August 31, 2008. How odd to find ourselves at the "end of summer"! I know that the season continues until Sept. 20th, when we officially become "Fall", but the beginning of the school year (starts on Sept. 2nd) has always signaled a "new year" to me, and the beginning of the Fall season. Perhaps the haphazard weather pattern this entire year has made summer feel extra short -- we had a lot of cool weather, some rain, much cloud and "fog", and Spring itself seemed to be locked into a permanent "November" until almost full July. Yes, we had some heat waves, but they didn't last long, and for the past week we've been in and out of cooler trends/some shots of sunshine, and it has felt like a true Fall moment, on many days. Sometimes, September can be very warm, here, and maybe we'll be lucky this year, and experience that "almost summer feel" -- it does get darker earlier, though, and that's a definite sign of a changing season. September promises Fall Fair, the 9th Annual Apple Festival, the gallery openings targeting Christmas shopping (what? it's not even Hallowe'en yet!), plus the start of some night school programs (have you ever wanted to learn another language? -- check the paper for what's offered, this year!). Fall can be a lovely season on special Salt Spring Island, but I still acknowledge that I hate to see summer end! Want to do something wonderful for yourself, today? Hastings House Brunch will end with today's menu choices -- enjoy the view of the Harbour and the wonderful ambiance of Hastings House, plus wander the terrific Sculpture Garden, to work off those yummy calories. Enjoy Summer's slow segue into Fall....
August 30, 2008. "What is an archer Without a target?" (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 29, 2008.
Wow! The very best oceanview property is on the market, and you have the opportunity to purchase this beauty! Almost 4 acres, with a 360 view panorama, awaits your building ideas -- bring your architect, and walk this one, soon! Sunny (e/s/w exposures), plus extravagant views (see Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains from here, plus the Canadian Gulf Islands & the San Juan Islands, with ocean drama all around you! Drilled well in place, and roughed in driveway...many options for a building site (you decide!). Area of quality homes, just minutes from Ganges Village and from Fulford Village (& ferry to Victoria), with terrific privacy and a wonderful tranquility. Truly, "the" very best oceanview opportunity on special Salt Spring Island!
August 28, 2008. Ever wanted to own your own Gulf Island? Now is the time to fulfill that dream! I have 3 private islands listed: Round Island Second Sisters Island Pym Island
August 27, 2008. What makes Salt Spring Island so special? A quick answer: the people! What does this really mean, though? I would describe the Island as being a "stand alone" community. Although it's easy to get to Vancouver or to Victoria, on a day-trip, or to Vancouver Island communities, one doesn't "have to" leave. Everything is available, on Island, and so one has a choice about whether to go off to a larger community -- it's not a matter of "having to" catch a ferry to go shopping or to visit doctors or dentists, or to do banking or whatever. It's all "here", on Salt Spring, including a hospital, and this is one of the profound differences from other Gulf Islands, where they might be termed "summer places". There is a year round lifestyle on Salt Spring Island, and things to do in January as well as in July. Three elementary schools, a middle school, and a vibrant senior school, plus night school/adult education options; three different ferry routes (from Vancouver, from Victoria, & from mid-Vancouver Island); three different floatplane regular scheduled services, year round, to Vancouver downtown & to Vancouver airport; a strong artistic community with an active cultural life; a park-like atmosphere with a government mandated "preserve" to protect same (growth is controlled); wonderful restaurants (open year round) to entice one; etc. etc. etc. It's a very enjoyable lifestyle, with lots of opportunities to go "off" (skiing at Mount Washington, shopping in Victoria or in Vancouver, wine tours in the Cowichan Valley, sailing the Southern Gulf Islands archipeligo (considered some of the best boating waters in the world!)...lots to see and to do, and it's always a pleasure to catch that short ferry trip back to Salt Spring & to "home". It's a destination venue, and the summer season activities (the Saturday Market in the Park, ArtCraft, ArtSpring theatre and musical offerings, live music nightly at Tree House, etc.) certainly expand the warm weather options. Organic farms, historic orchards, cheese makers, studio gallery tours, Ganges Village galleries, superb bakeries, & a strong environmental & "green" response to life...it makes it a pleasure to call this Island home. Don't overlook this gem, as a vacation choice (year-round!), and, if you're looking for a place to settle into, and enjoy, please give me a call...real estate service is my calling, and I look forward to helping you to find your special Island paradise!
August 26, 2008.
Here's a delectable property on wonderfully serene Mayne Island, awaiting your pleasure! Private and sunny acreage, close to amenities and to beaches, yet in its own magical world. Easy to be totally self-sufficient, here, with a deer fenced veggie garden & an orchard; lovely trails, too, through a beautiful forest preserve, on your own property. The home offers wood floors, windows that invite the exterior vistas into the home, & all with a sense of character and casual elegance that is mixed with the rustic charm we all enjoy in our Gulf Island homes. Three bed-sitting rooms, ensuite, with private decks (hot tub on one!) allows for spacious private areas for guests (would suit a B & B opportunity, too). The main home also enjoys a large country kitchen with large pantry/storage off, an alluring dining area, plus a cosy alcove for winter daydreams. The large living (a baby grand piano fits here!), plus two bedrooms and an office area off, and a full bath, completes the main level. The storey and a half design offers an upper level lovely master study/bedroom, with private bath. Valley, ocean and mountain vistas, plus wonderful easy care landscaping (herb garden, too), patio areas, a "swing retreat" to sit in while pondering life's mysteries...it all adds up to a very appealing acreage and home, a true Gulf Island paradise retreat. See Li for appointments to view this beauty!
August 25, 2008. Renovation is a "green" choice, too? In the sustainable view of consumerism, maybe we will see more renovations of homes, and less 'moving on' decisions? Homes in established neighbourhoods, with mature landscaping, and proximity to good community opportunities (schools being only one item), could end up being added onto in a creative manner, ending up with a totally different "look", and with a newly amenable floor plan, too, to suit changing family dynamics. Along with the demise of plastic bags (you do have a cloth bag that you reuse, right?), and the decision to walk or bike, as opposed to always taking the car (cuts emissions and keeps the use of costly gas lower, plus maintains your physical health), the use of xeriscape landscaping techniques (who needs all that water hungry grass, anyway?), we can also consider E type windows, energy efficient appliances, and a restructuring of a soundly built home so that it reflects 21st Century needs. Sustainability does demand some changes, and they're not always easy (at first). It's kind of like breaking any bad habit -- it takes 30 days to recreate the desire machine that lives inside us all, and to move its thermostat to a different temperature. To make changes, on a global scale, to stem the global warming challenge among others, it's essential that we change our own individual worlds, and perhaps the decision to stay put, and to renovate, rather than to move to the endless new, will be a profound way to look at housing. Our disposable 20th Century world view may be over!
August 24, 2008. "Worship by cultivating nine fields: Diet. Herbs. Clothing. Recitation. Movement. Meditation. Creativity. Teaching. And most important: Compassion." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 23, 2008.
Looking for a great holding property/investment? Here's a beauty! Eight plus acres, in "natural state" (has been sleeping in the sunshine since the 1960s), off a very quiet country road, with a beach access directly across the street. The property has a "rural" feel, plus enjoys forested charm. Oceanviews from upper areas! Quiet, private, very close to all amenities, you can keep a boat on a mooring buoy in the protected bay, and it enjoys all day sun/year round, too. An excellent opportunity for the saavy investor. Out of country seller will entertain reasonable offers, and it is listed at a "best buy" price point. See Li and walk this one, soon!
August 22, 2008. Don't forget to catch the Photosynthesis show of Salt Spring's incredible photographers, which runs through to Sept. 2nd, at ArtSpring. Inspiring! Tomorrow, ArtSpring showcases Celeste Lovick & Chris Ellis, from Britain, playing their passionate acoustic music, with a Celtic flavour. Enjoy! Steffich Fine Art (in Grace Point Square), in collaboration with Michael Hames, is showing a First Annual Exhibition of Historic Prints (there's an evening reception from 5 to 7 p.m., tonight, and the show runs through to Sept. 11th. New prints by Michael Hames will also be on display. Tonight, ArtCraft's Botanica showcase begins, with the artists in attendance, from 6 to 9 p.m. I'm happy to be the sponsor for this week long offering, which premieres the works of Ulrike Benner, Maureen Procter, Jan Smith, Anna Gustafson. See you at the opening, this evening! The Fiddleworks 9th annual Fiddle Camp closes today -- you need to contact Jamie RT for details about next year's events. Be a part of something incredible, on Salt Spring! Only two more Sundays to enjoy brunch at Hastings House -- spoil yourself, here! Tommy Hooper plays at Tree House tomorrow, and Valdy on Sunday, with Shades on Monday -- enjoy! Have you been along to enjoy Jill Louise Campbell's original paintings, at her Merchant Mews gallery? Catch her imaginative Salt Spring Island inspirations at her Ganges gallery, too! If you haven't managed to catch the Sculpture Tour, the result of Nick Hunt and Celia Duthie-Hunt, of Salt Spring Woodworks, and hosted by Hastings House, don't miss this. You can enter via Hastings House's main arrival parking area, or from the gated path off Churchill Road. Give yourself some moments, to savour this display. Needing to enjoy some tea and a pastry, afterwords? Try Rendezvous Cafe, and one of Brigitte's amazing and authentic French creations, just opposite Moby's, at the Salt Spring Marina location. You'll be back! Enjoy the slow meandering end of the summer season!
August 21, 2008. BBC news reports : Record 500m euros for Riviera pad Sterling continues to lose ground Gold falls below $800 an ounce Major US retailers see sales dip US inflation fastest since 1991 Lawsuit threat to Merrill Lynch UK economy 'worse than thought Inflation surpasses 12% in India Credit Crunch: Policymakers Speak Timeline: Global credit crunch Climate 'altering UK bird habits' Windows 7 details to be released Canada seeks historic shipwrecks Your Questions: The Big Bang
August 20, 2008.
Wow! Get together with your friends and your family, bring on some corporate presence, whatever it takes, and purchase this pristine wilderness on exceptional Vargas Island (just 20 min. from Tofino, on Vancouver Island's magical "west coast"). Fly in and land on one of the dream beaches, or arrive by helicopter or by private boat. Cable brings power -- it just needs "hooked up" -- and it belongs to this property. Hiking trails abound, majestic forest preserves, several beaches that rival the best in Australia, and with views of the Pacific and Vancouver Island mountains. S/SW/W exposures, and total privacy. It's your own world! This property has been in the same ownership for 20 years, and it's accessible by private jet (Tofino's airport), and then a quick few minutes from Tofino, by boat, to your preserve. Call for more information, appts to view. Truly unique, and incredibly beautiful.
August 19, 2008. Summer on the Island, and lots of great "foodie" treats out there, too! Alfresco dining possibilities are: Calvin's Bistro, Salt Spring Inn, Bocados Bistro, Auntie Pestos, Rock Salt Cafe, Seaside Kitchen, Harbour House Hotel, Piccolo's, Moby's. Great places to catch a coffee or tea, and a "goodie" or light lunch? Rendezvous Cafe, across from Moby's, TJ Beans, Salt Spring Roasting Company, Barb's Buns, TLC, Cafe Italia (on Hereford St.). Take out fresh pasta? Don't overlook the Pasta Fresca in Harbour Centre. New this season! Take out pizza? Pomodoro's, adjacent to the Love My Kitchen shop! Great home made gelato at Harlan's! The Saturday Market offers great fresh and organic baking and vegetables/fruits/berries, and same can be found at the Tuesday Farmer's Market in the park adjacent to the United Church (on Hereford St.). Visit David Woods' cheese "factory" on Reynolds Road, and the wonderful Moonstruck Cheese location on Beddis Road. Salt Spring Vineyards and Garry Oak Vineyards tasting rooms are open for your pleasure! Your suggestions? Always welcome! No need for the 100 mile diet on this Island -- it's all within a 20 km. range. Enjoy!
August 18, 2008.
Here's a true "west coast" beauty, awaiting your pleasure! On exceptional Chesterman's Beach, on Vancouver Island's famous "west coast", this authentic beach house, designed and built by a San Francisco architect, with all of the hallmarks of true west coast contemporary design, is sited on the best viewpoint on Chesterman's Beach. You will love the beachside solarium, and the dramatic living room (with feature stone fireplace), the cook's dream kitchen with oceanview dining room off, plus the comfort and flair of the ensuite bedrooms. Great office space, too, plus workshop and double garage and carport. Easy care landscaping, that has retained the natural elements of the property. Private and yet not isolated! Fly in to the Tofino Airport, or arrive by floatplane to Tofino, and in mere minutes, you're home! A truly exceptional offering -- enjoy!
August 17, 2008. "Contemplate in the morning. Pull weeds in the afternoon. The joys and labor of a single day Are part of a whole journey." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 16, 2008.
Here's a terrific oceanfront opportunity on special Salt Spring Island! Close to all amenities, yet in its own serene world, full of rural charm. Schubart style, west coast design cottage home, with open plan living (wood burning fireplace), dining, formal entry, country kitchen (easy access out to spacious oceanside decking -- enjoy summer alfresco dining pleasures!), den/office, full bath, plus guest "wing", sep. laundry/storage, mudroom entry from double (attached) garage, office, plus beautiful master "wing". Garden level offers family room plus bedroom/bath. Hot tub with a view! The plus? Separate studio (artist?). Easy access oceanfront, with crushed shell and sand walk-on beach, plus foreshore licence. Build your dock, and keep your boat at home! A mooring buoy in place, for now. Very private, sunny (s/sw/w exposures -- sunsets forever!), in prestigious area of quality homes. Lovely courtyard entry offers another special space, on this unique property. Definitely a gem!
August 15, 2008. On August 20th, High Mountain Honey performs at the Music & Munch program at All Saint's Anglican Church. Free music begins at 12:10 p.m., followed by optional lunch for $5.50. If you haven't made it to any of the Music & Munch events, try to catch this one! Tonight, Sunyata plays at the Tree House Cafe, with the Barley Brothers featured tomorrow, Saturday, and Ed Peekeekoot on Sunday. Monday the 18th showcases Billie Woods, with Tuesday being the popular Open Stage evening. Wednesday, the 20th, don't miss Jaimie RT! Shirley Valentine plays at ArtSpring tonight and tomorrow -- enjoy! Moby's showcases Donald Ray Johnson (9 p.m., $15) on the 22nd. Mark your calendars! Don't forget, too, to tune into Randy's Vinyl Tap, Saturday nights, from 7 to 9 p.m., on CBC Radio 1 or Sirious Channel 137. Fiddle Camp instructors are showcasing with a concert at ArtSpring on August 17th! Tickets available at ArtSpring ticket centre (250-537-2102). Take in the pleasures of ArtCraft, at Mahon Hall, catch the incredible artistic visions in Steffich Fine Art Gallery and at J.Mitchell Gallery (both in Grace Point Square), investigate the magic of gems/design with Martinus at his studio (on Seaview Road), check out Jerry Ringrose's incredible glass design at his gallery at the corner of Fulford Ganges Road and Drake Road, enjoy the whimisical inspirations of Jill Louise Campbell, in her Gallery across from Treehouse Cafe (originals on view at Merchant Mews), remember the Photosynthesis exposition at ArtSpring's Bateman Gallery, and be amazed at the quality woodwork on display at Salt Spring Woodworks (corner of Churchill and Upper Ganges Roads). The studio tour around the Island is not to be missed! Pick up the map at the Chamber, and enjoy -- you will be amazed at the artistic talents this Island enfolds. It's Summer on the Island -- take part and enjoy!
August 14, 2008. Check out the Salt Spring Roasting Company's walls, right now, for the latest show by Julianna Slomka. Impressive, and different! Dreaming in Nuchatlitz, a Paddler's Journey, by Salt Spring resident David Barnes, is on sale at Salt Spring Books, Volume 2, and through the Waterfront Gallery. The ArtCraft showcase exhibit is Sit. Stand. Run, by Gainer and Herbert -- catch it at Mahon Hall. The Upstairs Bears has moved to Grace Point Square -- if you haven't seen Rona Robbins' amazing bear collection, don't delay (boutique hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday). Check out the works of Galiano Island's artist, Shao-Fang Ching, at J. Mitchell Gallery, in Grace Point Square. Been to Sunday Brunch at Hastings House, yet? If not, this wonderful way to spoil yourself will be over on August 31st. Don't miss it! If you missed the opening of the 8th Annual Exhibition of Salt Spring Photographers, you can still enjoy these exceptional works. On display at ArtSpring's Gallery, from the 12th to the 2nd of September. Check out the Driftwood online, too, for their most recent "The Green Edition". www.gulfislandsdriftwood.com It's still summer, and the living is easy...enjoy!
August 13, 2008. "Sleek sky of cobalt blue; Water like nectar satisfies deeply. Air sweeter than the best perfume; Sunlight warms a grateful cat." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 12, 2008. Secondary home marketplaces are discretionary items. A purchase in such a destination venue is always by choice (no one "has to" move to Salt Spring Island or to another Gulf Island). The buyer, therefore, is totally in control of both the "where" and the "when", of any decision to buy. Since the buyer profile is almost totally non-local, and is often from out of province, if not from out of country (the internet having erased geography!), it means that the buyer is looking in all coastal communities, not just on Salt Spring Island or another Southern Gulf Island. This means that a Gulf Island property, including on Salt Spring Island (the largest and best serviced of the Islands, and the only one with a "stand alone" community), is in competition with many communities on the much larger Vancouver Island, plus on the Sunshine Coast (opposite side of Georgia Strait), not just with properties on that same Gulf Island. Since the buyer isn't "local", they look in all the competing areas, on the coast, on that first trip. If they've decided for Salt Spring Island, say, then they will come back for a second visit (& often a third!), and there are substantial time periods between each visit (since they don't live around the corner, there is often 3 to 5 months between visits!). Suddenly, then, a whole year has gone by, and sometimes two (especially in the higher end properties), before the buyer decides "for" the Island itself, and then the specific property on it. Time lags are a part of all sales transactions, in a secondary home/discretionary marketplace. Both sellers and realtors have to practice patience, in order to be able to "wait out" that buyer, who has enormous choice about where to land in the search for a secondary home property, and it's also very important for the realtor to be selling the specific Island, too. Marketing such an area means that one has to present "off island", or the prospective buyer will never even hear about the area, and so turn up for that first (introductory) visit. Definitely not like a primary residence/city marketplace! It's heartening news, though, that there is a trend for buyers to pay more for their second home property, now, than for their primary residence choice -- it's felt that they are acknowledging a retirement moment, and so aren't just choosing a "summer place" anymore, but are locking into an area where they can see themselves living, full time, within 3 to 5 years of a purchase. More information on sales in this secondary home marketplace? See Li for Successful Solutions!
August 11, 2008. More thoughts on the process, on the way to a real estate career.... For the first nine years of my real estate career, on this lovely (but small community!) Island, I had a haphazard real estate "life". I was lucky to enter in an upward trending moment (1989 to 1994, in my area, was a buoyant time period), so learned the biz while things steadily improved, re sales/related price increases. Apparently, according to appraisers, values rose approx. 60%, between 1991 and 1993, with 92/93 being a "peak" period. Then, between late 1994 and early 2000, we saw a declining market in my area -- at the end of this downward trending timeframe, prices had dropped about 30%. Sounds a bit like today? Well, you know what they say...nothing new under the sun! When I began in real estate, in mid-1989, there were about 89 realtors in the biz, and 9 companies, on this small Island (a resort style lifestyle, here). In early 2000, at the end of the downward period, there were 3 companies left, and approx. 34 realtors. At that time, in this province, one could not hold two jobs -- one had to be a realtor, and that was it (unless it was property management/insurance). In a depressed market, then, at that time, realtors would hang up their licences, and take other jobs. Today, one can hold another job, and be a real estate agent (not sure that I think this is a good idea, though, as I don't personally believe that it's possible to be a part time realtor -- it's about information, and being current, and that's hard to do when your attention is "split"). For that first nine years, I had some caregiver duties (two ill parents, a sibling in difficulty, etc.), and so I wasn't totally focused on the "career". Around the same time as the internet came into being, my other duties had passed, and I was able to be completely focused on my real estate life. The internet, in erasing geography, opened up a global marketplace to this Island, and completely created a secondary home/discretionary market. It takes time, though, for everyone to be on the same page, and I was lucky to be in the digital world before anyone else on the Island, and I began to treat myself as a business. This had the effect of positioning me to benefit from "being there", and my business began to pull ahead of where it had been. Suddenly, though, I also encountered those three ugly stepsisters, "jealousy, envy, & spite", from some fairly entrenched real estate agents, who did not like to see, perhaps, that work elements had to be updated to meet new challenges, and that it wasn't possible, post-internet, to do biz as same old/same old. Instead of upgrading skills, etc., they chose to try to stop me by some "bad mouthing". I wasn't aware of this until some client base pointed it out. Although upsetting, as not founded, I sought the advice of some worthy people, in the biz, and they simply reminded me to "grow a skin", not to change what I was doing, and to realize the source. They also pointed out that it had nothing to do with living in a small community; city realtors also experienced those taking pot shots at them ('you're farther out on the branch', said one broker/owner, at another firm, 'so easy to take pot shots at you'). I had a crash course in the psychology of realtors, on the inside of the biz, as well as the constant learning cycle of the buyer/seller "outside" scenarios. This is a wonderful career. It offers so much, and there's room for everyone -- we all attract the sellers and the buyers that we're supposed to be in touch with, I think. Although it's not a team sport exactly, that "golden rule" ethic that is espoused in the realtor "code" is something to hold true to. If one plans to be in for the long haul, then it's essential to be a good spirit, and to be helpful to one's fellow realtors, too. It's easy to be negative, but it's also the short haul approach! So, who in your office, or in a competing office, did you take to lunch today? What positive energy did you put into the world? Don't be a part of the water cooler guys, and don't attack those ahead, a little. Emulate, instead! Thanks for listening! Li
August 10, 2008.
Here's a great "south end" oceanfront opportunity! Serene views out Fulford Harbour, with a walk-on sandy beach at your doorstep! Sunny and private property, with an authentic Island style log home. Just a little TLC would lift this into the 21st century! It's beautiful land, wide frontage on the ocean, easy-care landscaping, and a perfect family retreat property for now! Don't overlook this sweetie -- not a good driveby! Be a part of the Salt Spring scene!
August 9, 2008. "Give back what you've learned. Share your experience." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
August 8, 2008. A new chapter is opening up for me, on Salt Spring. As you may remember, I've been the managing broker of the RE/MAX Salt Spring office for several years. The broker/owner lived on Vancouver Island, where she was raising horses, and I managed the office for her, on Salt Spring. Recently, health concerns made her decide to sell the office, and so I am now the broker/owner of RE/MAX Salt Spring. RE/MAX is a terrific office, and a great company, with a true global presence. It is the only office with a true international presence that is currently available on Salt Spring Island. The "local presence" is also strong, and the office is a supporter of the Children's Miracle Network (with all monies going to the B.C. Children's Hospital, which has benefitted many Gulf Islands and Salt Spring Island families). I look forward to growing the office into a 21st century model of a realty company, with the strength of the RE/MAX name and global organization behind it. If you're on Island, drop by for coffee, and find out more details!
August 7, 2008. BBC news reports : Prices hit US consumer spending Who is buying up Britain? Warning as HSBC profits fall 28% Bush approves housing rescue bill Shops closures see Starbucks loss Fresh record for euro inflation Child flu jabs 'protect everyone' Stomach bug treatment for cancer Hour's exercise 'to lose weight' Singles 'face Alzheimer's risk' Canadian Arctic sheds ice chunk Nasa's lander samples Mars water Microsoft sees end of Windows era UN warns on North Korea shortages Bangladesh landmass 'is growing' Zimbabwe rolls out new bank notes Tributes to writer Solzhenitsyn
August 6, 2008.
Looking for that lakefront retreat property? Here's the best one on the Island! Sunny (s/sw/w), private (on Bradbury Road's rural charm), and quiet, this very pleasingly renovated/upgraded home offers lots of options -- retirement pleasure, or a family summer/weekender retreat, or potential B & B, or rental for now/develop further later...you set the pace! It's a gem, and definitely a "best buy" waterfront opportunity, on serene St. Mary Lake. Enjoy!
August 5, 2008. Don't overlook the dynamic show by artist Diana Thompson, currently running through till Aug. 24th, at The Point Gallery. Called "Being Here", this show exemplies the artist's vision of "the art is in the care, reverence and attention I give to all that surrounds me". Don't forget the Shirley Valentine production at ArtSpring (Aug 6, 7, 15, 16) -- featuring wines from Pender Island's Morning Bay Vineyard (Aug 6 & 7) and Salt Spring Vineyards (Aug. 15/16). Curtain at: 7:30 p.m. Tickets at ArtSpring box office (250-537- 2102). Tonight, at ArtSpring, as part of their great music program, for 2008, find: Cuartoelemento (8 p.m.) -- a hot folk-jazz group from Buenos Aires. Saturday, the 9th, at ArtSpring, is the Adrian Iaies Trio (Argentian pianist and a great jazz trio). The 12th is Yamandu Costa Trio, one of the top guitarists in the world, direct with his jazz/Latin roots from Brasil. Check with ArtSpring box office for tickets -- don't be disappointed! Don't forget graffiti theatre's "Acting for Shakespeare" 4 day workshop, at ArtSpring, on the 7, 8, 9 & 10th. Call 250-537-1283 for info. Remember: until August 31st, Hastings House is offering Sunday Brunch (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) -- $35 per person. Enjoy being spoiled (& with a view!). Tomorrow, Aug. 6th, finds Elvira Clare showcased at the Music and Munch series, at All Saints by the Sea. Free music begins at 12:10 p.m., followed by a delicious optional lunch ($5.50). Check out Salt Spring Woodworks for excellence in wood! You will be amazed! Have you walked the sculpture garden, yet? It's summer on Salt Spring! Enjoy!
August 4, 2008. I was thinking, the other day, about some of the more memorable things that have occurred during my real estate career. Once, early in my real estate experience, I had a client with a toddler (maybe "just" two), who wanted to view a lot on a non-ferry accessed island. I arranged for a fishing charter boat to take us out there, and half way across a very deep channel/quite wide, between islands, her toddler began to play with her entrancing bunch of keys (on some sort of ring, like a charm bracelet). Just as I was thinking that this looked risky, the child tossed the key ring into the sea. Well, that was the end of the showing. She had left her dog in the car, the windows weren't down enough, she had to get back to the city, ferries have schedules and they stop at particular times, so we returned to my Island/office. I asked at the gas station for one of those rods that can pop open a car door -- they didn't have one. The girl behind the counter asked if it would be any good to put a magnet down, on a line, and search for the keys that way -- she must have thought they'd fallen in at the dock! After a mild case of hysteria (the channel was at least 200 feet deep!), we got down to business. We had to phone Toronto, in another province, in the end, to get a code number (that could be read through the closed window), and then the key person on the Island could be given instructions on how to cut a key that would open this door. About 2 plus hours later, the car was open, the dog was walked, the lady took off for her city home/toddler strapped into his car seat, and a realtor who had been in biz for a long time was standing in the office door, shaking his head, and saying: "that's never happened to me, or anyone else, as far as I know" (just what I needed to hear). In the end, she did return and did buy something...but that's another story!
August 3, 2008.
Here is one of Salt Spring's very best oceanfront properties, for your attention and pleasure! On exceptional Tantramar Place, one of Salt Spring's best addresses, and enjoying low bank sandstone foreshore, with swimming cove, plus privacy and all day sun exposure (home faces s/sw/w -- sunsets forever!). A country cottage charmer, with separate guest/studio, plus garage/workshop, and easy care English Country landscaping. Sunny decking and private patio spaces! Warm ocean swimming in this area -- enjoy! Panoramic ocean views to rest the soul. You will love this gem!
August 2, 2008. If you are concerned with the OCP review outcome, and wish to make your concerns known to the government ministry, in charge of the Islands Trust, here is the email address: Hon. Blair Lekstrom Minister of Community Development blair.lekstrom.mla@leg.bc.ca Please copy anything sent to Blair Lekstrom to the MLA for the Islands: Murray Coell, MLA Saanich and the Islands murray.coell.mla@leg.bc.ca & also copy to the Islanders for Self-Government (this body's email is: info@islandgov.org). The Islanders for Self-Government would like to see the government support a current and updated Incorporation Study. Apparently, the current trustees have turned down this proposal, and so it needs emails to the government representative, to the MLA for this area, and to the Islanders for Self Government, if you feel that it is important to ask for another Incorporation Study. The new OCP is certain to be adopted, with the bylaws changed, and all before the next civic elections (November). At that time, the trustees will ask for two more trustees to be elected, although only voting rights for two of potential four. Isn't it time to allow all homeowners on this Island (many of whom are not even aware of the OCP review/upcoming bylaw changes) a voice in the future of this Island? Whether or not you think incorporation is the right path, it is good to allow all sides to be heard, and not simply have an agenda based small group decide the path of the future for Salt Spring Island. It's your Island, too. Make sure your thoughts are heard. It's up to you!
August 1, 2008. "One side of a ridge is cold and foggy, The other hot and dry. Just by choosing where you stand, You alter your destiny." (Deng Ming-Dao: "Tao...Daily Meditations")
Entries from Past Months
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005