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 was at the theatre for 10 am to attend a directing comedy workshop conducted by Kevin McKendrick. There were 9 of us, 8 friends and one new person to the circle got to spend the day together learning so many great skills. Many things I use as a director were confirmed as useful and I also learned some great ways of working with business, adding to the script without text. It was really a joy to spend 6 hours with people of a like mind, doing what we love. I was inspired to Direct again, maybe in 2024 as the next season is already set. Kevin is a very good instructor, and actor as we saw in his examples. He accepted everything we threw out there and ran with it, fine tuning the thought or suggestion. I really wish to be directed by him but he is in Vancouver. At lunch it was missed that I am allergic to peppers and every single part of it was loaded with them. I popped out to Sakura Sushi for some tempura and edamame. The part that made me sad was that the smell was so strong in the lobby where everyone was eating that I had to go sit by myself on the stage to eat. I didn’t like missing out on the conversation and connection but Kevin did come and sit with me for a while and we found quite a few people from the time I was at Studio 58 with that he knows or knows of and we had a few good laughs. It was nice to talk to someone who understood how special it was being taught by the instructors there at the time, especially fencing from Antony Holland.
I left as soon as we were done to come home and change to head to Key City Theatre as they were very in need of volunteers. It is a good thing I did as Sandra and I ran the bar and wow can those Dance Moms put it away. We went through a great deal of wine, lol. I was glad to get home and have something to eat and have been sitting puzzling and watching the Survivor Finale. I can’t believe I have been watching it for 21 years! It used to be the thing Jake and I would do every week, Taco and Survivor Thursdays.
I really need to mow my lawn tomorrow and weed but it is supposed to rain. If it does I may go into work for a while so that I can take time to do it during the week. It will also take the stress off Monday’s deadlines.
It was pretty impressive that everyone was up, had breakfast, and was loaded in the cars by 9:30. We headed to Calgary and were at Crossiron Mall just before it opened at 11. We entered through the Bass Pro Shop which was a bit overwhelming and a little like being at the stuffed zoo. From there we split into smaller groups and shopped like pros. I think most of us bought shoes (mine were for the kayak), some of us got puzzles and others bought clothes and goodies. I think Deanne got the beautiful item of the day when she found an expensive designer fanny pack on sale. It really is lovely and it makes me happy that she is happy and blames it on me, lol. Of course I encouraged her to get it as I didn’t want her to think about it and wish she had. I managed to get a few small things but mostly hung out with my buddy Sawyer who once again made me laugh. I went to Shoppers to buy nasal spray as the air is so dry I am clotting blood and I read the three options to Sawyer of the sayings on them. He told me to get the strength one because I am a bit old and when you get older you get strong and then weaker. He’s not wrong. We ran into his friend Audrey. I bought Gene his 15th bday present coming soon in June.
Next was IKEA where I only spent $150 and got so many things including a duvet and bedding for the guest room. That is definitely the least I have ever gotten out of there for.
From there we went to Chine Hot Pots where Roger really wanted to share that meal experience with the kids. Ray and Jan, Jessy and Braeya joined us and it was exciting and complicated but good. I would probably do it again for the seafood.
After dinner it was a rush back to check into our hotel so the kids could get in the pool before it closed. There was much fun and we love our beautiful family room with the Murphy bed and more room to walk. You can see from the picture from the last hotel that room 126 (theirs) was much bigger than 113 (ours). Tomorrow is a big day as we are going to the Zoo before heading home.
I started getting ready to leave tomorrow and then raced to the office to run payroll before heading to St. Eugene Resort for the Cranbrook Chamber lunch as a representative of Fisher Peak Performing Artists society. I had great conversations with people I hadn’t met before, and some I had. The buffet had two options and I asked specifically if there were peppers and was told no for the meat sauce penne. I am going to say they were wrong as I was not feeling well within minutes of eating. The speaker was from Destination BC and it was interesting to hear the plan to recover from the pandemic. I liked the pavilion venue and can imagine beautiful events there. It went long but I hit the books hard when I got back, drank lots of water to calm my upset stomach and wished I had antacids at the office.
I popped home to change and eat some rice before heading to Key City to bartend for the Johnny Reid concert. It was sold out so there wasn’t room to sit in but I bought a great t-shirt, enjoyed my time working with Éveline and Emma, and had a great chat with the merchant guy about how I saw Johnny in 2012 for the Rick Hanson celebration of heroes in Vancouver. Alex said that was before most of the hits and called me an early adopter. We had a good laugh over that.
Once I got home I packed and organized for tomorrow; I am really looking forward to this road trip to Drumheller, Alberta.
I wasn’t feeling good so I took a Covid test just in case. It was negative and the running nose and lethargy mostly wore off as the day went on.
Focus was tough but I spent over 8 hours working on theatre books so I could have them ready for the board meeting in time. I will basically be coming back from vacation to the meeting on Tuesday, weather and roads permitting. One of my client’s forgot to send me the time sheets so I will do that payroll and another in the morning.
I got home late and made dinner which was good but the onions are leaving me hurting. It tastes so good going down…
I cleaned up and readied for not being here for a few days. Probably should go pack… and get sleep.
Ashlée sent me this shot from the fair. Gene and I enjoyed the Ferris Wheel.
It barely matters that I worked and rushed home to make dinner and change to head to Key City to volunteer for The Debaters. The single most exciting thing that happened today was when I heard a voice while I was bartending and turned to see Pete and Jayme, Luc and Colleen, friends I made while living in Bella Bella. I could not keep the grin off my face. I went in to watch the first half of the show and as I was sitting there, I realized That I had worn my Monday socks. That is what I call the ones that P & J gave me when I house sat for them, not long before I left the Central Coast. There was so much synchronicity in the evening, it is overwhelming. Just to see all those smiles, and hug again… joy, joy!
Side note, I didn’t only get socks from them, it was their dog that caused my last concussion. How great is it that I only found out at the fair this weekend that my vertigo is finally gone!!
I woke up at a decent time, very dehydrated and chased away a mild hangover with a breakfast of strong coffee and a chocolate cupcake from yesterday. Cleaned and started laundry, watered the plants and headed to the theatre to help with the strike and inventory the tech gear. Pepijn was an invaluable help to make it all happen. We sorted and recorded everything. He created 5 presets for the convenience of renters and I was impressed with how well he was able to create them from what I explained. We also created directions to make it easy for renters to follow. I will type everything up tomorrow and put it on the GDrive as well as make a copy to laminate for the wall of the booth.
One of my favourite parts of the strike was when the chainsaw fired up to take down the tree. Now that was a first.
I took all my recycling to the bin and then came home to finish chores and make a nice dinner of Grilled Asparagus and Portobello Mushroom Salad. I was glad I had fresh lettuce to use as I had let the head that came with the meal get floppy. The stickbugs are enjoying it, so no waste! It is funny that growing up I thought asparagus was slimy rope and now here I am cooking it for myself. Most things are about texture, just had to learn how I really like it, al denté. I look forward to it for lunch tomorrow as well.
I have been thinking today about my conversation with Mayor Don McCormick and his wife Bev while I was in Kimberley yesterday. We were talking about the fact that your bookkeeper has one of the most trusted relationships. It’s definitely true as the person who does your tax return knows the most about you; who you do or do not donate to, what your prescriptions are, who you work for, etc. The other thing I was interested in was that he said fewer and fewer people are going into politics as they are afraid that they will have done something to offend in the past or be found guilty for the awkward choices of their youth. That is a disturbing thought.
This day was surrounded by so many people that I can’t imagine I haven’t been exposed. I threw caution to the wind, did not wear a mask and enjoyed being out in public, accepted and enjoyed so many hugs and just took a calculated risk. Rae let me know that the older kids all had play dates to the fair in town but Sawyer did not. I have very fond memories of my grandad taking me to the PNE every year. I knew I needed to make that memory for Sawyer so I picked him and Lukas up at 11:45 to go. We were so lucky as there was no line to purchase our wristbands and they got to go on most of the rides before there were lines or before they got very, very long. We spent nearly 5 hours enjoying all the fun, including William and his friend Ryan. The boys were great to hang out with and they even got me on rides I never would have gone on due to my vertigo issues in the past which did not rear their ugly head. The only ride Sawyer stepped away from was the Ferris Wheel which scared him. It is my favourite as the peacefulness of it always brings me joy. There were so many perfect moments, I can’t even explain.
I dropped the boys off and came home to use the loo, no portatpoties for me and headed to Kimberley to join in the first anniversary of my client, Grist & Mash Brewery. I was so tired but am so glad I went. I was blessed to come home with a new glass for my collection
On the way home I stopped at the fair to meet with the family again and got in line for one last ride on the Ferris wheel. The people behind us gave tickets to Rae so she could ride with Sawyer who panicked for a moment but ended up enjoying it.
I headed home as I was getting cold and no portapotties for me. Autopilot into my jammies and was about to settle into the couch when I remembered I was to join the cast party at The Blind Pig. I got myself dressed and headed down to have a fabulous evening of theatre friends which of course involved many hugs and deep conversations. It is now 2 am and I am fully exhausted from all the fresh air and good times. I am sure there are many more exciting things to share but am worn out and ready to tuck in. Tomorrow is strike day which I have promised to assist with!!
Today began with sideways rain and sleet, contained many issues with electronics and other people calling for help, and ended with a swing by the fair before stopping at the Market and Safeway where many pleasant conversations occurred. Another lucky day after all.
The value of something is based on what someone is willing to pay, it is said. For me, the value of the things in my home is in the sentiment, the memories, the joy they bring. Part of my decision to apply for a homestay student (did it today) was that I was gifted with my Great Aunt Ollie’s bedroom set. Roger, Golan, Lukas and Sawyer took me to pick the pieces up in Kimberley and we had a nice visit. They have scratches and wear but bring me joy and will always remind me of my Auntie. The younger boys had fun exploring the property and thought the root cellar, or bunker as Lukas called it, was pretty cool, literally.
There are a lot of deer around these days but I had to pull over and take a picture when I saw this wee herd in the sunset.
Today the full lineup for MusicFest came out when the poster was released on Facebook and then I received a picture of my coordinator pass to prove it was made and it couldn’t have made me happier.
Phew, that was a long busy day. And then I got home to check my mail and find a letter from the government. Apparently when you turn 59 they let you know your pension options. Clearly I will be working until I am 70 so no rush there…
I worry that I am letting people down. It seems I am falling behind in the check in with friends and family who are going through a lot right now. I want to be there for all of them but only have so much time and energy. I believe they know I love and care but I have been shown so much love I just want to respond in kind. It just seems like so many are having surgeries, relationship issues, illnesses and stress. I shall continue to do my best, it’s all I got.
I worry most at the moment about my poor daughter who has found out today her deep tiredness and lethargy are from long Covid. This of course means I need to be cautious who I visit and won’t be able to visit my cousin Donna recovering from surgery in hospital. I promised to make her soup when she gets home as she has done for me.
I have been asked by the coordinator at the college if I would apply to be a home stay host next fall. I decided today that I will give up my room and move to the den and see if a match can be found. The more I thought about it I realized it would be a good mortgage helper and it would be healthy for me to have a roommate for a bit, especially if it pays down debt so I can travel in the future. If anything the last two years has shown it is that I can handle anything for a duration. I am going to apply tomorrow and ask for an early interview. Once they see my space and determine it will work, I will begin the purge and sort with a plan to paint the room and mount the TV on the wall, etc. To get ready. That way if it doesn’t work out, I will have my bedroom done the way I wanted it anyway.
It is good to have something to look forward to. I already have two Airbnb bookings so far as well. I will have to get it all set up when we return from Drumheller.
I was blessed by my volunteer experience tonight getting to see and meet a truly gifted individual. I am left with such good feels and much desire to read and hear more. Yes, I bought two of his books.. please enjoy this
I woke up at 3:15 am and had fitful sleep for the rest of the night. When I was finally ready to get up for work, my right lower front and back quadrant really hurt. It was painful to the touch and moving around was awkward and pain filled. I met Galen and Doug at the theatre with my car full and let them unload it, then it was off to a very full day at the office. I spent half of it on paid and half on volunteer work. My back was aching sitting at my desk so Keri went into Sean’s office (he’s away on a work trip) and borrowed his vibrating obusform, Cindy gave me robaxacet and I was good to stay and work. I got up as often as I could to walk around and stretch and by the time I got home I was feeling slightly better although I have spent the evening with a heating pad on it. My hands are also bruised. I think it all happened when the wind took control while we were taking down one of the circus style tents on Saturday. I was supporting the centre pole and didn’t want to drop it. I wasn’t thinking about my surgery and recovery and that I hadn’t done much for the last 5 weeks. I had a good laugh today when my Linda in the UK sent me a message she saw that she knew would make me laugh and I replied with a photo saying I was feeling fiery hot and maybe I need my chimney swept. It is fun to giggle across the miles.
I connected today in a major way with my first best friend, making plans to girl trip together to fill in the missing years. It seems our brains have experienced similar things through the years. I can’t explain how important it is to me to reconnect with Kelly. She was the first non related person who just loved me for me and vice versa. I look forward to making a real plan and following through, it would be a blessing to have that close relationship again.
Is it just me or does Marg look like she is doing the sprinkler???
Every day arrives with baggage. One can feel all the feels, or acknowledge them and not let them overwhelm. I choose to acknowledge, to realize and to live in the moment that is this day and all that it brings. Today is the 18th anniversary of my father crashing his plane and leaving us but by now I am am able to sit in the sad of losing him and remember all that he taught me, genetically left me and soak up the gratitude of being his legacy. That does carry weight. But it also carries the joy, this Mother’s Day of my legacy. I have three amazing humans on this planet who move me in a way no one else can. I was treated to messages and phone calls today that fill my tank. As I putted through my day of chores and relaxing I received lovely messages from each of my progeny and even a lovely text from my Grandson, Gene who bears the name of my Dad. I had a call from Jake that left me very connected and laughing. We got talking about the genetic possibilities and I was left in laughter when he said, “ so we only have mental health issues carried down which means we will live a long time but be really sad about it.” He may have hit the nail on the head but really we can only laugh about it now.
I did enjoy spending time playing Lego this afternoon, building the Mandalorian and Grogu that my friends sent me for my birthday. It was a nice thing to do after cooking up a meal for the next couple days.
I reached out to my friend who works with the homeless in town to find out where to drop off the cookies from yesterday and went to drop them off at the hotel housing the homeless in town as there are many Moms and everyone had a Mom. They were very grateful to get them and I am thankful for being able to make that happen.
Dinner was at Rae-Anne and Rogers, shopped and cooked for by Bill and Roger. The brought Rogers mom From the home she is in for dinner as well and it was bitter sweet as we know that tomorrow she will be told she is moving to the Green home where her husband is because her mental issues have made it that she cannot stay where she is any longer. It will be a big and stressful change for her. While we were all visiting, Chevelle, the lovely young daughter of the friends next door brought over flower baskets that she made at school as gifts. She was sad because the deer got to them but I told her it would be a surprise what colour the flowers would be when they bloomed again.
Bill didn’t realize ahead of time it was the anniversary of Dad’s death but he did remember once he became aware that I like to have a scotch on that day so he went home and got his good scotch and set it up for us. It was lovely to share that tradition with the family.
Lukas had fun with my phone
Once most had left or gone to bed, Roger lit a fire and we sat outside and payed Rummikube with Aymo, who of course won the first game he has ever played. The students have agreed to come on our trip to Drumheller on the long weekend and we are all looking forward to it.
Up early and picked up by Danika to buy breakfast for her and the girls at Denny’s. Emmy was quite chuffed that she brought me a gift of pottery pieces she had picked out that “Only cost $5!!”. They are very cute. We had a nice visit and called my Mom to wish her a Happy Birthday. Gwen is a little sweetie as well, nice to have a bonus grandchild. I got a weird text after we left.
When we were done, they dropped me at home to get my car and I headed to Rotary Park to take in the seasons first Farmers Market and Kootenay Childrens Festival. I wandered the market and ran into a few friends I haven’t seen in a very long time. Eventually I found Rae, Roger and the three youngest who were being followed around by a camera and film guy for documenting the Festival which was kind of cool. I found Danika and the girls in the Face-painting line which was very long but thankfully near the playground. We made it under the tent with Emmy in the chair just as the hailstorm began. Fortunately it turned to rain and then dissipated fairly quickly.
From there it was off for crazy hair with Sawyer and Will.
I then left them to start my volunteering time and spent time setting up the Merch Tent for Fred Penner. He and his road manager, Dave were very organized and I sold a ton of stuff for them. I did buy a t-shirt which Fred signed for me after the show. It really is powerful to see the response to him. Kids from 2-82 were giddy in his presence, singing along and dancing. He took time to sign books and posters and CDs and even hats. We had a nice chat about the fact he won’t get a chance to fit into the lineup at MusicFest this year but that I will see him there, visiting backstage and enjoying the shows.
It was herring weather all day, changing every time you turned around. We managed to get good and wet taking down all the tents and then dry out again loading cars and taking everything away. I currently have a car with 8 8’ tables, 4 stools and other bits in it to be dropped at Key City Theatre on Monday morning. I also brought home 3 totes of leftover cookies made by the college to put in bags and deliver to Street Angels Monday morning. I am glad that is what they choose to do with the leftover food. Unfortunately I didn’t drink enough water today and am dehydrated leaving me with sore lips and a headache. I have spent the evening chilling from a very full day. I am grateful for the network I have that allows me to be involved in such a fun activity that provided joy to so many.
hey Mom, I am making friends! Seriously, today was extraordinary. I have had so many deep and meaningful conversations I can’t even tell you! from clients who appreciate what I am doing to help them show the government how much they contribute to our country so they can stay and thrive (spoiled me with one of their great products), to a heartfelt conversation with a fellow board member who understands that we don’t always agree but we always support and care about each other, to great chats with other organizational members that feel real and not forced, to being brave enough to ‘refriend’ a person who hurt me in the past and both of us realizing we miss our friendship and want to put it all in the past, to a casual friend asking to hang out in the future because we are learning we enjoy each other’s company. These are all things that seemed so impossible not so long ago, I honestly feel that letting go and being open to all is the secret. I am manifesting all positives in my relationships and the universe is providing in abundance. All in the same day… so much love. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I probably should flag this post somehow so I can come back and reread it when I think I am alone in this world. I mean, I know you are out there reading and observing the ups and downs that are the life I lead, you see the cycling. I am aware that I am a study in contradictions but I have to be aware that just because my perception of relationships or lack there of changes, it doesn’t always mean others have left me, in fact, I may have pushed them away, for now. For now I am embracing all the good in this day and looking forward to tomorrow.
Today was super productive at the office and I enjoyed getting invited to join a small group over a beverage for Cinco de Mayo. It was pretty tasty. I worked for a bit more before coming home to make dinner and head to the Theatre where I had promised to tend the concession for this evenings show. It was nice to do that for the first time at our theatre and I liked the chats with patrons and other volunteers. I came to realize that I need to get the tech equipment inventory done as some things are not known to those who need to know. It is raining harder now and it is good for the yard and the cisterns, helping to keep the fire season from starting early. It looks like it will do that for a week though which would be a shame for the Children’s Festival on Saturday. I hope there is a break in the weather for it.
I admit my day was stressed by the fact that my gmail (work) accounts would not download into my outlook so I was only able to read and answer on my phone or on the gmail website. Problem is that all email goes into a folder designated for that client. I don’t want to miss anything. I am still trying to solve it or find an easy work around. I had to send a meeting link to the desktop computer of a client to be able to attend at 10 am.
At 11:20 I went to the sleep clinic for a telehealth appointment to check in as a follow up from my sleep overs last summer. The Dr was lovely and he assured me that I could safely go a night or two without my machine. The negative part would be sleep deprivation which causes lack of energy, loss of mental acuity, etc. As I get very sleep deprived at MusicFest, I doubt I will notice and now I can camp without power safely.
Back to the office to spend the rest of the day on one file. I took small breaks and at one point was able to tell the woman who asked me a question yesterday how much it meant to me. I was wearing my Spring day outfit and she asked if I felt pretty because I should. What a great compliment. It really is a great way to lift someone up and it was still on my mind today so I thanked her. Women need to do more of that.
Sweet me at 2 or 3
Dinner was decent today, not my favourite but will be good for lunch tomorrow. My new ring arrived today and I love it more than I thought I would. My jeep grill with my birthstone headlights!
This morning was cold, even my car warned of ice. The forecast was old though so it was time to break out the sundress and flats. It turned out to be a beautiful day with much accomplished. I had to drop off my car to get the tire sensors fixed so I was at the office early. I was able to get a great deal done and even had time for a piece of cake for a clients birthday. I got my car back and was unhappy to see a big scratch along the passenger side. I can’t prove it happened there but it makes me very sad.
After work I was invited over to the neighbour’s for a beer and a visit before Steph showed up for a couple hours sitting outside enjoying a bottle of Prosecco and talk about the upcoming auditions. She is a very educated theatre person and I was grateful to have the feedback and encouragement. She asked all the right questions and acknowledged the direction I am thinking of for the homework beforehand. We both agreed that I need to go for it with everything and protect myself should I not succeed. I think I have my alternative plan and will be good, regardless. I feel really good being excited about the possibility of being on stage again.
triumphgal 