Today was just a normal intense work day for me. I admired all the beautifying things in my garden before they are gone.
After work I came home for a relax, watched Ellen while eating some shrimp. Don’t want to eat or drink too much before heading to the show got myself to the theatre and organized my backstage setup before everyone arrived. The Whole thing went amazing. I get to enjoy it like a radio play from my spot turning on and off the Aurora Borealis. I learned I have a credit in the program as Aurora lol. I am honestly thrilled to support this huge group of talented folks and am thrilled to see the Covid precautions being followed to every measure. I took stolen moments to take a few pics from my perspective tonight as it was only first run though, dress tech. It was also an opportunity for the actors to see the other scenes as they have been cast and rehearsed in bubbles. It’s only the last scene I am blocked from seein at all and it sounds very poignant.
The other thing that I want to share is an amazing feat accomplished by my oldest first cousin, Dale. He has been fit and travelled, stood on the highest mountains and yet was the one to inherit the family heart issues. Coming up two years ago he got a new one. Yesterday he took part in the Terry Fox run. This what he had to say: Wahoo!!!On behalf of my sponsors, I completed 42.2 k….a full marathon in Sunday’s Terry Fox Run. Of course, it did take me 7 hours and 48 minutes on the treadmill..and my feet are so sore. I cannot imagine getting up at 4 am and doing that every day on one leg on the side of the highway. Thanks to everyone for supporting the Terry Fox legacy. Thank you.
This morning came with weird weather, on the edge of a storm. I did laundry and lounged awaiting time to go to the cue to cue rehearsal at the theatre. I have mixed feelings about it because I’m excited to be a part of theater again and also worried about the sound part of it all because we didn’t have anything provided yesterday so that I could make sure that it would work in the system which I’ve never used before. I got there early and made sure all of my lighting special effects from backstage were set up and all the extension chords were taped down, hidden and out of tripping way. I had brought my MEC self inflating mattress from my motorcycle camping days to use as a mat to lay on behind the row of trees at back of set. Things got a little complicated at one point because the sound wouldn’t work properly. Fortunately the gentleman I have been trying to get to assist me with that showed up at that point and I was able to pass him off to the crew who is working in the booth and go back to my spot backstage. my tech director position involves having people who know what to do, I just need to be able to assist when necessary and step away so that they can learn and not just have me take over. Sanjay, who is also in the show handled things in his usual calm demeanor and together he and the new recruits pulled off a very smooth tech once it all became accessible. We started late but it went for the most part, quickly. I had fun doing my part although I will find it hard on my body being back there for that long. I will have to work my way out to a position to stand and stretch when I can. It honestly was great and there were many smiles. I am responsible for the stars, the aurora Borealis and resetting a few set/pro pieces. It’s nice to be a wee cog in the machine. I hoe there will be a recording so I can see it.
Picked up Aiden and headed down to the theater as today was tech day to get the lights hung and figured out. I will confess to you being very nervous about what the atmosphere was going to be like given the past week of turmoil but it turned out to be one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Bob and Michelle, the directors, stayed the whole time with us. Michelle even went and got Starbucks and then later Bob went and got pizza. Sanjay and Trevor were up and down on the ladders in the front of house and I was backstage working on the special effects starry skies and aurora borealis. that is what I am responsible for in the show and as a matter of fact I will be laying on the floor backstage for the entire run turning the aurora Borealis on and off as needed. The atmosphere was jovial so much got done and the set looks beautiful lit. I am really looking forward now to the cue to cue tomorrow and the dress rehearsals and opening of the show this week.
When that was all done I went to Campbell’s of course. They had sold an older TV and went to buy a new one so I made dinner at their house while they were doing that and braided Zoë’s hair when she got out of the shower. then we all had dinner watching brave little toaster after that Zoe and then Diane went to bed and Sean Aidon and I watched Ford versus Ferrari using my chrome cast and Crave. I really liked it but now I’m very tired because It’s been a very long day and Diane keeps their home quite warm for my taste. It lulled me to sleep nearly
Today was a step or two forward and then a step or three back. I dropped my duvet off at the laundry place I’d bought a coupon for, worked a bit and then had a lovely lunch at The Cottage restaurant with a friend. When I returned my system wouldn’t hook back up to my Remote Desktop. Two IT guys later and I am still not direct connected through my name. That ate up an hour and a half of my day. I am working on entering books from April to the end of August in time for a board meeting next Thursday so I stayed until 7:45 and completed April reconciliations. I always try to have a succession plan or as I call it , my fall off my perch plan. Leaving things ready for someone to take over leaves me free to be me.
I arrived home at 8 to find my new back door had arrived. The freight company had called yesterday and just as she was about to hang up remembered to confirm my address. good thing as it was about to be dropped at the house I sold in 2017. they had unfortunately dropped it off as far as possible from where it needed to be so I had to muscle it round the house and up into place. It was awkward to do solo but an hour and fifteen later it was hung and the new Kevo system installed. I did have help though from the Dali Lama and Desmond Tutu. I have to carve out a bit to have it lock fully and easily but am done for the evening. Posted the door for sale and sold to a friend almost immediately.
Didn’t make it onto the treadmill this morning but I sure got my mental work out over the course of the day. Took some time to sit and knit this morning and ground myself before I left and on my way to the car enjoyed my garden, finding one little sweet pea in bloom which is only the second one of the summer, the sunflowers looking a little droopy because the sun hasn’t broken through the smoke, the tiny little tomatoes saying, in spite of it all, look at us go! And my Burning Bush is getting its burn on!
Work feels very satisfying and less draining as the days go by. I am gearing up now to help get a show into its run. The Community Theatre is opening Almost, Maine next Friday night. I have committed to help with the lights. On Saturday Trevor, Sanjay and I will meet with the Directors to work out the plot and spend the day hanging and aiming and programming the Board. I hope it goes well, there are bruised egos right now. I so wish for the shows sake they will be set aside to get the job done.
I came home to water and enjoy the changes of the season, will knit a little, watch a little TV and connect with an old friend from Theatre School. It’s incredible Brad and I have connected after not seeing each other since probably 1982.
Today I awoke early and got on my treadmill for the first time in months. at the office early, clients called and dropped in asking If i would still be their person. The news must be getting out at the firm that I am cutting ties. It is fulfilling to know I am wanted and needed.
I heard the news that Aiden had a negative COVID test which is a relief as he had run a fever on Sunday and I have been masked ever since as we hung out without them on Saturday. I am so grateful he is feeling better. He beat me at cribbage again tonight. It was quite the moral dilemma whether or not to tell anyone who had been at the workshop on Saturday. I did request he go get tested and the nurse on the 811 line felt that was a good overly cautious thing to do but no one around him needed to isolate.
Do you want to discuss my feelings a little bit more and share my hopes and dreams for the next month or two? the reality is I’m so tired I’m yawning and my eyes are crossing so I should just go to bed. My great joy was going out to water my garden tonight and seeing a star in the sky. that is a real blessing after not being able to see across the trailer park since Saturday. the smoke has moved on for now.
This day was full of great moments, successes and surprises.
I had fun meeting Larry, a guy who bought my Apple Watch for his wife for their anniversary. I didn’t have the original box so I packaged it in tissue in a gift bag, ready for giving. He was so looking forward to surprising her.
Today was the launch of the Hryciuk Gallinger rebrand as Vantage Point. It was not without its complications but I wish them much success. I wonder if my contract is still valid? I did give my notice though so I guess it is moot.
At 5 Diane and I had a shared pedicure appointment at New Energy Wellness Spa. Allison and Ireland were fantastic, the set up was lovely and so were our treatments. We will definitely be back and I love my sparkling red nails. Diane had brought some moscato in water bottles for us to enjoy, what a great friend!
My next appointment was the Cranbrook Community Theatre AGM. It was set up to keep us distanced and everything went pretty smooth except apparently the live stream. The last item on the agenda was the vote. After several declines from others to stand, I was nominated from the floor (Dang it Maureen). I struggled to respond, trying to feel the right answer. All I could hear was Michael up behind me saying yes, yes, yes under his breath and ultimately I echoed that. Peter promptly declared the Board acclaimed and that was that. I am pretty ok with only 9 of us. 12 was pretty unwieldy previously. It is sad to see the ones who stepped out. Trevor was a strong presence for the years I have been involved and Harriet has been the anchor of service to the group forever. I hope to be able to seek both their advice when needed. So now we get this show on the move and then tuck in to plans for the future.
And strangely the best moment of the day may have been weighing in one pound less this week. I have started weight watchers but mostly this week was just paying more attention to what and when I am eating
I do wish to put it permanently out there that in spite of all my frustrations over the past year with him, Trevor cast and directed me in one of my most favourite rolls ever. We will always have The Tin Woman.
My day(s) is(are) full of much that involve too many other people’s reputations and truths so there isn’t much i can speak of for now. in saying I am trying to tread the thin line that is the high road immediately implies my superior attitude in all situations but really, I just want to live my best life and encourage others to do the same. There are many challenges and changes afoot. When the dust settles or smoke clears, I only hope things will be better than they are now., for every one. I know this feels cryptic but the strange thing is that all of the above applies to at least three areas of my life right now. These are strange times indeed.
On an inspiring note.. my oldest cousin, Dale, had a heart transplant and has worked so hard to recover that he is doing the Terry Fox ‘run’ walking on his treadmill over 10 k next weekend. if you have the means to support a worthy cause please go here:
https://terryfox.org/ select sponsor, enter Dale Beastall and Williams Lake in the search engine and give what you wish. Thank you.
Today mostly involved Netflix. I finished Umbrella Academy which I love. Next up was The Social Dilemma which is a terrifying documentary. And finally I am binging Dead To Me. Brilliant actors pulling off a very odd premise.
In between episodes I shortened some curtains for Ashlée, fixed some jeans for Roger, picked up a few fresh groceries, started knitting a cowl and wrote a Tech report for the upcoming AGM. All in all pretty productive and relaxing.
The smoke is bad so I tried to only go out to water. Hard to know how long this bad air will last.
I watched, with horror, the live footage of the New Westminster Pier Park on fire. This is my home town. It’s a terrible thing to see.
7:44 am red sky in the morning, firefighters take warning
I picked up Aiden before 8 and we headed to the theatre for a lighting workshop. Kris Aasen has the experience and was brought down from Edmonton to teach us. Thanks to a Christie Lights donation he brought a second board so we could let everyone have opportunity to be hands on. There was a lot of information but it was super educational and I saw some lights go on in peoples eyes as it clicked.
While we were at it I was able to nail down the details for the tech for the upcoming show. I will be rehanging and designing on the fly with Trevor and Sanjay next weekend. During lunch break Aiden and I tried out the Aurora Borealis projector which works great except that it only has about a 4 foot range for the remote. I or someone else will have to lie down back of the tree line and turn it in and off during the show. At the end of the session I as able to get advice from Kris about the lights, which to keep, etc. I then spoke to Trevor to find he is not going to be involved with CCT for a while. I am sorry for him but feel the pain. I will continue to do what I promised I would. It did my heart good when Director Bob reached out for answers. That is respectful to go right to the source and I appreciate him.
As Aiden and I were leaving I heard a joyous shout of my name and it was Shea in his first car. Gosh I remember that joy. His 2009 Camry is my 1972 Dodge Colt. The freedom and complete joy of your first ride is a brain scar. I was so moved by his joy that I just hugged him and forgot to take a picture. I did take ones of the sky when I went to pick up food from Family Thai for Rae and I. The western states are sharing their misery. We had to cancel our outdoor movie and bbq as the smoke is too thick to enjoy outdoors.
I did stop to check on the Renos at the Campbells and not only did Diane give me her gift certificate to Family Thai but she had picked me up a fabulous picture! Have to find the perfect spot to hang it. had a quick visit as well wit( Danika and Emmy. Don’t get enough of those.
Rae and the three younger boys came over as we planned to watch the new Mulan. I’ve never seen the cartoon one and I liked it. The awkward thing is Rae called first to make sure I would be comfortable as all three boys went to a young friends birthday that was supposed to be family and a couple friends only since they have a new baby in the house. Turns out there were at least 32 people there and they even had a piñata and used a shared bandana for an eye mask. Very irresponsible. I said they could still come but we put to practice social distancing and I sprayed and wiped everything down after they left. Sawyer said the night was sooo special.
I awoke remembering a morning 19 years ago. My alarm had gone off but there was momentary radio silence and then the DJ said something about one of the twin towers being hit by a plane and that it had just collapsed. I honestly thought it was a joke but jumped out of bed to turn on the news and watched in horror as the second one collapsed. The day was surreal as even at work at Mouat’s on Salt Spring customers and staff alike kept migrating to the furniture department in the basement to watch. It seemed that anything was possible, there was no more fairytale of safety on the North American continent. As a Human I was afraid for all of us, as a Canadian I wanted to curl up in my blanket of niceness and pray no one would notice us.
As I was up early I got ready and headed out to find the deer had eaten all they could reach outside of my fence, a single sunflower and a green tomato. For some reason the wee cherry tomatoes remain untouched. I settled at my desk before 8 and was pleased to look up to find Rae there with Sawyer. School start times have been challenging for her with all four in school now and three different start times. I got good hugs and he signed in on our Contact tracing form. Pretty good for 5 I think. I also received a package with an effect machine I was waiting for as well as one of my favourite movies that Diane had not heard of. Can’t wait to watch Brave Little Toaster with her!
Had a pretty productive day and when I got the text from my friend whom I know from Salt Spring that she was in town and was ready to meet for dinner I shut it all down and headed out. Darcy and Geraldine live in Camrose, if I remember right, and are heading to see her family in Summerland. They decided to cone this way and it was so nice to catch up over a nice meal at the Fire Hall. It still amazes me how connections happen over shared places and people. It is always good to speak fondly of lost friends and Bear’s memory was with us. After dinner I took them on a tour out round St. Eugene Resort and through the road construction lol. I really am pleased they came this way and met up. It was funny as she reads this once a week and hasn’t caught up so occasionally a sentence would be preferenced with , “this week on a day in the life..”
Pop up mall was back and Sean, CFEK general manager bought coffee. A great moment in the sun with co-working space friends.
It was a jump from one thing to the other day, paid and volunteer moments that included a visit from both Rae-Anne and Maureen. A client stopped by to remind me that our working relationship has become a friendship and I am her person. I agreed to let the Firm tell people I was severing my contract with them but when people straight up ask I am not going to lie. So far the response has been that they want to stick with me. That is ok as long as they ask as I am not to solicit their clients.
I know that the reason I have been waking at 4 in the morning is I needed to make a final decision about my Tech Director position. Tonight I gave my resignation with the understanding I would finish what I started about clearing out old gear and organizing things. It turned out that as soon as I pushed send I had a meltdown and I called my daughter Ashlée. I cried and downloaded. She was a good shoulder. I have been involved in theatre wherever it was available since my first true role at 13 as OSA Johnson in Chamber Music. I can’t imagine leaving it behind so I guess a break is in order.
There was an issue with the development next door as apparently a valve broke as they were hooking up to the Water main today. We were without water for quite a while and when it came back it was brown. Fortunately some time ago Ashlée had bought regular water rather than distilled for my CPAP machine. I was able to wash my hand to make dinner. I watered my garden from my rain barrel, big plus.
Now, about that dinner.. simple and delicious. Bagel, miracle whip, tomato, salad, chicken bacon. DELICIOUS!
I wish for a deep sleep, to awake not feeling like I have let anyone down, and to always remember I have much love, support and respect in my life. Focus on that, Marnée, focus on that.
It really is quite interesting that the only sunflower in my yard flowering is the one in the bag of dirt, the rest being tall but still green.
A fun day happened at work with 4 local businesses setting up a pop-up mall in the Ground Floor parking lot. There was a barista, a barber, a clothier and a food truck. So much excitement and good energy in the perfectly temperate day. And it went so well, they are coming back tomorrow.
Mid day, Jamie, a guy who I met in my SCUBA course in the 70s sent a couple pictures from a dive trip we took with my Dad and brother in 1979. It is so special to spend time in those memories and again I am grateful for Facebook for allowing these moments to happen so many years later.
I stayed late and got so much done in a no stress filled day. As I left and was practically skipping out to my car I heard a snorting over my left shoulder and turned to see a beautiful buck
Smart to hang in town during hunting season
I got in my car and looked over to a lovely surprise.
You know you have a great relationship with your clients when you get a text after 9 at night asking if you know the password to their own bank account … and you are able to help. The more I remember my own worth the less stressed I am about the future. I had pizza and crib and good laughs tonight. So great to enjoy the Framily (friends like family) and hear everyone excited about tonight being a school night for the first time in 6 months.
I was left with so many thoughts about the two conversations I had with two very dear friends. I had been asked by Maureen to put together a wish list of gear for the community theatre and I reached out to Doug Cox for advice. His experience as Artistic Director of Vancouver Island MusicFest, professional musician and sound engineer made him the perfect go to. I emailed him and bless his heart, he called. We had a great conversation, I learned much and was not wanting to hang up as it was so good to hear his voice. It seems we are both finding our joy in staying close to home in the midst of this. Later as Maureen and I were taking our drive we elaborated on the possibilities in Cranbrook for the avid volunteer. We both share similar passions and desire to keep good things going. It will be interesting to see where my time ends up being spent. This morning, the choices rattle around in my brain looking for the moment to land and feel true to my purpose
If I stop to dwell on this mission to blog I become overwhelmed with all the little issues. I try not to go back and reread. The temptation to edit is too great, even to fix the spelling and grammar changes the meaning of the moment. To not go back also leaves me wondering how often I repeat myself, how often I live in self doubt and display a life of chaos or judgement that is not mine to own. I know who some are, as SK would call them, constant readers. I am thrilled when I get a notification that there is a new follower or someone who liked a particular day’s ramblings. Mostly though, in spite of it’s potential to do so. this is not an ego booster. I use it like an antidepressant. I express my thoughts and feels, comment on the life I lead with it’s mundane moments and it’s great realizations and experiences. Today’s joys were in the simplicity of a good long call with my son, a request to take on an old client in a new capacity, reconciling an account long abandoned, a delicious leftover lunch, finding a specialty soap and a card on my desk from a new friend, having a friend to join me on a drive to Marysville and a pub dinner, a glass of wine with friends, and tears watching Archie on AGT.
It was 0 degrees centigrade when I awoke this morning. It will be 24-29 for the rest of the week. The seasons come strong and full in the Rocky Mountains. I enjoy all the seasons but don’t look forward to taking down the pool!! It attracts joy like my flowers attract bees.
I had raggedy sleep last night. No alarm though due to the Labour Day long weekend. I spent the morning researching and ordering a tech item to create a special effect for the upcoming show. Although I think Aiden and I created something wonderful with what we had available, it seems the Directors want more and it’s their show. I will meet the challenge. I can honestly say I am on my way out though. I’m not sure where I will point my creative drive once I have handed over the reins but I do see that my goal to lessen my stress, live my true life and get healthier is achievable. Acting is my passion but so is photography, writing, remodeling, family and so much more. It occurred to me that I may have thrived more under isolation. I like time for me. For brunch i tried some Chicken Bacon in my new microwave cooker. It was delicious and perfectly cooked.
Argh as I am writing I have my 90 Day fiancé show playing. As I wasn’t holding the remote I was instantly grossed out by the Dr Pimple Popper and toe fungus commercials.
It rained and blew hard in the night so I spent time taking care of a few things around the yard, gathering my money back recycles, etc. before heading to work for a bit. I managed to get a file done and sent for more info and then gathered a bunch of files together to send back in the inter office mail pouch. I decided I needed to start things moving forward and give back the files I won’t be working on in the next two months or that need to be reassigned soon so I can train/assist. I was overwhelmed with a funk, a near depression, a flood of emotion. This happens when I am dealing with something I know i must do or when someone in my life is struggling with issues. Today could have been either. I did find the mail I had received last week that brought me joy, a letter from the Mayor. I know it’s à formality but it’s a very nice touch.
My joy was in returning home to the beauty of my only blooming sunflower shining bright in the 14 degree day
I brought in my laundry and loaded up the empties and Bill’s post hole augers I’d borrowed as well as a thank you bottle of wine. Before I left to deliver I finally hung my name sign in the shelter of my porch. It was painted for me years ago by my dear friend Jenny Bradford. I miss her and her love Erin very much. They were always good and kind and freaking entertaining.
I dropped off the tools at the Perreault’s and stood amongst the sun flowers in their garden eating cherry tomatoes. It was a soul filling moment. Next was off to the SPCA just off the highway out of town. There is a Road in that ends at a gate which is locked when they are closed and beside it is a lean to where you can donate empties. as I approached I saw a young guy coming towards the gate from the other side. It seemed odd but I presumed him to be an employee and hoped he wouldn’t ask me for a ride as I didn’t have spare mask with me for him. I pulled up and got out to put my bag of empties in the shed. That was when I noticed he was awkwardly trying to climb through the gate rather than open it or hop over. He kept his face hidden and made me wonder if he was under the influence. He seemed to get stuck at one point and I think he may have sacked himself. It was at this point that I just got back in my car and backed up to turn around. Just then a green pickup truck came down the lane toward us but stopped suddenly when it saw us and did a u-turn. I was now driving slowly towards it but it had pulled off to the left and as I passed I couldn’t see who was driving. After I passed it did a u-turn again so I crept along keeping it in my rear view mirror. When I stopped on the road it stopped too. I was already suspicious of the walker so I waited to see if he jumped in the truck but he just stumbled along past it without any apparent acknowledgement. At this point I grabbed my phone and tried to call the SPCA but got a message as I suspected so I called the non-emergency RCMP number. I could have driven back and gotten a license plate but didn’t want to get trapped down a single lane. I gave a report similar to all above. About half an hour later I got a call from a constable who said she had actually hopped the fence and it looked like every thing was in order at the SPCA and all the empties were there. She did find it strange someone was on the other side and asked me for a full description. She felt the two things were unrelated potentially but I likely interrupted something. She was going to make a few more rounds over the evening and thanked me for calling it in. I can’t explain my hinky feelings but I am glad I follow through. I do need to have the reflex to take a pic sometimes though. I also am super happy she let me know!
Awoke at a decent time, had a coffee and was about to head out to build my gate for the back side of the trailer when I ran into a doe in the yard. .
This of course motivated me to get working on my gate even more. I got as much done as I could before the heat and the need for a cool shower.
Next chore on the list was to grab Aiden and head to the theatre. Our goal was to figure out a lighting cue for an Aurora Borealis. We worked really well together and made something that works. We set the cue and videoed it for the director. She would like to see it differently. We shall see what others come up with. It was super great to do this with Aiden. At 16, he is great to work with. I was excited to go tell Sean and Diane how well it worked and show them the video. Their friends had arrived from a Calgary having waited for their COVID tests. It was instant connection with them. Had a great evening over steak dinner, scotch, good conversation and a game of Rummoli. So nice to have another day off tomorrow although I suspect I will go in for a while.
I spent the morning researching and preparing lighting design ideas for the show Almost, Maine. I came up with some ideas that give me relief. I also reached out to my old friend, Marv on Salt Spring for suggestions. Next thing I strapped my lawn chair to my bike, brought a water bottle and snack and headed for Moir Park. I had booked a free ticket to the first “COVID” concert. The Fisher Peak music festival people put on a great event. We all got wristbands and our own circle to watch from. It was so hot but so good for the soul. The first act was Sheva, a fiddle and guitar couple from Mayook. They were so charming. Next was Four Deer Run from Kimberley. Wow can that boy sing! I was actually just lost in the joy of being outside in nature, soaking up the vibe. Bob & Michelle were in a relatively close circle and it was nice to chat and share the moment.
I was invited to go over to the Campbells which my overheated self appreciated. I brought a few games. I got beat at my favourite one from my Bella Bella days that Sarah and I used to play often, Patchwork. After dinner Sean, Aiden and I played Family Matters, a fun mob boss game. I have all the fans going now and am watching tv. My soul has been filled by music and friends and fun.
I have a tough decision to make in the next week or so about how I use my volunteer time. In the past I have lived by see a need, fill it. I need to accept that because I can doesn’t mean I have to. it is complicated in ways I never expected but I know that volunteer hobbies shouldn’t leave me feeling like I need to get a divorce. I shall sleep on it.
Hopped on the bike and rode into the sunrise. had a very productive day and finished it off with dinner at friends. It feels like everything is getting back to normal after the chaos of the week. A year ago I was in Brighton Beach walking in the English Channel and spending time with my dear Hearndens. I will see them again and travel will happen again, I must rely on that belief.
My fave line of the day came from an article about a recent Hurricane which said, “Nana weakened to a tropical depression “. I can relate.
triumphgal 