My last Saturday in Halifax this summer, I was delighted to meet Zimbabwean, Mufaru Chakabuda, who had organized a day of African dance - I love dance.
Mufaru recently emailed very exciting news!!!
Her Maritime Centre for African Dance Adult Troupe is the only Canadian dance troupe invited to perform at the African Inaugural Ball for President Elect Barack Obama, at the Washington DC, Hilton Hotel. That's very soon!
Congratulations Mufaro!
(Mufaro with some tiny students in Nova Scotia)
The dancers will be Vida, Dally, Ruvimbo and Mufaro accompanied by drummers, Glenn Fraser, Wayne Hamilton and Jeff.
Executives from the Council on African Canadian Education and the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs will be speaking about the history of African Nova Scotians. Thanks to NS Tourism and Culture, Lynn Jones, Wayne Hamilton, Delvina Bernard, YMCA and Halifax Dance. We are excited for this opportunity and know that without your valued support, this would not be possible.
The troup, performing January 18 2009, is in need of donation for travel. Contact Mufaru at afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca
UP-COMING HALIFAX MCAD EVENTS
AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOPS/PERFORMANCE
Performances/Workshops are available for booking for gatherings, birthday parties, (of all ages), and corporate events and more. Performances include live drumming, and are dynamic, engaging and educational! This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn more cultural elements about Africa from dancers raised and born in Africa
Available for booking now, with discounts. Ideal for organzations and schools looking to enhance cultural awareness. Bookings go on through March. Large discounts are available. For any other information, email afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca
AFRICAN RHYTHMN AND DANCE NIGHT - FEBRUARY 15
The African Rhythm and Dance Night, hosted by MCAD, will be held on Sunday, February 15 from 6/30pm onwards. Bring the friends, family for a treat. Enjoy traditional and modern African Dance by MCAD Dance Troupes, children, youth and Instructors! Also included are light African Snacks, including mandaza ( Uganda ), Muriwo nedovi (vegetables with peanut sauce), Samoosa, ( Uganda Style), Plantain with Cassava Leaf. Tickets are $15 and $10 for children. Location TBA
AFRO DANCE WORKSHOP - FEBRUARY 28
This is a day workshop being held in Halifax . Location TBA. Day will feature Gambian Dance, kwaito, Ghanaian Dance, Djembe and more! Workshop will run from 10am to 2pm with breaks. To register or for more details, email afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca or call 902.225.9267
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN AFRICAN DANCE????
February 6-February 8
Weekend Workshop at the Tatamagouche Centre. For Youth with an interest in learning various African Dance Forms. February 6 to February 8. For more details contact the Tatamagouche Centre.
AFRO DANCE DVD PACKAGE
The Afro Dance DVD package is available for purchase, and includes literary material. The DVD is for anyone with or without dance experience as it is a GENERAL introduction at a very basic level. To order your copy email afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca or call 902.225.9267.
AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOPS/PERFORMANCE
Performances/Workshops are available for booking for gatherings, birthday parties, (of all ages), and corporate events and more. Performances include live drumming, and are dynamic, engaging and educational! This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn more cultural elements about Africa from individuals from the continent.
AFRICAN DANCE CLASSES
African Dance Classes of all levels and ages will begin in the week of January 23rd. Locations will be announced at a later dated. Classes will remain held on the same dates:
2008 marked Lucy Maude Montgomery's Maritime classic series about the orphan girl with an enormous independant indomitable spirit always on the lookout for her 'kindred spirits'.
And I was there! Prince Edward Island was teeming with celebration this summer, with plays and Everything-Ann.
The Legendary 'Green Gables'.
(I almost drove right by! The sight was closed, but seeing was enough for me.)
Lucy Maude Montgomery lived in this quaint country house for a year while teaching in the area.
I didn't 'plan' on hitting the 'Anne' or Lucy Maude Montgomery sites, but happened on all of them along my drive. I also saw the house of Lucy Maude's birth - however as I previously mentioned, so much photo op gets in my way.
The new movie, Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning, is both a prequel and sequel to the famous long running series with Megan Follows playing Anne. Before her arrival at Green Gables in Prince Edward Island, Anne had found a kindred spirit in a wealthy widow played by Shirley Maclaine. Barbara Hershey plays the adult Anne.
From among 1000 young Canadian girls,12-year-old Hannah Endicott-Douglas of Toronto was chosen as Anne - a tough job following years of Megan Follows in the role, whom I would like to have seen play the adult Anne.
Quiet pastoral south shoreline. I was frequently moved emotionally travelling here.
PEI is a serenely beautiful pastoral province of Canada, which I'd always wanted to visit. Driving along a country road, I smiled at a mailbox with the name Blanchett on it - my grandfather's last name - very possible distant relatives. The history of the Acadian French relates back over 250 years here.
Taken about 6:30am - PEI central north shore, Rustico Beach on the 'Anne's Land Drive, not far from Anne's Cavendish.
I hand it to all who have gone the extra mile with beautiful effective graphics!
I wasn't active over several months, but noticed the slow loading of some sites from the start - which I find still remains. Most load quickly without problem. However, some take too long for my patience.
There are blogs I would like to visit more frequently - I like your posts! But the truth is I avoid slow loading blogs. My computers are average - I get around the net well. These sites are the only ones I have difficulty with.
Think of marketing to clientele potentials - yes those 'grannies' who may find your link easily, be trying to access your blog - but it takes too long. The pictures and graphics should be small enough for any computer to upload in good time. We all know that many clientele are the boomer crowd, some with tech savvy; many others not.
Google graphics, and Active Rain's for that matter, are simple and load quickly. There are good reasons for simple graphics. One is easy loading. Another is easy uncluttered viewing. If you're a new to blogging, this will be important to consider as you build your AR Blog.
I appreciate visiting sites with 'Grann-ied' Graphics - clients who don't have state of the art equipment will too. Thanks for your beautiful sites - I am staying with the original AR graphics for now - it works for me!
As mentioned previously, there were so many marvelous photo ops in the Maritimes, that the camera became secondary to my firsthand enjoyment of the wonders around me, from which I absorbed the fullness of the soul-filling experience.
This day started with leaving Bouctouche, on through Moncton, Larry Estabrooks home town, where the heavens were dumping that day. I almost turned back to Halifax, but pressed on, with great weather resulting as I progressed.
I have a habit of photographing the road ahead on my travels, just loving the way they charm me with the adventures they hold,especially twisty ones like this in the rural Fundy countryside.
From Hopewell Rocks, the Fundy Flower Pots, and a heavenly scented floral drive, the landscape abruptly changed at the delighful fishing village, turned tourist retreat, of Alma, NB.
At 6pm, it was a perfect summer evening, with the sun blazing ever so pleasantly in that delicious way of feeling like a hug caressing bare shoulders. Getting out of my car, the warm rays and sea air put the most delighted smile on my face. Alma is a wonderful lobster fishing / resort village at the gateway to Fundy National Park.
Dinner time it was - and thrilled at the prospect of lobster I crossed the street where I planned to sit outside, enjoy the scenery, sun - and lobster. 3 MINUTES LATE! They were closed, so I settled on ice cream.
(That is Nova Scotia across the Bay)
The girl at the stand positively LOADED my cone with ice cream, which nicely compensated for missing out on the lobster! Quite happily, I enjoyed the village, ice cream in hand - just a girl again.
mhmm, that's my head. The deep red of these poppies flagged me down, but didn't photograph as intensely as hoped.
The day ended at the charming old seaside village of St. Martins, the gateway to the Fundy Parkway, a spectacular piece of New Brunswick coastline formerly owned by Randolph Hearst.
The photo disappointedly doesn't begin to relate the serene display of peaceful calm of this pastel evening. In awe, I joined a couple from France on the sand with whom I silently breathed in the stillness. Again, that's Nova Scotia way off in the distance, across the Bay of Fundy.
ONWARD >>> next, the charming bayside ville of St Martins, then the Fundy Parkway !!
"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein
Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman & webmaster established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years. LIVING SPACES features over 140 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors.
Deborah's blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.
Get Down Halifax With African Dance! Book For Your Year End Office, Group or Corporate Parties
Tired of the same old droll year-end parties?
Why not really 'get down.... Halifax!' and celebrate your achievements and the coming year richly ???!!
African Dance with Mufaro Chakabuda of the 'Maritime Center for African Dance' will take you there!
Liven up your year end gatherings, Christmas parties, Kwansa, etc. Try an African Dance Performance with live drummers and livelier dancing, you'll have an UNFORGETTABLE experience. Performance includes the party goers learning a few dance moves, (which is sure to be fun).
Book now! For more details email afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca or call 902.225.9267. 30% discounts are available if you book before DECEMBER 1st.
African Heritage Month performances are also open now for bookings by the Maritime Centre for African Dance. NOt only are the performances a trace of traditional dance to modern dance, but also an educational experience for all. To book a performance for February email afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca or call 902.225.9267
While this painting has become very well known and a delight to look at, the flaws aren't readily apparent as its beautiful attraction. In a way it has become so 'seen' as to become a bit too common.
A romantic, and a dancer, I've loved Jack Vettriano's painting 'The Singing Butler' well before it was very well known, let alone famous. It held special significance for me then and now - the custom framed print has been hanging on my walls for about 10 years.
Spending considerable time looking at it, I realized that while Mr. Vettriano is a terrific artist, there is a significant flaw in the subject presentation.
From Shelburne, a few hours in Yarmouth, then on to the Evangeline Trail. No pictures of the Port of Yarmouth! I was sometimes overwhelmed by the continuous photographic opportunities everywhere, of historical architecture, lighthouses, and fabulous ocean scenery - the camera gets in the way of the experience, I find.
Smuggler's Cove National Park, the latest of many previous names, at the Yarmouth end of the Evangeline Trail. Legend has it, the cave was used by rumrunners hiding contraband during Prohibition in the US. Check out the house atop this national treasure! I tried to cut it out, but there it remains ruining my experience.
Driving solo in Canada's Maritimes summer /08, a particular a jazz station or some Putamayo World Music I picked up, kept me tuned. Or, I listened to my reflective thoughts. Still other times, I silently opened myself fully to the allow the area I was in to be my guest and guide.
And this area, partly because of the mists floating and shifting, allowing a few sunny spots, emoted serenity, making it truly a perfect experience for enjoying the many churches.
And I mean MANY churches - more than I could ever want to photgraph! Behind many of these beautiful Churches is the view of the Bay of Fundy, which I didn't get to see much of due to the fog.
I missed quite a bit of this area, due to fog - just kept driving and took advantage of visibility and the sun when it shone. Traveling an extensive area, it's difficult to take in everything, and impossible sight-seeing when you can't see - everything worked out great regardless!
With a haunting sweetness the misty views of pastoral farmlands, cathedrals and churches along Nova Scotia's Fundy Shore, stories of the Evangelines returned from my youth, permeating my consciousness together with present energy. "I'm actually here!" I often feel surreal, when I visit certain historical places. This was one.
In various places in New Brunswick. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, I felt an emotional connection. Much of Canadian, as well North American history was birthed here, . The Acadian settlement at Annapolis Royal is one of the the oldest North American French settlements - 1604 - 404 years of North American settlement.
A lovely place to sit behind the church overlooking the Bay.
Back door of the Church Residence - the whitewashed rough-hewn timbers appealed to me.
So that's just a very small handful of SO many very interesting examples of church architecture. Many were far more elaborate. I had to wonder what the future is for these old buildings, since attendance has decreased immensely over the years. Nova Scotia is terrific at preservation. I would love to see these beautiful buildings house useful activities.
"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein
Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman & webmaster established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years. LIVING SPACES features over 140 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors.
Deborah's blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.
The Just Us! Fair Trade Cafe Barrington St. Halifax NS easily became my favorite cafe the summer of /08. Once discovering it, I went out of my way for coffee. For reason of Fair Trade, yes - these folks really take it seriously and go all the way with organic FT chocolate, tea and sugar as well as coffee.
The staff here were terrific young people, always friendly and personable, with great service, making me feel right at home. It was a delight to come in mornings to cheerful welcoming attitudes. Believe me - this doesn't happen everywhere!
In case you are unaware, the coffee industry started with slave labour, and continues in very similar circumstances. Coffee is also the second largest (legal) commodity in the world, next to crude.
Some cafe owners take seriously the understanding and importance of Fair Trade, buying only from fairly traded cooperatives. Hence the Canadian and US regulating body, called 'Trans Fair'. If the coffee doesn't carry this logo, the origin is questionable.
The dollar. This is what it comes down to for most cafe operation, including and especially BIG COFFEE. Many choose to completely ignore the needs of others in this world. Some pay token respect, featuring one coffee a month (this is the case of the biggest chain we know of), one coffee every day or two, or none at all. I have sadly heard people say about the issue, "I don't want to know!"
Then there are those like 'Just US!' who go the distance, following their conscience, paying more for their coffee than the others. How much more? Varies. But consider That cooperatives pay about 1.30 per pound of coffee. I've seen it reported on the Documentary, 'Black Coffee', that the 'BIG GREEN MONSTER' pays around .30 for the finest Ethiopian beans, while the people starve.
There is very good reason to support Fair Trade Coffee, as well as other products. Ten Thousand Villages sells fair Trade products.
Stamos Sotiropolous of George & Lito's on the corner of Windsor and Duncan, in Halifax NS, 'proposes an invite'. When you are in need of a spot for meetings or just a quick "break", a VIP status and appreciation discount is available for your visit.
Call Stamos to arrange details for the entire team. Ask him about his offer - tell him that you saw it here!
Decked out here for Halloween, you are certain to find the charming bistro cafe' trimmed for Christmas soon, as part of the initiative to constantly remain 'fresh' with decor, menu changes and offerings.
An eclectic menu with a Greek & Italian slant, is delightfully prepared to please the senses - and with apparent upmost care. When you are served your fare, regardless of what it is, along with it comes the unmistakable intended perfection from the chef's hand.
To me there are important priorities in life. I always knew without a doubt that a great deal of care was put into whatever I was served here.
Getting acquainted with Stamos at George & Lito's over my summer in Halifax, he always had a friendly welcoming greeting. In an unpretentious, genuine atmosphere that is at once urban, yet homey in essence. I always felt slightly 'transported' to a quaint European bistro, cozy and comfortable.
Remember George & Lito's for your gatherings large or small. Those Christmas events are coming up, soon!
For a slice of relaxed casual chic, once you try, you will love this charming bistro!
902-405-3542 2186 Windsor Street , Halifax , NS B3K 5B8
Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman & webmaster established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years. LIVING SPACES features over 140 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors.
Deborah's blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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