It's the first day of 2012, and I'm beginning it fresh-faced (without makeup) thanks to a conversation almost a year ago with Megan Ann Ward, a then-local Victoria slam poet. … [Read more...]
Christmas Hamper Party – Victoria BC
December 22, 2011 By 5 Comments
I was first introduced to the concept of a Christmas Hamper Party when I met Joyce Kline and Peter Such in 2009. They've been hosting them, first in Toronto and then in Victoria, for over 15 years. The idea is simple - the holiday party or open house becomes an opportunity for everyone to contribute, as they are able, to Christmas hampers for people who would do without. Joyce has established a shopping list that includes every item needed to … [Read more...]
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 – Royal BC Museum
December 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
It's a measure of the Royal BC Museum's reputation that the North American premiere of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is being held in Victoria this year. I was honoured to be invited to a special preview in advance of the opening December 16. The gallery has been transformed. Visually stunning, compiled from over 41,000 submissions, the 108 winning images compel your full attention. … [Read more...]
Word Camp Victoria 2012 Presentation: disclosures, attribution and copyright
December 12, 2011 By
I’m excited to be presenting, with Brenda Johima, at WordCamp 2012 on the topic of: disclosures, attribution and copyright. In the ever evolving realm of social media and the internet, content is created and shared. Now that we’re blogging, how do we credit the original creator? Do we have the right to use the image or written copy? Does our audience really need to know if we are paid to write a post, or received free tickets … [Read more...]
Favourite Christmas and Holiday Movies
December 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
View the story "Favourite Christmas Movies" on Storify] … [Read more...]
Lest We Forget – Remembrance Day 2011
November 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
"We will remember them.” Laurence Binyon. Although TS Eliot says that “April is the cruellest month”, for me it is November, when the late Victoria autumn, so warm this year, turns suddenly chilly and November 11th dawns inevitably grey and drizzly. From the top of Mill Hill looking down towards Parsons Bridge, ablaze in gold, their familiar shape distinct against the backdrop of Douglas firs and other conifers, sevenLombardy poplars … [Read more...]
A Weekend At Merridale Cider – Field to Table Dinner
November 7, 2011 By 3 Comments
What a welcome! We were greeted in the CiderHouse at Merridale Estate Cidery by name, even though we'd never met Maria before. She led us down the path to our home for the night - one of two yurts. On a previous visit to the Cowichan Valley, for Gourmet Gala, we'd been very impressed by the offerings from the cidery - flavourful artichoke dip, crusty breads baked in their own wood-fired brick oven, cider samples, and a taste of the new … [Read more...]
Esquimalt Centennial Kickoff October 8 2011
October 13, 2011 By 2 Comments
For over 20 years, Esquimalt was my home, and Saxe Point my neighbourhood. It's here we raised our family and got involved in local grass roots community building and politics. We loved the small town feel, and the easy access to beaches, a world class rock climbing face, beautiful parks, a recreation centre, library, town square and shopping plaza. My children went to the region's francophone school École Victor-Brodeur … [Read more...]
Vancouver Fringe Festival suggestions (from the Victoria Fringe)
September 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I am not a reviewer, but do see a lot of theatre – 38 shows at this year’s Victoria Fringe Festival (and somehow I managed NOT to see all the shows from Victoria going on to Vancouver). Here's a list of all the shows from the Victoria Fringe that are coming to Vancouver. The productions are uniformly excellent. However, my taste in theatre may not be yours. Caveat emptor! I've listed the shows alphabetically, as they are indexed in the … [Read more...]
Sponsor @ChrisTheRoadie for Drop Zone
September 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Chris Loran of 100.3 the Q radio station, aka @ChrisTheRoadie or # 1 son is celebrating his birthday September 15th by participating in the Drop Zone for the Kids to raise funds for Easter Seals - Camp Shawnigan. … [Read more...]
