The production by Summerland Singers and Players of “It’s a Wonderful Life—The Radio Play” continues well with three performances now under our belt. The cast, including the foley (a live sound effects technician) are sure-footed and able to cope with the inevitable variations we each insert into our performances. Live community theatre is a team-building... Continue Reading →
There’s one thing missing from “It’s a Wonderful Life” – Me!
Juno is a celebrated blogger with an international following. She blogs on dogs (obviously), community, social justice, music, and politics. She lives with the MaPaw and PaPaw in Summerland. Now four years old, she is proud of her Labradoodle heritage and connections. Yes, I know, everyone in Summerland is looking forward to the Singers and... Continue Reading →
Juno’s new toy — Chat GPT
Working with her fun friend Cameron, Juno has discovered a new toy, not as much fun as a ball, but on its own terms, quite amazing. To the prompt “sea shanty about a labradoodle named Juno” the following emerged. With minor tweaks, this would be publishable. Performance rights granted to all Labradoodles. (Verse 1)Oh, gather... Continue Reading →
Forty-eight years is a long time in our little town
Art and Shirley Rutter are Edmonton bound They have lived, worked, and played in our little town of Summerland for forty-eight years. Let me repeat that number—forty-eight years! That’s a long time to live in one place, in any place. Such stability is rare in our fast-paced and increasingly mobile society. If still waters run... Continue Reading →
Prayer of the Mothers
Yael Deckelbaum - Prayer Of The Mothers (Official Video) 2016-11-20 As relevant now as it was in 2016 The song "Prayer of the Mothers," was born as a result of an alliance made between singer-songwriter Yael Deckelbaum, and a group of courageous women, leading the movement of “Women Wage Peace.” The movement arose on summer... Continue Reading →
Why? An investigation
It is the shortest question in the English language. This single three-letter word, why?, is fundamental to the way we learn and experience life, regardless of age or circumstance. We develop our understanding of how things and people work and relate to one another, through use of this infinitely profound question. Even conclusions which may... Continue Reading →
UKE & ME—An Air Canada ode
With contributions from Linnea Good It’s great to come home, especially when travelling by air, whether from a holiday, a productive work-related trip, or a visit with family and friends. It’s great to return to a familiar place, to be met by familiar people, who will help you carry your luggage out to the car—that... Continue Reading →
Such a fine Fall Fayre – Summerland does it again
Another in our “Life in my Little Town series” I was lost, and no one was able to help me. I asked several bystanders where the TAFA booth was located, but no one knew—I received only puzzled looks and pity—people had other priorities. We were surrounded by perhaps 100 beautifully restored cars. While a few... Continue Reading →
A Letter, concerning “The Letter” – A must-see during the 2023 Season of Creation
Good friends, Greetings from the fire-ravaged BC interior, and the unceded land of the original people of the Okanagan, the Syilx. Some of you are part of the Johnson book project (now at the publisher copy-editing stage!); others are local St. Stephen’s Summerland leaders. Some are members of the Social and Ecological Justice working group... Continue Reading →
It’s the little things I remember
I remember my first piano lesson well. In fact, I remember the first piece of music that Robin Wood taught me. Sitting at one of the concert grand pianos at the old Victoria School of Music on Victoria’s Pandora Ave, right across from the McPherson Playhouse, Mr. Wood taught me the above keyboard melisma. Having... Continue Reading →