It is difficult not to put my head in the sand these days, was odd to be at a hockey game, knowing what is happening in Ukraine. Just as I was pulling in to pick up Ash to go to the game, I heard on the news that the Russians had bombed a Nuclear plant and were shooting at firefighters trying to put out or control the fire. The person talking said that if the plant blew up it would be 10 times worse than Chernobyl. That is a terrifying bit of information. I am not going to check the news tonight, I want to sleep in my peaceful corner of the world and pray for it all to be over before that happens.
I received a text from my oldest cousin, Dale, that he was making dinner and listening to the Joshua Tree, my favourite album and that he was thinking of me. He had asked his Mom what was the next generation up that lived in Ukraine but she didn’t know. I do need to work on that side of the family tree more. It is hard as my grandparents were John and Anne, two common names. It has been very surprising how many people I know that have ancestors from that area. Canada has a large Ukrainian population.
The game went into sudden death overtime against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and we won which was a nice ending to the evening. We came out to snow showers, sigh. The family trip to Drumheller is booked for hotels now and I look forward to the May Long Weekend to get away with them all.
I really enjoyed my day, crossing off more of the list that was left from last month was very satisfying. I went from the office to the Volunteer Update meeting at Key City Theatre. It is one of the great pleasures I have, engaging with the other volunteers and contributing to the success of that venue. I often get to sit in for part or all of the show being staged as well. Tonight was the ‘hey we are back at it!’ Night where we were told of the changes and updates to the theatre. We were the first group to enjoy a glass of wine in the theatre proper as there is now a liquor license that is all encompassing. After that we had a fire drill and that was good to know the new procedures as well. It was nice to see familiar and new faces out. There was cake afterwards, thankfully vanilla, so easy to turn down, lol.
On my way to the theatre I listened to a segment on CBC about a woman who is going to spend upwards of 50 thousand dollars to clone the cat she’d had for 10 months before it was hit by a car. I do not understand the need to do this but as she said, it is her disposable income that she can spend any way she likes. Each to their own.
All of this trauma going on in the world, especially that being caused by Russia, has had me continuing in my search for ‘the other side’ of my family. To recap…I spent my whole life identifying with the French Canadian portion. My Grandad, Ernie Bellavance was a man with an amazing memory and from early on I sat at his side and listened to stories of his youth in and around Radville, Saskatchewan. He was proud of his roots and would bring us yearly to the Radville reunion, usually held in Queen’s Park in New Westminster. He would speak in poetry and French, singing ditties. All of these moments and my name, led me to relate completely to the French Canadian identity only. I grew up in a very multicultural neighbourhood before that was even a phrase. Everyone seemed to have a cultural history and I wanted one as well. Due to the tragedy of my mother and sisters deaths when I was only 3 months old and my young father’s capacity to survive in spite of the trauma, I was never really connected with my Mother’s family. Over the years I found a clipping that my Dad’s Mom, Juanita was a Houghtaling of German decent and that my birth Mom’s family was Polish/Ukrainian. The problem with identifying as any of those things was that kids are cruel. I was often asked if I had a frog in my pocket for ID, there was no way I was going to admit to the other side as the ‘Pollack’ jokes were numerous. I was always curious about that part of the world though. I was given a bunch of paperwork including a copy of my mother’s death certificate which said she was Romanian. Right part of the world but nothing I had heard before. I do find it interesting though as I use Gypsy Fortune Telling cards, had to have them when I saw them. I know it’s new age bunk in many people’s minds but I find solace in them. The abundance of opportunities to have DNA tested led me on a hunt for more connection in the world. I was not disappointed. It seems I am mostly a solid mix of East and West Europe. French and German on one side, Polish and Ukrainian on the other with a sprinkle of the British Isles, Mediterranean and Indigenous thrown in. Funny thing is none of this comes as a huge surprise… I had a number one desire to see Peru (done), next was London and Paris (done, but want to go back), after that, the Mediterranean and Black sea countries, especially Ukraine. I also relate well to Aboriginal Peoples. I was curious to look up the names in my family history and did so on Forebears website. It’s quite fascinating how my mother’s maiden name is predominantly in Ukraine, my Dad’s side is in the US and Canada.
I still want to visit that area, I have hope that the superpowers will end this war before the destruction of much more. Word on the radio today was that Poland has already taken in more than 600,000 refugees. It is heartbreaking watching fathers say goodbye to their children as they go off to serve.
There must be an end to this. I mean this, not in a selfish, I want to tick this off the list but in a stop the insanity kind of way.
Tonight I had a zoom attendance of a celebration of life for a beautiful soul. Ciara was only 31, mother of 11 year old, Lily, daughter of my dear Carol-Ann, sister to Kyle and Shawn. They had lost her Dad to Cancer when she was young and those were his words of advice the night before he died. I knew Mark and he was, like his daughter and his wife, full of a special type of joyfulness. I ache for the family, especially young Lily. The service was beautiful, the faces and voices gathered in love, like a memory book of a time before. I am so grateful to have been able to join in and celebrate the wonder that she was. I will not forget her and I will hold her Mom close when next we meet.
This afternoon was a perfect strike of the set and a good thing as I have run out of steam. I think my internal clock was just getting me through to closing night. After organizing the strike, re-aiming some lights and being sure all was left as we found it I headed home feeling like I needed a nap… for hours…
I sure was grateful to Bill and Deanne for inviting me for steak dinner. It was like a delayed Family Day time together and we were all making a plan to go to Drumheller in May. We are planning to stretch out the long weekend. I am looking forward to it as I have never been there. It actually works out perfect between payroll days, etc. Maybe I won’t even have to bring my laptop! Dinner was so good, I wasn’t especially able to follow much as the deep tiredness was settling in. Apparently Ash was feeling the same way. It was nice to see the boys and hear the story from Sawyer of what happened to the person who got hit. Turns out it was a hit and run!! The boys were expert witnesses.
I am happy for the opportunity and friendships made or deepened through this show but I am also ready to move on to all the other things put on hold for February.
Today was a respite from the world around us. I pretty much only worked on the last things to do for the show and closing night gathering. It was a spectacular day and I soaked in the glory of the snow covered mountains that still give me joy every time I see them. The guys blew away the audience with their best show yet and the audience responded like a laugh track. It was largely a theatre peeps show and they pick up on every nuance. What a great way to finish. The energy was carried on to the Blind Pig where we gathered as a cast and crew and all involved that could make it. The food was good and the company was better. I had a couple beverages.. mmm crown. Our sponsor, Keon from Just Music arrived and I ran out to my car to get his thank you gift. As I was going out I complimented a woman coming in on the scarf she was wearing and she asked me if the kitchen was still open. We had a laugh as I explained it was as we were having a party. She had thought I worked there. Everyone left and I settled my tab and passed her table. I stopped to ask if they enjoyed their food. She asked me if there was an Ashlée sitting at my table and I laughed and said yes, that’s my daughter. It turns out they are co-workers who have never met except by zoom. We had a great chat and she is a nurse who moved to Cranbrook only 3 years ago, just in time for the pandemic. She looks forward to getting more involved in the community and wishes she had made time to see the show. I read once that it is seen in Britain as a judgement if you talk to strangers, that you are common, but you know, I always will. I have made so many quick connections in my lifetime by following my instincts and chatting. Call me common, I’m okay with that.
We are definitely living in complicated times. Just as Canada is getting over the painful showing of ‘a need for freedom’ we see the truth in what the rest of the world has to deal with. I ache for the people who are hiding in fear, unable to comprehend. My early years were under the shadow of the Vietnam war. Back then, as children we were protected from it for the most part, only fully learning about it in school. I knew my grandfather and his brothers served in WWII and that all came home. As I aged and became more aware of world events, as media became more connected, I became aware of horrors all over the globe. It all seemed so distant though, not in my world…
The older I get the more I realize this is all my world. When others hurt, are made less than, are overrun, we all suffer on this planet. It is incomprehensible still that any human being could think that bombing and killing and destroying historical places of beauty is… okay. Who raised these people, where are their mothers, how are they so broken that they only wish to break others? I earnestly pray for a quick end to this madness. I heard on the radio that if the Ukraine had been a member of NATO, this would be considered WWIII, but as such we are just sending lethal aid and imposing sanctions. It feels like a World War from here.
In the smaller world I live in, today started with a family text that the two youngest grandsons had witnessed an adult being hit by a car in front of their school. They were likely not alone, and the kids were given crisis counseling and seem ok. Terrible for a 7 and 10 year old to witness. The show tonight was amazing, the guys energy was all there and the audience was responsive. Hard to believe tomorrow is closing night.
Nose down in the books today, intermittently being interrupted by the news. Russia has launched an attack on the Ukraine. My heart hurts deeply for a country rich in history, art and music. One of my favourite bands to listen to is DakhaBrakha. I even have Emmy listening to them when she is here. I was introduced to them at MusicFest and was pleased to see them in a small venue as well. They are from Kyiv. I worry for them and their loved ones. How do we live in a world that this can still be happening?! It is hard to stomach that there are so many atrocities on this small planet.
The show was amazing tonight, Matt left it all on the stage. After seeing so many nights already, he choked me up again. I picked up the new laptop today and was pleased that the resident expert felt it a good choice for the tech needs. While I was waiting for him I saw an employee leaving for the day. She had to put her purse and lunch bag on the counter to be looked in before she left. This disturbed me. Apparently it is common practice in retail but I do not think it was appropriate to do it in front of customers.
I have one client to get entered tomorrow and file their GST. I have a good feeling about it. The only negative right now is that I still can’t find my set of keys. Fortunately I have my car and theatre ones. I lost the mail, office and bank fob which is the biggest issue. I am going to keep searching and then if not found we will report it and cancel it on Monday. I purposely did not have it with my car keys so it couldn’t be identified to me… sigh.
The last stretch of the show, the first of the last 4 was tonight and there was a nice sized house. It was odd how little they laughed. On nights with only 8 people there was more heard. I often wonder what that means. I don’t think it was the cast. Their energy was a little lower tonight but, who knows. Keon showed up to drop off something I was having him take care of and then went home and researched what laptop I should purchase. It was approved at last nights meeting that I could buy one to run the recording software for the switch. He found a good one at Staples and I am ordering it online tonight for pick up.
I managed to lose my keys between getting my mail last night and showing up to work unable to get into my office. Fortunately the space has a spare but I need to find them. I will look under my seat in the morning to see if they fell out of my pocket.
Dates are interesting. The fact that today is the same upside down and back and forth if put in the British style of dates and lands on a 2sday has everyone in a fuss. It is interesting and I do love 2s. Many of my favourite things come in 2s.
It was another day of heavy concentration. Much was accomplished and I feel like I will get it all done this week as needed. Straight from there to a Board meeting where much was talked through. It was not all smooth but good choices were made, in my humble opinion.
It is really cold out, -17 that feels like -21 apparently. I walked to the mailbox without gloves and highly regretted it. Even Missy had no interest in going out when I opened the door and the cold drafted in.
Today was a bonus day of sorts. I slept in a bit and then made a nice breakfast, got some more chores done and then headed to the office for 5 hours. I got the last of my T4s filed and started on a big file that needs to be completed. There are 4 left for this week. I will get them done. Just need to stay focused and prioritize. Getting home to one last Hello Fresh was so nice and easy. It was tasty, filling and light. There was snow when I woke up and it didn’t even all melt away although it was a blue sky day. There is cold weather again this week. It is -14 C and the moment and is forecast to go down to -24 by Wednesday. I hope that won’t keep people at home rather than the play. Will be interesting to see what the numbers are tomorrow. I wonder if I should feel bad about not seeing family this weekend. They are busy and I await an invitation to join. It’s ok though. I am good alone. It is just a little unsettling as to what the future looks like. Today was just another day.
Who am I kidding, I was becoming allergic to my house as I hadn’t vacuumed, dusted or fully cleaned in too long. I spent a good deal of time, even washing curtains and carpets that were covered in cat hair. I emptied my full bump out front window, cleaned, wiped down and reorganized. I picked up a corner metal rack that fit and now holds my glass collection. The other corner window now has a spot for Missy to sit or curl up and look out. There was a mess of nose prints on that window where she would peer through to see what was going on outside. It was a big job and I got all rooms done except the den which has a lot I need to sort and a box to go to good will. I completed my day with a nice soak in the tub and feel much better. It was good to have the time to. I probably ‘should’ have worked on MusicFest, or books, or… but I did what was necessary for my health and happiness instead.
Had a relax this morning and then got the kitchen, bathroom and litter box cleaned before deciding to shower and do my nails. They are so short now as I pick at them when I am stressed. That is usually why I have them done up. I decided for time and money’s sake to do my own as I have the gear. They turned out okay and will protect them as they grow back. I don’t want them long while I am running the board anyway. I then made a lovely shrimp and roasted potato meal before heading out. I picked up bags and wrap for the cast gifts and dropped them at home. I was ready to head to the show when I saw the news that the lovely Chris Wilton from Denny Island had died suddenly. It was gut wrenching. The population there is under 70 and the loss of one of their own hits especially hard. My heart aches for my friends there. She was the owner of the garden store and a spot of sunshine in any day. I feel for her husband of over 40 years, Keith. I cried and sent my love to those mourning. I then got to the theatre and had a moment with a friend there before stuffing it down in order to do what needed to be done. The show went well and the audience was appreciative. Two people even used the discount code we offered which makes me happy the word is getting out there. I am home now and feel the weight of loss, wishing I could be there with others who loved her. It is another, I hate the pandemic moment as I have not been allowed to go up to Bella Bella and visit Denny Island since it began. I hope to soon.
I enjoyed my job again today, finally got through a batch of T4s with union stuff. That is a very unofficial way of saying I am glad they are done. I ordered the photos to use on cards for the cast and crew and picked them up before heading to my optometrist appointment. I was happy to hear I don’t need new glasses and was given tester contacts. I am planning to get new ones just for at work that have a higher and wider focus area. Only 400 for the lenses, sigh. Next it was off to the theatre. I was in a very good mood and it was a a lovely evening. There was a very small audience again. They loved it.
When I got up this morning I was mulling over the whole lack of audience and came up with the idea of advertising half capacity for two nights next week to ensure comfort for those who are not sure they want to be in a full house. Also, we are offering $5 off to frontline workers for the duration of the run. Ashlée is the social media person for the theatre and we talked this evening about boosting the post for the next week. I will ensure we have done everything to garner an audience.
My favourite office this week
Missy let me know she was out of water this morning
At work today I got in a conversation with another worker in the building about sending cards and letters. She told me about a project she was involved in filling out postcards and sending them to Wells, BC. That is where my Dad was born, one of only two Caucasian boys born there in 1939. It is a lovely heritage town born of the Cariboo Gold Rush. It is the entrance to Barkerville. I was so happy to complete the cards and mail them off.
After working on CCT business most of the day, I raced home to wrap Sawyers birthday present as he turns 7 tomorrow. I dropped it off and he was very happy with my choice. I headed to the show and had a talk with Jenn, our Production Manager about keeping our capacity at half, hoping to attract more audience. The cast got a pep talk and I vowed to find new ways to attract people. They are so good and deserve to be seen after all the work they have put in during this pandemic. There were only 8 people in the audience but they giggled and laughed and soaked in the story. Afterwards I had all cast and crew pose for pictures on stage. I want to use one for their cards on closing night.
On the way home I listened to two videos of 14 year old Gene’s band concert. He was percussionist and did such a great job. I am enjoying listening to these videos on my car speakers.
Unfortunately it was nearly 10 when I started dinner. I needed to cook my Hello Fresh so I would have it for lunch tomorrow too. It was a poor choice so late in the day, Turkey Chili. I substituted mushrooms for the red pepper but still used the Mexican Spices that came with it. I may have to wait a bit before going to bed as my system processes it. Gosh it was delicious though.
I did have a lot of work, including assisting a client in office figure out some differences in her books. But! Who can resist when a puppy comes to visit. The newest addition to the co-working space is Wren. She’s adorable! A friend posted a picture today of the concert I took Jake to in 2011. Ween was in Vancouver and I really wanted him to see them but had to wait until he was old enough to. They are not for the faint of heart. Unfortunately one half of the leads, known as Gene Ween, had a complete drug and alcohol fused meltdown on stage and the concert ended. It was truly the oddest stage gig I have experienced. And I paid a lot for our tickets, lol. My friend was there as well apparently, in the front row.
I left work in time to pick up my picture I had framed. I love it and didn’t want to just throw it away after finishing it so now I have a new Halloween and Christmas decoration. I had it framed so I can hang it both ways. After that I stopped by the Blind Pig pub to arrange a gathering on closing night. The place is gorgeous and they promised to keep the kitchen open for us. I am looking forward to hanging out with everyone and celebrating the success. The reviews came out on E-Know, an online paper and in the Townsman, our weekly print newspaper and WOWZA. I really couldn’t have paid them to sum it all up so well.
There was a time when I stopped auditioning for shows unless they had a message that needed to be delivered or were for a good cause. They take up so much of your time. It needed to be worth it. I was surprised that I agreed to Produce this show after one read but I wanted to redeem myself for quitting a show in the fall of 2019. There were good reasons, and I don’t regret it but it became important to me to see this show all the way through. I didn’t know at the time what the big picture of that would look like but I sure am glad I took it on.
Tick, tick, tick, things were disappearing off the list today. There is still much to accomplish this month but there is still time and I will do what I need to do and not let it stress me out. I admit it is hard sometimes to be doing work for people who are away in Australia! Some day, when there is time and money again I too shall travel. The Board meeting tonight was pleasant and I was glad I stayed at the office so I could access and amend the budget as we discussed it. Didn’t have to add it to the list! Unfortunately it meant I had to miss my grandson Lukas’s first band concert. Ashlée sent me a video though, and I sat in my car watching it and listening loud on the car speakers. It was so good! I am very proud of him.
The snow I woke up to this morning was all gone by the time I left the office. It was pretty, covering up the dirty but this shoulder season is always like that.
It is interesting how completely happy I am being single and unattached. Well, unless you count my cat and good friends. My life is full, too full some days and I have numerous people I can reach out to, spend time with or just FaceTime at the drop of a hat. The great thing about having friends in so many time zones is there is always someone up as well. I need to remember that if I am down again. I stayed after work and prepared my reports for tomorrow night’s board meeting and still got home at a decent time to have a strange combo of steamed mussels and nachos. It was perfectly satisfying and I almost made a second pot of tea but I called my Mom and then my dear friend who has ended up in that orphaned in your 50s mode. We had a good long FaceTime and I hated to hang up but I must rest and protect my health. We have a commitment to the audience. This show has gotten more positive feedback on our socials in the first two nights than the last long stream of shows. That is pretty great given the subject matter. Anyway, not much to share and am chatted out tonight. Talk to you tomorrow! Sweet Dreams.
It was another glorious late winter day in Cranbrook. The roads are getting wider as the melt ensues. The mountains take my breath away every time I get a glimpse. I took care of some chores and made a food plan for the week. It was call time at 12:30 for the crew and I always stay in the entry room to welcome everyone, remind them to sign in and take their temperatures and communicate with the Front of House volunteers what the cues are they need to give me to start the first and second act. It is a lovely part of my role as the Stage Manager and Stage Hand are getting everything set on stage, ready for the show. Today turned out to be a good day to go for a couple walks down the alley to soak up some sun and calm my stress.
There was a happy little audience of 13, most seniors. They are always the ones that are early so the show could have gone on 15 minutes earlier but for everyone’s sake and consistency we just started on time. Our sponsor was there again to test our recording equipment as there are future renters that are interested in the service. It seems like our laptop needs an update, or a replacement to make it happen though. I have left it in his hands to sort as he sold me the gear and it is running properly. I look forward to his assistance in hooking up the camera for the shows to be able to run on the monitors throughout the building as well. I sure appreciate his dedication to Team CCT.
I left and headed to Safeway to get my fruit and veg for the week. I am really looking forward to my fresh mussels tomorrow night! I picked up Caesar salad makings and after dropping the groceries at home, headed to Rae-Anne’s for dinner and a visit. Jake made it back from dropping off Emmy, a 4 hour or so round trip and we had a nice visit, played a little Rummicube and then it was time to get home and get focused for a busy week of Board meeting prep, files to complete and rest up for Thursday to Saturday’s run. As it happens, our techie was still not feeling well so I was glad I had suggested I run the show for the duration.
A bonus to the day was wearing clothes I haven’t fit into in a long time. I haven’t weighed this low since November 2020. I felt very heavy then! It is amazing how much more energy I have from healthier eating. It motivates me to keep going!
triumphgal 