Again there is so much to tell but I am pretty done as it is 1:36 am and earlier this evening three members of one of our local bands were hit and run on their bicycles. A guy is in custody. We think they will all be fine but one was airlifted to Nanaimo.
I had amazing moments with Taj Mahal, Jim Byrnes and so many more that want to remember. I will try to recall them in the coming days. Tomorrow is already here, must sleep.
Be safe out there and hug someone you love.
Oh, and Eric apologized and said he was mean and drunk and very wrong, so there’s that.
Doesn’t work as well when working at a festival. Today was very full. Things were running behind but ended up successful in the end, grateful am I. Many hands came together to build this village, set up all the gear, feed the hungry (physically and spiritually), and give the people what they want. I am grateful for all the people that made it happen, the crews that jumped at everything they were asked to do and the people that are above me and yet somehow supporting me in all I need to do. I met some artists who made me smile and laugh and none who brought grief along with them. It was a day of triage and putting out wee fires. The performers this evening were incredible with HER Majesty finishing out the evening in glorious style. I will post pics and videos when I have better wifi and hope you are as entertained as I and thousands of others were. It is 1:30 am and the alarm rings whether I want it to or not. There are 5 more stages to get all up and running by 10 am.
The only thing I am trying to shake off is drunk Eric telling me ‘you just slide in, don’t you Marnée, after all the work is done.’ I simply replied, ‘I guess that is your perception’ and wandered off to bed. As usual, I guess I made it look so easy, it doesn’t look like I am doing much at all… sigh.
My bed set-up worked great and I was baked out around 8. My stomach does not agree with me today, unfortunately but I have enjoyed lingering and meeting with Doug to go over all the stages. Unfortunately we have already had two artists and a techie have to drop out due to Covid tests. I feel bad for the guy who came from England, only to be found positive in Vancouver. I hope he had a negative one and can still make it but it is not looking promising.
Ashlée and KC arrived, set up their tent and went for coffee and distilled water for me as I didn’t get the make out this morning. It has tried to rain a little but the sun is out again and the breeze so hopefully that bad weather will move along.
The day was a bit discombobulating as things are behind where I am used to at this stage. It is a lessen in patience and understanding. As more familiar faces arrived it became more real, that we are going to make this happen. I spent time with Doug going through all the schedules and ensuring I knew of any things out of the ordinary. It is one of my favourite times as I am filled in by him on who each person is in the music world. His knowledge of artists and their place in this universe is outstanding. I took time to rest and ready, was grateful for a hot shower and began preparing my mind for the speech I had to give as a coordinator at the volunteer meeting. Not long before that I was standing beside Doug who was sitting at the picnic table and he mentioned he really wasn’t feeling well and it felt like his heart. His son and I took him to First Aid being careful not to alert any one, especially his wife who was very busy at the time. They recommended he go to the hospital so I got my daughter to get the car and we took him up to the parking area where she picked him up and off they went. It was a large and fearful burden to keep the secret. My comfort was that Ash was with him and would stay as long as necessary. I walked over to where the meeting was and met Cresslynn on the way so made the decision to tell her as she and his wife are very close. I got up on stage, did my introduction and waited until it was time to have a crew meeting and orient those who had attended. While under way, Ash walked up and my brain erased momentarily. After the meeting I found out that she had called Doug’s daughter and his wife was soon on her way to the hospital. He is fine and I don’t know all the details but it was so good to see him come back and be able to carry on.
I was standing chatting with Clay, the owner of the sound company that attends the main stage when he mentioned he really wanted a coffee so I grabbed my maker and headed to his trailer. One good cup of Peruvian coffee and he was a happy camper. I sat for a while enjoying a piece of pizza and a visit before heading back to my camp. I love sitting here listening to the banter of the site crew in their party living room campsite. I shall tuck in and get some sleep as tomorrow promises to be a long busy day.
I was up at 6 with mom’s good old clock radio and after a couple coffee and a shower headed for the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal arriving around 8:45 and assured I would be on the 10:15 to Nanaimo. I enjoyed a traditional breakfast, read my book, napped a little and mostly stared at the beautiful Salish Sea. It has been 2.5 years since I have seen the ocean and it was good for my soul. The trip was uneventful and we were in fact ahead of schedule when we docked. The drive up island was busy as always through the outskirts of Nanaimo but cleared mainly as I hit the Freeway. The closer I got to Courtenay, the more emotional I was getting in anticipation of seeing friends that I have only texted, emailed or had brief chats with since MusicFest 2019. I parked, took my, I’m Here! Photo, picked up my credentials and hitched a ride with Tiny (after a big hug) to find Doug, Marcy and Cresslynn. It was raining but the public camping was lined up and beginning to fill as Doug and I sat in his cart and caught up (if that is possible). At one point a young lad came and stood in front of me and said Hey, I know you. Lincoln! I exclaimed and we took our Fest Face pic. He has grown so much and I was so happy he remembered me. I spent the rest of the afternoon getting little rides around the site, having great discussions and settling in. I set up my car camp in the site crew spot and they ran me power for my CPAP and charging. Blair picked me up and bought us dinner from a great food truck, the Phat Parrot, which we took to his place for a visit and I completed a payroll before he helped me put the binders for all the stage managers and tech crew for each stage. We had a nice time and then he dropped me back at the site where I promptly ended up at Val’s camp spot for a few too many beverages and great catch up with her, Mike and Jackie. I rarely got opportunity for good visits in the few years previous but I am very ready ahead this year in fear of forgetting anything (only my Fitbit so far).
Random: I discovered a little light switch above my visor and the bathroom lighting is odd in Superstore here
I am busy after midnight finishing the set up of my bed because I have been ignoring all else and spending time with my long lost friends. I promise to fill you in tomorrow morning
had a terrible sleep last night as I had dinner that inadvertently had spices that do not agree with me. Rosie tried to get the air mattress to stay inflated but it would not so she suggested I just climb in with her. We started watching the Jeffrey Epstein documentary and it started to get my mind reeling. Next thing you know I headed out to the living room to let her sleep and tried to get comfortable on her loveseat. I did manage to get some sleep and still be awake a decent time. Hung out and had coffee with the fam jam and then packed and showered before taking some pictures. I really love these people. It. Is weird when I think that Sarah and Michael are my generation of first cousins and yet their kids are 13-17 and my grand kids are 5-15. I learned this morning about FlingGolf which I hope to try once back in Cranbrook. Rosie made me a delicious breakfast of Egg, toast and back bacon. I was glad to get fueled up before doing the payroll I needed to do and heading out. I did have trouble accessing the software and that set me behind but I got what I needed to done, packed the car, hugged goodbye and headed down along the lake, winding my way up to Highway 1.
I had not travelled far when I noticed trucks flashing their lights at me. There wasn’t much traffic coming and then there was and all of them were fast flashing their lights. I came up to a curve and saw cars stopped. I could see, not too far ahead, what appeared to be a very serious accident. We had not been stopped for too long, just long enough to get out and stretch when a woman came out of a side road and drove slowly past us near the beginning of the line telling us if we went down that road, we would by-pass the accident. I was so grateful as it was just a long block length of a road that perfectly went around it and I was on my way. By now the line heading East was very long. I found out later there were 3 fatalities.
My CarPlay would not reconnect after I got going so I pulled over to try all the things Google recommended but no luck so made a beeline for the Hyundai dealership in Kamloops. Of course when the woman came out to assist, it worked. I apparently had done the correct thing, just had to walk away with phone and keys and then get back in and it started, connected and all good. I thanked her for being my lucky charm and off I went down the Coquihalla Highway. It was still very obvious in many spots where the storm damage happened last year. Often long slower stretches of undivided highway. I made good time and stopped for gas in Hope where it was the. Cheapest I have seen so far. $2.09/Litre
I finally made it to Mom’s just before 6:30 where she and Julie were waiting for me. We made a plan and headed to Red Rose Restaurant. The calamari was delicious and there was plenty left over from my Chicken Neptune for Mom to have tomorrow. We had a lovely visit and thanked Mom for buying. Once we were back, we put my car in the underground parking as I have my life in there right now and mOm had received a note in her door that thieves were targeting cars in the parking lot including smashing windows. Once back up at the apartment Julie changed a lightbulb and got Mom’s twilight working and then we had a good laugh when as she was explaining how her cochlear implant works (no MRIs due to magnets under the skin) I stuck one of my Pair frames to the side of her head. She is magnetic and now has eyes in the ack of her head. We had a good laugh over that.
I am very very tired and had planned to go to bed long ago, must get a ferry in the morning.
I got myself up and showered, took out the garbage and finished loading the car. Fed George and Missy and the Stickbugs and headed to the office. I paid client bills, ran payroll and hit the road by 1:15.
The most exciting thing before leaving though was that I got a message that my glasses were in Cranbrook via UPS but were not to be delivered until tomorrow. I called the head office of Alopex, the local delivery for UPS and got a lovely lady who called me ‘hon’ and said she would see what she could do. Within half an hour my new Pair shades were delivered and I LOVE them! I took some blurry pics and proceeded to get my work done.
The drive was in and out of rain and lightening and 6.25 hours later I was in Sorrento enjoying a meal with so much family that I haven’t seen in years that I forgot to even check my phone or take any pictures. My cousin Mark and Elaine with his daughter Sarah and her boyfriend Hunter, cousin Sarah and Kevin with their sons Owen and Emery, cousin Michael and Shanna with son Parker, Uncle Bryan, Auntie Lynne and my cousin Rosie who’s side of the house I am staying in were all here! It is funny that I hadn’t seen Mark in forever and this is the second time this year. Parker, Owen and Emery are lovely young men from 13-17 who are such a joy to be around, even though they barely or don’t remember me. There was much good catch up and funny stories. I miss these folks and no matter how much time goes by we all feel the love.
It was so strange driving with so much traffic as the last time I came this way was May 2020 when I went to pick up Jackie’s table on a quick round trip to 100 Mile. There were many asshat drivers and close calls but I love my alerts and safety features in my car and it was all good in the end. Rosie and I sat and had a good visit after everyone went to bed. I am now about to tuck in with her as the air mattress is not holding air, lol. Good thing we are both deep sleepers! I have payroll to do in the morning before heading to the coast. Next stop Ocean Park to see Mom.
Of course I woke up to pouring rain. This was the day I was to empty my car, clean it and pack for the trip. I got everything ready inside and then when the rain stopped for a while, I started loading. I was stressing what to bring for clothes that would fit in my carry on luggage but realized I could take another bag as I have room. The weather is sure to be variable as rain is in the forecast so I am taking clothes for all seasons, my raincoat and 3 pairs of different weather shoes. I spent time making the reflective letter signs for in lock-up, putting my master binder together and doing the household things like litter box, plant watering etc. I showed Tracey how I water my plants so she will Leo it while I am away when she comes to feed Missy. The stick bugs will survive on the lettuce and George has a time release fish food. I think I have remembered everything. All I have to do in the morning is pack my toiletries and pillow, turn off the AC, pack the cooler and go to the office. I have two payroll and some payments to make and then I will head to Sorrento to stay the night.
I spent time trying to decide what ferry to take on Wednesday to get to Courtenay in time for dinner and there are too many options and no reservations for any of them so I shall just show up early and see which one I can get on. I decided it was not a stress I needed today.
As I was redoing my binder, I found a Stage Plot that made me smile. I also discovered the damn deer got in last night and ate all the flowers and buds on my beautiful rose bush. Thankfully I had recently taken a picture. The other flowers are coming along nicely, the first blooms on my Peonies and lilies!
When I was looking for something I found Jake’s Christmas present from Emmy that had fallen down in the den. I will bring it to my Mom’s where he can get it and the mystery is solved
I started gathering things into a pile to load the car tomorrow. I now plan to leave as soon as I finish my payroll and payments on Monday. I also stripped the trailer and spare room beds and did laundry. Next it was off to pick up an electric kettle from Ash to take with me so I can make myself coffee and tea on site. After a short visit with Rae, I headed to the mall to find a few things including a charging station. I got a good one on sale at Canadian Tire, some hot pink clothes at Rickis, and sunscreen and bug spray from Shoppers. When I came out there was a terrible big accident at the main intersection outside the mall. It looked pretty bad. From there I went to the office and worked on the last of MusicFest before I leave and the ran a payroll and made some payments to lessen the work Monday morning. I didn’t get home until nearly 10. It was good to get it done though. Tomorrow I will fully empty my car, vacuum it out and then set up my bed and be sure it will be comfortable before loading up and being ready to go from work on Monday.
I have made lists and believe I have remembered everything I will need but it has been a while since I have headed West. I haven’t been to the coast since early December 2019!!
I awoke after 11.75 hours finally rested. I hope I was honestly just not feeling well and that it has passed but I will sleep with no alarm for he next two days to be sure. I spent the morning making lists so I don’t forget to bring anything with me. I then went in to the office to do some invoicing for clients and then parked at Rae and Rogers to walk down with Roger and the boys to the Canada Day festivities in Rotary Park. I was glad to make it there in time for the anthem which I sung with pride and as it finished the Freedom convoy in very small numbers walked in but as the MP, MLA, Mayor and our local Chief, all gave speeches there was nary a peep from them and in fact I noticed they quite quickly dissipated into the crowd, only proving their cowardice.
There was good food, good beer, great company, all the makings of a fabulous day. I really just wandered around chatting with and hugging many people over the course of the afternoon. Brass Monkeys was playing to start and as they were nearing the end the sky opened up and pounded down, even hailing at one point. As soon as that started MusicFest Marnée kicked in and I ran to offer help to Keon the sound guy. He was shutting his board down and I ran to grab muscle before unplugging the speakers and having them moved up onto the stage. It was then a quick run round the open stage turning off power bars, moving cords and pedals inward. All was well and there was a bit of a break while the clouds passed over and they could begin setting up for the next band, Pretty for the People. I was completely drenched so I walked up to Raes where I had been invited for a BBQ. I had a plate of food and then we all walked back down to watch the band for a while but I was still damp so headed home. I had a lovely day all in all.
The best part was a good long talk with Chief Joe Pierre from Ktunaxa Nation. I told him how much I appreciated his song and how far it adds to restitution as more people see it doesn’t have to be divisive. We had a good laugh about my being shown a Ktunaxa flag in the museum in Cranbrook UK as he knew the woman who probably gave it to them. I told him my daughter Ashlée took he and his sons portrait for her Mountains of Opportunity photo project and he shared that he set up his zoom background all through Covid with that photo hanging in the background. Sweet.
I binged Keep Sweet Pray and Obey which is quite horrifying. It is a documentary about the FLDS and Warren Jeffs. The atrocities to young women, well women of all ages are hard to stomach. It is a real peek behind the veil of organized religions power and especially of cults who breed their own disciples. I get why they were caught up in it and couldn’t see a way out, nor even desire it. I was very engaged in the born again movement in the 80s and know that the power of belief and faith and the knowledge that you are being led down a righteous path is strong. I still have my personal faith but it will never be one that fits in a church again. I was damaged by it and have chosen to shake off those shackles. These people though, it is all they knew. No contact with anyone or anything outside themselves… some didn’t even know who the president was. Sad. And also shows the power of men over women and other men if they are professing to be speaking on God’s behalf.
triumphgal 