March 31, 2007. Today is the opening of steffichfineart, formerly the Thunderbird Gallery, in Grace Point Square. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- drop by and enjoy their new look. There will be a silent auction from noon to 2 p.m., of select paintings and sculpture. Tonight is the Mike Allen Quartet, playing at ArtSpring, beginning at 8 p.m. If jazz is your thing, be sure to be there! (The evening starts with a 7 p.m. wine tasting with Garry Oaks Winery). Simon Rook presents a concert of Beethoven, Liszt, and Alkan, on April 4th, at the Music and Munch series, starting at 12:10 at All Saints by the Sea. The free concert is followed by an optional lunch, for $5.50. See you there! An evening of dance, featuring Gary Lucich, is at ArtSpring, on April 5th, starting at 7: 30 p.m. On Sunday, April 8th, the Canadian Pacfic Ballet will play at a "Spring Debut & Tea" event, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at ArtSpring, on Sunday, April 8th. Don't miss this! The Salt Spring Island Art Tour, with 20 art galleries and studios participating, will be held on April 6, 7, 8, & 9, and will include a special "Easter Show", by Diana Dean, at Mahon Hall. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily, and there are maps for a self guided tour available at Mahon Hall ($5 donation to Mahon Hall Program Fund). See you there! SOLID presents Randy Bachman on April 6th, at ArtSpring, beginning at 7:30 p.m. On April 5th, a Lion's Hall, starting at 7 p.m., there will be a Salt Spring Strings event (coffee/tea and decadent desserts), as a fundraiser to send the Salt Spring Strings Troupe to Whistler. Be a part of this great evening! Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Salt Spring Books, or call Cathie Cunningham at 537-8902. Enjoy! It's Spring!
March 30, 2007. Don't forget that this evening is Judy Mitchell Gallery's major Spring opening. See you there! The Thunderbird Gallery is undergoing a transformation, and will now be known as steffichfineart. Same ownership, and an expanded gallery of artists. Currently, Michael Hames' portraits are on show. Pegasus Gallery and Jill Louise Campbell Gallery are also open on Friday evenings, for your browsing/viewing pleasure! Been to Galleons Lap, yet, for fine art photography showings? Don't overlook this gem! Also remember to check out the ArtSpring gallery, for local artists on display. We're lucky, on Salt Spring, that so many talented people have chosen to call this wonderful Island "home", and that they share their artistic vision with us.
March 29, 2007.
Here's a lovely 'rural / pastoral' property, very private and sunny, close to all amenities, yet in its own peaceful world. Easy walk to great beach access, and can keep a boat, here, too, on a mooring buoy. "As new" home offers all the conveniences of today (built in 2004) with the charm of a "character" design. Wood floors, unique accents, and mainly level and arable property. Just move into this beauty, and enjoy!
March 28, 2007. The latest Aqua Magazine is out -- have you picked up your copy, yet? Excellent articles, showcasing special Islanders. Printed four times a year, this Driftwood magazine format is worth subscribing to. Still watching some golden oldies, on DVD or VHS??? Some more titles to look for: *Cabaret *Milk Money *Best in Show *Billy Eliot *Braveheart *Dances With Wolves Hastings House is open for the season, with wonderful a la carte menu choices, to tempt your palate. With daylight saving having arrived so early, it's great to dine beside the seaside, on these lengthening evenings of early Spring. Enjoy something truly special!
March 27, 2007. Spring menu: "Feta Spaghetti: 1 pound dried spaghetti 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled handful of fresh parsley, chopped Serves four. * cook the pasta until al dente. * meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small skillet. Add the minced garlic and saute until it begins to brown. * then, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. * once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly and transfer it to a serving bowl. * add the feta cheese and parsley to the olive oil and garlic in the skillet and then toss with the hot spaghetti. * serve immediately. Shredded carrot & apple salad: *1 apple, peeled and cored *4 carrots, peeled *1/2 lemon, juiced *1 tablespoon dried currents *1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced *1/2 teaspoon lightly toasted cumin seeds *salt to taste *optional: 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts Serves four. *grate the apple and then the carrots into a bowl. Add the lemon juice and toss to cover. *add the currents, pepper and cumin, and toss together with the salt. Mix in the pine nuts, if desired, and serve. Fresh minted lemonade: * 5 - 6 fresh mint leaves, minced * 1/4 pound sugar * 4 lemons, juiced * 4 cups water Serves four. * in a bowl, or in a mortar with a pestle, crush the mint and sugar; this releases the flavor of the mint leaves. * place the mixture into a pitcher with the lemon juice, then stir in the water. * serve cold." (Three Bowl Cookbook: David Scott and Tom Pappas).
March 26, 2007. "Sun and moon divide the sky, Fragrance blooms on pear wood bones: Earth awakens with a sigh. Wanderer revels on the path alone." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
March 25, 2007.
Lovely Booth Canal oceanfront -- like living on the Thames River, in England! Beautiful easy-care landscaped garden, lawn flowing towards the sea, and a kayak/boat house for your summer pleasure. Bird sanctuary, and totally private and tranquil. Pond, fenced veggie garden/orchard, greenhouse. You can grow your own organic veggies, here! Pretty renovated and upgraded home, three or four bed/two bath, rec room, office -- perfect for the professional couple, wishing to work from home, or a special summer retreat property for the family. Terrific workshop (artist? Home occupation?). Sunny decking and patio spaces, to expand summer living pleasures. Ready to just move into, and enjoy. See Li for more details!
March 24, 2007. Wonderful Saint McColl, the owner and main pilot of Salt Spring Air, did an unexpected rescue at sea, recently. Coming back from Vancouver, on a slightly different flight path, a passenger noticed something below, and alerted the pilot. Saint McColl investigated, and found an overturned skiff, with father and son, waving for help. He radioed the Coast Guard, but meantime landed, in choppy seas, and with the help of his two passengers, he rescued the mildly hypothermic (& in shock) stranded passengers. Well done, Saint! The wonderful "miracle foal", Chinook, who survived his premature birth, is growing up and still a miracle for owners Rebecca Smith, and husband, Andrew Currie. A spirit horse colour, an unusual pinto colouring known as "Medicine Hat", Chinook is a testament to both the fortitude of his owners, and the support of special Salt Spring Islanders. Calvin's Restaurant is presenting A Taste of Asia for the next few days. Enjoy the best of India, China, Japan, and Thai delicacies. Don't forget Randy Bachman's concert on April 6th! The famous annual Gumboot Gala is being held this year on April 2nd, at Fulford Hall. Hosts JP Cormier, Valdy, & Bill Henderson. Tickets available at Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Books, and Stuff and Nonsense. Enjoy! The "true south end"! Jazz every Sunday evening, at Salt Spring Inn -- music with dinner! Rock Salt Cafe, in Fulford Village, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinners, now. Worth a drive from Ganges!
March 23, 2007.
Beautiful property (historic orchard welcomes you home!), and exceptional oceanfront (year round dock, to keep your boat at your door!) beckons you. Serene marine vistas, sunny (s/sw/w exposures), architect designed home (the very best of H. Schubart, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, and who lived on Salt Spring for some years). Wonderful woods, exceptional finishing details, and a home to enjoy "forever". Private, close to everything, yet in its own tranquil world. Enjoy!
March 22, 2007. Here's a welcome to Spring meal: "Grilled asparagus and leaf salad: 3 tablespoons sesame seeds 2 bunches of asparagus, about 24 spears 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 5 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing 2 cups mixed salad leaves, such as arugala, watercress, and spinach Serves 4 to 6 Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet, stirring frequently, until golden and popping. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Wash the asparagus and cut off any tough stalks. Brush with olive oil. Heat a stove-top grill pan until very hot, add the asparagus (in batches, if necessary) and cook, turning occasionally, until bright green, blistered, and slightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes (depending on thickness). Put the toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and gradually whisk in the oil until emulsified. To assemble, put the salad leaves on a platter, arrange the asparagus on top, drizzle with the sesame dressing, and serve." (new vegetarian, bold and beautiful recipes for every occasion: celia brooks brown, with photography by philip webb).
March 21, 2007. "O sweet spontaneous earth how often have the doting fingers of prurient philosophers pinched and poked thee , has the naughty thumb of science prodded thy beauty. how often have religions taken thee upon their scraggy knees squeezing and buffeting thee that thou mightest conceive gods (but true to the incomparable couch of death thy rhythmic lover thou answerest them only with spring)" (poet, e.e. cummings -- 100 selected poems)
March 20, 2007. It's Spring! If you're on Island, make sure you drive by some of the historic apple orchards, and enjoy the blossom array! If you're still somewhere that winter is in control, pick up some daffodil or tulip bouquets from your florist, and appreciate the delicacy and the colour! Can summer be far behind? Enjoy the moment!
March 19, 2007.
Kayak into this wonderful waterfront property! True "west coast contemporary" home, designed and built by H. Schubart (who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright), on magical oceanfront, with adjacent undeveloped w.f. property being sold with it, as one unit. Master suite, plus open plan entertainment sized living/dining, and family oriented country kitchen. Children's "wing" or, guest/inlaw situation, plus a caretaker's or nanny's suite. The plus? Sep. studio, perfect for an artist or home occupation use! The extra plus? "Natural" west coast landscaping, fenced orchard/rose garden, and cove with kayak boathouse. Waiting for your pleasure! See Li for the details (noted artist's home, so many unique features!).
March 18, 2007. Mark your calendars, for April 29th, at The Point Gallery (Gallery entrance is on South Ridge Road), for a book launch and reading of Peter Levitt's new book. The launch is from 3 to 5 p.m., with the reading at 3:30 p.m. Chapbooks will be available, signed, an edition of 125. Winter Still. 10 new poems by Peter Levitt. Don't miss this event! See you there! Another date to mark on the calendar -- this one in June! The Eco-Home Tour and Fair will be held this year on June 16th (sustainable transportation fair) and June 17th (eco-home tour, showcasing ten homes between 10 a.m. & 4 p.m. Tickets and information through the Conservancy Office at 338 Lower Ganges Road (phone: 250-538-0318). The Third Annual Women in Business Gala Event is held this year on April 26th, at ArtSpring! Limited tickets are available, so call the Driftwood to register (537-9933). Galleons Lap Fine Art Photography studio is showcasing works by Nancy Angermeyer from March 31st to April 14th. Global Arts Concerts presents Eric Bibb on Saturday, April 14th, at ArtSpring. Enjoy! Don't forget that Sunday Dinner Jazz is now a feature at the newly opened Salt Spring Inn! Reservations recommended. A progressive jazz quintet is playing on March 24th, at All Saints By the Sea, with tickets at the door or at Salt Spring Books. Hosted by the Salt Spring Jazz & Blues Society, you will enjoy ESQ, a renowned west coast quintet. See you there!
March 17, 2007. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Wear the green!
March 16, 2007. "Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring." (Oscar Wilde (1854-1900): "In Conversation")
March 15, 2007. "Birthdays, anniversaries, memorials, festivals Measure our progress on the path." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
March 14, 2007.
Looking for that great retreat? Here's a super cottage/home on serene Mudge Island! Just minutes from the boat launch/parking, on Gabriola Island. Also close to marinas in Nanaimo, so easy to arrive here, by your own boat. Private, sunny, great well, pretty two bed/two bath home, open plan living, country kitchen, dining with a view. Easy care landscaping, deer fenced. Terrific workshop space/studio (extra guest?) -- perfect for an artist or for a home occupation. Another studio also offers extra guest, for those summer visitors. Mudge has fast internet, all amenities, and yet is in its own private and quiet world. Be a part of the ocean vistas, and enjoy! Ready to just move into. See Li for appointments to view (24 hour notice essential).
March 13, 2007. Don't forget the Michael Hames exhibition and sale, at Thunderbird Gallery, from March 10th to 24th! Michael Hames is an exceptional painter, and it's terrific to see such talent on Salt Spring. Currently a resident of Salt Spring, Michael's work will involve and excite you. Truly unique and very talented! The Landmark Inn is open for business! We've all watched the renovation of this character building, at the corner of Hereford and Lower Ganges Roads. European-style accomodations are available, here, and the super dining room is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch. A welcome addition to the restaurant scene, on special Salt Spring! The Salt Spring Spinners & Weavers are holding an open house, on March 20th, at ArtSpring. Don't miss this! Demonstrations of their skills will be ongoing. The history of an 87 year old Salt Spring community group (South Salt Spring Island Women's Institute) will be shared at the next Salt Spring Historical Society meeting, on March 14th, at 2 p.m., at Central Hall. Worth dropping in! Have you dropped into Rona Robbins' wonderful Upstairs Bears gallery? A collector of Teddy Bears, since childhood, Rona has gathered an incredible and magical collection of bears of all sizes and types. Some of the bears are for sale, but people are always welcome to just drop by and view (no admission charge!). The Upstairs Bears is open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, from 11 to 4. Call Rona at 537-0964, for a private viewing. Give your heart a lift, and visit Rona in her wonderful boutique gallery, above Apple Photo, on McPhillips.
March 12, 2007.
Wonderful Arts & Crafts home, beautifully restored & renovated, with new lower (daylight) level (sep. oceanside suite, here), and new upper level (terrific master/study/ensuite, here). Architect designed renovation and additions, with custom builder. Lowbank oceanfront, on Booth Bay, with vistas down tranquil Booth Canal and also out Booth Bay (east and west, so enjoy sunrises and sunsets from this beauty!). Oceanside deck, too (enjoy summer alfresco dinners). Two or three bedrooms, plus three bath. Sep. formal dining, great kitchen (a cook will love this!), lots of storage, huge walk-in cedar closet, too. Easy-care landscaping. Private location, very serene, yet close to Villages and all amenities. Just move in & enjoy! See Li for appts. to view.
March 11, 2007. Looking for some advance Irish cheer, for St. Patrick's Day? Today, starting at 3 p.m., at ArtSpring, there's the talented Linden Singers, performing Irish, Scottish, and English choral selections. Definite Canadian connections, in a number of pieces, too. One of Victoria's premiere choral ensembles, don't miss the Linden Singers at their Salt Spring concert. A Toronto bluegrass band is playing at Fulford Community Hall on March 12th, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. The Foggy Hogtown Boys, a five-piece band, offer toe-tapping and foot- stomping fun. See you there! Randy Bachman will perform on April 6th, at a special benefit concert for SOLID -- Salt Spring Organization for Life Improvement, a global cause. Tickets are $75, and a charitable tax receipt is available for a portion of the ticket price. Tickets available at ArtSpring box office. Did you remember to "spring forward" today? Set your clocks (including on your computer!), as it's now daylight saving time, and today is the day it occurred!
March 10, 2007. "I'm just the same age I've always been." (writer, Carolyn Wells)
March 9, 2007.
Wonderful waterfront, on special Salt Spring Island! Almost four acres, historic orchard, lowbank oceanfront with walk-on beach at low tide, plus year round protected moorage (dock for your boat, in front of your home!). Pleasing country style home (featured in Harrowsmith), with separate guest/inlaw accomodation, or "high end" B & B opportunity, plus family quarters, and excellent ocean/islands/mountain vistas from all principal rooms! Hot tub with a view! Separate oceanside guest cottage, in its own forest enclave, with easy access to the beach. This is truly a gem -- sunny (s/sw/w exposures), and in its own pastoral serenity. See Li for appointments to view!
March 8, 2007. "I am an old man and have known many troubles, but most of them never happened." (writer, Mark Twain)
March 7, 2007. On March 17th, the Japanese Garden Society invites the community to a pot-luck supper, with a short film and talk by Toshimasa Ito, on "Principles of Japanese Garden Design". This nationally known landscape architect is visiting Salt Spring as a volunteer consultant to the society. The society is creating a garden to honour the Island's Japanese Canadian pioneers, at Peace Park, in Ganges. The pot-luck supper event will be held at the Seniors Centre Building (across from GVM), from 6 to 8 p.m. See you there!
March 6, 2007. "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." (motivational speaker, Les Brown)
March 5, 2007. Mark your calendars -- Judy Mitchell's Spring Show, at the J. Mitchell Gallery, will open on Friday, March 30th, with an opening reception, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A new artist to those already presented by Judy Mitchell, in her wonderful gallery, in Grace Point Square, is Carol Evans. She joined Judy's roster of local and truly talented local artists on March 1st. Some other recent additions to the gallery include works by Karen Reiss and Jan Sharkey Thomas. See you there!
March 4, 2007. The Salt Spring Zen Meditation Circle is planning a retreat experience, on March 16 to 18. For more information, call Rowan at 250-537-2831 or Chris at 250-537-2258. Peter Levitt, the leader of the meditation group, and a practitioner for close to 40 years, reminds us that Zen practice is not reserved for some special type of person, but is "suitable for all people, in all cultures, in all times". The sesshin weekend takes place at The Gatehouse, Stowell Lake Farm, and a $70 registration fee covers the practice and the meals.
March 3, 2007. Fritz, the cinema cat, was sadly run over by a car, at the Cinema, at the corner of Lower Ganges / North End / Upper Ganges / Vesuvius Bay Roads. For those who have visited Salt Spring, you may remember his well furbished cat house at the door of the cinema, and his prowling about the lot, nearby. Many people enjoyed him lolling on top of the public phone booth, outside the theatre. He will be missed!
March 2, 2007. Finally, at long last, Salt Spring will have its own radio station! For more details, contact Richard Moses, at 250-537-8863 (please let him know that you heard the good news from Li!). He and his business partner hope to be "on the air" within the year. Advertising is the vehicle to pay for the concept, so it's not a public radio broadcasting template. Call Richard for more info., and details on how you can help to bring this to "air time". So, Salt Spring has its own flag, its own currency, and now its own radio station? Does this mean we really are the centre of the known universe? An island unto itself? A tax free haven, and a splinter off the mainstream of Canada? Your ideas?
March 1, 2007. "All that we experience is subjective. There is no sensation without interpretation. We create the world and ourselves; Only when we stop do we see the truth." (Deng Ming Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")