triumphgal

I had secured the services of a young local man to help me put away my pool and mow my lawn as he was trying to raise money to buy a bike. at the 11th hour or there abouts last night I received a message he was running a fever and wouldn’t be able to make it. Of course I replied he should isolate and not worry. What I really needed was a helper though. I putted the morning away and visited with Mom. Headed off to do the matinee and it was just gorgeous out, had to stop and take a picture for my friend, Julie who loves our mountains as I do.

This is the view on my regular commute. Sure can’t complain. Once at the theatre Pepijn and I got things up and running. He’s a calm cool kid (15) from Kimberley who moved not too long ago from the Netherlands. I hope he works tech in the future for us as he sure picked it up quickly and is great to work with. it was amusing to me to be sitting behind scenery sending tech instructions via messenger. My inflammation was pretty bad today for some reason and I was afraid I was going to cough back stage but I called on Theatre magic and made it through. There were a couple younger girls with a family in the audience and their joyous laughter was a nice addition. We took running crew photos for the archives and that was fun. While I was backstage during the run my phone started silently ringing which was odd as it was my daughter and she knew I was busy. Seems she didn’t, but the boys may have via Alexa. Sneaky they are.

Afterwards I picked up my PC express order at Superstore and the young lady who brought it out to me was spectacular. So nice to have people with a smile in their voice assist. Got home and put it all away and then went out to tackle my yard. Put away lawn furniture, mowed and organized. Drilled a hole in a planter overflowing with rain water, deflated all the pool floaties. That is harder than inflating them, although it got easier when I realized I could hook up the inflater backwards. Nearly ready for winter but still able to enjoy Fall. Finished installing the electronic deadbolt on new backdoor as well. Came in and made scallops, brown basmati rice and edamame for dinner. Scallops are expensive but so delicious and I wanted to treat Mom. I loved the description on the rice bag.

We ate and watched Interstellar. Honestly I still don’t know what I think of it. This is the only movie I have thought Matthew McConaughey was attractive in though so that’s something. It was long…

Really, tomorrow is Monday already?! this weekend flew by so fast I haven’t even checked in with my Diane or Maureen!

I was on Lake Titicaca with an amazing group of human beings whom I still call friends to this day. Nigel put together a slideshow and with credit to him but no permissions I am sharing it.

I remember being amazed that Bolivia was across the water

My day here in the northern hemisphere was substantially busier and perhaps less fun. I did get a shit ton of chores done. Cleaned and drained pool, drained and cleaned George’s bowl, put weather stripping on new door, laundry done and hung, paid back a loan and played the aurora in the show.

Oh and I managed to get the furnace running when I figured out there were batteries in the thermostat. It was too cool for Mom. Had to start up the electric fireplace until I figured it out. The starting of the furnace for the first time this season of course was the signal to drain the pool.

The garden boasted beauty today in spite of it being Fall and Fisher Peak was glorious.

The show was a bit of a challenge as I made lamb nachos for Mom and I for dinner. No peppers but apparently lamb is very rich and I hadn’t taken my pill so once I was locked into position back stage, the heart burn kicked in with a vengeance. Theatre creates a mind over matter alternative world though and I got through it. I was a bit grouchy resetting the special effect though as I just wanted to get home and take a pill. t be fair it is a shaky ladder. Had a quick chat with a board member who was looking forward to having me back as even if they didn’t always agree with me , I had ideas and input to get a conversation started. High praise, I like that.

got home to give Mom a new mask (it says For Wine at the bottom) and watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. It was very nostalgic

A day of satisfying reconciling, lunch out with the crew at Firehall, meeting about future board issues, making lists and getting to the theatre for opening night. I am tired now so my communication will be short but suffice to say much was accomplished and I am happy to support the actors who left their hearts on the stage tonight. Audience feedback is great, can’t wait to hear how the live stream went. In our theatre of 84 we allowed 35 I believe and then streamed the show for the price of a ticket. Almost, Maine is a delightful Show. If only the chatting women in the audience had been more respectful.

Awoke to a beautiful thank you shout out from the show director. To work early, nose to the grindstone. I finally got what needed to be accomplished done in time for the deadline and then felt like falling into a hammock. Instead I went and did some errands and then headed to the Campbells as it had been too long. I had gotten a text that my mom was on the way so I gave her directions to their place. We ate and then Diane used a recipe out of her magazine and made an amazingly rich mug cake. Pretty sure my zero point dinner turned into thousand point dessert. But jeezum crow it was good. Mom showed up and we had a nice visit before heading to my place.

It’s complicated being surprised by mom. She is 79 and this is a time when I have a fairly big bubble due to the show. I need to be extra cautious. we are watching the Drew Barrymore talk show. I admire her but this is a bit extra for me… sigh, disappointing

Another 14 hour day. I’m not the only one. It’s the world of community theatre, we volunteer our lives for art. And as a tech person, for other people’s glory. But tonight I am tired. Apparently this has been a busy month as I only noticed this today

I finally hung my picture,

I committed myself to a deadline and this is one of the rare times that I am scared I am not going to accomplish it. Now, to be fair to me, I am re-entering information that was incorrectly done in the first place and all was not caught by the auditor which is frustrating for a bookkeeper. They should know more than me. It the bottom line, my Dad taught me my word and a handshake is a binding contract. Hmmm, I didn’t shake on it. I was busy at it when my alarm rang to head to the theatre. I needed to meet three guys to get all the Tech set for media night. So I shut it all down , didn’t even go home to eat or feed George and was there just before 6. I was honestly frustrated when 2 of the 3 didn’t show up and the 3rd was late. At least he let me know. As I waited I noticed this tribute windowsill to dear Bud. I am grateful he hasn’t been privy to some of the stuff going down.

It was so satisfying to solve a problem we were left with in tech world last night. Sanjay was happy when I pointed out the changes and hooked the laptop up to run the curtain call via the projector. I instructed and he climbed the ladder. together we got it working and Michelle, one of the Directors was very happy. I will admit to being sad when credit was only given to one person. It shouldn’t matter but I feel so fringed. I know there is no one else who would come and sit on the floor for over two hours at awkward angles trying to remain hidden while following the script so as not to get distracted and then climb a ladder every night to reset a special effect before locking it down and going home. I am 57 , not 27. Grouchy moment over. It is all for the greater good, right? And don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate this man.

My darling Diane also made my day by leaving leftovers ready for me to pick up. I was going to eat them but decided I need a good lunch tomorrow instead. I am constantly gobsmacked how kind and loving she is to me.

Oh yeah and I probably shouldn’t online shop when I am so tired as I bought a bathtub before I left work tonight. free delivery And on sale, can’t wait till It gets here at the end of October

I worked a crazy long, eat between keystrokes kind of day and was stressed but grateful when it was time to race home, feed George And get to the theatre for final dress rehearsal. as I went to turn off my scentsy light I decided to empty the wax so there was room For a fresh scent. I intended to pour it into a coffee cup in the garbage but missed completely and had a big mess to clean up instead. Do you think they will notice!?

It is honestly such a joy to be involved with Almost, Maine. Something has happened for me to turn a corner and have my passion back. It is hard to believe how recent it was that I wanted nothing more to do with it. I think another persons anger and public vent gave me the peace in my soul to find my love again. interesting that I got my mojo back at the same time. It all fits well with the theme of this show. Spending time with those who I feel an affinity for; Viola, Eve, Michael and Andrea, Brenda, etc, is a blessing. The whole cast is a local who’s who. It’s funny that I am so cool with being hidden in the background. I do wish I had been included to get one of Stephanie’s amazing photos done though. Not sure how I got missed, sigh.

This lady has been a good vent friend. You know, that person who is in your space on the regular and you can close the door and blah, blah, blah until a laugh happens? Yep, she’s sassy and sad at the same time. I like to make her smile.

The biggest problem with being so tied up with work and theatre is the only time I see Diane is if she stops for a hug at lunch. Hope she misses me like I did her while they were on holidays because I’ll be back!

There was horrifying news today from Salt Spring Island. Apparently a bunch of grade 12 students went all white supremest with hate logo t-shirts and all. So disgusting but really, not a surprise. My darling son was called the N word there before he was 2 and experienced various other racist things on an island that processes peace and love. We had a wonder 15 years there but that is nothing I would have expected.

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.

There was a beautiful sky tonight

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.

Snore…

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.

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.

EDIT: it wasn’t his first car lol

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..”

Safe travels!