triumphgal

May 5, 2024

Normally this morning would find me dressing up in one of my favourite Star Wars shirts, throwing on my lighting up head band and celebrating by saying May the 4th be with you to anyone who would listen. Instead, I got myself ready and headed down to breakfast by 7:30 which was a delicious buffet including challah French toast and huckleberry syrup.

Demetress Harrell was the first speaker and I can honestly say that she inspires me and impresses me and manages to bring joy and connection in the same breath. Every time I saw her in the hotel, or over the course of the day she would take time to connect. She is educated beyond measure, sits on many boards and has so many accolades I can’t begin to list them here, and yet does not intimidate me at all, but rather makes me want to sit and have a beverage with her.

Patrick Shagaluke was next representing Forced Migrants and Refugees. I think the preview screen was not working properly for him and his presentation was sped through, but it was heartfelt and I appreciat the work that is being done by this refugee from Congo.

Next was dear Deepa Willingham, another amazing example of a human who trained under Mother Theresa, has many degrees and accolades and yet is so humble and full of love that one cannot help be drawn to her. I want to be part of her world, to learn how to give and make a difference in this world. And, she made me cry for the second day in a row.

For lunch I was part of the group that went out on the Mish-An-Nock and because there were so many of us we rafted up with the Coeur d’Alene. It was a lovely buffet on a cruise around part of the huge lake. I was happy to have conversation with a local member who could fill me in on the details of the area. She was super friendly and we talked for a good long time. It was cool to pass the ‘floating green’ where one of our members, Rick had golfed yesterday, having had to take a boat out to finish the round. The boats felt a lot like I was on a ferry or sea bus and gave me very pleasant feels. If I didn’t concentrate on the lack of smell, I could almost believe I was back on the ocean.

Next, I attended the Business Meeting as I really wanted to learn all that I could about this organization I have joined. It was worth it and I learned a lot.

After the meeting Heidi, Joe and I walked over to margaritaville in Rotary Centennial Park where for a donation, we got top shelf drinks and had a nice visit. Apparently over 700 dollars was raised, lol.

I came back to my room and got changed for the evening before heading down to the no host reception. I met up with Penny from Sunrise Rotary in Cranbrook and we picked a good table where Rick, Heidi, Jordon, and Joe from my club as well as Helen from hers and an exchange student from Belgium joined us. We all had a lovely evening.

Highlights were The Youth Exchange Flag Ceremony and Talent Show, the District Awards where we won Social Media Citation for the year as well as Outstanding Large Club of the Year, and the entertainment from Courtney & Co (on his Harp Guitar) followed by Eric E who got those who remained up dancing.

Penny and I went over to Whispers for a martini on the deck. She went back to her room and I ordered a crown to take back to my room which was free poured. As I turned to leave, there was Jordon and Heidi and we had a nice visit out on the deck. She has good insights as our president and a friend.

I am so grateful to me for making the choice to come and will be looking forward to finding my place where I have passion to serve in Rotary for the rest of my days. And I will always remember these powerful women who inspired me

May 3, 2024

I got up early so that I could dry my hair before walking over to the Peace Summit. I realized that I forgot any method of combing or brushing my hair. Oh well, the fingers worked. The first session of the morning at the Human Rights Education Institute had technical difficulties getting started, but turned out to be a real blessing in my day. The speaker, Devankar Mekhi, was on by zoom from Detroit and shared a lot of great information about cultivating peace and encouraging youth to Rotary. We broke into small groups and answered a bunch of questions around the circle. I made some conference friends in that circle, and we were blessed to have Keynote speaker for tomorrow, Deepa Willingham, in our circle. At one point she had two of us in tears with her stories about changing someone’s life with our actions. I look forward to tomorrow. Afterwards was the Peace Pole dedication with the Schitsu’umsh drummers. It was moving and I saw a moment when what looked like a young landscaper was driving past and pulled into a parking lot across the street to come over and see what was going on. He seemed earnestly interested, asked questions of a Rotarian at the back of the pack and stayed to watch.

On the way back from that, I stopped at Figpickles again to buy ‘The Child’ as I found out on Lego.com that it is a retired item. This made me happy to find and they were thrilled that I had discovered that and was getting it.

I dropped it off in my room and headed down to the lunch to find Heidi and Jordan had arrived. I sat at the table with them and Sandra and Bill from Kimberley. It was a multicultural buffet and I was able to find many delicious options that I was not allergic to. The first speaker was Demetress Harrell. She was very inspiring, came from Texas and left us touched by her message of giving. Next was Gabor Gasztonyi from NEw Westminster, BC. He is a survivor of polio, a photographer and huge giver in the world of African children who are victims of Polio. After a break there was a panel of 4 who spoke on homelessness. It was interesting, but not feasible in BC due to the difference in laws. There were some very good points though about coming alongside and supporting even on an individual level. During the break I had a great talk with the CDA youth rotary group about potential marketing possibilities as I had become aware that CDA store employees were not aware of Rotary in the area. They listened and responded well to my observations. The final session at the resort was Chief Allan from the CDA Tribe, Schitsu’umsh. He was full of personality and had an ‘off the cuff’ manner of speaking that was very well crafted to keep the session positive. He is the face of reconciliation. I want to believe it was not just what we wanted to hear, but I do believe he was full of grace and that there is a reason he has been chief for so long. His two sisters and niece were the drummers that I had seen earlier and they did two songs. I spoke with one of them after and asked her to pass along a message to her brother of gratitude.

The donation to the auction raising money for polio eradication includes a lovely grouping from Cranbrook

Once I was done that session, I was led astray and bought the last penguin available. I downloaded the App and found that I am supporting and following Elal who is somewhere off the coast of Uruguay. The stuffy is soft and gorgeous. I love penguins, have since the 90s or so when I first realized how glorious they are in real life. I hope someday to see them in their natural habitat.

I had an hour free time so I wandered the park and the waterfront enjoying the art and the view.

The final event of the evening was a tapas buffet sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce. I was happy when 4 of the Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary group joined me at the table I was at. We had a great visit, enjoying the food, a beverage and the guitar player/singer. We then visited as we strolled back to the Resort. Penny and I, two bookkeepers celebrating end of season, sat on the deck and had drinks. Just before the sun was to set, Helen joined us and we all had a lovely visit before it cooled down. I am loving that I am staying alone, but am also enjoying getting to know people from the other clubs. There are so many that I am already meeting in the lobby and elevators with great exclamations of recognition and hellos. It truly is a relationship, an extended family. This experience makes me more eager to travel more and get involved with Rotary international experiences. Heidi mentioned that I may want to be involved in Polio vaccination days as I have a soft spot due to the fact that my maternal grandfather died from Polio when my mom was a child. I am open to that!

May 2, 2024

I took my time relaxing and then getting ready to head to the states today. The urgency was completely relieved when I realized they are on Pacific time so I would gain and hour going there. The drive was lovely even with the short patch of rain, the border crossing was pleasant, and I was in awe when I arrived. The Resort is just lovely and the weather cleared enough to allow me to go for a comfortable walk to the shops, grab some happy hour sliders and martinis and get back in time for a 50 min Swedish Massage. Jason worked his magic and I floated back to my room in time for them to deliver my Sweet Treats plate. It is ridiculously good and very sweet. I could only eat a bit so will dole it out over the next few days. I have the candles lit and am tucked in watching The Day After Tomorrow. I will sleep early tonight as I plan to be up at 6:30 so I can shower and dry by hair before the 10 minute walk over to the Peace Summit

It does amaze me how much it feels like I am on the ocean here. Good for the soul

May 1, 2024

The weather felt like march, but the month holds promise, and we need the water for the fire season.

The day had several oddities. I was able to gather more donations for the Children’s Festival which was a plus. I had to do only half a payroll as one of the two employees didn’t have their timesheet completed. The big company that I was supposed to run last payroll for found out that the new ‘owner’ didn’t set up liability insurance so they couldn’t take over the payroll. I will do it next week as usual. My printer stopped dead as the starter toner ran out after not much use. Fortunately I am also connected to the network one so I could print cheques, including the one to me. I received an email from the General Manager of the local radio station that he had been approached for advertising by a band who is playing free in the park on the same day FPPAS is doing our fundraiser. They said they were raising funds for us but have no affiliation, so, yeah, I had to deal with that. Funny thing was, the GM was the guy I chatted with when I sat next to him and his wife at the Gala on Saturday night. Can’t get away with things in a small city, especially when my network is large.

I met up with the kids and grands at Encore for rib night. It was fun to hang out even if the ribs were disappointing. I had a very interesting conversation with Ash when out of nowhere, it seemed, she asked if I had reconciled myself to the fact that she wasn’t ever going to have kids. I have never thought of it as imperative and I was able to honestly say that the only thought I have always had is that I hope to see her happy. She said she is getting there. We also think that the poster this year for VIMF sums up the past and would be a great year to end on, the 30th. We would both miss it, but know we can’t do it forever. It is such a long, encompassing journey for us.

Today was a very good parcel day! I got my lights for my two Lego dioramas and when I got home there was a lovely parcel from England for my birthday. It made me a bit teary, to be honest. Such thoughtful friends from afar that I hope to see again some day.

April 30, 2024

I woke up at 5:30 this morning running work through my head so I decided to just get up, get ready, and go. It’s a good thing I did because I got a shite tum and even managed to get my invoicing done before my pedicure appointment at 2 PM. This sounds so luxurious and it was, but it was also extremely necessary as Throbby Bobby has been hurting since Saturday night. it was funny to come out of the office excited that April was done and all my filings were done and it was snowing on the last day of April, of all things.

I have been putting off my responsibilities to garner food donations for the performer and volunteer hospitality tent at Kootenay Children’s festival on May 11. once my pedicure was done I grabbed my list and hit a bunch of locations, some who generously donated at the moment and others who promised to give the information to their managers who would call me in the morning. Cranbrook is a very generous town.

Once I was done that I went to the Shell station beside Safeway and used my AIR MILES bonus for $.15 off a litre before the price went up at the gas station and managed to fill my tank for 157.9 which is a miracle these days. And then I popped over to Encore to celebrate my last day as a founder and get my 10% off my food and beverage, which was a great choice because I met one of the performers who is in town with Dino, which I unfortunately will be out of town for, Kevin and I had a great chat, performing and touring and theatre in general I am always happy that I chat with strangers

Ever since I got home, Missy has been driving me crazy miaowing to go in and out and in and out. I’ve never heard her this vocal since she was injured and couldn’t go out at all and am not entirely sure what’s going on with her, but I have been curled up watching For all mankind and just relaxing, enjoying a lovely evening 

April 29, 2024

Fresh snow on the hills and heavy hail today… sigh

I got the last of the GST filings done, and the tax returns that people had supplied all their info for, as well as other work.

It is worth celebrating, but I am exhausted so I came home and made dinner and settled down with a glass of wine.

April 28, 2024

I did laundry, etc today while I watched For All Mankind and waited to go with Bill and the boys to pick up a lovely dining room table from my friends out in Kookanusa. Lukas, Will, Sawyer, Bill and I took Roger’s truck and off we went. I didn’t mention until we were turning up the driveway an hour later who we were going to see and it turns out Bill knows Lance, lol. We loaded up and grabbed my Willys hood that was out there as well, Bill had a good visit and then we headed back with a stop at the DQ drivethru where Nana treated us all to ice-cream treats.

I also gathered some glass blocks that I bought from Addie and the spare Jeep tailgate before heading home to make a tasty meal and continue watching For All Mankind

April 27, 2024

I crocheted and relaxed and binged Severance until it was time to get ready and be at the Colombo Lodge for 4:45. Tonight was our amazing Rotary Gala with a Moulin Rouge theme. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The decor and st up crew did an amazing job. The food was perfection and being the ninth at a table of new Rotary friends made my night.

I was surprised when Rae-Anne showed up as she had been given a ticket last minute. She looked beautiful in spite of throwing an outfit together. We had fun sharing the event. There were many familiar and unfamiliar faces and everyone looked to be having an amazing time. I was comfortable and complimented often on my attire. It felt good to feel the love.

Darcy Kennedy and I sold 50/50 tickets on our side of the room while Brian and David did on the other side. Between us all we raised over 8K! It was one of our Rotarians who won so that was awesome. There was an incredible amount of money raised on the silent and live auction. The local businesses were very generous in their donations and in their bidding. I look forward to hearing the final numbers raised.

My feet were hurting as I made the mistake of sitting down. I was wearing my beautiful shoes that I bought on Carnaby Street in London and I clearly haven’t broken them in yet. As long as I was walking they were perfect, but then ached once I sat for a time. I chose to wait until I won the two GC I had bid on, both of which are for things I buy anyway, for the salon I go to, and the liquor store. I am now home at a reasonable hour, having had a perfect day and am watching more of Severance which is a brilliantly odd show.

April 26, 2024

I have to admit that the best part of today is that I had filed all of my T1s and only have one GST filing to do on Monday as soon as the client gives me the last last of his information. That pretty much means that tonight is me celebrating April being over. And then my cousin reached out last minute to ask if I could do her return as it is more complicated than usual. Of course, I said yes.

After work, I came home and made dinner so that I didn’t waste any of my HelloFresh this week and it was delicious. I then headed to Encore as it was the one year anniversary of the business being officially open and Pretty For The People was playing and a new brew was on tap, to which they added sparkly confetti.

The evening was perfectly lovely as I hung out with friends and family, danced and had a great time. I do love the community that has developed around this business.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a parcel had arrived for one of the guys that works in our space as it is the one that I have on my wishlist and I’m waiting for the big sale on May the Fourth. Seeing it in person made me realize how much I want it. it should take me a while. It is expensive so I hope there is a good sale. 

April 25, 2024

Or date night with Rhonda. I was to drive the Bellamy Brothers a half hour out of town for a video shoot so I showed up at the theatre to pick them up at 3, only to find out that Howard (probably needed a nap) wouldn’t even available until 4:30. Cris Schandl, their promoter was awesome when I explained I had plans at 5:30 and was fine to do it along the tour some other time. It was odd to say no to icons, but I had made plans with Rhonda for sushi and the show. It was to be her first night out after the death of her husband, Gordon. She of course felt I should go make a memory with them, but time with her was more important. We had a fantastic night. I only knew the last three songs of their set, but thoroughly enjoyed it. At 73, and 78, David and Howard still have powerful voices and great energy.

The openers were from the Kootenays! Son of John were so great and the father and son duo set the tone for the night.

April 24, 2024

Some days I just choose to do all the things and then come home and be done with communication. This is one of them. Tomorrow promises to be a lot. Resting up, night night.

April 23, 2024

Today was tough at the office.

I met a group of powerful, amazing women at Firehall to celebrate Ash’s birthday and play Disney song bingo. I didn’t buy cards as I already had an appointment to have my hair cur at 7:30 and didn’t want to miss it. It was awesome to hang out and I ran out for my appointment with the lovely Karissa who took my hopes and made them true. I made it back for the blackout round and had fun with the ladies. We are a group of well range of age and life experience and there were many laughs.

April 22, 2024

and I love her to the moon, my mini me. She can get under my skin faster than anyone else, and I am pretty sure it goes both ways. When she sees me and smiles all the way to her eyes… it makes me so happy. This morning I got that smile at the door when I dropped her present off.

My work day was not without its complications and was broken up by volunteer work, but I still managed to get a lot done.

It was good to have a subcommittee meeting today and get some things sorted. It was better to get home and relax as my ribcage hurts when I even breathe deep from lifting that fence by myself yesterday.

April 21, 2024

This morning I tried to think of something I wanted to say about my friend Gordon Sheridan at his Celebration of Life this afternoon. I felt a strong need to do so and it was driving toward anxiety. I decided to do some chores and think on it. I stepped out to call in Missy and saw that my fence had blown over into the neighbour’s yard. The wind was strong, but I suspect there was more at play and my first reaction was to laugh and blame Gord. It reminded me of the day I was supposed to take him for a ride in the Willys when the neighbour stormed over and threatened to burn my fence panels if I didn’t get them stood up properly. I cancelled the ride and got it done and then we never did get that drive together. I came back in the house when I was finished rebuilding it and looked up what day it was that I first built it. It was a year ago exactly !! That made me laugh as I realized Gord had written the final chapter for us.

I got myself cleaned up and headed to Key City Theatre where the Celebration of Life was in the lobby. It was a lovely setting and a beautiful tribute. I did get up and tell my story of today and how we had a shared love of Red Dwarf. I ended by saying that I only wished that he were in stasis. It was nice to see so many familiar faces from so many areas of the arts.

I came home and made a good meal and will go to bed early as I am bone weary now.

April 20, 2024

I had a relaxing day. There was a VIMF coordinators meeting (me by zoom) at noon which was informative and then I settled into a lovely bath and watched Leave The World Behind. It is a pretty intense, interesting movie with several big names. The young girl playing the 13 year old daughter was specifically good. I did some yard work and then Tracey and I headed to Fire Hall for dinner before heading to The Stage Door for the CCT production of Clue. I was especially impressed with the Set and use of the very small stage for such a ‘large’ show. I was happy for the performances and especially impressed with Will and Matt. It was a good day.

April 20, 2024

I spent a good part of my day on bookwork, filings etc. That was, I did what I needed to do and then I did a lot of what I wanted to do. At 1 I went to a lunch with three other Rotary ladies. It was at Judy’s house and she had made amazing clam chowder and corn bread. Her birthday is tomorrow and we had a delicious raspberry chocolate cake and a great visit.

I stopped at the post office and sent off my cousin Deb’s birthday present and then it was back to ground floor where there was another delicious cake. Steve had stopped for FPPAS business and joined us. By now I was about to explode as though I had had a full turkey dinner.

Diana had dropped off a bevie of gifts while I was gone and I was overwhelmed. She is so dear and generous and I always feel completely spoiled by her.

I did some more filings and then headed to meet the family and friends like family at Taco TIme for dinner. It was my choice and I had a good meal and fun. The manager (owner?) brought over churros for everyone when he saw it was my birthday.

We all went back to the Guedes house and played a game called Outsmarted. It was a fun combination of Trivial Pursuit and Who Wants to be a Millionaire. There was a board, die and figures. We had to download an app for the trivia part of the game rather than cards. It was so much fun. I highly recommend it. Ashlée won with Jeff and I close behind.

I was completely spoiled with gifts today as well. So much to be grateful for. I had fun opening my gift from Mark over FaceTime with him. He made some very special fun things for me. I can’t wait to iron on my transfer to a T-shirt. He even made a card game and sent me the beta version to test out with family.

I posted on Facebook my feelings about the day but I want to remember it here. Every little message, text, email was so much a part of filling my tank. Every one lead me down memory lane of how I know the people, how much they have added to my life. I had people sing to me! It really was a fabulously awesome day! I am a lucky woman.

April 18, 2024

Or so Google tells me that the day I was born was that many days ago. Heck of a way to spend the last day of being 60… hungover from a lack of sleep. I didn’t go right to sleep last night and the last I saw it was heading towards 2 in the morning. I woke up with a start sometime after 5, took a long time to get back to sleep and then at 7 am my Roomba, James II woke me with a cheery tone as he set about cleaning under my bed. By that point I was so annoyed, I just got up and sat in my chair with drivel on the TV as I drank coffee, had a smoothie and crocheted. I finally felt awake enough to shower and leave. I dropped my recycling, stopped at the office to check my email and then headed to Rotary lunch. I didn’t want to miss it as Jordan Nering was giving a talk about AI. He showed us the live workings of several versions of software. I admit it was pretty informative and scary in the same breath.

Back at the office I worked on free and flat rate work so I could go slow and concentrate more carefully. I got enough done to not feel the day was a right off. Actually, Trudy had supported and encouraged me, last night, to just enjoy and have a slack day, that I deserved it. It wasn’t long into the day that I remembered tomorrow I will be 61. It made me laugh with any of the energy I had left that I may have finally aged out of fun into the wee hours unless I let myself sleep as long as I need to afterward.

I came home and made a good meal with turkey meatballs, and roasted potatoes. It was good comfort food and I have been watching my Apple + shows. First was the most recent episodes of Palm Royale and Loot, now I have started watching For All Mankind. It is a very interesting what if scenario about the Space Race.

I shall head to bed very soon.

April 18, 2024

Knows exactly what you need.

It’s as simple as, well, manifesting in thought what brings you joy.

I worked like a puppy chasing its tail today. I was not focused but rather multitasking on a ridiculous level.

I was at Key City for 4:30 to meet with the performers and host the Winter Ale evening. I can’t explain how many revelations I had about my relationship to live music. I was fully aware that I am the wind beneath the wings, that I love to help bring people joy. To see the performers connect with the audience brings me joy. I got to sit with my friend Monica and enjoy a beverage as we enjoyed the music. I was invited back to my friends, Dave and Trudy’s for a dram with them and a couple band members afterward. It was so good for my soul. There was much guitar playing and great conversation. It turns out that Jenny Allen, the headliner and I, have 21 mutual friends and we connected immediately. The evening was so great and I finally said, “I have to go, before I don’t” She asked if she could use that line in a song. Of course!

Seriously, my first response should or could have been, no, I have too much to do tomorrow, but the reality is that I was exactly where I needed to be to fill my soul. I have made a new friend in Jenny from Calgary, yay!

April 16, 2024

I had an odd night, awake thinking often. My shower thoughts were deep and sort of dark, or maybe light in the realizations. I am not sure where the seed came from. I found myself thinking about how seldom I am surprised, startled, or bothered by pain. I know that a part of me was brought up in a house that showed stoicism. As children we were often… bullied in some ways. We were teased and embarrassed in front of others for entertainment of adults. I learned to laugh it off or at the very least, not show how bad it was. I would leave the table to get something requested, only to return to a meal doused in hot sauce. I would take a bite and then finish without showing sign that it tasted any different, just to not give Dad the satisfaction. Or maybe it was to live up to what I perceived as expectations… that, somehow, I was making him proud. I would get hurt and walk it off. No blood, no broken bones, no complaining allowed. Mom made it clear I was to rise above, to set an example, to always be the best.

I wonder if I pass those same ideals along to my children. I hope they know I love them beyond understanding. I hope they know they don’t have to do anything at all to have that from me. I hope they know that they can be, just be, not be something.

I believe I am coming to that belief in myself finally. I am making good choices. I am finding contentment in my life and purging the things that do not bring joy.

Today I was asked to take on a client whom I have been working with assisting and training their bookkeeper. They want me. This is flattering. I asked to put a pin in it until we talk May 8th so that I can assess my capacity. In April I am more likely to say no.

I did spend time in my yard today installing some solar fun. I have ordered more and intend my yard to be a big source of joy this summer.