Opening reception on Saturday, 5th, 4 to 6 p.m. Don't miss the long awaited Viva Voce concert: A River of Sound, this is Salt Spring's newest choir celebrating the end of its first season. Two shows: June 5th at 8 p.m., and 2 p.m. on June 6th, at ArtSpring. June 9th, Music and Munch at All Saints by the Sea showcases Sounds Like Treble. Concert starts at 12:10 p.m. Salt Spring Landscapes and Portraits, oils by R.M. Dupuy, has been held over till June 30th, at ArtSpring Lobby. Tonight, it's Salt Spring Middle School's chance to shine. The School's year-end music concert starts at 7 p.m., at ArtSpring. The Chairity fund-raiser event, sponsored by Salt Spring Arts Council, was a well attended two evening event: fund-raiser for a school of the arts, on Salt Spring Island. An idea whose time has clearly come! Pottery and Pewter being showcased at Pegasus Gallery, till June 30th. Catch Gallery 8's second Spring show, and check out multi-faceted and very talented Michael Hames work, at Steffich Fine Art Gallery. Photography your thing? Starfish Gallery awaits your viewing pleasure! Jill Louise Campbell Gallery with her evocative and romantic paintings: check out Duart and Jill's great new website, which is showcasing all the artists on Salt Spring (artloversgetaway.com). The Masterpiece Weekend is here at the solstice weekend. Wander up McPhillips Avenue, too, and enjoy the ever changing offerings at the artists cooperative: Salt Spring Fine Art Gallery. Frankly Scarlett, Windflower Moon, Off the Waterfront Gallery, Amber Casa (formerly Stone Walrus)...also the ever changing paintings at Cafe Talia and at Calvin's Bistro. So much to see and to do --aren't we lucky! June 2, 2010. Real estate markets are cyclical, of course. There are "highs" and "lows", and it is very rare indeed that something sells for intrinsic value. Since 2006, in all secondary home/discretionary areas (that means globally, so not just a B.C. or Gulf Islands issue), sales action has been very sluggish. By 2009, sellers were understanding that the buyer, who did not "have to" buy in this recreational/discretionary area, was "on hold". Insecurity makes a buyer pause. Entry level / first time buyers acted in primary residence/city markets, in 2009, but this did not carry over into the discretionary areas. Even though some sellers reduced prices very substantially, in our Gulf Islands region, it didn't result in any increase in viewings or in sales. Our buyer profile isn't local (hasn't been since 2000), and when a buyer folds his arms and says: "I don't know; I'll think about it", they really mean that. This kind of reluctance to act isn't about local pricing, but is about confidence in the overall economic conditions, globally. Now that everyone is on board, though, in recognizing that things aren't the same since Fall 2008, and also recognizing that the previous buoyancy in sales/pricings may not be seen again for several years, the buyer is definitely in control of the "where" and, more importantly, the "when" of any purchase in our recreational area. What isn't clear yet is which of the competing scenarios will be the "future": will it be deflation? If so, wise to try to sell, even at very reduced price points, and to hold cash. Bargains will be coming! If it turns out to be inflation, though, then it's far better to own property, and one should be buying more, now, with continuing low interest rates, motivated sellers, substantially reduced prices. Hmmm...no roadmap...two evenly balanced possible outcomes...where did you say you'd put your crystal ball? If you lean to the inflationary outcome, then you might want to consider buying an undeveloped lot or acreage. This is one property category that has been extremely inactive, and if you're buying from a developer, who has to sell many parcels, not just one investment, you may end up striking "the deal". More information? Call me! How may I help you to buy your special Salt Spring Island or Southern Gulf Island property? liread33@gmail.com June 1, 2010. "One side of a ridge is cold and foggy, The other is hot and dry. Just by choosing where you stand, You alter your destiny." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")

Entries from Past Months