May 31, 2007. "Don't go looking for good deeds to do, But if one comes your way, do not refuse. If you meet someone who is suffering, You must help them." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
May 30, 2007. Did you know? RE/MAX is a full service real estate company, with global offices, and a strong referral network between same. Each office is independently owned and operated, so there is local strength to this format. The "plus" to a seller or to a buyer, though, is this world-wide connection. The company is always in the forefront of technological change, and continues to be "the" place to go, for all the real estate information, both locally and globally. Check out the remax.ca site, sometime, for information on the links with the Children's Miracle Network, with organ donation programs, and with bursaries for students, to continue higher education goals. These community venues benefit each local area, although they, too, have a national & international impact. RE/MAX also offers the Google mapping connection, and is working to have all RE/MAX listings presented in this way. A powerful tool for both sellers and for buyers! Remax.ca also carries many articles on trends, market analysis reports, etc., and it's good reading! Check it out!
May 29, 2007.
Terrific building opportunity, or "hold for now", and let it appreciate! Approx. 4 acres, with almost 270 view vistas of ocean, islands, mountains, and with good all day sun exposure (quiet and private, too!). Enjoy s/sw/w viewscapes, and get the sunsets. This is a little jewel, and it awaits your ideas. Bring your architect, and walk this one soon! See Li for more details. One of the best oceanview building options on Salt Spring, today.
May 28, 2007. "And now I see with eye serene, the very pulse of the machine. A being breathing thoughtful breath, A traveler between life and death." (poet, William Wordsworth)
May 27, 2007.
Right across from the sea! This one bedroom cottage/home enjoys good privacy (not a good driveby!), is on comm. water, has a large rear garden, and a large deck to expand summer living pleasures! When the tide is out, walk for "miles". Keep a boat on a mooring buoy (seasonal moorage, here). Quiet area, yet close to all amenities, and it's just like having waterfront! Quick possession possible.
May 26, 2007. An exhibition of new works by Lea Mabberley opens today, at Judy Mitchell Gallery in Grace Point Square, and runs to June 13th (meet the artist, today, between 1 & 3 p.m.). The Salt Spring Library is honouring 120 published Salt Spring authors, on May 27th, at the Library's annual Writer's Day. The event's main focus will be a speech by Linda Kavelin Popov, of the Virtues Project. The event, free of charge, includes home baking & coffee, and runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Mary Hawkins Memorial Library. Don't forget the June 3rd Virtuoso Strings concert at ArtSpring, starting at 2 p.m. (tickets are $20, and available at ArtSpring office). Tonight, at Tree House in Ganges, the Barley Brothers are playing their New Grass Music. Catch them! Sunday night jazz continues at the Salt Spring Inn, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This Sunday is Ron Hadley & Kim Garland. Galleons Lap Fine Art Photography Gallery has new hours: Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Worth a drop in! Have you checked out Steffich Fine Art Gallery (formerly Thunderbird Gallery) in Grace Point Square? Enjoy!
May 25, 2007. "When in the arena, Yield not to an aggressor. When outside the arena, Affirm compassion." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
May 24, 2007. It's important to call the Islands Trust office, in Ganges, and to ask for a copy of the Salt Spring Island Official Community Plan Review (2006/2007), Official Community Plan Focus Groups reports. The following are the groups: 1. Potable Water, Summary of Recommendations. 2. Environment Task Force, Summary of Recommendations. 3. Energy Strategy Task Force, Summary of Recommendations. 4. Area Farming Plan Steering Committee, Summary of Recomendations. 5. Fulford Village and Harbour, and B.C. Ferries, Summary of Recommendations. 6. Economic Sustainability, Jobs & Tourism Task Force, Summary of Recommendations. 7. Ganges Village and Harbour, Summary of Recommendations. In these reports, the "precautionary principle" is referred to, several times. The precautionary principle implies "that decision makers should act with caution, taking a highly conservative approach that comfortably offsets uncertainty of the impact of proposed actions that may impact on...". It seems that this is a principle that would recommend ignoring proactive and creative suggestions, as they cannot exactly promise an outcome, and therefore they should be ignored. The very core of creative endeavour has been to facilitate progress of a humanitarian nature; we are all the recipients of past centuries of creative thought and acknowledgement of "the new". The precautionary principle seems to carry within the seeds of inertia and statis. The word entropy comes to mind. Is this the will of the people, or is this the mindset of two trustees, who have an agenda for our Island? Make sure that you are informed, and that you think about the options now facing the Island, with this latest Official Community Plan Review. Are your thoughts represented? Be informed, and speak up at the public meetings. See you there!
May 23, 2007. "Every river has its banks, Every ocean has its shores." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
May 22, 2007. Did you know that there was an interesting write-up in the May issue of Coastal Living? Written by Robbie Graham, from Anchorage in Alaska, it highlights some of Salt Spring's "best". Pick up a copy, if you can, or, go online and view there. Robbie has owned property on Salt Spring, and so speaks from "experience" about this gem of a place. The market in the park is in full swing, on Saturdays. If you haven't been for awhile, you'll enjoy some of the new vendors -- check it out! Brigitte, of "Brigitte's Treats", is back this year, and she is also now offering catering service, for parties. Her French patisserie is wonderful! The Round Salt Spring Sailing Race, which is always held on the Canadian Victoria Day Holiday Weekend, was a great success -- lots of wind, this year! Many boats take part in this annual weekend event, as a "shake down" race before next weekend's Swiftsure Classic, out of Victoria. Have you given yourself the treat of being a tourist in your home territory? Many new studios are on the tour, this year, and it's worth a drop in visit to them all (the new studio map is available at the Chamber office) -- we have hugely talented artists, here! If time is short, make sure you pick up the Ganges Village studio brochure, also available at the Chamber, and do the rounds of the "store front" options! Amazing works on display at these galleries. Enjoy!
May 21, 2007.
Wonderful home, awaiting your pleasure, on special Salt Spring Island! Wood floors, & beautiful window treatments. Open plan living/dining, terrific kitchen, separate mudroom/laundry, powder room, & master/ensuite on main level. Lower (daylight) level offers two ensuite guest bedrooms, plus an exercise room with easy access out to the inground pool. Wine cellar and sauna complete the lower level area. This oceanview acreage offers privacy and lots of options for further development of the land. A beautiful home! See Li for appointments to view.
May 20, 2007. Did you know? * Calvin's is now open again, for Sunday dinners! * Hastings House has now added breakfast to their offerings -- daily from 8 to 10 a.m. (Wonderful dinners, too, of course!). * Sunday night jazz is offered, along with dinner, at the Salt Spring Inn. * live music is on every night at the Tree House, in Ganges Village. * new owners in the TLC location, in Harbour Centre (formerly Gasoline Alley). Check it out! * the patio is now open at Harbour House Hotel, too. Must be summer! Mark your calendars, too, for the Salt Spring Jazz Festival fundraiser on June 1, at Fulford Hall, beginning at 8 p.m. -- it's SaxSafari, Big Band & Blues Boogie, for your listening and dancing pleasure! On June 3rd, at ArtSpring, the Galiano Ensemble of Victoria will be presenting Virtuoso Strings, as part of their 2006/2007 concert season. Handel, Bach, & Vivaldi will be presented. Starts at 2 p.m. Enjoy the season!
May 19, 2007. "Improper breathing is a common cause of ill health." (Andrew Weil, M.D.)
May 18, 2007.
Here's a terrific opportunity! The oceanfront home of Canada's famed wildlife painter, Robert Bateman. Beautiful "west coast style" home, designed by H. Schubart, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, and who moved to Salt Spring, from California, in the 1960s. Many unique features, reflecting the ethic of the architect, and the environmental concerns of the painter/owner. Two waterfront titles, adjacent, one developed, and one awaiting your design ideas. Offered as a unit, and the separate title can be sold separately, if desired. Call Li for appointments to view this gem. At Salt Spring's special "south end", and offering hiking/walking trails, easy access to amenities, and to all of Salt Spring's many lovely features, and yet in its own private and serene world. Just move in and enjoy!
May 17, 2007. Have you been up to the Trust office yet, to pick up your copy of the Official Community Plan (OCP) Review focus groups reports?? The time for input, to these focus groups reports, is very limited. It's essential that we all get a copy, and read through the suggestions very carefully. Some major changes are being suggested, here, and you may or may not agree with same. If you want your voice heard, then you need to know the script, so you can make a comment. If you don't live on the Island, get a friend to pick one up for you, or phone the Trust office and ask for one to be mailed to you. An in- depth Salt Spring Local Trust Committee session, open to the public, is slated for June. Make sure you've read the reports, and try to attend. It's your Island, too!
May 16, 2007. On the May long weekend, the Salt Spring Arts Council is hosting a Mayfair event. A sale of books, art, antiques and collectibles will take place at Mahon Hall, from 10 to 4, on both Sat. (May 19th) & Sunday (May 20th). Book and antique appraisals will be offered on the Sunday. Looking for a generator? Call Gulf Island Generators at 250-538- 9066. A new business in town! Rock Salt Cafe, in Fulford Village, offers "fish on Friday" special dinners. Reservations at 653-4833. The Tree House Cafe, in Ganges Seaside Village, begins the nineth annual Music Under the Stars. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as of the 14th, and the music goes from May 15th to the end of the summer, every night. A great Salt Spring "tradition". See you there! Seth Berkowitz is showing his photographs at Galleons Lap Fine Art Photography. Try to catch this! Salt Spring Island Cheese, on Reynolds Road, reminds you that their courtyard is a great place for a picnic! Open 10 to 5, daily. It's Spring, and everyone is open! The "season" has begun. Enjoy!
May 15, 2007 "Before each meal the Zen practitioner recites a sutra. There are different ones for different times of the day, season, or particular occasion, but the Gokan No Be, or Five Reflections Before Eating, is heard at most meals. This sutra is recited to remind those eating the meal of the path of the Buddha. We offer this meal of three virtues and six tastes to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha and to all life in the Dharma worlds. First, seventy-two labors brought us this food; we should know how it comes to us. Second, as we receive this offering, we should consider whether our virtue and practice deserve it. Third, as we desire the natural order of mind to be free from clinging, we must be free from greed. Fourth, to support life, we take this food. Fifth, to attain our Way, we take this food." (David Scott & Tom Pappas: "Three Bowl Cookbook -- the secrets of enlightened cooking from the Zen Mountain Center).
May 14, 2007 "Happiness does not notice the passing of time." (Chinese Proverb)
May 13, 2007. Happy Mother's Day!
May 12, 2007. "Whether you are facing a blank suburban square of grass or an old, overgrown city plot, there is no site that can't be changed for the better. Gardening is all about balance: creating shady patches and hot spots, combining exuberant jungles and tailored edges, making social areas and solitary spaces, planting tall trees and delicate ground covers. To create this mosaic requires some thought, and that's the first thing to understand before you even begin to build a new garden -- call it pregardening." (Marjorie Harris: "How to Make a Garden -- The 7 Essential Steps for the Canadian Gardener").
May 11, 2007.
Superb oceanfront offering! True estate property! Approx. 750 ft. of lowbank/walk on waterfront, plus a deep water dock -- year round moorage, here, in front of your home! Private, almost 4 pastoral acres, with historic orchard, forest perimeter, with your own walking trails, a lovely "country style home" (has been featured in Harrowsmith), with a beautiful & separately sited oceanside guest cottage. Workshop/studio, too! Sunny (s/sw/w exposures), and terrific panoramic ocean/islands/mountain vistas. Truly must be seen! Call Li for appointments to view.
May 10, 2007. "Without full awareness of breathing, there can be no development of meditative stability and understanding." (Thich Nhat Hanh)
May 9, 2007.
Here's a charmer, in the heart of Fulford Village! A true character cottage, whimisically renovated, with private and sunny rear garden, and oceanviews over Fulford Harbour. Walk to the village, and to the ferry! Home occupations are allowed -- any artists out there? On comm. water, a good rental for now, or, treat as that summer/weekender, and add onto this "sweetie" for later. See Li for appointments to view.
May 8, 2007. "Take the sun. Put it in your heart. Take the moon. Pull it to your belly. Draw down the Big Dipper. Merge with the Northern Star." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
May 7, 2007.
Looking for lowbank oceanfront, with privacy, sun, and quiet? Here it is, on McGill Road, at Salt Spring's tranquil "north end". With s/sw/w exposures, and year round sunsets, this totally renovated cottage style home offers terrific master/ensuite, plus guest bed and bath, and office, and open plan living/dining/super kitchen, plus powder room, on main level. Lower (daylight) level offers sep. "suite" -- guests? nanny? rental? You decide! Mature landscaping, lovely lawn leading to beach, mooring buoy in place, and can have a dock here, too, if desired! You will love this sunny and private gem! Wonderful & panoramic ocean/islands/mountain vistas. See Li for more details; appointments to view.
May 6, 2007. Mark your calendars! On May 12th, at the Lion's Hall on Bonnet Avenue, there's a reprise of "Midnight Bridge", for that one night only. Fiddlehead Catering is doing the desserts, there's some new material, some old favourites, and it's an evening to take part in! On May 10th & 12th, Paul Verville can be heard in concert, playing Beethoven's Last Piano Sonatas, at All Saints By The Sea, doors open at 7:30 & concert at 8 p.m. There's a Mother's Day afternoon performance, too, beginning at 3 p.m. (doors open at 2:30) on May 13th. See you there! Alma de Espana will be presenting Familia Flamenca on various Southern Gulf Islands -- they're on Galiano on May 10th, on Mayne on May 11th, on Pender on May 12th, and on Salt Spring on May 13th. Tickets at ArtSpring for the Salt Spring event. Galleons Lap Fine Art Photography gallery is showcasing George S. Zimbel, right now. If you haven't yet caught Eric Klemm's incredible photography show at ArtSpring's gallery, don't overlook this. Harry Manx plays the Fulford Hall on May 15th. Tickets at Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Books, & at Stuff & Nonsense. Tuned Air, with Bill Henderson, plays ArtSpring on May 11th and 12th, at 8 p.m. (tickets are $20). Billed as the "feel good concert of the year", it's not to be missed. Treating Mom on her day? Hastings House is having a special Mother's Day Brunch, a 3 course affair for $55 per person. Every mother receives a rose! Here's an exceptional treat!
May 5, 2007. "Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." (Frank Lloyd Wright)
May 4, 2007. "Who Risks It Where A Poet Lives Who risks it where a poet lives Forgets how things hold power there -- The wood holds coiled in every knot More birdcalls than all the forest's heart, A lamp can curve its girlish neck Near nightfall by a gleaming wall And spring a thousand host of bees And the bakery smell from flowering cherries -- For it's the power of this lonely place That at a slide of your open hand Dark silent things relive, take on The leap of a tree poised at dawn." (Rene Guy Cadou -- translated by William Stafford -- "Contemporary French Poetry").
May 3, 2007. "Baby Boomers living large in recreational property markets across Canada; Upper End set to soar in 2007", says RE/MAX. The full RE/MAX Spring report, on real estate in resort and recreational areas, is now out, and can be read online at www.remax-western.ca -- check it out! Yes, Salt Spring Island is mentioned, along with the Muskoka Lakes region of Ontario, and other resort based/recreational areas across Canada. Did you know, too, that there's a great article on Salt Spring Island, in particular, in the May issue of Coastal Living??? Pick up a copy, at the newstand. Any questions about Salt Spring Island & Southern Gulf Islands properties? Looking for your gem? "See Li for Successful Solutions!"
May 2, 2007. "Giving the garden a settled look of solidity and age is an important rule of good garden design. It takes away that newly planted rawness. Garden collectibles are an easy way of achieving an established look. They may be architectural remnants (decorative grates, stone finials) or any object that has some relevance to horticulture (old watering cans or pots, even bits of ancient farm machinery). But there is a danger of becoming obsessed by them. A collection should lend character to a new garden but never overwhelm it." (Marjorie Harris: "How to Make A Garden -- The 7 Essential Steps for the Canadian Gardener")
May 1, 2007. "Rain dripping from eaves Sounds nature's poetry. We speak and write to Explain to ourselves." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")