triumphgal

07-20-23 homeward bound

July 21, 2023

Had an okay sleep. After a nice coffee together Auntie Trish reminded me of her proposal last night to take me on an Alaskan cruise with her in September. It took us way longer than it should have to book as it didn’t like that we were from two different countries and we had to finally call to book it. We are both excited to be going round trip out of Seattle for 8 days but I ended up getting away 2 hours later than I had hoped.

The journey home was lengthier than usual due to heavy traffic at the start and lots of construction along the way. I nearly jumped out of my skin when an emergency alert rang on my phone and watch along a particularly dark winding stretch of road

Started to get very tired nearing the border and the guard told me to drive carefully. Missy is very happy to see me, my garden has grown over the sidewalk and I am very grateful to go to bed without having to unload the car tonight.

07-19-23 Auntie Trish

July 20, 2023

I set my alarm but woke up before it and began to get myself ready to catch the ferry off Salt Spring Island. I had said my goodbye’s last night but was so happy to have a quick visit with my eldest niece, Alexa before I left. There had been a communication error last night and I thought Maya must have been working so I didn’t get to see her. Sad for both of us. I managed to arrive at the boat and be on with the last three cars squeezed in behind me. Once again I experienced the oddness of not knowing anyone one the boat. There was a time in my years on SSI that all would gather and chat for the crossing

Once on the other side, I bought a coffee and snack and got busy on my big union payroll while I had good internet

Once on the boat I settled in a work space and it took me the most of the hour and a half crossing to get it done as, even tethered to my phone, the internet kept dropping. I was glad to finally push send and be done for the week

My first stop was for gas as I was running on fumes. Gas is more expensive in Richmond as it is all full service, so I got enough to get me over the line. I forgot that trains still run in Richmond and I didn’t take pics as I was mesmerized by the graffiti and the sign as I grew up on Lulu Island, most of it on a houseboat. Weird how trains became my thing

And then! I surprised my dear friend Jackie in her long term care home where I found her colouring in a swearsy book. I had brought her a puzzle of the leg lamp from her favourite seasonal movie and we had a good long visit. I still have to admit that it is amazing to be able to communicate with her so well being that she can’t talk since her brain aneurysm. We laughed and I chatted while she responded appropriately and we caught up on person a year after I saw her last. It is so much easier than FaceTime

From there I headed to the border which I thought would be easy as I had recently renewed my Nexus card… seems I didn’t activate it correctly and was flagged and hauled in. I was given a tongue in cheek stern warning and sent in my way (phew!)

The reason I was heading to the states was for a wellness check on my Auntie Trish. She is my Dad’s sister and sole remainder of her generation. I have always adored her, often been compared to her, and couldn’t wait to surprise her. And omg, I sure did. We have spent the whole afternoon and evening getting to know each other’s history on a way deeper level and there have been years and hugs and promises that I will be her person ‘when the time comes’. Her only daughter runs a farm in Alberta and I have also promised her that I will be the one. Auntie Trish and I have strong genes and a kindred spirit. We are making a plan to travel together. She may not love that I post this pic without makeup but my 81 year old auntie is beautiful to me… and she is sending me home with shoes!

I am now tucked in, happy in the love of family that is truly unconditional

07-18-23 SSI time

July 18, 2023

I will remember to place all the info here, I promise. I am so tired. I cannot keep my eyes open, but suffice to say I have had a lovely day

Updated on 07-30-23:

It as warm in the morning and I had lots to pack up. The site is nearly torn down already. It is quite amazing. I took the time to pack everything, keeping in mind that I would be crossing the border the next day. Once everything was done and I’d had a shower, I made my rounds to say goodbye. The bulk of people were gone already but I had a good hug with Cresslynn and Jean.

The first stop down island was a slight detour but so worth it to stop, first at my friends shop which is a combination bakery, locksmith and book shop in Lake Cowichan. They have done such a great job with it, it is truly a testament to their personalities and skills. I did also pop over to their extremely charming house for a tour and a quick visit with Jenny as Erin was at the shop. I hope to return for a longer visit and potential stay over.

It was a little bit of a rush to the Crofton Terminal but I made the ferry easily. It was nice to walk around and smell the ocean. It was strange to not recognize a single person, even crew on the boat.

While the boat was approaching Vesuvius, I received a text from Mark that he would meet me at Moby’s. It was so good to see him, and we had a good sit at the bar for a couple bevies. I did see my friend René there as well and got a big hug. I admit that I was very disappointed that Mary Lynn didn’t come down as well. I miss her.

Before even heading to my brothers place, I stopped to visit Donna. She is my step-mother, my Dad’s widow and she has been in Long Term care for a long time now. I send her letters or cards occasionally but this would be my first visit and I did not know what to expect, whether she would even know me and want to visit. She did recognize me, we chatted and then went for a walk. A guy was leaving out a back gate and held it for us so off we went on a good long walk. She was very careful with her placement of feet, keeping to mostly even ground, told me she couldn’t hold on to anything as she could balance better on her own. We looked at plants, she was able to pet and play with two dogs out for a walk with their owners and she stood and stared at the ocean in the distance for some time. All the while, she asked me questions, spouted poetry and song, and seemed very in the moment. I think that it helped that Ashlée had been there the day before. At one point she asked if I had a man in my life. When I said no, that I was happy alone, her response was 100% Donna; Well, Marnée, it’s about time. She mentioned that she had gaps in her brain and I asked her how she knew. I think she knows when words look odd, she asked me twice how old I was and how old she was. She also asked after my Mom and was happy to hear that we are all in Cranbrook together now. I finally guided her back towards the front doors of the hospital where we met a stunned nurse coming back from dinner. She looked very uncomfortable that we were outside and asked how we got the code to get out. It was then that I realized that Sandy, Donna’s representative had made it so Donna wasn’t to go out. This breaks my heart. I shared with the nurses all about our walk and communication. It was hard to say good-bye to Mrs B (the name I have always called her) but we did get a lovely selfie together. I don’t believe she belongs there, in a ward with 3 others. She could be in assisted living or be in her home with a live in helper. I don’t know how Sandy got POA along the way but she won’t communicate to us the reason for her choices in Donna’s care. I do know that if that is my last memory of time spent with Mrs.B, I will always remember the day I inadvertently kidnapped her.

I made it up to Kym and Greg’s and dropped off my stuff just in time for us all to head down to Moby’s for good food and Trivia night. I did get a big hug from Billy Jack. He was a dear friend when I lived there. Our table tied for second for the trivia game and I got to keep the mug and put both our gift card from winning and mine from Christmas against the bill. It was a nice visit but I am definitely peopled out, especially after my visit earlier. Greg and Kym were blown away when I told them how it went. Apparently they haven’t even been able to take her out for dinner, one of her greatest pleasures. I fell into bed exhausted and happy to have spent time with my bro and family

07-17-23 Strike Day and Payroll

July 18, 2023

I stayed up until after 4 am, sorting my totes and visiting with Peter from the PAW crew. I was still pretty wound up from the blow out with Ash as she had been terribly overworked due to us being short two HQ crew, the backbone of it all. She stepped up beyond her poor body and brain’s ability to. In the morning, after 4 hours sleep, I was back up to meet the crew who showed up to help and finish taking down the lights and tent decor. Ash got up and we had a good cry and hug and I reassured her that i could not possibly have done it if I hadn’t had her. She makes it possible for me to go do all the stage stuff without worrying about Lock-up. It was hard on us both not to see more of the fest but I am more used to it. I can run on little food and sleep while I do what I have to do. Once everything was done it was time to make a bunch of good-byes to crew and get settled down to once again do payroll. This was a tough year for where the dates ended up, adding a lot to my plate

We who were left at the end of the night gathered to celebrate Tiny’s birthday and have some beverages and chat.

I chose not to stay too late as I had to pack up my dirty camp and hit the road the next morning.

07-16-23 cont. (yesterday’s news)

July 18, 2023

Can you really call it news if it is a recall of the highlights that you can remember at this point of a day so full of joy and love and friends and music?

The reason I didn’t post much yesterday is that it was actually 4 am today when I got back to my tent.

The day was so incredibly full that I was just done by the end of it so I am going to hit the highlights and mostly leave out the lowlights.

At around 9 am Nikki D and the Sisters of Thunder hit the backstage with all their glorious energy and insisted Ashlée and I get pictures with them. These women are just so much fun that I want them to be my friends and I have some pretty awesome friends so that says a lot.

Musicians were wandering in ready to kick off the day. It was lovely to see Daniel Tucker who is usually on my crew eager to get playing and I was happy to catch up to both him and Jemma Hicken, his love and performer.

I gave Darwin a ride up to Grassy Knoll where his Dad, Clayton is Stage Manager and we quite enjoyed our Sunday drive. My car is looking horrific at this stage having been parked along the dusty trail since Tuesday. I found it funny when performers in my cart would remark on that very dirty car and I would tell them unabashedly that it was mine

I did take time to check in on my stages and snap a few picks while I was there but I was eager to get back to the main stage for the Sunday Concert Bowl performance as it is my favourite every year. I rarely get to actually sit and watch it though so I was thrilled to take a break at one point to go into the pit and watch. I decided to film it and was done 13 minutes and 12 seconds later, I knew I had been taken to church by AV and the Inner City, Lindsay Beaver and Brad Stivers, Nikki D and The Sisters of Thunder, and Angelique Francis!

This is what we do, transport these glorious people and their gear around the site and provide gear and crew to make glorious music

I have only had four hours sleep and dearly need rest before heading out tomorrow, I know I am running a day behind but I want to document the moments and not abandon it like last year when I got too tired, I shall continue tomorrow

It is now the 22nd and I am completing from memory…

I managed to squeeze one song’s worth of time to see my dear friend Daryl Chonka perform at Grassy Knoll. While I was waiting I saw my friend Valdy walking towards me. Big hugs and love there.

This was a day of many good-byes. Even Jean helped moving gear. It began with the Awakeneers, who I had been so happy to meet as Eli, Immanuel, Isa and any random sibling/girlfriend available have been my barn stage crew for years. I had a lovely crew with the Mom as she was part of starting Axis Mime group back in the day and she knew many of the people that taught me skills back in theatre school.

When it was time to bring them their dinner, I couldn’t find Roy & Lydia. Someone mentioned that he was CD signing so I quickly bought one and went out to find him. We had another great chat before I headed to the Barn to see if all was well there. It tuns out the joint was jumping!!

Now it was time to pack up the outer stages. The crew put the gear up and I Tetris mastered it. While I worked on getting it done, I got a radio message from Ashlée that a performer was looking for me and she had sent them towards the parking lot. As I rounded the corner there was a cart with Roy and Lydia in it driven by Jay. Lydia hopped off and told Roy it was me. They insisted on a selfie and we had big hug and promises of hope to see you again

It was good be backstage for the evening. John Mang did a fabulous job stepping in for his wife Susan who had badly broken her wrist and couldn’t be there. We enjoyed the boy named sue reference all weekend. Next up was the Bros Landreth, whom I have had the pleasure of crewing for 3 different times now. I have watched them turn into lovely family men who have made very good choices for those families.

And another Fest is done…

07-16-23 Sunday Done Day

July 17, 2023

There is so much to post about the last day. It is late and I want to explain it well so I will continue in the morning. I am a happy camper

07-15-23 A Galactic Mess

July 16, 2023

The most important part of my job is keeping the performers happy, or rather, keeping my crew happy, or rather keeping the audience happy… Today was not without its tests but I think overall… mission accomplished. One of my stages had technical difficulties getting going and started 45 minutes late. Poor Tennyson King duo were left standing on stage waiting on the tech. The great thing is that we had them play for our Peak Music Fest last summer in Cranbrook and I bought a tank with Tennyson’s face on it and wore it today. When things were dragging out and some people started to get up to wander away I stepped in front of the stage and told everyone we were sorry but they should stay as I liked these performers so much that I bought the shirt. People laughed and sat down again and I know enjoyed the show. Tennyson insisted on pics with me and a selfie with him and his band mate.

I came up with a platform yesterday and was happy to be at the stage to see it in use. Unfortunately, the reason I was at that stage was to send the Sound Tech home as he was very sick but wanted so desperately to be there. I felt sorry for Norm and assured him I had it covered and if he was well enough tomorrow that he should come back. Tom, the twin brother of one of the VIP hosts, Jan and his friend Roland who are both highly qualified, stepped up to take the stage over. Such a blessing!

On the way back from there I was thrilled to get the chance to see two of my regular volunteers perform, Jemma Hicken with Daniel Tucker. I jumped out of my cart and took a moment to let the audience know that Jemma stage managed Woodland Stage last year where she was now performing. She told the audience that she had begun volunteering when she was 15 and the crowd cheered

I found myself, amidst all the little fires I had to put out (not literally), able to catch small snippets of the people that I know personally or follow. Liam Docherty is a gifted young man who is being produced by Doug Cox and I was so thrilled to hear him live as I have been following his career. He is a sweet young man.

While I was at the Grassy Knoll I was thrilled to catch up with Ash who volunteered previously. She also is an awesome and powerful young person

Next up for a quick listen was Lindsay Beaver and Brad Stivers from Texas. They have performed with a band at two previous Fests and it was a thrill to catch up with Lindsay.

Doug Biggs was doing his usual great job at Grassy Knoll stage and the crew rocked!

Back at Crossroads, the lovely human that is Roy Forbes sat for an interview with Holger Peterson for CBC. Roy is blind now and I have so enjoyed chatting with him and his wife Lydia and making sure they are transported around the grounds as needed. They truly are the definition of a sweet couple. Later in the day as I was supervising the shutting down of the outer stages it was lovely to listen to him performing on the concert bowl stage.

Meanwhile, back at the barn, I was not always happy to find things were not running smoothly. This was in great part due to someone who rented gear to the fest and then insisted that they be the ones to handle it. Brian was constantly usurping the power of the stage manager and I had to wrangle that stage constantly, or so it felt. Fortunately, my stage manager is Eli, a most lovely human being and my whole crew stayed calm and patient as they were being treated, not as kindly by some of the paid staff. Tomorrow will be a very different day. It was lovely to see the McKenty family performing as The Awakeneers on that stage as they are usually the stage crew along with brother Eli.

Also great to see Daniel Lapp again since he was last in Cranbrook, performing with two others as Lappelectro.

I loved bringing Polky from one stage to another. I had a beautiful woman in Polish headwear and a white dress standing on the back of my cart and ahead of me the stand up bass player accompanied by cymbal played us along through the forest.

Ricki Lee Jones is a Goddess. She proved to be the most down to earth, wonderful human, even taking time to sign a few autographs before stepping on stage. She was truly mesmerizing in a, I would love to have a glass of wine and chat with her, kind of way

The crowd showed their appreciation

I did not really look after myself today and finally had ’breakfast’ sometime after 3. And then lunch sometime after that and finally after all outer stages were cleared and only the Concert Bowl Stage was rocking, I wandered out and got a most delicious chicken kebab and rice that I wish I could make at home! The vendor even purposely skipped past the tip button when he found out what my position was here, so sweet.

I have been trying to be sure to take crew shots. Not only do I want to remember the fun but it will help me to remember everyone when I go to schedule next year.

Little fires everywhere, all extinguished

Footnote: The reason for the title is that the road manager for Galactic is a major asshat and he was extremely disrespectful to me and my crew. I have never seen Doug Cox dress someone down so completely. It was incredible. He actually said that he would have no problem announcing to the audience that they would not be playing tonight. I was there to witness it and I did enjoy it.

07-14-23 VIMF Night one following a full day

July 15, 2023

I am so tired that I will apologize right now for terrible grammar and spelling. I was awake at a reasonable time and got myself ready before running the first payroll of the day. It went smoothly so off I went to meet crew and start stocking the stages with gear and supplies. There were definitely challenges in the day but none compared to taking a half hour break to run two more pay and finding issues with the hours of both and their misunderstanding of the Stat and pay so that when I get home I will have to adjust the previous payroll. It ended up taking two hours, argh. The saving grace was that I was listening to Sarah McLachlan do her sound check while I was working and she is a lovely human being. After two trips to first aid for Doug’s son, Devon, who was taking apart a shelf and it let go, hitting him in the voice box causing him to lose his voice and Sound Tech Mike who walked backwards off the stage edge and sprained his ankle, I was ready for some good music and fun. It was so great to get bear hugs from my friends from Salt Spring who are here, Wendy and Kate and Daryl Chonka who is performing tomorrow. I was happy to see Tennyson King arrive and he asked me to get a selfie with him when I see him tomorrow. Nikki D and The Sisters of Thunder brought the house down and even dragged Ashlée on stage for a selfie! I was sorry I missed it as I was covering for her so she could take some pictures. They also brought up a young violinist who is the niece of our security team and she was delightful and brave

There is really no good way to explain how important this is except to say that my cup is overflowing.

07-13-23 Vollie Meeting Night

July 14, 2023

Today was just so relaxed, finding changes that were unexpected and running with them. I found myself remembering my Dad’s saying that nothing was impossible, sometimes it just took longer to come up with a solution. Most of my issues were with things being in the wrong places, or too big for their spaces, but all in all it was a very good day. There were so many good long hugs and it was fabulous when Ash arrived and when our friend Steph arrived on the plane from Cranbrook. There is such a peaceful feeling on the site compared to last year. Tonight was the volunteer meeting at Grierson stage and it is the first time in the 12 years that I have been a coordinator that I stayed for the whole thing as I was the mic sanitizer between all the coordinator introductions. We had a great meeting and I was so thrilled at the number who came out, especially the newbies, of which I have many. Every one seems very engaged. I even have a 12 year old Fest baby on my crew this year which makes me happy. I was with Cresslynn and Jean, locking up the Barn when one of the barrel bolts bit my right thumb in the dark. It hurt and was bleeding good when I got into the light so I stopped at First Aid for a clean and a bandage. We all had a good laugh when one of the guys said, we may need to get you a punch card Marnée. I hope this is my one injury this season as they are usually far worse, lol. I came back to the camp for a nice visit with Eli and Steph before we all tucked in for the night.

07-12-23 Pre-Fest Day 2

July 12, 2023

Or the day that I awoke refreshed, enjoyed a shower, a coffee, and a yogurt before sitting in the shade of the Construction crew living room and running payroll for back home. Now when I say living room, I mean it. Between two camper trailers are their awnings stretched out. Under this is a patchwork of mill ends from the carpet store, a wooden coffee table and various couches and overstuffed chairs they have collected by hitting up the free section of Facebook marketplace. It’s quite posh. The day was good for review of things on my own and with Doug, for big hugs from previous crew who were arriving, and a great but short visit with Camille. She picked me up and we went to Superstore for some supplies and ice. As we drove and wander the aisles, we found many similarities in a health issue we are both experiencing. That whole swollen esophagus thing that I deal with only periodically now is also what she gets and apparently its allergy related. I am sitting on my couch, with the star lamp casting on the ceiling of my tent, listening to classic rock from the neighbour’s and it is all improved by the wee puff I had earlier. Sweet Dreams!

07-11-23 Hello Comox Valley

July 12, 2023

I awoke from a very comfortable sleep, got myself ready to go and was treated to a delicious breakfast and visit with Kelly before hitting the road. She also gifted me with an incredible stack of puzzles. So much joy to look forward to! Kelly will be the first to admit that Glen is the cook in their house but I love these candids of her determination to be the superhost she is and send me off with a hearty breakfast.

The drive to the Horseshoe Bay ferry was uneventful and I was going to have no problem getting on the next boat in an hour. I was happy to See Big Little Lions advertised on the terminal bulletin board and can’t wait to see Helen for the Fest as she is an emcee. I spent the wait and the crossing nearly completing my book. It was an easy and interesting read and I recommend it, The Soloist by Steve Lopez.

I stopped at the Best Buy in Nanaimo and had incredible service from Nial who cleaned my watch and replaced the band for me as it was starting to break away and I didn’t want to lose it before I could get one of the ones from home. Next stop was a fabulous Canadian Tire where I picked up a great deal on a pair of chairs with headrests that go into one bag. Mine were all worn out and nasty, time for an upgrade. It was then time to head north up island and I arrived around 3:30 to the site. So many hugs, a great tour around by Doug and then I drove him as he Live streamed the arrival of the main bowl stage. I love being back with ‘my people’ in a place that feels like home. Blair came and picked me up and we went for our annual dinner out. The last two years has been at the Phat Parrot food truck and I had exquisite scallop and prawn tacos. We also went to Home Depot where I bought a 100 ft extension cord to connect me for my CPAP and charging station. When he dropped me off I took the time to set up both my glamping spot and Ashlée’s beside me. I wish I had also brought Steph’s tent as I could have made her spot ready. The only thing I didn’t think to bring was a reading light but I will finish my book in the morning. There is wifi so I am able to do this and am sitting on my couch listening to the music from the construction crew and the laughter and conversations in the night. It is nice to be here a day early just to spend time around the people I adore. The temperature is perfect for relaxing and sleeping as well. Tomorrow I will have to run some payroll and will help out where I can. My work begins anew the next day when all my crew starts arriving and we have our volunteer meeting.

My best hug of the night was from my little buddy Lincoln. We have made faces together for 8 years now. I can’t believe he is 12. i love him.