Prior to moving from Kamloops in October 2022 I assisted one counsellor in her election and supported an unsuccessful mayoral candidate. So I have some of skin in the local Kamloops political game. I follow from a distance however, with a sick feeling in my stomach as the level of conflict and dysfunction continues to... Continue Reading →
The Gift Farm Garden grows, gives, and teaches
The Rev. Canon Anne Privett introduced our readers to the Gift Farm Garden last year. Here is her May 2024 update. Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15) A blessed Ascensiontide to all! We so rarely hear Mark’s version of the Ascension where Christ... Continue Reading →
I cannot shop at Costco anymore – A rave about rants
Lots of people love rants; just ask Rick Mercer, who built a comic career around them. They can be a great way to let off steam. They can help us discover who our friends really are. They can be effective social commentary or pure entertainment. They can appear in text, audio, or video formats. Some... Continue Reading →
Come fly with me
When visiting Victoria recently I finally had the opportunity to watch and photograph parasailers. At other times, driving by Clover Point on Dallas Road, I would often glimpse brightly coloured sails that looked like miniature parachutes, a semi-circular chair cum hammock for an airborne sailor. As we were always going somewhere else and there was... Continue Reading →
Bear, or Berra? – Juno is curious
Labradoodle Juno is a popular dog-blogger living in Summerland BC with her MaPaw and PaPaw, Ken and Kathie Gray “What was your name again?” Juno asked. “Yogi.” “That’s an unusual name. Reminds me of Yogi Bear, you know, Yellowstone Park and all that—don’t burn the forest down—a Saturday morning cartoon character.” “No I am not... Continue Reading →
Tree Talking — Learning to care for one another, just like trees in the forest
Images from Haro Woods near the University of Victoria, by the author Living in Kamloops BC from 2016 till 2022 I was often reminded of the region’s close connections to the rest of Canada, even before “Canada” existed. The word “Kamloops” is the English translation of the Shuswap word Tk’emlúps, meaning ‘where the rivers meet,’... Continue Reading →
Mocha Muck
A new lifestyle series – From those who bring you Life in our Little Town, of Summerland It burps and it drips; it spits and it squirts. It is ubiquitous in our lives, whether in cities or small villages, locally in shops, schools, and workplaces, or on the road in the wastelands and watering holes... Continue Reading →
The Magnitude of All Things – Thoughts on grief and the climate crisis
A presentation at St. George the Martyr, Victoria BC -- Wednesday April 24, 2024 -- Kenneth Gray The late Fran Haberlin, co-director of the Sorrento Centre always began her presentations with: “Gee it’s great to be here,” and “where do we go from here?” Well it is great to be here and thanks for coming... Continue Reading →
She stole the show: Ceremony, creativity, and connection
A reprint from Susie Henderson, a textile artist based in Toronto, Ontario. Her partner, Jennifer Henry is a longtime activist and justice-impassioned leader who was recently ordained as a minister in the United Church of Canada. A stole is the long “scarfy” thing worn by clergy during worship services. Sometimes people are surprised that I... Continue Reading →
UN GLOBAL PLASTIC TREATY IS IN JEOPARDY but we can all help
A message from the Rev. Dr. Rachel MashAnglican Communion Environmental Network coordinator Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,Happy Easter! Christ is Risen! Hallelujah. We would like to ask for your urgent support to help protect the UN Global Plastic Treaty. The UN Environmental Assembly passed a resolution calling for a global legally binding plastic treaty. This is... Continue Reading →