triumphgal

Just another day in the life

just another day


07-15-24 Monday, done day

July 16, 2024


I awoke to my alarm with the sun streaming in and was not feeling dry refreshed after 3.5 hours sleep. This was of course my own undoing so I was stealing myself to get up for teardown when I heard a sweet voice softly calling my name. Dear Kate, Cresslynn, the Production Manager’s new assistant, is beside me in her motor home needed me as I was parked on her cord. Seems when I was assisted to park and asked if I was on a cord, to which all replied, No, was in fact erroneous information. I got up and flagged down Mark to see if he could jack it up as I am not sure where my jack is buried. He got it done and off she went

I got dressed, grabbed a coffee and headed for backstage. It was important that I get everything sorted and in its proper place in order for the strike crew to do their work. Both Duncan and Giovanni showed up on their own accord to help and then Ashlée. The team had done so much last night that it went smoothly; radios and cart chargers were returned, laundry placed ready to be done, stools and stage totes put by the trailers and sea cans that they would call home for another season. There were many moments spent chatting and congratulating each other on a job well done. I love finding out about people’s favourite moments. Ashlée and Francis made a game of ‘Can we do it all in one load’ and gave us a good laugh. (They did) I gave Eli a ride up to his bike and had a nice visit while we pulled all the padlocks from the barn. I had a nice visit with Isa and Emmanuel and then Francis joined as the dear brothers awaited a pick up from their parents. I got a good round of hugs from all, including Mom, and off they went for another year.

I found out tonight that someone’s child voted mine ‘the dirtiest car’

We all had lunch and then Ash headed off to get a ferry to stay with her brother in Vancouver for the night. I grabbed my laptop and headed to the production trailer to sit in the AC and get payroll done as I forgot about the time change. Seems that although I have out of office on, clients weren’t getting the messages and were worry started texting. There is something going on with my email as it is only coming in on my phone. That made things even more complicated, but eventually I got all 5 done with only one to do tomorrow. While I was working, Mark came in to get something and apparently was so focused that he didn’t know I was there. When he left he put the safety bar across the door. I went to leave and was locked in. I had to call to get out. We had a good laugh. Marcy gave me the most expensive bottle of wine I’ve owned that was left from Lucinda Williams trailer. I look forward to enjoying it. Kurtis (Tiny), head of our security, sent me a picture of him and three of the PAW guys holding the stress balls that I gave them. I had tried to thank the coffee guy by giving him one, but he said no as it was wasteful. A bit rude thought I. Today was the first time that I really realized that we have been in Rotary Bowl all these years. Now that I am a Rotarian, I am starting to see more of the signs and take pride in how much we do every where

As the sun was setting a tight bunch of us gathered for a beverage at the Production Trailer and a few good laughs were had. I really like the friendship that I am growth Connie Schaad. She’s straight up, just as all of us are that are Fest Family.

Fest Stonehenge

I wandered back to my lovely camp and am honestly sad that I will have to pack it up tomorrow and head on down island. Salt Spring is calling

07-14-24 Sunday Shenanigans

July 15, 2024


Up early and off to the races. The day was long and awesome! I have now been up and on the go for 21 hours. Not all of it was at full gallop but I really should sleep as there is still much to do tomorrow. My emotional cup is refilled and there is nothing better than that.

The performers today that I had the most love from upon their leaving were from Chola Y Gitano, Michael McLachlan and his friend whose name has escaped me. I have been handing out flamingos and stars and sharing laughs. Michael was even gifted with a slightly faded Stage Manager shirt to take back to Scotland. There are so many great memories to store. I wish I could spare the remainder of the night to share them here so I could keep them like a time capsule. I just enjoyed my old friends and made new ones.

All in all, Marnée Magic was fully engaged this weekend. I couldn’t begin to list all the moments where I was exactly where I should be. Even at the end of the night there was a call from Hotel Shuttle that a mandolin had been left in a vehicle and the hotel’s front desk was closed. They had no identification as to whose it was. I requested they bring it back to me. The only tag on it was from our lockup which led us to identify immediately whose it was and call him to arrange delivery. Jaxon was so grateful and it proved that our system works. I had brought chips and non-alcoholic Moscow Mules, Margaritas & Pinot Gris to share with the last crew of the Fest. It was a fun celebration

I should have gone to bed but as I was sorting things at lockup, I heard a chorus of my name from the main stage to come join everyone for a beer and a photo. I was so damn happy and had several great conversations and made plans to follow up with critiques of crew and systems etc. Doug and I had a pretty deep conversation after about the reality of continuing. Once again, I am emotional at the thought of many of these ‘folks like family’ drifting out of my life.

Beware; photo dump!

07-13-24 Day 2 Rollercoaster

July 14, 2024


I was up and at it early and thank goodness. Hit the ground running.

This will be short as it is already 1:30 am so, technically, Sunday, but this a brief rundown of Saturday. There is much to unpack.

Showered, coffee, radio on, let’s go!

Someone had a party
The Lee Boys with Calvin Cooke
Calvin Cooke
Gordie Tentrees and Jaxon Haldane
Riley and Lisa
Marianne Gittani

I had a joyous peaceful moment when all stages were up and running, and then, as I was watching Marianne for a few minutes, things changed. I glanced sideways to see my LAST husband, Lee sitting there smiling at me. I was caught like a deer in headlights, but pulled an Oscar winning performance as a person of importance doing an important job rather than let him see how little I wanted to engage. I casually beelined for the backstage of the Barn, found a bench out of sight and proceeded to have a full on panic attack. My throat tried to close and I was struggling. Our marriage ended when he left fingerprints around my neck so I shouldn’t be surprised that that was the reaction I had. I was sitting there struggling when I realized that the monitor guy, Clay, whom I have worked here with for many years, has seen me and come from his board to give me deep breathing exercises before he had to run back to his board. Such kindness. I pulled myself together and headed for backstage but now I felt discombobulated in my happy place. i stopped to take a video on my way backstage and while my cart was surrounded by people he proceeded to walk up and make small talk. I was a trapped animal. I finally made some excuse to leave and then I autopilot drove my cart to production trailer hoping for a hug from Cresslynn or Jean, but as I pulled up it was Ilana, a challenging crew member who was there and I just let her hold me while I sobbed. I think our differences have been resolved. It was what has been dubbed Marnée Magic. The perfect timing, even in a bad situation.

I tried to pull myself together as best as I could but my brain went into fright or flight. I couldn’t multitask, was even having trouble remembering stage names to communicate so I took time to process. I was still on my game at an average level, just not the one that I wanted to be at.

I did share what had occurred with my Fest family and the overwhelming support helped me to claim back that this is my happy place. I was also relieved that Ashlée was so supportive and even confronted him when she ran into him. She was also able to see what I could not, that he did not have backstage access. I could trust the security and relax there.

I finally got on with the day, slowly regaining my thoughts and doing what I do best.

It is now 2am and I need to be back at it soon so I shall say goodnight or perhaps, good morning

I came across a lady distraught that she had just bought pickled carrots and couldn’t ring them in. Not gonna lie, I may have smuggled for her
Calvin
Sarah and her birthday girl
Tony and Sarah
Lovely Jean
BCUC
Devon

07-12-24 Such a fabulous day!

July 13, 2024


Today was a lot.

A lot of incredible reunions and introductions and music.

A lot less heat which was a bonus

A lot of hard work and dedication to get everything ready to roll

A lot of meeting needs including seeking out an accordion and drum/cymbal stands for an out of country band

A lot of concern for my crew member who had to go out in an ambulance. She is back and we are grateful that her heart episode was cleared

A lot of aches

A whole lot of love and joy

Cholo y Gitano
Les Aunties
The Milk Carton Kids
The Lee Boys
Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble

07-11-24 flamingos!

July 12, 2024


I had a great sleep, only waking at 4:17 to pull my afghan over as the temp had dropped.

The morning was spent puttering and directing when things should be placed or built. It is hot but there is a nice breeze and it is like walking into air conditioning when you move into the shade.

I took a break to drink Gatorade and read for a bit before Ash came to get me to run for cash as I tend to eat from the vendors during to allergies.

When we returned I sorted and readied the binders for the stage managers. One of mine, Richard Caissie has been at the festival for the entire 30 years and two of his sons are on my crew as well having grown up as Little Festers.

The all Vollie meeting was at 7 where I officially introduced Ash as my right hand and gave her power to act in my behalf. We followed that with a crew meet and greet where I handed around a bag of rub er duck style pink flamingo s which I had only recently learned also squeak. I asked each person to take one, say their name and how long they had been volunteers. After the first two people started squeaking as others introduced themselves and it made for a fabulous experience. We all had many good laughs and all the important things were communicated.

I spent some time hanging out with Connie and Gerry, Mark, Eric and Ian before I got a call from VIMF Goddess, Cresslynn that we needed to go lock up the barn as the gear had been moved in. It is always an adventure getting the paddock doors closed. I so love that woman and treasure our friendship.

Now I am in my space enjoying the ambient campground sounds and feeling very ready for all that will occur going forward. This is the way.

07-10-24 Many moves

July 10, 2024


I woke up around 8 after a not too comfortable night due to not fully setting up last night. It’s a good thing I didn’t though as where I was put was too far into the fire lane. Mark, Gerry and Ian moved Ian’s Boler over and carried my tent for the move. I tried to get Ashlée’s tent set up with her when she arrived. It was complicated and once more put us into the fire lane. We headed off to town to meet my niece Maya and her partner, Aiden for dinner at Brown’s Social house where we had good food and drinks and even better conversations. She has an amazing tattoo of Mt Maxwell with my Dads signature under it. Ash had taken me to Staples to get a new case for my iPad which is much better than the one I shall return when I get home. Once back on site, I finished setting up my camp, moved her tent to a shady spot and visited with friends. I have done some Fest work as well today, confirming with screw crew where I need ramps and stairs, etc. The vibe tonight is simply lovely. I did visit first aid to attempt to dig out a deep sliver I got this morning. He even had a sliver kit. Hopefully that is it for injury for me. I plan to watch the last of The man with 1000 kids and tuck in. Much work coming soon!

13 YO Lincoln and I did our annual Festface pic
Doug, the artistic director threw on gloves and pitches in
I love Universal
Cassidy was t here but Ash joined the lineup tradition

07-09-24 I made it!

July 10, 2024


Up early so took time for breakfast and coffee before getting on the road.

It was a beautiful although sometimes hazy day. Traffic was better than expected so I should have made a reservation for the 4 pm ferry out of Horseshoe Bay. Got there at 3 to finally board the 6:20. Was the last one off aside from the car with the dead battery ahead of me. Finally made it as the sun was setting and made time for a quick visit with my dear friends before doing a very basic set up of my camp. Lots of time to finish tomorrow.

Rest area homeless camp
Eek! I paid 154.9 at home

The best part of the ferry wait was going for dinner at Trolls. I remember it from my childhood when Dad would be doing dives in Whytecliff Marine Park

07-08-24 Fam fun

July 9, 2024


Woke up early again this morning due to the magpies outside my window. It’s not the worst way to wake up, but they could’ve given me another hour. After a lovely poached egg on sourdough breakfast from Rosie it was time to say goodbye to Michael and Shanna who were heading back to Coquitlam today. I do love them both and wish I could see them more often.

Rosie and I got ourselves ready and headed the hour plus drive to see my cousin Mark and his fiancé Elaine, who live on the north shore of the Shuswap in a lovely cabin style home. She had put out a delicious charcuterie spread for us. we had a glass of wine, a good visit and a tour of the house as well as preparation for their wedding at the end of the month.

It was really so sad to see the devastation that was caused by the wildfires last year. The village of Celista was especially hit. I was overwhelmed by the side of a single house standing while three or four on each side of it were gone completely down to the foundation.

I wonder if the spots will ever be rebuilt as there has to be some fear and perhaps a lack of insurance.

Rosie took me for a delicious dinner at Finz restaurant and we were both grateful after to get home to air conditioning

We spent the evening watching one of my favourite movies of all time that she had not seen and is about to expire on Netflix, the sapphires. I loved it for the third or fourth time now and then we began watching The man with 1000 kids. I’m not gonna lie. It’s slightly disturbing and terrifying in this world that you might have to ask someone for their DNA before proof of a negative HIV test.

I’m going to head to the island tomorrow; traffic and ferry’s are all I have to worry about. It has been amazing downtime surrounded by people who love me that I love deeply and now I’m heading off to even more of that. I am a lucky, lucky girl. 

07-07-24 The Llama Sanctuary!

July 8, 2024


I woke up early and had a nice breakfast with Rosie. I was restless as it was the first day of ‘down’ time. Uncle Bryan, Auntie Lynne, Michael, Shanna and I headed to our tour of the Llama Sanctuary in Tappen for 11 am. It was two hours of wonderful. The place is an incredible immigrant story. David and Lynne had moved from the UK to somewhere in northern BC and had learned of a Llama ranch which intrigued them. They were offered a llama that needed rehoming, and found their passion. David did 5 years of regular homeopathy study and then animal study to be the best caregivers for Llamas and Alpacas. I don’t think I have ever met to such lovely humans full of so much empathy. They run the place together 24/7. Currently there are 60 on the property. There is so much to tell, but really, all I can say is it was a perfect visit. We met Gemmy, the blind one and her best buddy, Eddie who guides her with sounds. We bought buckets of carrots and fed them, even by mouth! It turns out they really loved me and I got cuddles and nudges and responses from ones who even typically shy away from visitors. They have only recently gotten their charitable status and I want the whole world to support them.

I did support by purchasing a few treasures and then gave a donation to bring home Moonshadow

It was very hot and we were glad together back for some lunch and shade. Rosie, Lynne,Michael and I watched Ordinary People. That movie came out in 1980. It has stood the test of time very well. I remember being very emotional when I saw it the first time. I was dealing with far more than a teenager should have at that time and I find that I am now able to give myself grace. It was good to talk it out with Rosie and Michael afterwards.

I had made soup which was a good thing as dinner had peppers in it. After dinner we decided to play Outsmarted again and Roger kindly went to my house to get me the code that I needed so we could use the virtual board. I won

I am also feeling relaxed finally and think I will sleep well tonight.

07-06-24 Frogger

July 7, 2024


I awoke at a decent time and relaxed over coffee before showering and packing the car. It was a beautiful day and I started with a quick stop at Ashlée’s to pick up her tent. We had a good chat and I remembered a couple things I had forgotten so returned home before fueling up and heading out. As I journeyed, i was grateful today have filled up in Cranbrook as it was the cheapest by far at only 154.9 per. L (dang why is my keyboard doing this)

Quick goodbye to Rae as well

I have no problem, wait what, I didn’t type that. It seems that my new case and keyboard has a life of its own. Bear with me.

I really enjoyed the drive even tbough I had many close calls with crazy driving people who just happened to have Alberta plates. One asshat even came screaming out of nowhere, tailgated me and flashed his lights and honked his horn as apparently I wasn’t going fast enough, passing in the passing lane. I actually flipped him the bird as he passed. 

I arrived at the family dwelling in Blind Bay in time for dinner which was amazing, and the company even more so. Michael and Shanna are up visiting from the coast to see his parents that live in their half of the house, and I am staying with Rosie on hers, although technically, us kids, are staying in the basement under both their sides.

The kids played Outsmarted on our phones using a Trivial Pursuit board as I had forgotten to throw in the board. Shanna won, it was fun.

Just as we were tucking in, I learned that we are going to a Llama and Alpaca rescue centre tomorrow. Yay!!!

07-05-24 it is done

July 5, 2024


Work work work, lunch with a client and their employees at Fire Hall, work work work

Car wash to relax

Home for a rest

Packed car with camping stuff and tote of binders, etc

Doing laundry

Made list for tomorrow

Watching the innocence project

Ready to finish packing and get out of here tomorrow!

07-04-24 Summer Sounds

July 4, 2024


I worked getting all payments and remittances done until it was time to go to Rotary Park to set up for Summer Sounds. for lunch it was Rotary time where our sponsored ambassador who won and her princess gave their winning speeches

I had to leave the park for my 4:15 appointment to get all my travel vaccines.

The evening was a bit chaotic until I figured out how to get the internet connected to the Square and train up the people running it. We did good on memberships and donations.

Brent Halliday played a set between sets of Rockinomix. It was a perfect evening and the 59/50 winner got 187.50 which wasn’t bad for first night. I was gifted a beautiful new harmonica which was so sweet. Our banner that I designed arrived today and made for a perfect backdrop.

07-03-24 so many titles

July 3, 2024


Damn those Bakers

5 hours I will never get back

You should have listened to me

Daughters know best

Pedi Pink

Caregiver burnout

Bottle of wine, fruit of the vine

All of these apply to today which began around 7:30 am with being woken out of a deep sleep by the phone ringing. Mom was in pain and hadn’t slept. Her knee was hurting. I reassured her I would be there and then had a breakdown before thinking to call 811. The nurse was fantastic and had me do a three way call with Mom as I had asked whether to take her to the clinic or ER. She said ER in case of blood clots/stroke. i jumped I. The shower and had a good cry, threw on clothes and headed to pick her up.

I can’t bring myself to go into detail, but we were a good 4 hours in the waiting room as they had no beds. All blood tests and consultations were in the public. She had an awesome practitioner though who requested an ultrasound on her right leg to finally establish that she has a Baker’s Cyst behind her right knee eye and likely behind her left as well. He said that no compression socks or diuretics are necessary so stop using/taking. I have had one so I was able to let her know it would be painful, likely burst and then, feel so good.

I was able to explain all this to the patient concierge Clayton at her home so they know not to send her to hospital over leg pain.

I missed a full day of work but was grateful to have my pedicure booked and it relaxed me after all that.

I came home and got the car loaded with supplies for tomorrow night, and washed all the water pumps before eating and setting in with Bourbon Barrel Red and AGT

07-02-24 new gear

July 2, 2024


work, work, work, volunteer, volunteer, volunteer, home

dropped Moms pills and groceries, and did her garbage and recycling. I am glad i was able to get the new compression socks on her.

my pretty new ipad was waiting for me at home. I set it up and cleared the other one to sell to FPPAS for the sales at Summer Sounds.

i love my lilies.

07-01-24 oh it’s Canada Day

July 1, 2024


I slept in a bit, puttered and then went to the office and did I ever get a lot done! I am listening to Geddy Lee narrate his biography. He has a calming voice and it is interesting.

I felt good when I got home so I weeded a bit in order to enjoy my Tiger Lilies that are starting to bloom. I also rehung some of my fairy lights before making some nachos and figuring out how to charge the new batter pack for my travel CPAP machine.

Step by step I am getting ready to leave.

I missed the Canada Day celebrations at the park, sigh.

06-29-24 Today was a really good day

June 29, 2024


I woke up to texts from an out of town client who was stressed about a banking issue. He needed info from me that was at my office, so I showered and headed there early. That was the best thing to do!

I solved his problem.

I got all of my MusicFest binders completed, emailed previews to all the Stage Managers and Tech Crews, completed the things I needed to do for Thursday night, the first of Summer Sounds, and even got 6 hours in on a file after taking care of payroll and payments for two others.

I took a break out in the sun at one point and saw someone walking towards me. We practically ran into each others arms and had the biggest hug. This was amazing all on it’s own as my friend Varghese is NOT a hugger. I was so happy to see him back in town. He moved away a few years ago and has recently been on my mind a lot. No surprise, he’s living here again. We had a great sidewalk chat and hope to get together for a good visit soon.

I worked until I felt it was a good stopping point and then came home to make some food, finished Acapulco Season 3 and have just been relaxing and started The Big Door Prize.

It is the first in so many days that I feel relaxed and not stressed about the things to come.

06-29-24 Today was a really good day

June 29, 2024


I woke up to texts from an out of town client who was stressed about a banking issue. He needed info from me that was at my office, so I showered and headed there early. That was the best thing to do!

I solved his problem.

I got all of my MusicFest binders completed, emailed previews to all the Stage Managers and Tech Crews, completed the things I needed to do for Thursday night, the first of Summer Sounds, and even got 6 hours in on a file after taking care of payroll and payments for two others.

I took a break out in the sun at one point and saw someone walking towards me. We practically ran into each others arms and had the biggest hug. This was amazing all on it’s own as my friend Varghese is NOT a hugger. I was so happy to see him back in town. He moved away a few years ago and has recently been on my mind a lot. No surprise, he’s living here again. We had a great sidewalk chat and hope to get together for a good visit soon.

I worked until I felt it was a good stopping point and then came home to make some food, finished Acapulco Season 3 and have just been relaxing and started The Big Door Prize.

It is the first in so many days that I feel relaxed and not stressed about the things to come.

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