I could really use an ice-cold drink as cold as winter.
Yesterday, I was speaking to a man who moved to BC from Ontario because his family cannot stand another winter or summer further up north.
In Vancouver, our winter is becoming milder and milder. We used to have plenty of snow and frozen city lakes. The temperature only goes down to -10 celsius. I miss those days when we can actually go cross country skiing in our city parks.
No more snow days.
Happy Canada Day!. I am celebrating indoors. Allow me to repost how wonderful it is for me to live in Canada. Today, on July 1st, I have to go to the big city … downtown Vancouver. My goal is to … Continue reading
I am using the word saturated instead after finding out that “All Wet” is a slang word during the 1920s, meaning “full of crap!” Please note that I am not implying that your post in this week’s Lens-Artist is cr*p but quite the contrary. You are all brilliant!
Phew… to save my skin, English is my second language, and I enjoy looking for meaning and definition of words and phrases.
Are you thinking of visiting the beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada? If you are, it’s essential and fashionable that you bring an umbrella. Out of 365 days in a year, we get at least 180 days of rain. It’s only water, and nothing stops us from staying outdoors.
Another thing that is useful here is to bring your rubber boots with your rubber ducks to add fun to your adventure in the rain.
It’s raining, the children are splashing in the puddle, and I just have to join in.
Vancouver made a great impression on the world during the 2010 Olympics. To commemorate what an artist thinks of us is this “all wet” blue raindrop.
The Drop at Vancouver Convention Centre
Now, that’s what I call “full of crap!>
A bigger than life bronze sculpture is exhibited at Downtown Vancouver sponsored by Chali-Rosso Art Gallery. A faceless woman to symbolize all women. The height is 360 centimetres equivalent to more than 11 feet. It weighs 500 kg equivalent to 1100 … Continue reading
Skinny or narrow homes are now back in style and in demand. The land is getting expensive, population booming, the rate of single dwellers are some of the changes in the real estate market. Gone are the days of mega … Continue reading
I would like to think that Vancouver, BC, Canada is the capital of British Columbia since this is the city with the major airport hub for international flights. Also, in 2010, the Olympics was held here. This larger than life … Continue reading
As part of our assignment on precious pets, today, I spent the better of the day at Downtown East Side where homeless people live. Even though they are homeless, some of them would prefer the company of their pets. One … Continue reading
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In reality, Vancouver is mostly cloudy with intermittent rain at night or morning during this week. It’s remarkable that the temperature is warm and I could soak the tepid rain. No need for umbrella. Temperature July 11, 2018 Now: 21Celsius … Continue reading
The Vancouver Stanley Park Zoo housed many animals such as black bear, polar bear, monkeys, goats, seals, whales, raccoons, wolves, emus, bison, kangaroos, penguins, beavers and much more. Most of these animals were moved when the zoo was officially closed … Continue reading
30 days has September, April, June and November … April showers bring May flowers … Meanwhile, claimed there would be a Royal Mint collection of coin designs based on emojis … April fools joke. Honestly, today, April 1, 2019, the weather here in … Continue reading
Around the neighborhood, The Habitat Island, an island was created as part of the development at Southeast False Creek, site of the 2010 Winter Games Athletes Village. It’s an urban sanctuary not just for people but as well as birds, insects, … Continue reading
Some people left their heart in San Francisco as the song goes; in Vancouver, the city is the heart. To see the beauty, from a distance, a lazy chair is available to sit, relax and admire the beauty of Science … Continue reading
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter For some parts of the world, rain is seasonal. There was a time we are blanketed with snow. Now in Vancouver, rain is part of life. Frosty the snowman does not live here. Challenges: … Continue reading
We are out for good reasons. My friend wants to make memories. My sister is out on a day pass. I am up to no good and want to give these two a fright. My birthday is coming. This is … Continue reading
Effective today, Canada is now officially has gone to pot. We are now legally on business and on the market to sell and purchase Cannabis. No more prohibition. You may smoke a fag just like cigarettes in public. How will … Continue reading
Quezon City, Philippines is where I grew up. Now I live in Vancouver, beautiful British Columbia, Canada. And where are you from?
I could dance with Matt to this beautiful music of Garry Schyman feat. Alicia Lemke – Trip the Light, fell the joy of being alive and remember that we are all the same.
If all the days come to pass
Are behind these walls
I’ll be left at the end of things
In a world kept smallTravel far from what I know
I’ll be swept away
I need to know I can be lost
And not afraid
At the corner of Granville Street and West 10th Avenue is a location for high-end stores such as Restoration Hardware and Edward Chapman for Women. People could afford to purchase expensive furniture and clothing. I would say this is a vibrant … Continue reading
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In the middle of an atrium of Pacific Centre, I looked up to see how it feels good just to be. There were people watching people. A mother nursing a child, couples having coffee, people swirling around me as they … Continue reading
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It hardly snows in Vancouver. Winter is not winter, without snow. Last night it snowed. Calvin: Wow, it really snowed last night! Isn’t it wonderful? Hobbes: Everything familiar has disappeared! The world looks brand-new! Calvin: A new year … … Continue reading
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Come and visit. This is the easiest place to get lost and still find your way around. It’s a small city with so much to see and do. All you need is wear your walking shoes, pack a lot of energy … Continue reading
Dear Reader, this is a story about the life that once was mine then wasn’t. The story that taught me that life cannot be changed for the better sometimes. So you have to cherish the fact that you get to … Continue reading
It may be zero visibility on the ground but it’s sunny above the fog. The fog holds it’s mystery all through the night. Some thinks that its ghostly scary state something lurks and jumps out of the fog. I imagine that … Continue reading
It rains a lot in Vancouver and I learned how to love the rain. It’s better to love it than hate it. Rod McKuen’s poetry in song says it all for me.
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It’s not a festival if there is no music and dancing during the Vancouver Mural Festival 2017. More than eight blocks closed to the traffic to accommodate all the fun and festivities. What I enjoyed the most was the dance … Continue reading
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Today, July 1st, I have to go to the big city … downtown Vancouver. My goal is to purchase another bag with wheels for daily use at main department store, Hudson Bay. Across The Bay, I met Steve. A man … Continue reading
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danger, Danger, DANGER! Animals on the loose at the City of Vancouver. Bear, Raccoon, Bunny and Bee. What is happening. Are these animals now moving to the city since we are encroaching on their habitat? I hope not. Fear not, … Continue reading
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To see the Haley’s comets from Vancouver was FANTASTIC! Still remember the days I saw it. Too bad that was the time I do not own a single media to capture the image. Really? You didn’t even get one shot!!!!!? … Continue reading
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Sakura is in full bloom Blossoms soft as a pillow Be careful where you park! Snow is gone It’s snowing Cherry Blossoms Be careful where you park!
Reporting from the streets of Vancouver, Canada, Stanley Q. Woodvine writes about the challenges of homeless life, as well as on personal interests like anime and computers. via sqwabb — Discover Nothing better to do tonight and looking for knowledge … Continue reading
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When a child is missing, we can make a difference by sending out Amber Alert to secure the child’s safety as quickly as we can. Meanwhile in Vancouver, BC, an infant is venerated by thousands of people at the Cathedral, the image … Continue reading
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Somewhere in Vancouver, atop V.G.H. Thrift Store, a graffiti of someone fishing for ❤️. Well, at least it caught my attention.
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For years I dreamt of being in a company of a local news icon with strong roots in the community reporting uplifting stories of ordinary events and people from garbage to gardening, from the old and the new, from ashes … Continue reading
Spinning myself around 360 degrees to get a full recording of my favorite place, Trout Lake, a place where I grew up with fond memories.
It was more than 20 years since the lake froze. The ambiance? Refreshing!
With all kinds of people, nationality, ethnic language, 4-year family generation and a baby on the way; I would have wanted to use the music “Of Foreign Lands and Places.” We were all in the same place at the same time to experience Joie de vi·vre.
Ah … such glorious memory.
Walking on the frozen lake feels surreal.
We discovered that there is no language barrier to strike up a friendly conversation, have a few laugh and just enjoy a frozen lake on a perfect sunny day.
The atmosphere was heavenly. An ambience we could not ask for anything more and an experience we will remember for a long time.
I thank God for this amazing day!
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Woke up with a dusting of snow. Left early to beat the commuters. Riding the Skytrain was a cinch. Got off at the Hub, Broadway and Commercial. A sea of people lined up for the 99 BLine. Ain’t gonna join the … Continue reading
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Today, I e-mailed the Premier of BC, Christy Clark, and Ministry of Education, Mike Bernier reminding them their responsibility as elected officials. As much as I want to remain quiet about what is happening in Vancouver public system, I am … Continue reading
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It won’t be a white Christmas here in Vancouver, BC. This is our Frosty, the no snowman. What about your part of the world? Photo source: Facebook
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Catfé is Vancouver’s very first cat cafe for feline lovers. The cats are also available for adoption. This is a place for: cats temporary home until they find their humans read to cats prowl for inspiration sip-and-pet Yoga, anyone? This is … Continue reading
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Stitching keeps broken parts together. A simple stitch can literally mend lives. All it takes is a sewing needle, thread, pair of hands and a heart determined to restore in order to stay connected. To prove the point, these are series … Continue reading
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When the sky closes up, it stops raining. Grass grows where it’s planted and dies silently with hardly any rain for the past three months. The care given to this grass is better than a Persian carpet. Who needs a carpet when I … Continue reading
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Our city is really off when it comes to weather. This winter we hardly had any snow but last year, we had snow in June. It’s definitely off-season to see snow in June especially in Vancouver. Daily, I take this route going home … Continue reading
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Vancouver aka We(s)tcoast And we live true to this name Wet and cold. I own plenty of umbrellas Orange, Blue, Green Printed, Floral, Strips Even a Canadian Maple Leaf brolly. They are no ordinary canopy Each one represents my personality And … Continue reading
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Notice how distinct older dog’s faces are compared to more youthful ones. All the telltale signs: lumps and bumps, gray hair, chipped and missing teeth. Some had loss their eyesight, some were missing their eyes altogether – evidence of both … Continue reading
The Drop at Vancouver Convention Centre
Rain. Never ending rain.
The Drop pays homage to the element of water and the untamable forces of nature which are omnipresent in Vancouver.
Omnipresent? More like “ever-present”.
I’m longing for winter. You know, the snow flakes.
“I love my stories being multi-layered, and coming at it from different angles so that you don’t understand the film’s true emotional motivation until the very end.” ~ M. Night Shyamalan
Look up north, look down south
Look west and look east
The street is lined with colour
The City of Vancouver created a permanent rainbow-coloured crosswalk in Davie Street village to cover all angles in celebrating city’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and queer communities. This area is LGBTQ friendly.
Source: International Bipolar Foundation
This week I will be posting a series of awareness to advocate for people who suffer mental illness. As much as I would like to discuss my experience, I would rather share what is happening NOW.
I want everyone to know that a lot of people are striving to be back in the main stream and live a so-called “normal” life with the help of caring people and communities.
It pains me to read and hear that these people are called “selfish” because of the illness especially one committed suicide.
The other night, I was watching the news how a boy raised funds to help his friend received the operation his friend badly needed. His friend is suffering from cerebral palsy and can hardly move. He raised more than enough money for the operation. The main question for the boy was what made you do it.
His answer was: “If you see someone needs help, you just help them.”
Yes! Just help. It’s that simple from the mouth of a boy.
The world would be better if we can help one another.
Thousands of people with chronic mental illness live productive lives in Metro Vancouver thanks to the support offered by Coast Mental Health. The non-profit organization provides housing, vocational training and employment opportunities, and community resources to over 4,200 people with mental illness every year. In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 6 to 11) Coast strives to spark meaningful discussions about mental health.
Mental illness is a thief. It can rob you of your identity, take away your livelihood and isolate you from friends and family. It can leave you a shadow of yourself – alone and hopeless. And if diseases like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were not bad enough, add to that the pain of stigma and discrimination.
Coast Mental Health is a non-profit private organization that supports recovery from mental illness by providing intervention and care. From our meal and clothing programs and supported housing, we see restored dignity. And from our life skills training, education and employment programs, we see reduced poverty and increased security.
With the right supports, people can and do recover from these illnesses. Mental illness is simply another obstacle in life.
Find out what Coast Mental Health does to help individuals suffering from mental illness and homelessness, click here.
Source: Coast Mental Health and International Bipolar Foundation
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Today, looking southwest from the dock of Bridges Restaurant, you see commercial wharves, and office and residential buildings. Sixty-three years ago, this area was a tidal flat rising to an elevation of 20 feet at the railway tracks, which were … Continue reading
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I am living my life vicariously from looking at the photos of the graduates this year in my family. When I graduated, I have vague memories of it. I think I skipped the graduation for reason unknown. It must be … Continue reading
Between Mon and Dad is Abby.
Abby is a rabbit. In the eyes of these homeless couple coming from Toronto, Abby is their baby. Having Abby in their life brings out their humanity to extend their love to take care of an animal even though they are homeless.
I took this photo in between times on my way home carrying with me a Canon PowerShot SD1000. It’s just an ordinary camera that helps me get out of my head and self. Having a camera focuses my thoughts outward rather than inward. Photography is a beautiful technique to relieve mental illness.
Just for fun, I submitted it to National Geographic’s assignment “The Animals We Love” titled Mom, Dad and Baby Abby.
Yesterday, I received an e-mail stating “a National Geographic editor favorited your photo, Mom, Dad and Baby Abby, on Your Shot. Robin Schwartz added your photo Mom, Dad and Baby Abby as a favorite.”
Needless to say, I am elated.
Out of 14,953 submissions, this is one of her 1,401 favorites. Thank you, Robin!
Musical composition by Annelise Yates (Grade 5)
The Impossible Adventure
Took a swim through the sea
In search of what could not be
Yet there within the waves
A whale with a friendly gaze
Chorus:
How does one chase a dream?
It’s not an easy as it seems
Keep your eyes on the prize
Relax and enjoy the ride
I felt a long pull
To go where the whale might go
Followed it in a haze
And if I should fall behind
I focus right and fix my stride
After a while the going gets rough
As I try to keep my head above
My lungs on fire, my legs grow weak
Just as my chances are looking bleak
The waves turn grey like the sky
I know that I’m going to cry
Chorus:
My eyes well up
And through the tears
I see the whale crystal clear
And in the distance I see a shore
It seems like something I’ve seen before
Then and there I realize
The beach before my very eyes
Is the one I left behind
Background:
There are several exhibits (again) on display at work created by the students. Of all the exhibits, I admire this musical composition. Making a mental note, I must take a photo for show and tell. Of course, I know very well not to rely on my memory; it likes to procrastinate.
Yesterday afternoon, when I returned from my break, I was ready to take a picture but when I arrived the board was empty. I was so disappointed and I was muttering to myself. A couple of men and a girl must have heard me and they turned around. Told them my disappointment that the song I was admiring is gone!
“Are you looking for this?” One of the men said.
“OMG! That’s it! Do you mind if I take a photo and share it in my blog?” I was so ecstatic that all is well.
Forgetting my manners dues to excitement, I really should be speaking to the girl because it’s her composition. Regaining my composure, I addressed the man and the young lady at the same time, if it’s alright.
“Of course.” They gladly allowed me to take some shots.
Filled with gratitude with their kindness, I promised that I will send them a link of this post.
What an Impossible Adventure I had. I am pretty sure as Annelies matures, there will be room for improvement in her creative mind.
What a beautiful thing, a bouquet of tulips for me. Thank you.
Knowing that “Mum, how much longer“ will be in town for a couple of days in Vancouver waiting for the cruise ship to take her and her family to Alaska, I immediately said: Coffee is on me! The last time she was here, we didn’t even know that we were in the same place when there was free hugs for hunger.
When meeting someone for the first time, we gave each other a clue so we can find one another.
Mum said that she will be the person with two heavy bags under her eyes on the hotel lobby waiting. Me, I will be that silver fox with long hair. Well, I did not see any woman with heavy bags. Mum found me first. It’s so easy to spot a long silver hair but not the fox. Who am I kidding.
It was a real pleasure to meet a blogger in person.
We chatted animatedly as if we were long-lost friend over coffee and dinner by the Waterfront of Vancouver. Thank goodness, the weather cooperated and not a drop of precipitation.
Mum and family must be in the middle of the ocean by now and have passed the narrow inside passage of Vancouver Island.
Thank you again for the flowers, Mum, and for taking the time to meet with me. Safe journey.
Here’s something to look forward to when you visit Canada in spring. I kid you not, Sakura is all over the place in Canada.
This is just one tree. Imagine walking underneath the boulevard all lined up with Sakura, it’s snowing pink petals.
“What a strange thing!
to be alive
beneath cherry blossoms.”
― Kobayashi Issa, Poems
This is nothing in comparison to my fascination with this yellow flower when I first arrived here in Canada. I just love these Lions of the Spring. One cannot appreciate the beauty of Cherry blossoms without having to fall for these beast.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring.
VANCOUVER — A bus driver has had his faith in people restored after witnessing a rider wearing plastic bags instead of shoes given a surprising gift this holiday weekend — a stranger’s own shoes and socks.
The “soul-touching” interaction Saturday on the No. 341 route, a Coast Mountain Bus Co. driver of 16 years who was off-duty at the time while returning from Surrey B.C.’s Vaisakhi parade.
“It made my heart melt,” “He just took his shoes and socks off and said, ‘You can take these, don’t worry about me — I live close by and can walk.’
“People usually don’t care or even look at other people on the bus, they didn’t even want to sit beside this guy because of how he was dressed.”
The recipient was “shocked” by the gift and afterwards remarked, “What a nice guy… Did that really happen?”
Source: Toronto Sun
After a long wet coast winter weather, the street life in Vancouver springs into action. Yes, spring is definitely in the air, and we celebrated it with a hug with the resident Vancouver’s critters. There were five of them, and I met four cute, soft and furry critters that came out of their hibernation giving out hugs.
This is Duh Bear, not a grizzly bear but a gentle softie softer than toilet paper. He definitely dislikes any hunting trophy.
A reluctant hugger
Hugs for Hunger is a fundraising event to welcome spring. 1 Hug = $1 donated by the sponsor to help the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. All we have to do is give the critters a hug.
A Bear Hug
I hug all four of them, and $4 was donated to the Food Bank. What a lovely way to spend the day watching passersby giving hugs. It was definitely a joyful and happy day.
A bunny hug with pink ears. This one left me hopping for more hug and, of course, he accepts a bribe of carrot sticks for more squeezes.
Bunny Hug
To hug and Bee hug has a positive effect on one’s well-being. If you get stung, you will feel this tingly butterfly feeling in your chest and tummy. Oh, what a lovely feeling sweeter than honey.
Bee Hug
And here’s the Raccoon coming towards me ready to steal my heart away or maybe the garbage that I carry.
I’m coming to get you.
I think the Raccoon has already been to the garbage since I don’t see any takers from him. Just take a look at this one running away from him. Pepe le phew!
No, no, no, Mr. Stinker
Finally, someone took pity on him and gave him a Hug for Hunger.
All Good.
It was a very successful day.
“The magic of the street is the mingling of the errand and the epiphany.” ― Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking
Yesterday’s event section at Metro News: Hilary Clinton headed to Vancouver as a keynote speaker on March 5, 2014 for an event on Women’s Leadership Circle. Expected cost $600 a ticket.
As much as I want to see Hilary, $600 dollars will go a long way not for me but to the needy.
The purpose of this post is to challenge the Vancouverites instead of spending it for the Leadership Circle to hear Hilary, donate this money to the needy in Vancouver. Or better yet, send it to the Philippines for emergency relief. Canada will match your dollar.
Be a servant leader instead.
Related Articles:
When we forgive, we have to let go of our own feelings, our own ego, our own offended identity, and find our identity at a completely different level—the divine level. I even wonder if it is possible to know God at all—outside of the mystery of forgiveness. ~ Mystery of Forgiveness
Source: CNS photo by Art Babych
The Archdiocese of Vancouver, Archbishop Miller addressed former residential school students on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission event. He acknowledged the role the Church played in “implementing the Canadian government’s policy which involved forcibly separating children from their parents.”
THE APOLOGY
Distinguished members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Venerable Elders, Survivors of the Indian Residential Schools, First Nations Brothers and Sisters, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Speaking on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, I am here with you today to acknowledge the role we played in implementing the Canadian government’s policy which involved forcibly separating children from their parents and families and placing them in Indian Residential Schools. through generations, this deeply flawed policy has led to unbearable pain and suffering.
At the five residential schools which existed within the boundaries of the Archdiocese, we were entrusted with safeguarding the children and young people under our care. However, we failed to live up to the trust placed in us. Over the century of their existence, tragic incidents of cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse took place at these schools. We hold in high esteem those survivors who have had the courage to tell the truth about their harrowing experiences….
Related links:She came to Canada by steamship as a young woman in 1958 with a four-day train ride from Halifax to Vancouver as her introduction to Canada. Vancouver offered the beauty of the ocean, along with the comfort of the mountains that reminder her of her home in Italy. She married, raised a family, and lived in Kitsilano where she was known for her garden and flowers, which she carefully tended until just weeks before her passing.
Gina Antonioni July 26, 1936 to October 30, 2013
She was a supporter, a volunteer, and active participant at the Italian Cultural Centre and Villa Carital until her illness would no longer allow her to help. Through her work, at Arbutus Manor for many years, and involvement in various clubs and groups, including Catholic League of Women (CWL) and the Circolo Trentino, she had built a large and varied group of friends.
Catholic League of Women
The Easter candle is lit at baptism and lighted again upon death. “In dying we are born to eternal life.”
Easter Candle
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. ~ Romans 14
Related Link: Leave of Absence
Leaving work mid-morning, my commitment was at 11 a.m. It’s close by to work, walking distance but I haven’t been to this place. Plenty of time to walk the inside streets, enjoy the beauty of the autumn day and the rain stopped.
This is the west side of Vancouver, a beautiful neighbourhood that takes pride of their surroundings. The environment is warm and welcoming. Homes are old, mostly heritage, painted houses in living colours and well-kept. Luscious garden, recycled items, ornamental trees and chair to sit around.
There’s nobody around and understandably so, it was work week and the children were at school. I found myself alone in sweet serenity to commune with nature.
I reached my destination.
St. Augustine Church. This is the first time for me to visit the church. As mentioned in my previous post, Candle in Spain, I say the same prayer when I visit a church the first time hoping my wishes will be granted. I did not because I was there for my friend to attend a Mass of Christian Burial of her mother.
Related Link: Candle in Spain
The gathering of Truth and Reconciliation Commission ended with the walk in solidarity with the aboriginals and non-aboriginals. Thousands braved the day in a wet, wild, and wonderful walk.
We were banging drums, singing traditional songs, wearing button blankets and hats as we marched along the Georgia Street.
The stories told were very horrific and sad about the treatment the aboriginals received from the white people especially at the residential schools. These are the survivors who came to have their stories documented for the history books.
As horrific as it was, the gathering will be the beginning of a journey toward reconciliation. Canada is stepping forward to share the pain it created. From here, we can move towards healing.
The keynote speaker for this event was Dr. Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr.
One day, you’ll be able to join hands together and say in the words of my father and it will be a truth in this nation. Free at last, free at last, and thank God almighty we are free at last.”
May the stars carry your sadness away,
May the flowers fill your heart with beauty,
May hope forever wipe away your tears,
And, above all, may silence make you strong.
Chief Dan George
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Source: Flickr/CC-BY-2.0/Kyle May
Think of it this way, he has from October to May to hit the gym and start working out. If he remains the same, Paul Sullivan has something to say about it.
You’ll have to fake it.
Turning that spare tire into a six-pack will take the whole summer and you’ll be ready for your beach close-up just in time to head back to school, fool.
There are a number of things you can do, like suck your stomach in as you stroll, all nonchalant, along the shore. If anyone asks why your face is so red, just tell them you burn easily from the neck up. Like all those other red-faced shore stalkers going by.
Then there’s the briefest-possible-moment-of-exposure tactic. Just drag your beach blanket and mummy kit as close to the water as you can without being swamped, then disrobe quickly, flashing your bi- or mono-kini, and then immerse yourself up to your neck as quickly as possible.
To get out of the water successfully, repeat in reverse. Do not, like Daniel Craig, emerge from the surf in glorious 3D slow motion. You’ll scare the little kids on the beach.
Make sure to do whatever you can to avoid the inverse beach fitness rule. That is: The less fit you are, the more flesh you expose. Don’t be that guy with the beach ball for a belly and the speedo. If that bikini didn’t look quite right in that artfully lit Swimco mirror, how do you think it’s going to look out here, in the stark light of day?
I don’t want to cramp your style, but you don’t have any, especially when your body is a gallery of all your deepest thoughts written in flesh. Tattoos, even Angelina Jolie’s — especially Angelina Jolie’s — don’t make it better. You look like human graffiti.
There are some people, of course, who look fantastic on the beach, all fresh and tousled and tanned. They’re called children. They don’t count.
Paul Sullivan is a writer for a local newspaper, Metro News.
Artist 2013 Gallery
Artist Self-Portrait
A photo taken 33 years ago in Manila reminds me how sad and brave my grandmothers were as they bid us farewell for our journey to Vancouver. After final blessings, embraces, and tears, we boarded the plane with suitcases crammed full of everything we could bring from our old life. Everything except my cherished umbrella which we had somehow neglected to pack. I loved that umbrella the way other four-year-olds treasure dolls or teddy bears. My new friends were mystified by my broken spirit and broken English. I did not know the word for umbrella. “My payong, my payong.” I repeated woefully. I wanted the umbrella that had sheltered me from the hot sun.
I wanted to escape this strange place where umbrellas held the wind and rain at bay. As I got older the memory of my umbrella drizzled away. I planned my getaway: Paris, Tel Aviv, New Delhi … even Toronto. Anywhere but rainy, boring Vancouver. Like my parents, I sought a better life elsewhere. Unlike them, elsewhere left me disappointed. I yearned for the seawall and for Granville Island and salad rolls. In my homesick mind, I heard the seagulls at Kits Beach, and breathed in the deep green peace of a day spent at UBC. I longed to smell the cedar tree in the backyard of my childhood in Marpole, and to taste the vegetables my parents tend there. I ached for Vancouver.
Today, I show the photo, taken all those years and countless lost umbrellas ago, to my husband and children. I will leave umbrellas behind, but I don’t forget where I have been or how far I traveled to get here. Once it was a distant destination promised in a photograph. Now it is the place I love and call home. ~ Bernadette Gonzales McGrath
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I can’t face the day today. Happiness was short-lived or should I say I had a rude awakening yesterday. Not because the alarm clock went off at 5 a.m. and the cats won’t stop meowing because they are hungry. I … Continue reading
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Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset One season Following another Laden with happiness….
Happy Canada Day!
This is so exciting when we received a broadcast message on Monday from the cafeteria. Centre Café will be serving a Canada Day Special. Woo who!0
Never will I miss this one. Every year, this is what I look forward to: Crispy Chicken. I made sure that I ate light breakfast and no snacking between meals to make sure I will bring my appetite for this feast.
The cafeteria is decorated with Canadian Flags. The cooks are all dressed up in red shirt. Service with a smile. Love them from the bottom of my stomach. They are the best.
Most staff will put in their order ahead of time. Sorry folks, first come first served. It’s unfair for the walk ins and order the special only to find out it’s sold out before it even gets served. So, I went early to the cafeteria to beat the crowd and had my lunch pack to go.
What a festive environment. People are now starting to flow in having the same idea as me. We were just like noisy children eager to have our last meal because it’s the last day at school. Once this place is filled with staff, it is full of laughter. A happy bunch of people.
And here’s a feast fit for a queen. Ah, Crispy Chicken, Artichoke Salad, Potato Wedge and delicious cake. I’m eating lunch at my desk to focus and savour this moment.
Bon appétit!
Crispy Chicken
Dragon Boat Logo
Raising the Flag
North Shore Waterfront
Traditional Clothing
With all the good intentions of seeing the progress of sweet Lucy, sometimes life goes awry and yesterday was a long day.
To escape how futile asking for an apology, I leave it behind and head out for a great escape.
One just has to look at the surrounding environment and soak in the beauty what it has to offer. It is free for the asking. It’s priceless. I am off to follow the yellow brick road in Granville Island for a scavenger hunt.
Granville Island Public Market
Granville Island is a paradise.
It has a market, buskers, picnic stations for private parties, and plenty of friends in the pond. There is family of ducks and geese, turtles, pigeons and a red-winged black bird that I hear yet hidden from sight. I could hear its screeching call.
Tuck in the corner, there is a private party going on. I wonder if they need another person to celebrate, just a thought. Time passed by without noticing how many hours I was here. The last time I looked at my watched it was 4 p.m. Next thing I know it was 7 p.m.
Time to take a ferry ride home
Goodness gracious, my furry friends are hungry, must go home to feed my beasts. Ah, what a great escape.
This is the third week of David Suzuki’s challenge to take 30 minutes of outdoor activity daily for the month of May. I am having so much fun with the challenge.
He has the right idea for the child in me ~ Playtime. Of course, I have a playmate, my nephew’s son; Baby James.
Here are a few games you can play in nature as suggested by David:
•Hunt for bugs! Try to spot one you’ve never seen before, then find out what it is. (Be sure to put the bugs back where you found them.)
•Grab that kite that’s been gathering dust and fly it in a nearby park.
•Indulge your inner child, and climb a tree or roll down a hill. Or better yet, take a child with you.
•Go on a simple nature scavenger hunt. Search for something feathered, something with legs, something very old, and something changing.
•Invite family or friends for an after-dinner stroll down a green street.
•This weekend, take a hike in a local park or conservation area.
•Head to the nearest woods for a “forest bath.” This Japanese practice improves sleep and increases vigor.
•Get your feet wet: head to the nearest body of water and dip your toes in.
•How long has it been since you’ve skipped stones? Visit your nearest creek or pond and try your hand.
•Make a mud pie. You know you want to.
•Take a walk in a park or a forest and search for animal homes. What kind of creatures lives there?
Most importantly, have fun!
Related links:
David Suzuki writes an article about Science Matters. He is an atheist. He denies the existence of God but his work, in my opinion, is about godly matters such as the Nature of Things. His mind is fascinating and captivating. He was born in Vancouver, Canada. I have attended his lectures. David wrote the book The Sacred Balance.
Eckhart Tolle writes an article about Finding Zen. He is the author of the Power of Now and his latest book, A New Earth. A spiritual teacher, born in Germany and took residence in Vancouver. I have never seen him nor read any of his books.
Common Ground has articles about Sufism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sahaja Yoga, and Inter-Faith, to name a few. However, I still have yet to see an article about Catholicism.
Reading this magazine expands my curiosity about other belief systems. The more I understand the more I become in tune with my own personal faith as a Catholic. Catholic means “universal”.
Excerpt from Suzuki: Science of Breathing:
“Your next breath will contain more than 400,000 of the argon atoms that Gandhi breathed in his long life. Argon atoms are here from the conversations at the Last Supper, from the arguments of diplomats at Yalta, and from the recitations of the classic poets. We have argon from the sighs and pledges of ancient lovers, from the battle cries at Waterloo, even from last year’s argonic output by the writer of these lines, who personally has had already more than 300 million breathing experiences.”
About.com excerpt from New Earth:
“People believe themselves to be dependent on what happens for their happiness, that is to say, dependent on form. They don’t realize that what happens is the most unstable thing in the universe. It changes constantly. They look at the present moment as either marred by something that has happened and shouldn’t have or as deficient because of something that has not happened but should have. And so they miss the deeper perfection that is inherent in life itself, a perfection that is always already here, that lies beyond what is happening or not happening, beyond form.”
QUOTE – Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard: Life must be lived forward, but can only be understood backward.
Keeping this quote in mind, I don’t believe in the Power of Now. However, I know what awareness, mindfulness and what is. At least with the Science of Breathing, I learned about science as well as part of my faith, knowing that I am breathing in the argon of those people at the Last Supper.
One has to have good walking shoes in order to travel far on foot.
But how many shoes do I need? And which one will go with my attire for the day. Decisions, decisions. It’s hard enough to think what I have to wear everyday to work, to pick the best shoes is another story.
It’s a beautiful sunny day. People are happy based on this drawing on the sidewalk.
The one o’clock sun cast a shadow in front of me and I can see how the wind ruffles my clothing. Good thing I remembered to tie my hair, otherwise, it will be all over the place.
As I thought of what is above me, it reminded me of the Emerald Tablet written by Hermes. There are other thinkers who have expanded it so well.
Heaven above, heaven below;
stars above, stars below;
all that is above, thus also below;
understand this and be blessed.
– Kircher, Prodrom
The writings on the ground say it all. I hope who ever Tara was found some compassion 
to forgive the writer. For Tara in another language means compassion.
Even after all this time,
the Sun
does not say
to the Earth,
you owe me.
Look
what happens with
a love
like that. It
lights
the
WHOLE SKY.
As for the tablet, this is what I captured that speaks close to my heart.
Related links:
You guess it right. Tom Selleck. What do I know?
Related reference:
Lola, Tito & Tita, Cousins
A Day At The Park
CLICK THE THUMBNAIL ABOVE
When I am not seeking, I wander around. For some people, they call it loitering. For the law makers the rule is “No loitering, otherwise, you will be charge with vagrancy.”
I’m not really scared with this ruthless or useless law. For one, I know a lawyer, I can easily say, sue me or I’ll see you in court. If not, I have friends in higher places that will defend me, men with guns, aka, cops.
With my wandering round and about especially during coffee or lunch break, the Westside is residential area. There are a few residents I’ve met along the way and we are all on first name basis. Most of them are retired, leaving along. Some looked alone and lonely.
Ian was alone for most times. Talking to him was a challenge because he speaks in rhymes. I realized that he was telling me his poems. It took me awhile to understand his speech because he was toothless. Vagrant, he is not. He just sits at the park writing his thoughts of poetry down.
One day, he presented me a booklet of his poems, first edition. What a sweet man. I received more booklets from him over the years, yet, I don’t know anything personal about him. But he seemed to enjoy talking to me while I listen.
Recently, I have not seen him around. Until one day, I saw a fellow who lives in the same building as Ian. Ian passed away in October last year, he says.
This is a sample of Ian Rudkin’s poetry, page 23. My Song Is In My Step.
Spring is here and the weather is getting warmer. I will miss his presence sitting in the bench under the shade of maple tree. Farewell my friend.Sense Beyond Fueling
I’m responsible for myself;
I’m naturally at home.
Nature is my health
And symptom is this poem. I heed what I sense
And do what I eat.
I cause a few events
By work and not by feat. I cannot assume help
Especially what was error.
To help, I try to tell
Some insights, touch and caring. It seems a truth that women
Have far more sense than taste
In fact the sense for living
On which respect is based. Signed: Kind Wishes from Ian Rudkin
This gallery contains 2 photos.
There goes Uncle C (UC) gathering his harem to take to the Tower of Love. Watching UC with all these single women in the pilgrimage was so much fun. I’m so glad he is enjoying himself. There are a few … Continue reading
This gallery contains 6 photos.
Working for a school board, I meet mostly adult students, staff, and school principals. If I want to see the school children, I walk to the nearest school ground during lunch break. Children are full of life, wonder and eager … Continue reading
Holy Tree Garden
VSB – Park. Back of the building
Pass this figure, turn to your left, up the ramp or stairs. You choose.
Keep on walking. He`s not gonna play with you.
Stand right here and pet the rabbit
Me: Call me from your cell and I will be right down.
He: Hi Honey, I`m here.
English Bay, Vancouver
BRRRRing it on. January 1, 2013, 2:30 pm
Vancouver Annual Polar Bear Swim
RESOLVED!
BRRRRing it on!
A Prayer of New Beginnings by St. Mary
God of new beginnings, we are walking into mystery.
We face the future, not knowing what the days and months will bring us
or how we will respond.
Be love in us as we journey.
May we welcome all who come our way.
Reflections 