Mark your calendars! Santa has a busy schedule, on Salt Spring Island, on November 29th. He arrives, via floatplane (Salt Spring Air), at 1 p.m. Children are welcome to greet him at the floatplane dock! At 1:10 p.m., Santa travels aboard a Salt Spring Fire Dept Truck, and heads to Mahon Hall. From 1:15 to 3 p.m., free photos of the kids with Santa, at Mahon Hall. (Will also be Arts & Crafts activities, Cookie Decorating, big screen Holiday Videos (courtesy of Island Star Video), hot cocoa & goodies). Enjoy! (A non-perishable item or a donation to the food bank would be welcomed).
The IODE is celebrating 95 years of service on Salt Spring Island. So many groups have received help from the fundraising and generosity of the IODE membership, over the years. Don't know much about this group? Check it out! New members welcomed.
Mother Tongue Press launches the latest in their "artist series". This is the book launch of the second Unheralded Artists of B.C., with the opening of the show taking place on November 21st, today, at Mahon Hall. The show remains open until Nov. 28th, daily. Don't miss this, and be sure to speak with Mona Fertig about the impetus behind this series. You'll be glad you did!
At Fulford Hall, on Nov. 28th, enjoy an all-star old-time band, and one of the best callers in North America, for a night of dancing. Never been to an old time dance? You have a treat awaiting you! Admission is $10 at the door, music begins around 7:30 p.m., and Fiddleworks will be providing the concession for the evening. Have fun!
Moby's live music: tonight it's Jazz/Folk/Blues, with James Conway (8 to 11 p.m.), and Sunday it's Jazz (Wanda Nowicki and Friends) 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy!
Don't forget Scrooge meets the Duke, tonight at ArtSpring, at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. show tomorrow, Sunday.
Yes, the Christmas Light Up Decorating Contest takes place again, with judging on Nov. 27th. Such talent on display in the shops and banks...a pleasure to wander the Village.
Salt Spring's newest gallery opens in Grace Point Square, on Nov. 27th, with open house on Saturday, November 28th (11 to 4). Artists in attendance - refreshments served. Called Starfish Gallery & Studio, the space joins J. Mitchell Gallery, Steffich FineArt Gallery, and Frankly Scarlett -- all gems in Grace Point Square. Enjoy dinner, too, at Bocados Bistro and Auntie Pesto's.
Chef's Creations and Live Music, every weekend, at the Harbour House Hotel Tonight, it's Vaughn Fulford and the Folke Fiendes!
Fulford Community Hall's Christmas Artisan Fair is Friday, Dec. 4th (5 to 9 p.m.), and Saturday the 5th, 9 to 5 p.m., and Sunday the 6th, from 9 to 4 p.m. Shop for gifts from Salt Spring's talented artisans, and enjoy fabulous food and decadent desserts, between browsings. Don't miss this, and don't forget to bring a donation for the foodbank. Appreciated!
Did you know that Calvin's Bistro has a 3 Course Special Dinner menu, for only $18.999, called November Blues? Enjoy! Offer expires on Dec. 5th, as Calvin's famous Traditional Christmas Menu starts on December 8th. Book for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve special dinners at Calvin's.
Today is also the Anglican Parish Christmas Bazaar, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at All Saints by the Sea, in Ganges Village.
Remember to tune into the local community radio station, too (check out the lineup of programming on their website (www.cfsi-fm.com) at 107.9 on your fm dial.
Yes, it's November, but there's lots to see and to do...enjoy!
Mark your calendars, and take part in the opening of Wintercraft, at Mahon Hall, on December 4th.
Lots happening, with craft sales / artists offerings...gifts for your special ones.
The following was emailed to me, from the organizer of Wintercraft (the alternate to ArtCraft, in the summer season):
"Wintercraft, along with two other traditional Salt Spring Island craft faires at Fulford and Beaver Point Halls, will open concurrently during the weekend of December 4, 5, 6. This festive, weekend-long, island-wide, market of merriment offers an impressive selection of the the finest handmade arts and crafts from the Southern Gulf Islands.
Handmade gifts range from; pocket and kitchen knives produced in Salt Spring Island's bronze foundry, high fashion wearables in silk and local fine wool, earthy & elegant tableware, afforable & astounding jewelry pieces, luxurious body products and everything in between.
The weekend events taking place range from; the seasonal, sell-out lamb feast at Beaver Point Hall on Friday, December 4th to crepes, lunch and decadent desserts produced full-tilt, from two community kitchens all weekend in Fulford. Wintercraft provides live music, weekend workshops and the widest selection of heartwarming gifts from stocking stuffers to dazzling presents Dec 4 - 20th. Travellers to the island please note that only Wintercraft runs through to December 20th.
Fulford Hall: Dec 4 - 6th Beaver Point Hall: Dec 4 - 6th Wintercraft at Mahon Hall, Dec 4 - 20th"
Enjoy all these venues! It's our "holiday season" and it's full of elan and verve, island style!
Gift giving...it's a pleasure to choose something "special" for those on our list. Family, friends, significant others...holiday celebrations carry such meaning, and the annual quality of same allows for a mix of memory and actuality.
As we get beyond the small children/grandchildren timeframe, though, with its expectation level of surprises under the tree, perhaps we could think about a different kind of gifting?
What about helping with the organizers of turkey dinners for the disadvantaged, those alone on small incomes, those who do not easily "fit" into society's norms? What about helping at food banks? How about hampers and gift packages for those who will not have a celebration this year? What about making up blanket/sandwich packages for street people? What about dropping into hospitals, perhaps reading to long term care patients, most of whom will be on their own?
To give funds and / or time, in the name of someone on our list, who can't help personally, is a gesture that will be very pleasing to most recipients. We all want to help out...it's a natural human reaction.
As we go into this holiday season, with its celebratory nature, let's also remember those who are alone, lonely, seemingly abandoned. Simple things can so "lift" their spirits, and isn't that what this main celebration is all about? Sharing?
Wow! We're in the middle of a "pineapple express" storm, here.
It's almost noon, and everyone has their lights on, driving...so glad I put up my fibre optic tree and a string of Xmas lights, at the office...helps cheer up the glooming grey.
A pineapple express is our term for the storm, straight from Hawaii, across the Pacific and into the Pacific Northwest Coast region. High winds can also accompany this, it's very mild, but it's the rain....comes in sideways, very "thick", and flooding can be a problem.
Can't see the top of the hills surrounding the Village...lost in fog/low cloud. The forecast says this is going to be with us for the next five days.
I have bright yellow rain clogs, plus an old fashioned yellow slicker that has a hood, and comes down to my ankles. Umbrellas don't cut it!
I know it's November, and supposed to be rainy and grey skies, but I'm glad there is a holiday celebration looming, so I can put lots of lights "everywhere"....sparkle is what's needed!
New friends....no, not the two footed kind (although those are always welcome!).
For several years, now, I've been the caregiver for a handicapped relative. They have finally had to leave assisted living, where they were able to be in their own space, and go into a care facility. Big changes, and difficult to digest consistently, though good that 24 hour care is available.
My discovery? The relative had a bird, a yellow and gold parakeet.
I'm an animal lover, though it's always been cats and dogs, never birds, and have rescued a lot of animals.
The bird and I looked at each other.
I asked around, to see if any bird lovers out there might like to adopt another. No takers.
So...you guessed it!
The bird is now sitting in my office, in a new cage, and I have a book on my desk titled Home Bird Care Guide. At night, I cover its cage, so if it hops around it won't set off the motion detector alarm at the office!
Have to admit, it's a cheerful sound and I might be imagining it, but it seems to pay attention to what I'm doing, and seems to be chirping welcome, as I walk into the office every morning.
Hmmm...do parakeets mimic sound? Have to investigate...
Meantime, am thinking of a name...Penny? Polly? Patty?
On Salt Spring today? Check out Fulford Hall for the great gift ideas...artists are there, with their giftcreations. Candles, Skincare products, Kitchenware, Luxurious body lotions, Kids' toys, Chic baby boutique...and more! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Shop Locally is the tag line (and support islanders and their home-based businesses). See you there!
Don't forget it's Jazz night at Moby's (7 to 10 p.m.).
Today, at 2 p.m., is also the last show of the Having Hope at Home play offering (at Mahon Hall). Enjoy this Community Theatre production.
Bach on the Rock is also today, at 2 p.m., at All Saints by the Sea...tickets from ArtSpring (250-537-2102).
Mark your calendars: Scrooge Meets the Duke is at ArtSpring Theatre, on November 21 (at 8 p.m.) and November 22 (at 2 p.m.). The Newman Family Players and Swing Shift present the Billy Strayhorn/Duke Ellington "Nutcracker Suite" and selections from "Christmas with Scrooge". A fun event!
November 17 to 29th, catch the interpretation of five dynamic Salt Spring artists, of "interiors". At ArtSpring's Bateman Gallery, the five artists are: Louise Goodman, Megan Manning, Gillian McConnell, Hamza bin al-Wathan, and Stephanie Denz. Opening reception, with artists in attendance, on the 20th, from 5 to 8 p.m. Such talent on our Island!
The annual Christmas Light Up Decorating Contest is on Friday, November 27th. Categories are Best All Round, Best Use of Lights, Most Creative, Best Use of Materials. Salt Spring Businesses step forward every year, and it's always fun to see the creativity that goes into the windows we walk by, every day.
So many great businesses in the Village...have you been into Laura Roveda's Windflower Moon lately? Lots of super gift ideas, here, for your nearest and dearest, and also treasures for your own enjoyment. Windflower Moon's logo is: Gifts for the Spirit. Check out the Zen alarm clock, the crystals, the gift books, the specialty jewellery, the clothing, the cards...etc.
A softer time of year, a time to slow a little, and to notice the treasures we rush past in the busy summer months...our friends and neighbours are on display, in the Village...enjoy!
This Monday will be my last Monday Morning show on the community radio station (www.cfsi-fm.com) -- streaming audio off the website is the way most people listen, as the 107.9 fm only works if you're in the range of the single tower on Island. I've really had fun doing the two hour show, every Monday, and so appreciated the people who agreed to get up early and come in to be interviewed (most chose the 8 to 9 a.m. time slot!). I had help with the production side (I'm not a techie, and the station makes the presenters also do the "mechanics" of the broadcast) was Mark Voyce, co-owner of Bocados Bistro,in Grace Point Square. Mark has film experience, and is taking on a position with the production of a new film, so will be off island during this time. That means I will be losing my valued "side-kick", and techie guy. Seemed a good moment to bring the Morning Show to a close, and let someone else step to the plate of keeping the Island and the talented Islanders "front and centre".
New owner at Cafe Talia, takes over this next week...if you've been on the Island for some time, you will remember Louis Renaud, and Luigi's. Louis is returning to the food biz, and plans to retain the charm of Cafe Talia. Welcome him, next time you're by for cappucino.
Holiday decorations and lighting are starting to show up in my area.
No shopping malls where I live, so it's up to the individual retail merchants to do the decorating.
At this darker time of year (on the shortest day of the year, which isn't that far off, it's dark here by 4:30 in the afternoon), it's a pleasure to see the lights showing up.
We would have to invent a celebration for this season, if it wasn't already in place...to spill light into the darkness is a message of hope to all who pass by.
Our local weekly newspaper usually has a "theme", and the best decorated window at a store, or a bank, or an office, gets the prize. One year, the local credit union, who had a lot of separate offices facing the sidewalk, decorated each one like a Victorian shop window...the butcher, the baker, the dressmaker...they deserved to win! Such creativity bounces out at the passersby, and, again, brings pleasure to all.
It can be lonely at this time of year, for those who are by themselves, with only memories of "fuller" celebrations. To enjoy the lights, to walk the Village and admire the windows...it's a simple thing, but can be very meaningful.
In these more uncertain times, with stress and duress visiiting many people afflicted by the economic downturn, it's essential to remember to practice the simple things, and to light up that darkness that lurks in December.
To remember, too, that the foodbank and the hamper program from the grocery stores, and the gift tree from the bank (pick a suggestion, from the tree, and buy a gift for that person...boy of 8, girl of 11...that kind of thing), all need our extra help at this time of year.
Charles Dickens understood the point of the season...instead of watching a film or cartoon of same, why not read the original, and pick up a book or find it at the library. A Christmas Carol was written by Dickens at a very troubling time in his life, when he desperately needed money...out of his adversity came a classic with an uplifting message.
In a transition time, there is "everything" occurring.
Difficult to sort out the trend, then, when there's a whirling cloud that spits rain, sometimes, and other times parts to let in some rays of sunshine.
I read in media reports on real estate, in my larger region, that it's the best it's been in several years, that sales are flying and multiple offers are the "norm". Then, it turns out that all the activity is in the first time buyer category, or investor buyers, looking for good rentals. There's a price ceiling, then.
I also learn, by digging a little deeper, that secondary home/discretionary markets haven't experienced the city/primary residence dynamics. One can put a second home on hold, in a worrying market moment.
As usual, the media isn't quite "right" in its reporting. This could be a result of the reporters not being realtors, and so they don't think to differentiate the layers of the business. Busy? Great! Let's go to press!
The difficulty with this broad sweep is that it makes sellers in the higher end wonder why they aren't finding themselves rushed off their feet with viewings! It also makes it difficult for the realtor to explain the changed circumstances since August 2008, and why price reductions need to be in their minds, as they assess the marketing of their unique luxury category properties.
In rural markets, the same dilemma...the realtor has to explain why the city busyness isn't transferring to the retirement/recreational markets, with the same briskness.
Transition times see everything, remember, and eventually it evens out to a broader and more consistent rhythm.
Good that there is an uptick, no matter where it's seen. Many buyers remain nervous about acting, and so that more euphoric media reporting might be the thing that propels action, from all those "should I wait? should I act now?" fence-sitters.
I see them there, rocking back and forth on that pointy picket fence of indecision!
If anyone mentions the inflation word, will they topple?
Here's an exceptional holding property, for your investment protection.
Close to Ganges and to Fulford Villages, and to lake and ocean beach accesses, and to park hiking/walking trails, this 9+ acre gem enjoys a wonderful serenity, and excellent all day/year round sun exposure.
Sunsets from here, too!
Ocean, islands and mountain viewscapes at your doorstep.
Private!
Drilled well developed, driveway roughed in...this is definitely a "best buy" opportunity on beautiful Salt Spring Island!
Bring your architect, and let's walk this one soon. Zoned for main home, separate guest cottage, and separate studio.
There's something about the shortening days, with light disappearing by 4:30 p.m., in just a couple of weeks time, as we march to the shortest day of the year, that makes one ponder the recent past.
So many changes were thrust on everyone, it seems, in a span of about 15 months.
Bank failures, job losses, disappearance of venues that one would have expected to go on "forever", bailouts that make currencies appear valueless, wars that erupt throughout the world, collapse of housing markets with subsequent losses of homes...stability is a word that appears to have evaporated on the winds of shift and change.
So important to remember that we are larger than our surround sound. The roller coaster of life brings ups and downs. We are tested at every turn, especially in our digital on/off, act/react world. Barely time to assess, to ponder...immediate response is often required of us.
It sounds like a platitude, but it is the benchmark of all the great philosophies of the world...our attitude shapes our responses and therefore creates our reality.
As we go into our holiday season, with friends and family at our sides, if not in reality then in thought, let's also ponder how we may go forward into the coming New Year, with a sense of purpose and an expectation for "good".
It's not a "pollyanna" response. It is sending out into the universe a positive energy. That old adage that "what goes around, comes around" is a truth. We get back what we send out.
Change brings opportunity, if we are open to "see" it, and to welcome it. It's coming anyway...as Heraclitus noted, back in Ancient Greece, "change is the only constant".
real estate, b.c. real estate, salt spring island real estate, Canadian real estate, luxury real estate, waterfront specialist, private islands specialist, estate style properties, secondary home marketplace, active rain, Li at Sea to Sky Premier Properties, Mayne Island, Galiano Island, Pender Islands, Saturna Island, Salt Spring Island, southern Vancouver Island.
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