triumphgal

Just another day in the life

10-31-21 Happy Halloween!

October 31, 2021


I was super grateful to Rae-Anne who came and helped me get the tent trailer folded up for the winter. I left it up the last two and it was a lot of work to keep the snow off and the water out. We put all the furnishings in the shelter, bagged the mattress and put it in the metal shed and the folded and wrapped it. If it weren’t for the fact it takes two to deal with the mattress I could have done it myself it folds up so easily. Once we wrapped it up I put the big Googly eyes on it for Halloween and as a snow man for the winter. Got to have a little fun. When we were done we went and had a lovely brunch at Fire and Oak. We each ordered different types of Eggs Benedict and swapped half. It was a lovely visit and a delicious meal. The mountains were stunning on a beautiful clear Fall day.

After she dropped me back home I took opportunity to install three of four new outdoor lights. One on the front porch and two on the front of the trailer. It got fairly warm working in the sun. I noticed at 3:30 that younger kids were beginning to come around trick or treating. They were soooo adorable. I hung out at my neighbors on her deck running over to hand out candy as they came round. Emmy showed up and with glee sprayed me with silly string as she was Spider Gwen. Danika does such a good job making her costumes and Emmy plays the parts well. Just over 20 kids came before dark. It started to get cold fast as the sun went over the hill. My new lights looked good with their masks on. I lit a fire and sat as close as possible. Tracey came over to sit for the last hour or so but it was getting too cold and no one else seemed to be coming. At 9 we called it a night and when I went inside I saw on my indoor/outdoor thermometer that it was -6 Celsius, no wonder I was numb! I had a tootsie roll and it was hard to chew from being frozen outside. Over all there were around 30 kids, not as many as I expected and I have a lot of treats left which I will have to hide. It was so good to have Will and Sawyer stop by as the two older grandsons had their own plans with friends. I miss when we would all go out together walking the neighbourhood. Diane brought Zoë by and I gave their dog Layla a treat as well. I like the drive by drop ins a lot. It was a pretty great day and I got a lot done!

10-30-21 And that’s a wrap!

October 31, 2021


I am home finally after a very full and fabulous day. It began with an alarm to get me up and organized for our ABC Halloween Zoom. I had 8 masks ready to switch out on a regular basis as we talked. It was a lot of fun and so great to see everyone’s costumes. Several couldn’t make it but it was a good visit and laughs were had as always. There were also sad and touching moments as several shared the tough times they are going through. Several of us stayed on longer sharing and caring. It struck me at one point that I was grateful to be able to picture each of their homes in Santa Barbara, California, Biggin Hill, UK and West Linn, Oregon as I had spent time visiting each of them. I find comfort in being able to visualize where my friends are, to picture in my head the renovations and gardening they are doing, to have pet their dogs and cats and laughed with their kids. I truly am blessed by those moments.

When we were done I made my lunch and rested on the couch for a bit. Then it was time to get outside and get things done! When I had gone out this morning to grab my bin of masks out of the shed I had to bang on the locks to open it as they were frozen! I was worried that I had waited too long to get my Shelterlogic built as I needed to dig it to level and now the ground may be too solid. I had fortunately waited until it softened up. I spent the rest of the afternoon putting the walls and roof on the shed and raking leaves, organizing my metal locking shed and putting away lawn furniture. It would have been much easier with two people and at one point I got frustrated but persevered. It was very satisfying in the end.

I invited my neighbour to dinner and the hockey game. She couldn’t make it to the game but I made a nice meal to share and we had a good catch up visit. By the time we were done I made it to the game between the first and second period. There was no score yet at least. It seemed a fairly even game against the Nanaimo Clippers but it wasn’t very interesting until the third period when we started scoring. The game ended 4-1 with an empty netter in the last 21 seconds. It was fun to hear some of my Vancouver Island friends had been following the game on the radio.

Once I finally got out of the parking lot, I headed to the Firehall where the wrap party for The Shape of a Girl was being held. As i entered I was told it was last call in 5 minutes and would I like a drink. I said a red wine, not a Merlot would be lovely, 9 ounce. After a short but nice visit with everyone, I was given my tab to pay and found out my one glass of wine cost 20.70! It turns out I was drinking $360 Pinot Noir! I do wish I had known that in advance to avoid the sticker shock. I would also have paid more attention to it as I chatted…

10-29-21 Bullseye!

October 29, 2021


I was reminded today to stay on target by dear friends from far away. I awoke to their messages of encouragement and put on my Wonder Woman stance to take on the day. I managed to complete what I had to but not all I wish I could have. But you know, I got it done and didn’t let the ball drop. But enough about me… here are some pics of things that made me smile today.

10-28-21 I may have been the mean girl

October 28, 2021


I worked so crazy hard today to get three companies filed for GST quarters, speak to a recent widow about her partners personal taxes and reconcile a few other people in between. From the office I went straight to pick up a friend and go see The Shape of a Girl. This time Jelena Jensen was the actor in the one woman show. It really was interesting seeing the same show within a week of seeing Cheyenne do it. I picked up different things this time and was left feeling similar to last time. Shattered was accurate the first time, cracked was a better descriptor this time. Both triggered me. This time my friend and I sat in the car and talked. I shared my story of being bullied, the things the show dredged up. There are lines in the show that rip the memories right out of the past… FP, writing FP on our hands to signify Flea Proof. We would regularly signify who had fleas that day and be sure everyone knew we were safe…. Talk of the boy who jumped off the Patullo Bridge which is just up river of the one I wanted to jump off when I was 16… cultivating the ‘HaHa’ rather than become even more of a target by not pretending being the butt of the jokes was fine… being one of the group of girls and then skipping a grade and floundering… being chased through the park every day to the chant of ‘Knee socks, Knee socks’ because I was only 12 and my mom wouldn’t let me wear nylons like the older girls I was in class with… having a male teacher make comments loaded with sexual innuendo… opening my clarinet case in the concert band rehearsal in spite of the fact things had gotten quieter and people were staring, only to find a bag of Gains burger… yep, dog food, HaHa. And all of this, and so much more, happened to a gifted, sensitive child who’d lost her birth mom and sister, who struggled to find her missing piece and longed just to know she was loved. I was loved, am loved, have always been loved but until I was 10, life felt pretty great and from 11 on not so much. I carry those scars, no matter how much therapy, positive self talk and work I do. The memories rise up less often but sometimes I have to check myself to see what age is responding in a situation. I acknowledge that 58 year old me sometimes gets all defensive of my teen self. I over react or don’t give two shakes at all… The beautiful thing as I sat in the car with my friend listening to the rain coming down, each of us wiping away tears, was when she said don’t worry, you’ve always got me… and I may have been a mean girl.

10-27-21 You

October 27, 2021


I watch an episode of a show every day on the treadmill before work. I just started season 3 of YOU. It is one disturbed show but I am somehow trapped in it. Part of me thinks I should just binge and move on as it is not very uplifting to start my day. I did get a lot done in my day and am managing to control my stress reaction. Two days left, two files to complete and file, 3 to enter and file as I received their info only today. I wish, without threats of not doing them, I could let people know how hard that is on me to leave it all to the last moment. One of the things I had to do was supply a picture to Ashlée to go with a blog for the theatre. I went into the bathroom where there was decent lighting and took a bunch of pics until I got one that was usable. I was laughing by the end of it.

The only picture I found more disturbing today was online while I was searching for fake cigarettes for the play…. WHO thought this was a good idea???

dinner was tasty but I have a colonoscopy next week and am supposed to avoid small grains, seeds, nuts, etc. This dish has all of them.. it was tasty though so I am bringing the second serving to Keri for lunch tomorrow.

I am feeling the pressure to get the yard winterized. I just hope it doesn’t deep freeze or snow before Sunday. So far so lucky…

10-26-21 sometimes it’s all about the Shepherd’s Pie

October 26, 2021


No, really… a day can be defined by the meal that fuels you, or restores you. I again, worked through meal breaks to get things done. I am running out of month and three, yes 3, clients have not supplied me with their paperwork yet. Rather than stress out, I once again sent them reminders and worked on what I had. This left me with plenty to do and good focus time. I did start late as I had a Physiotherapy appointment at 9. It was my first visit in a while as I had to wait until I had all my results and then couldn’t get an appointment for 3 weeks. Mark Johnson is a very big blessing in my life and he gave me all kinds of exercises to do and recommended that I do accept that referral to Ortho to deal with my knee, especially after finding out my Dr is leaving town. That time is approaching fast and I am saddened. I will make an appointment with her to follow up and get that referral. I also hope it is in person so I can bring her my parting gift. Straight from the office I headed to the Board meeting and we discussed all things theatre and Society related. It was an intense meeting and much was accomplished but there is lots of homework. From there, three, yes 3! Of us went for a bevie and i ordered the special which was a fabulous Shepherd’s Pie. It was so much comfort food that I was able to think again and have good discussions with the production manager about the upcoming show I am producing. So, good things came in 3s and now I am home to catch some sleep before tackling the last days of a crazy month.

Brought home enough for lunch tomorrow

10-25-21 First Read!

October 25, 2021


It was so windy in the night that I can see my neighbour now !

Today was so crazy on the job and then I went straight to the first read through for the play I am Producing. It is called The Aliens! By Annie Baker and it goes onstage in February. The director is Duncan Chalmers and this is a first stab at a full on show for him. I see how well he gets a handle on things. The three actors are Woody Maguire, Matt Van Boeyen, and William Nicholson. I admitted to them tonight that I did not like the play and was looking forward to them bringing life into the characters in a way that would make me feel a connection, would make me care. The first read went very well and I am glad I took on the project. All 4 of these young men are special in their own way and I am good to be the den Mom. It could be seen as one more stress in my life but I prefer to see it as a way to express my art and passion as well.

10-24-21 Satisfying Sunday

October 24, 2021


Lazy morning and then off to the office. Got started on finishing a file and then Duncan came to discuss play stuff before our first meeting with the cast tomorrow night. I have to be cautious to Produce, and let him direct. The problem is that he is not used to thinking about site lines, etc. The solution is that I am big picture so I am thinking about those things. We agree to meet in some way once a week to touch base, brain storm and cover all the bases. I got back to work when he left and then received a text that there was a problem with the stage mic. It was matinee day and 230. I booted over there to find it was half way through the show and not much I could do. Odd Pepijn didn’t let me know in time but I am happy he was comfortable to work the show anyway. I stayed working on files until nearly 7 and then came home to make one of my favourite soups ever. It wasn’t my recipe but was delicious. I left out the jalapeño and used half the paprika. Still bumpy but it was so good I wanted to eat both servings! Lunch is something to look forward to.

Missy is really starting to annoy me. We are back to the in and out, meowing insanity of the change of seasons. I am going to have to lock down the tent trailer soon as well. I saw her sneaking out of there and I don’t want it covered in hair, nor do I want other cats in there.

Not much to say today, but that’s a good thing, right?!

10-23-21 I can’t imagine you at 82

October 23, 2021


Today would have been my Dad’s 82nd birthday. The problem is he was only 64 when he crashed his float plane and died. I wonder some times what life would be like if he were still around. Other times I am grateful that I didn’t have to watch you age and ache. I get it now, the T3s and Scotch each evening, waking up early when they wear off. The slowing pace getting in and out of vehicles, the fear of getting hurt as the healing takes longer. Now that I am only 6 years younger than you ever were, I understand how truly young you were when you got your permanent wings. I wish you could have known your grandchildren. I know you would love them and would have been incredibly charmed by the boys, losing your heart to Emmy. Gene is doing your name proud. He is tall and strong and a hard worker.

I miss you and know you would be proud of us all.

Today I turned my thoughts inward as I worked to finish off my bathroom renovation. I am happy with the result even if it isn’t perfect. Papering over paneling can only look so good. I do love it though.

10-22-21 The Shape of a Girl

October 23, 2021


I worked on my volunteer duties all day today to get them out of the way as the board meeting approaches at the same rapid speed as year end and I needed to get it off my list. I then ripped over to my gal at the salon for the waxing upkeep before heading home to make some dinner

Tonight is the night. Opening night for The Shape of a Girl by Joan Macleod at Cranbrook Community Theatre directed by Amy Penney. This evenings performance was presented by Cheyenne Kneller, a 15 year old actor from our local high school. She shares the role with Jelena Jenson on alternating nights. I look forward to seeing Jelena next week. I purposely did not read the script as I did know it would trigger me. It is inspired by the events of the swarming and murder of 14 year old Reena Virk in 1997 under the Craigflower bridge in Victoria. I remember clearly when this occurred and found myself only two years later at the age of 39 in the place where she died. It was overwhelming as I was in rehab working through my own PTSD from bullying and being a suicidal 16 year old. I will say that I was not sure I should see this show, that it may trigger me. I wasn’t wrong. One of the producers sat down beside me just as the show was about to start and when the Director came out to give the land entitlement recognition she also gave a beautiful tribute to Peter and I for the work that we have done on the renovation to make this show possible. I turned to Elizabeth and said ‘damn, I didn’t bring Kleenex’. she promptly handed me one and i wiped away the first of my tears for the evening. Young Cheyenne did a wonderful job, given her youth and inexperience. I could see the great work Amy had done with her. I was not entirely lost in the show but found myself noting markers that were true and touching to me. It wasn’t until after the curtain call that I found myself ‘leaking’. I had to stay in my seat and go through all the feels. I made a point to connect with Amy to go for a drink after and talk. I am glad I did for many reasons, not the least of which that she should not have just gone home on opening night without some celebration of what she made happen. We had good talks, Director to Director and then Producer to Producer as we are to the next two shows. The show left me feeling deeply my connection with bullying, from both sides. The references to the lower mainland, to jumping off bridges, which I had wanted to do when I was 16, to being treated as less than, the butt of jokes, to lashing out at others in response, left me raw. The discussion of where we go with the next shows and the acknowledgment that things are different in community theatre compared to professional and how to adjust, filled my tank back up. I am grateful we made the time. There were things that could have been better but over all the show was a success. The writing is prose, the timing is critical and I look forward to seeing how Jelena interprets it. It is not light entertainment but it is a mirror that many should look into.

I was gifted with a journal and a beautiful card signed by the cast and crew that made me laugh and cry in the same breath. I feel blessed by the experience and am grateful I spent myself to help make it happen.

Should you be interested in seeing it please go to cranbrookcommunity theatre.com for streaming and on demand options. It is a powerful experience running through to next weekend.

10-21-21 Women Power (and a community loss)

October 21, 2021


Today was as satisfying as yesterday, mostly filled with working on the same file. I was interrupted only by heartstring moments.

First, as I was eating lunch at my desk and scrolling Facebook, I learned that our local cobbler, a lovely man named Fred had passed away. He was also a client of mine and I am very sad to have learned that. I reached out to see if anyone could connect me to his family so I could pass on his paperwork. A man responded with a private message who turned out to be his best friend and we had good long messages this evening, making a plan. I also asked him how our one mutual friend on Facebook is my Mom’s cousin only to find they were roommates back in the day. Another lovely small world connection. I really appreciated that his first question was to ask if Fred owed me for any work and I of course said no. It was my pleasure knowing him and he fixed my motorcycle saddle bag, two pairs of Fluevogs, and numerous other shoes for nominal fees. He actually fixed the one pair of Fluevogs that Vancouver cobblers declined being able to. I only wish he had been able to follow through on his dream to train someone else to take over. He will be missed for his kindness, gift of gab and service in the community.

Second, I was in the middle of things when my phone buzzed an incoming FaceTime and it was Jackie!!! I have tried several times to reach out to her and not gotten an answer. I had pretty much gotten sad and withdrawn, begun to consider her lost to me… and there she was. I know she understood everything I said by her varied responses. I always felt like she was my big sister and that is the kind of communication that is special. I know the way to just rattle off things and read her responses. I was able to let her know of a few mutual friends who have died on Salt Spring and ask her if she is reading any good books to which she definitely said no but showed me 4 different adult coloring books which she opened to the beautiful work she is doing. They really are like the Doodle Art of the 70s now. She let me know to take a deep breath and get through October. I wish I could have spoken longer but I had so much to accomplish. So grateful to be reconnected!!

Third, at 5 pm I met my sweet friend Stacey at Grapes and Suds to bottle our two kinds of fruit wines that her sweet husband Lance paid for. We made Blackberry Blast and Pomegranate Wild-berry. A fun time was had and she was sassy as usual which always puts me in a very good mood. I am grateful that a client that some people found standoffish at the firm I used to work for, turned out to be a dear friend. I think this relationship will last a lifetime.

Fourth, I rushed from the bottling to grab my gear and head to Shield Maidens. There I got to spar with my friend Christie, who I am grateful for getting me into this and also with 10 or so other girls and women who blow me away with their acceptance and skills. Everyone is just so respectful and fun and into being our best selves. That sounds so cliché but it’s true. There are all ages (I am sure I am the oldest ranging down to 11)(She towers over me!), all skill levels and all manner of personalities. I am just grateful that they accept me at the level that I am at. Joel is a great Guro and is fabulous at building us up at the level we are at. I am slowly learning the moves while being careful to protect my hip and my brain. I see my Physiotherapist next week to confirm what is good or bad with my Iliac Crest issue. I already know to protect my brain so it may not be the best choice to take up a sport that involves boxing gloves but I can not stress enough how much it relates me!!

10-20-21 One thing at a time

October 20, 2021


The moon was glorious this morning. A full moon in Aries. No wonder I tossed so much last night.

Aside from a few bills to pay, email to respond to and Facebook groups to monitor, I was able to spend a glorious 8 billable hours on just one file. I was able to work through it with flow and concentration, laughing with my workspace mates and enjoying lunch and coffees.

That leaves me enjoying my evening after enjoying a good dinner and watching a few shows.

10-19-21 No Blame, only solutions! (I ate all the tootsie rolls)

October 19, 2021


At 6:50 am I received my first email of requests for the day. At 11:15 I finally had my first coffee of the day. In between I was told if I play the victim I will attract people who make me a victim. I refuse to accept that as I have been thrown under the bus without seeing it coming in the past and I will not allow that again. And so I stress and push aside all the things that make me a successful business woman to get the volunteer duties cleared off my path. I was taught by my father that I am only as good as my word. I quit on the theatre once before. Whether everyone sees it as justified or not I feel the need to stick to my current commitment no matter the cost. Once I had my mini meltdown I returned to my mantra of the week, “ No blame, only solutions” Following in the flow of random things going wrong I had to return to the theatre 4 times in all today. I found myself struggling and needing to reach out for help but ultimately I pulled all correct information and got it done. Matt came to my rescue in person, running back and forth between his guitar instruction and the booth. I couldn’t have done it without him. All in all I was so happy to be able to be there right up to current call for the dress rehearsals and know it was going to be ok.

Once I left the theatre I had a half hour at home before heading to see Alex Cuba at the Royal Alexandra Hall. I bought tickets for Rae and Roger and Ashlée for Christmas. It was so lovely and fun. When I was making a post and tagging Alex I saw that we had 4 friends in common. I thought it must be from MusicFest as he was there in 2018 which is where I became impressed with him and his brother, Adonis Fuentes. The odd thing was that our common friends are from Salt Spring Island…. I will have to follow up on that and find out why. He really is breathtaking and lives in Smithers, BC! I now have something positive to think about that place as it is where my mother and sister died, in a small lake just outside town in 1963, I had such a nice time with my kids and was able to relax and get lost in the music.

It was a little cold this morning…

My car can apparently go several levels more than the speed limit. Why are those numbers even available???

10-18-21 getting back in the groove

October 18, 2021


Jumped out of bed and headed to the theatre to meet with the electrician to fine tune the to-do list. They are so kind to work with. I am very grateful for their respect. I worked back and forth between the theatre and my paying work. It was ok, I felt in control of things and managed to get a lot done in both venues. More and more is being finalized in the Stage Door and the vision is coming true. I will be happy to leave this legacy, supported by the Board. I stayed longer at work to get more done and then came home to make dinner seconds before my Zoom board meeting. I scarfed it down and participated in our planning the final concert of our Fisher Peak Season. I am feeling better about the way things are coming along. As it the theatre, I look forward to The Schalk’s and I having a glass of wine and a visit when this is all done… maybe a whole bottle.

10-17-21 chore world

October 17, 2021


Today I took the time to clear out the airbnb, strip my bed and do laundry for hours. In between I watched my shows and began papering my bathroom. First I had to move the electrical outlet so I could install the back splash. It was a little tricky but I got the box moved and installed a new GFCI. The wallpaper is more beautiful than I hoped but I sort of wish I had filled everything with a thin coat of plaster since every little flaw shows through. It is still better than it was and I will hang things to cover the worst bits. I wasn’t willing to put new wallboard up so this is an acceptable alternative. I did take my time and there is still much to do but at least I got more things off my list.

I made a delicious dinner and then did some more. I was hoping to get the medicine cabinet installed but will take my time. I don’t want to hurt myself and doing things above my head hurts my back. I am sitting on the heating pad now. Soon I will make my bed and tuck in.

I had an experience with a Buck in my yard. Missy was funny and I was lucky it wasn’t an angry Buck and headed on it’s way.

10-16-21 me world

October 16, 2021


I awoke 10.5 hours after falling into a deep sleep. So much sleep that I stumbled out of bed. I started the day with apologies for the week I have had if I was less than gracious. I then settled in with a mug of coffee and my Chicago shows on PVR. I had intentions to do my wallpaper in the bathroom so I did take the time to measure from different points in the room. And then i watched more shows until it was time to shower and go get my nails done. Minh shoes such a gentle and good job that I relax into it and find my zen. I also love the artist that he is.

After that I calmly wandered the fairly quiet mall, picking up stocking stuffers and comfie pants, earrings and PPE. Then it was time to come home for leftovers before inviting Tracey to join me at the game. It was great to sit between Rae and Tracey, having chats and enjoying the game. The bucks were beat by this team last night 4-1 but tonight we won 3-2 and it was an exciting game! It ended and one second later there was a glove dropping brawl. That is not something we see often anymore which I appreciate.

I came home and watched more shows and relaxed. In all today was lovely and I worked hard to just relax and separate the things that stress me out from the things that don’t. Tomorrow I will accomplish more but I can only do that when I have had days like today!!

10-15-21 tootsie rolls

October 15, 2021


Tootsie roll in my pocket, you keep me going. I find you in the early hours of my day, you cause me to pull up my big girl panties, today has many hurdles yet to come. I keep reaching to see if you are still there, anticipating the moment I will need your comfort the most. The day slogs on, living up to its anticipated nightmare, you lurk in the shadows. I deal with others, trying hard to get things done with out placing blame. Steps forward, trips back, over and over and over. Technical difficulties, bulbs blown, people to disappoint, disappointment in others and still you wait. Missed hockey game, computer updates, how to find a bulb…. Argh. Home again, English lamb stew made, Hendrick’s G&T drank, 10:15, too late, no room for you.

Oh sleep take me away and tomorrow dear Tootsie, we shall meet again.

On an up note, I did a nude photoshoot for FB today, lol

10-14-21 friends (with scotch) cure

October 14, 2021


It really is a wonderful phenomenon that a good visit with friends who share good scotch and pumpkin pie over a never ending game of crib can wash all your troubles away. I had grown accustomed to missing my friends and there we were sharing laughs and theory and pie. We honestly took hours to play one game of crib. It was fun and exactly what my soul needed.

Today had overwhelmed me starting before I even got in the shower with email, questions and demands. I was struggling to meet everyone’s needs, the fear of dropping a ball racing behind me like a wildfire. I was grateful that Stacey dropped by for a quick visit, I finished the file that will be passed on to the Firm, I had a lovely joking time with my dentist, Dr Mike as he worked on the top and bottom right of my mouth. I was feeling terrible after the dentist as my Hiatus hernia had flared up from the stress causing terrible bile to flow while in the chair. I had asked him if I could go to MMA tonight and he said yes, just make sure they hit you on the right side, it will be frozen for a while and you won’t feel a thing. As it happened I really enjoyed Shield Maidens as we actually had contact fighting tonight and I needed that!! I was told by two of the women that I was one to be feared now. I like that. I do wish my contacts would get here though as I can’t fight in glasses.

I stopped by the theatre between the dentist and more work to see where things were at and found some disappointments and some improvements. Ben was there working on the light hang. I put together the computer caddy and installed the new keyboard and mouse. I feel confident the lights and sound will be ready even if not the speakers I paid for as they are in transit still. I am assured the currently owned speakers can be flown if they don’t show up. I hope no one else has held back any information. I can not let this fail.

This month has been singularly trying so far and it is not even half way through. A sure sign for me that something has to give is a very bad stress habit I have. When I was young I chewed my nails. Now…. Well it’s bad… I will have to call to get them done, hopefully on Saturday.

10-13-21 too many touch points

October 13, 2021


Today is most remembered in its moments. It would seem that I lost all solid grounding, all touch points in my world. I suppose part of it is that I have not been alone in a while. I have had company for 4 nights, first Emmy and then my friend, Those were both very good things but I am very much better at being alone. My Dr on Salt Spring, back 25 years ago, told me that I should probably choose not to have roommates. That rings true today. If I am not lost in love with someone, the minutia of daily life catches up with me. I am overwhelmed by you. If I am merely spending time, no matter how close we are, I will be overwhelmed by you in a different way. My own self is too straight up so I do work hard to control my impulses, my thoughts, to be a friendly host. What generally happens though is I eventually think you love me enough to hear whatever I have to say. I share my thoughts… sigh.

I started the day getting ready and putting on the necklace I was wearing on my motorcycle trip to learn more about my birth mom. When I got to Prince George, to the Friends (yes that is their last name), he ran on out to his shop and soldered it for me. Every time I wear it, I remember that and the memories made as they shared their memories of my mom and even introduced me to one of her best friends from high school. Feeling connected to my past I said goodbye to my friend as he headed home to Kaslo hoping to beat the snow, and headed to work.

I had one call after another, email and texts in between. And then I saw the message on Facebook that my Dad’s cousin, Marnie, had died.

It was seriously trippy as the Friends are Alice and Greg and their daughter is Marni

Dad’s cousin Marnie has a son, Greg

I am Marnée and my brother is Greg

It would seem that the only name every one could decide on the spelling of is Greg!!!

I was feeling all the feels, so I dug in my purse to find an ancient lipstick and decided to doll my self up for the afternoon.

A positive was that I was randomly invited out of no where to come play crib at the Campbells tomorrow night. I have Shield Maidens but hope Diane is feeling better and that it won’t be too late as I would enjoy a visit but can’t risk a cold being that I am going to be interacting with cast and crew Friday night for Tech night at the theatre.