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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Image by Alexa from Pixabay Spoiler alert: What follows is pure fantasy. Please do not share, re-post or publicize as no one will believe you. Can you imagine such words leaping from a politician’s mouth, especially in Alberta? And during a provincial election campaign? It’s hard to create this fiction, but I shall give it... Continue Reading →
Melodies of love filled the spacious space of St. Saviour’s Anglican Church in Penticton Sunday night Most of the 100+ attendees (a mixture of church and music community members) were longtime followers of Larry Crawford and Friends--this time configured as a sextet. Jazz Vespers was founded in the South Okanagan in Summerland in the fall... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 