Deborah's Blog

Halifax African Troup in DC for Obama Inauguration

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:11:44 -0600

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

AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH PERFORMANCES (FEBRUARY-MARCH)

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

AFRICAN DANCE CLASSES

African Dance Classes of all levels and ages will begin in the week of January 23^rd. Locations will be announced at a later dated. Classes will remain held on the same dates:

Mom and Baby Classes - every Sunday from 3-4pm

Adult Classes - Tuesday 8-9pm, Wednesdays 6-7pm, Fridays 6-7pm

Children's Classes - Saturday 4-5pm

Couples Classes - TBA

Indian Dance Classes - Wednesday 7-8pm

Chinese Dance Classes (Peackocke Dance) - TBA

Anne Shirley of Green Gables is 100

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:29:24 -0600

Anne Shirley of Green Gables is 100

Yes that's right. Anne turned 100 this year.

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.

Granny Those Graphics * Client Friendly Active Rain Blogs

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 23:20:30 -0600

Granny Those Active Rain Blog Graphics

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!

Active Rain Newbies

Rainmaking - Internet Marketing Strategies

Online Marketing Help Center

Blogging Etiquette 101

The Art Of Marketing You

Active Rain Blog Customizer

Lobster at Alma * Touring New Brunswick * Fundy Shore

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:03:53 -0600

Fourth in the New Brunswick series

'Touring New Brunswick * Next Stop * Lobster at Alma * Fundy Shore'

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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

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! Office, Group, Corporate Parties

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:14:38 -0600

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

What is Wrong With 'The Singing Butler'?

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:32:56 -0600

What is Wrong With 'The Singing Butler'?

(Charles Buell's post, "Everyone loves "What is wrong with this picture?" type contests." inspired this question re: a favorite painting.)

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.

Singing Butler Art Print
Vettriano, Jack

Can you spot the flaw? There are a couple. What do you see?

My First Wordless Wednesday * Smuggler's Cove - Rumrunners Contraband * Evangeline Trail Nova Scotia

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:24:37 -0600

Wordless Wednesday

Evangeline Trail Nova Scotia * Churches * 404 Years of North American Settlement

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:29:49 -0600

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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

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.

Just US! Fair Trade Cafe Barrington St. Halifax NS

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:23:43 -0600

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.

Just US! Fair Trade Cafe Locations

'Black Coffee'

Ten Thousand Villages

Halifax Realtors Check Out George & Lito's Bistro Windsor St. VIP Discounts

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:59:43 -0600

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

More on George & Lito's Halifax Bistro

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah's blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

Nest Disturbance Effective Indeed * Brandt's Creek * Waterfront Park * Canada Geese

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:47:42 -0600

Sometimes a change in my environment doesn't quite sink in for awhile. A previous post, 'Goose Poop Park' - The Geese - or the Park? dealt with the issue of Canada Geese 'messing' up Waterfront Park in upscale downtown Kelowna.

The following spring on my usual walks through the Brandt's Creek reserve area and the waterfront, I noticed FAR FEWER babies. Catching my attention, it puzzled me. It was later that someone told me about the 'authorities' - the city, I suppose would make the decision, to disrupt the nests.

Aerial view of Kelowna downtown and Waterfront Park. Adjacent to the north, which would be at the bottom of the photo, is Brandt's Creek, wildlife reserve and bird sanctuary.

This whole area actually is the natural habitat of waterfowl and other water creatures.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg67/Chrislavoie/double6.jpg

The resultant disappointment was the fact of not only fewer babies this year, but also almost NO Canada Geese at all. Nest disturbance effective indeed.

The tragic irony is the fact of the reserve, supposedly in place to protect wildlife, and fought for by locals wanting to preserve these natural habitats, which doesn't seem to have as much value as high density revenue.

Well these majestic creatures have more sense than to hang around places where their precious eggs will be destroyed.

You tell me who is the more intelligent here??!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k122/monguy123/geese.jpg

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

The Danceoff * Atlantic Canada Hip Hop Competition * Halifax Nova Scotia

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:31:49 -0600

The Danceoff - Free Style, Atlantic Canada Hip Hop Competition

Saturday November 15 2008 at St. Pat's Alexander School on 2277 Maitland St. Halifax NS

Ages, 4-11, 12-18 and 19 and over. Showcasing Atlantic Canada's Talent - no experience required!

There are still positions open to compete. For informaiton - www.thedanceoff.ca or email info@thedanceoff.ca

Registration only $5 - Spectators $10

Find The Danceoff on Facebook - search Altantic Canada's first Free style, Hip Hop Competition.

Ages 4-12 - Cash Prizes and Gifts of $300 and an opportunity to do openings for various shows/artists in Canada. Or if you are an individual 4 classes free.

Ages 13-18 - Cash Prizes and Gifts of $500 and a chance to work with a well renowned choreographer from Toronto. Two free classes per person for the members in your group to the Maritime Centre for African Dance and an opportunity to do openings for various shows/artists in Canada. Or if you are an individual 4 classes free.

Ages 19 and up - Cash Prizes and Gifts of $750 and an opportunity to work with a well renowned choreographer from Toronto. Two free classes per person for the members in your group to the Maritime Centre for African Dance. Of if you an individual 4 classes free.

BA-RRRING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Long Time Coming....... CONGRATULATIONS AMERICANS!!!!!!

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:41:28 -0600

From here, north of the 49th Parallel, to Kenya Africa where Barack Obama's extended family still lives, the world celebrates with you!

From my earliest awareness of racial differences and struggle, then through the brave demonstrations, tragedies and hard-won victories of the 50's through 70's and beyond, I helplessy watched and felt the despairing pain of unfairness and brutality. I felt the joy with the advances of change, justice and equality.

NOW IT IS HERE, a result of all that has gone before.

This victory is more than just yours, America. It has been a long time coming - an event that scores big for humanity and human rights, globally.

In Africa they are dancing their joyous dances! Celebrants all over the US danced and partied all night long, too happy to contain themselves. On TV they are seen sobbing, overwhelmed that HOPE HAS ARRIVED!!

I CANNOT HELP BUT TO FEEL THE TOTAL ELATION ALONG WITH YOU - WAHOOO!!!

THANKS FOR THIS! YOU ALL DID SO GREAT!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS AMERICANS!!!!!!

New Brunswick's Fundy Countryside * Gentle Panoramics & Wildflowers

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:47:09 -0600

Enthralled with the day of driving from Moncton (which was pouring buckets!) to the Fundy Shores, then clambering down to the Bay of Fundy's, Fundy Flower Pots, the beautiful scenic drive offered an alternate 'loop' which I took - and so glad I did.

(Continuing From Fundy Flower Pots * New Brunswick * Hopewell Rocks - Onward!)

The country scenics along Hwy 915 of New Brunswick's Fundy rural countryside was heady with wildflowers beyond belief, charming gentle panoramics, farms and country houses.

The air was positively rich and sweet with the intoxicatingly seductive scent of wildflowers! It felt so like heaven!!!! Among the many varieties are the Yellow Indian Paintbrush, Fireweed, Pearly Everlasting, some Delphinium and many quite different to me, that I didn't know.

Stage This Old House!

I couldn't help but be charmed by the mystery of this old shingle farmhouse along the roadside. One has to wonder what happened with this abandoned place; everything still in place, curtains whipped and shredded by winds ... for how long? Or was it simply left for tourists like me? The yellow Indian Paintbrush grows everywhere in the Maritimes.

There were many lovely farms and country homes along this route, but this one with its slighly eccentric character appealed the most!

More roads winding on ahead.....

My second rental car, a Hundai Accent was not as preferred as the awesomely peppy and fuel efficient Toyota Yaris I had previously.

Onward to Alma, then St. Martins New Brunswick!!

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

Jimmy Tsotumo Mirikitani * The Cats Of Mirikitani

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:31:27 -0600

Jimmy Tsotomu Mirikitani , a brilliant artist, lived on the streets of New York until 911 when a remarkable young woman took him in to live in her tiny New York apartment.

She had been buying his paintings, chatting him up, and filming him, on her visits to his makeshift home/studio on the street. Hunched over he painted every which possible way, it seemed especially with paper laid out on the sidewalk.

Then 911 came. Linda Hattendorf filmed the towers, the destruction; the fiming is over a 10 year period. She filmed Jimmy. There he was on the street. Still painting. Jimmy painted cats. And he painted scenes of interment camps.

Jimmy and Linda became family. She helped him find his past and his family. She helped him find his reinstated U.S. citizenship which was revoked when he became interred.

She facilitated the return of his identity, in a way that allowed him to maintain his fierce pride.

Remember I said that he was bent over? By the end of the documentary he was standing straight exhibiting and teaching his art!

This is such a beautiful story of the healing power of true friendship. It makes my heart swell and eyes moist thinking of it again. It made me proud that the goodness in humanity is still accessible and in action.

The DVD is available on the Cats of Mirikitani website.

PICTURES AND BIO OF JIMMY

JIMMY'S ART

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

Film Night at the Kelowna Art Gallery

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:32:02 -0600

Together with Leo Bartel of Leo's Videos, the Kelowna Art Gallery features a free showing the last Thursday of every month. Screening starts at 7 pm. Drinks and popcorn are available by donation.

The films presented are not widely distributed, but are of exceptional merit, culturally and educationally. The varied range include artistic documentaries and classics that promise valuable perspective, enriching the human experience.

I was fortunate to attend 'The Cats Of Mirikitani', which was totally moving! The documentary is about Jimmy Tsotomu Mirikitani, a brilliant artist who lived on the streets of New York until 911, when he was taken in by a most remarkable young woman.

The next showing, 'Garbage Warrior' is November 27/08. Nominated for the KYOTO Planet for Change Award, this film is about sustainable architecture, styles and building materials.

See You At The Movie!

Kelowna Art Gallery 1315 Water Street Kelowna

Leo's Videos 2680 Pandosy Street Kelowna

FOR MORE, SEE THIS POST:

Jimmy Tsotumo Mirikitani * The Cats Of Mirikitani

George and Lito's * Charming Neighborhood Bistro * Halifax Nova Scotia

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:19:43 -0500

Sitting pretty on the corner of Windsor Avenue and Duncan Street, which just happened to be my neighborhood for the summer of /08, is 'George and Lito's'.

Recently opened as I arrived in Halifax July 1/08, I watched Stamos (the owner) evolve his unique corner of the neighborhood into an increasingly popular spot.

From the tiled floor, the black, white and red decor of 'George and Litto's flows pleasantly, hinting at 1950's diner style with upscale post modern and deco elements. The street corner came absolutely alive with the patio addition over the summer /08, raising the ambient score a few notches over its already charming ambience.

This versatile little cafe with a significant seating capacity, inside and out, runs from breakfast through to dinner.

Believe it! For about $5 you can have a great traditional breakfast,but prepared and presented in exquisite style, making it taste even better!! Since I was staying just a half block away, it was just TOO convenient to mosy over for breakfast - several times!

The vegan breakfastis a Greek plate of houmous and pita, dolmades and tabbouli. Irresistable and DELICIOUS, this dish is a great lunch, or any-time appie plate, also!!

Now honestly, I never had dinner here. That time of day often found me in other parts. I did stop in late one evening needing my veggie fix. I was served a marvelously fresh small salad in a bowl that had a deceptively huge capacity, with salad that just kept coming out of it - again for under $5 !

Sorry I never got a photo of George and Litto's. Perhaps I will call Stamos and ask if he can email some. In any case check it out yourself - you'll be glad you did!

Oh did I say you can get breakfast until 4pm?

Why of course you can!

The relaxed casual chic essence in all aspects of this cafe, made it a favorite for lounging over breakfast with a newspaper while on vacation.

...another reason to just LOVE Halifax!!!!!!!!!!!!!

902-405-3542
2186 Windsor Street , Halifax , NS B3K 5B8

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah's blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

Room Architecture in Interior Design * Living Spaces Kelowna

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:14:59 -0500

What is the first thing to consider with the design of an empty space?

Room architecture.

What is the first thing to consider when re-decorating a room?

Room architecture.

Room Architecture

Acknowledge the actual skeleton of a room - the form, lines, millwork, windows, size, scale, ceiling and floor planes
Focus FIRST on the actual bones of a room, BEFORE what to fill it up with
Recognize the common and extraordinary planes - vaulting, gables, angles, etc.

Space is expensive. Make the most of it, instead of diminishing it with excess ‘decorating'. Pay attention to structure and do everything to enhance it.

How do we enhance space and architecture?

Lighting
Reducing clutter
Creating illusion with design, line and color

Use the elements of design to determine a starting point, then everything that flows from it.

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

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 speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

Elements of Interior Design * Living Spaces Kelowna

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:13:50 -0500

Elements of Design

All design begins with a single point
Which Flows into Line
Creating Direction
Giving birth to Form
And Scale

5 Basic Elements

Point
Line (Flow, Direction)
Form
Scale
Color, including Texture, Light ... and more

Design is universal, regardless of the application.
The principles of design never change, whether planning a painting, landscape design, or a room interior or whatever it is
With an understanding of the elements, creating successful arrangement becomes second nature

Principles - Balance, Harmony, Unity

· Are created when the elements of design are applied effectively

· A successful interior is balanced, harmonious and unified

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

Effective Interior Lighting * Living Spaces Interior Design Kelowna

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:12:35 -0500

Lighting

Least understood, yet most effective and essential interior application

Usually inadequately applied, misunderstood, under-used, under-rated
Developers and builders cheap out on lighting design
Not enough credibility given to effective design - lighting and interior design
Lamps used more as accessories rather than for actual effective task or ambience

Effective Lighting Design - consider using a lighting designer

Enhances room architecture
Enhances Dimension, Color, Form
Enhances the elements of design
Enhances everything in a room

Because lighting enhances everything in an interior, it minimizes the need for a lot of decorating accessories and furnishings.

Plan separate switching to use only what light effects required for any given application.

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

Swiss Air 111 Memorial Site * Peggy's Cove * Whalesback Beach * Nova Scotia

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:10:13 -0500

Leaving Peggy's Cove, the afternoon had warmed nicely. I carried on, windows open, great jazz playing, cruising Nova Scotia sun-washed ocean highways. Driving past this site, I swung back around to check it out. It began to make sense as I read the description in the parking lot. I remembered it in the news (10) years back.

The stone, here at Whalesback Beach, points out toward the site of the crash of Swiss Air 111.

It amazed me , in startling little bits, looking into the faces of the people here. One expects sorrow. It seemed however, that everyone here felt the same thing I did. Walking from the parking lot toward the memorial and looking out beyond, an overwhelming peace was unmistakable. A rare sensing. It felt like a very loving energy. I've seen many memorials. This one was unique somehow.

The energy remained with me.

I found out that the fishing communities of Peggy's Cove and Blandford, roughly equidistant , each responded to the tragic crash. The memorials are placed here at Whalesback Beach and at Bayswater Beach across the entry to St. Margaret's Bay, each about 11 km from each other and the crash site, forming an equilateral triangle.

I left this site so at peace - and happy. Happy? you say. Yes. There were very sadly no survivors, but they couldn't have found a more beautifully serene place to rest. The energy of the earth, ocean and loving human communities hold them in an embrace here that you can tangibly feel.

If you're visiting Peggy's Cove, don't miss this beautiful memorial.

Peggy's Cove Painter's Paradise * Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

Whalesback Beach, site of Swiss Air 111 Memorial, day after Hurricane Noel. Photo by Dennis Richard, spectacular photographer of nearby Hackett's Cove!

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

Famous Painter's Paradise * Peggy's Cove Nova Scotia * Spectacular Waves

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:14:33 -0500

"After a delicious sun-soaked coastal highway cruise with great music playing, my first interest on arriving at Peggy's Cove Nova Scotia, was the rocky ocean's edge. In deck shoes and hooded fleece, I scampered over huge boulders to my old friend the sea. Having seen placid photos and paintings, I was unprepared actually, for the fierceness of the waves here.

Finally I stretched out on a granite slab, sheltered from the wind and 'zoned' in the sun and ocean roar, for the penetrating effect of the majestic elements. The crashing waves while I love them , had a bit of a startling effect - so much power!!

By the time I got back to Peggy's, most of the tourist crowd had left and I then happily enjoyed the delighful, timeless fishing village. I was at Peggy's Cove! Wahooo!!"

While my photographic skills and very simple equipment don't do justice, these are some of the scenics that make Peggy's Cove the Famous Painter's Paradise that it is.

Spectacular Waves near Peggy's Cove day after Hurricane Noel. Photo by Dennis Richards of nearby Hackett's Cove. Dennis is a phenomenal photographer, yes!?

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse * Swiss Air Memorial Whalesback Beach Site

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse * Halifax County * Nova Scotia

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:26:51 -0500

One of my first road trips of my Halifax summer was to famous Peggy's Cove.

Very near Halifax, on the N.E. side St.Margaret's Bay, it's an easy day trip. My initial road trips with my rental car, a jammy little fuel efficient Yaris, were many jaunts like this. There are myriad scenic delights within easy reach of this terrific city.

The town of Peggy's Cove is in the distance, taken from the Swiss Air 111 Memorial Site. There is some thought that glaciers left the huge boulders scattered over the landsape.

Spot the lighthouse on the point, above.

Below is the lighthouse the day after Hurricane Noel.

Photo by Dennis Richards of nearby Hackett's Cove, Nova Scotia. Spectacular huh!? Dennis is a terrific photographer and musician.

More of Peggy's Cove Scenic Paradise * Swiss Air 111 Memorial Site at Whalesback

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.

Sharon Sebo Dance Classes * Update Schedule * Tango Kelowna * Salsa * West Coast Swing

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 23:52:29 -0500

Refer to Tango Kelowna for Sharon Sebo's dance Classes and updates, as they shift times and locations. Sharon dances in the neighborhood of 30+ dances!

Salsa

Argentine Tango

Bachata

West Coast Swing

Ballroom - Waltz, Foxtrot, Latin

Sharon gives Private Lessons also in Latin and Ballroom - or for your group!

Dance Lessons make great gifts for Christmas, Birthdays, Anniversaries. Ask Sharon about Gift Certificates

Contact Sharon at Tango Kelowna

A Lead Prospect for the Right Agent - Seller Requires Chinese Speaking Realtor In Kelowna

Deborah Pearce (Living Spaces Interiors & Home Staging) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:48:42 -0500

I have a party wishing to sell a piece of city property in a residential neighborhood in downtown Kelowna.

Being that there is a bit of a language barrier, it is most advantageous to engage a Chinese speaking realtor - or at least one with a great deal of understanding and compassion - and with the best interests of the seller in mind.

The property may be suitable for residential to high rise development, dependent on city zoning issues of course.

You may use the contact link at right, or comment below leaving your contact information.

"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

YOUR OWN WEBSITE

Deborah speaks on a variety of subjects. Her blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.