Day 82- June 10- Zach Churchill

Second day this week to go out canvassing with Zach. It's always fun, whether we're being chased by a rabid dog or joking about the erratic car handling skills of our driver or breaking the chain on the country door bell or seeing wild peacocks in a constituents yard. I didn't really know much about Zach before the campaign started. I love his mother, Joanne Churchill, and had met him a few times when I would visit her. Since I've been helping out, we've had the chance to talk and get to know each other a little bit more. I'm impressed by his preparation, his knowledge and experience despite his young age; he has an extremely well balanced view on things, that I appreciate most of all.


We've been chatting a fair amount about politics and style of leadership and decision making. This has come from a mix of our own thoughts, ideals expressed from people that we've had the privilege to visit and the view of other volunteers on the campaign. We've noticed that for the most part political style and views have been changing a little bit. Many older people make decisions based on "party politics", they have a party, a colour that they support because their parents and grandparents have always voted in that way. In those cases, the party was chosen based on their traditional beliefs- either conservative or liberal, left or right. The party trumps all things for these people. If candidates are not that good, they don't care as long as they are of "your party" then they will get your vote. During an election, people that support other parties are seen, somewhat jokingly, as enemies to your cause. These days however, people seem to have a willingness to work across party lines, to vote for the individuals that seem to have the most charisma, the personality with the greatest strength, integrity and honesty and who have the most effective communication skills. We want to be people in our own lives that want to connect, co-operate, compromise and work together with other people and have representatives in government who feel it more important to represent their people above toeing the party line and work together with representatives from all other parties to bring about the best quality of life possible in the province, country or municipality. This takes a lot of confidence without arrogance, honesty and clarity without bias, communication and dialogue instead of assumptions. This is the only way to give politics a fresh start.

On our way back from the muddy back roads of Kempt, we decided to stop for a quick car wash. Zach insisted on being the car washing man so we gladly allowed him to do the work. Enjoy the pictures! Oh and get out to vote if you are in Yarmouth on June 22!!




Theme Song for today: You're Everywhere by The Tragically Hip (I was scanning through my iTunes and found this one, thought it suited since Zach is on his way to try and go to every house in Yarmouth County. Trying to be EVERYWHERE!)

Day 81- June 9- Glenna King and Mary Sinclair

I spent most of the morning on the campaign trail with Zach out in Lake George area. I have really been enjoying witnessing first hand the campaign experience, since I've never actually been around for this part of an election before. Minus the time I helped some friends in Ottawa during the Canadian Alliance leadership race when Harper and Day were going head to head. Not quite the same thing, and not something I was very passionate about like my home region. We always seem to have a very fun time out on the trail, meeting people, talking about issues and seeing where people stand. You also get to see some incredible properties and areas of the county that I've not actually spent much time around. One house, that was owned by a German family, had a full sized two story tall industrial water slide looping above a full sized swimming pool, next to the tennis court and odd spaceship shaped building.



I went this evening to the Visitor Information Centre for the official launch of Yarmouth's 250th Anniversary celebration. It was an incredible event and thought that this town has been around since 1761. There was a super interesting monologue by Bruce Bishop, from the Yarmouth County Historical Society, written as if he were a Municipal Warden of Yarmouth back in 1861, when Yarmouth was an incredible busy, international shipping port of call. My subjects for the day were the special guests of honour at the event. Glenna and Mary are the two oldest citizens from Yarmouth- Glenna King is 104 (the one wearing pink and extraordinarily spry for her age!!) and Mary Sinclair is 103 (in the burgundy). They were such sweethearts, while some Acadia First Nation singers were doing Oh Canada, one of the ladies was asking the other very loudly, "Can you hear anything dear?", then the other turned to my nephew Landon, still during the song and said, "Well aren't you a sweet little thing!" They were so pleased to be there and to be recognized!



Theme song for today: Take what you need by Steppenwolf

Day 80- June 8- Angela Hardy

My cousin Angela messaged me on Facebook today with a new painting she is working on. She doesn't live in Yarmouth, but I thought I could get away with posting some pictures I had from her and tweaking in photoshop instead. Angela studied at NSCAD in the Arts University in Halifax, has an incredible talent for art. Normally I see her painting, but I know she also does drawing, and other forms as well. Her painting is really something incredible, check out her art website. Her husband, Grant is also an artist, but works mainly in computer imagery, especially with video game art in recent years. They are living in Quebec City now, but have lived and worked in Chicago and Germany before that.

Angela is my cousin from my mother's side of the family, her mother, Cheryl, is one of my mom's older sisters. Cheryl is also an incredibly talented artist as well. When Angela was leaving Halifax a few years ago, I purchased a few of her paintings. I love them more every time I look at them. Do yourself a favour and check out her art! She does commission work as well, working from any photograph you can send her, so think about it!! You can also see some "work in progress" pieces on her other website. One of her most recent works is the following self portrait. Enjoy the pic!



Theme Song for today: Bye Bye Montreal by Amelia Curran

Day 79- June 7- Jill Goodwin

Kenneth and Jill picked me up from Bayer's Lake in Halifax on Sunday. We shopped, drove around and had a yummy supper at the "The Wooden Monkey" in the downtown. It was a delicious place to chow down. The atmosphere and decor of the restaurant was warm and inviting. OUr table was made from a slice of a huge tree trunk. We counted the rings and determined it was only about 30 years old. We also loved the sophisticated monkey painting on the wall.

Jill is really musical, if she ever had a band she should totally call it "Jill Goodwin and the Wooden Monkeys", because that would be very cute! Jill is my brother Kenneth's girlfriend. They've been together for a while now, and totally complement each other. For his ridiculousness, she can be sane and stable. For his boringness, she gets him moving and being creative. They are a lot of fun to be around and are almost always up for an adventure. She's also a techophile so we can talk about Apple and it's new gadgets really easily. Jill comes from a pretty big family, mostly all living around Carleton area of Yarmouth County. She works at a hair studio on Starrs Road and does a fantastic job creating some pretty wonderful looks. Go see her if you need a dye or a snip! Enjoy the pics!




Theme Song for today: weightless one by Two Hours Traffic

Day 78- June 6- Aimee Silver

I had to check out of Howe Hall by 10 am this morning. I met Aimee, a friend from school, and her oldest son, Elliot for a coffee and catch up. We'd seen each other 3 years ago at our 10 year reunion, so it had been quite a while! I hiked up to the "Local Jo Cafe" on Oxford since Aimee knew it was a very kids friendly place. Elliot really enjoyed the books, he's a super bright little guy that is heading to school in two years but is already really ahead of your average kid. It was really fun to see how he is growing up. We enjoyed the coffee, wonderful baked goods and the flurry of children and parents in the toy loft that morning.


He didn't really want his picture taken at first.


He especially enjoyed the Theodore Tugboat book.

What a sweet family! (Her youngest son stayed home with Daddy.)

Theme song for today: Ha ha by Emiliana Torrini

Day 77- June 5- Karni Sweeney

Well, this is sort of new for me. Not a cheat on this picture, but I took it only a couple of minutes into June 5th, after the concert at the Seahorse Tavern. In my brain it still felt like Friday, but it was scientifically speaking, Saturday. I had to include a couple pictures, although not very good pictures of the first band that played last night. I only went to the show originally because I had heard about "Alert the Medic" during the NS Music Week in Yarmouth in November. I hadn't seen their show, but compared to the other posters on telephone poles around, it seemed like the best bet for an entertaining Friday evening in the city. The first opener, completely blew both Karni and I away. The drummer entered first with his full white bodysuit and a gas mask. He creeped across the stage like a crazy hobbit. When I saw "full body" I mean the style like the two green guys beside the Vancouver Canucks penalty box, over the head, over the fingers, everything covered. Well, he went over to the drums, started playing, one by one the other spandex body suit clad musicians joined him on stage. It was an incredible experience to watch them come out. The final member was the keyboard player. Yup, KEYS. You don't tend to see that everyday. Nor do you see that said keyboard player wearing a lycra suit and a huge pilon over his head. The music was more than I would have expected from such an odd group. They were funky, steady, talented, often on the verge of disco (and techno at times), but very catchy and fun to listen to. Check out this Youtube link, commit to watching it ALL the way through, and you might have a slight taste of what I mean. Or here too for another even better song sample.

Karni is an old friend. She and I met through our mothers that both volunteered for the old Viking Cable in Yarmouth. She left for Truro before our graduation but we have kept in touch at various points since then and have managed to see each other a few times a year since the 10 year reunion of our class in 2007. She is a fun gal, and usually flexible enough to get together on a whim. We met for the 4th game of the Stanley Cup Finals, Philly Flyers versus Chicago Blackhawks at Bubba Rays. I had an incredibly tasty sauce, Baja Chipotle, with my wings, which they are famous for, 60 different flavours on the list. We left shortly before 10 to stroll down to the Seahorse Tavern where the show was. It is a very cool venue. From the front it looks like it is only as wide as the stairwell, but once you go down inside it looks like a European Cave or something foreign and dreamy. We chatted quite a bit about how her work is going, how her son Nathan is doing(as he is now a teenager and has his first girlfriend, CUTE!) and how her family across the country is. She was a super sport to allow me to take her photo of the day after being awake for over 12 hours. It was really dark on the road so it was a challenge. Enjoy!



Theme song for today: Atlas by Alert the Medic (A few download from NS Music Week that made me think about going to the concert after seeing the signs on telephone poles)

Day 76- June 4- Man in the Garden

This morning has been very nice. The weather forecast was calling for rain all day with thunder and lightning in the afternoon, but when I checked it this morning, the worst weather was pushed back to Saturday, and as I have been sitting here at the Just Us Cafe in downtown Halifax the sun has started shining. This wonderful sun is making me not stand out as much in my tank top, while others walk around with coats and sweaters.

I had a super interaction this morning. As I walked towards the waterfront, down Spring Garden again, I decided to take a few of the paths in the Public Gardens. They are only starting to bloom, but the trees and grass are very green, which is still pretty exciting. As I walked, I noticed an older fellow in a black leather jacket with a cane. He wasn't really any different than any other person on the street until he made a stop at a blooming tree near a junction in the trail. He quite literally "stopped to smell the flowers". Who does that really? It almost made me stop in my tracks to gawk at him. He slowly chose the bloom, leaned in an breathed deeply. Once he was done, he held the bloom gently and pondered it's scent. He stood admiring the deep pink colour and delicate blooms. I felt inspired.

I walked ahead of him, trying not to draw attention to myself and found the most colourful bush that could give me "a cover". I turned backwards, so glad that my wide angle lens caught so much more of the action than it would ever appear to the man, and took a picture with a few of the bright flowers in it, making sure I captured him as well in the shot. As he came closer to me he stopped me. I got a little nervous that he had felt his privacy was violated, and instead he said, you know back around the corner is an even prettier flower. He pointed to a green bush with a few red flowers on it, explaining that it was called a firecracker flower because of the colour and there was one with many more bloom if I was to go back on the trail. We talked horticulture for a few minutes, and then he was off to enjoy more that life has to offer. People like that are beautiful. They really do "stop to smell the flowers", enjoy the beauty in the little things and are not afraid of sharing their lives and love with others. I haven't returned yet to the firecrackers but told him I would plan to go back when the sun came out later on today.

The city has a lot to offer. No wait, let me be more specific, THIS city has so much to offer. Endless possibilities for live music in the evening, breathtakingly wonderful streets of old wooden homes lined with large leafy trees, coffee shops with wireless internet, shops with odd, interesting and unique items for sale. I have been to quite a few cities but Halifax still intrigues me.




Theme song for today: Mirror Matter by Wintersleep (I finally purchased Wintersleep's newest album. I have been meaning to since I like to support some good old Yarmouth boys, and especially Tim d'Eon a long time classmate. So far, this might actually be my favourite album yet, PLEASE do yourselves a favour and CHECK THEM OUT if you haven't yet!!)

Day 75- June 3- Spring Garden Road ppl

I guess the title should more fully read: "Random Spring Garden Road couple and group of friends". I arrived in Halifax and checked into my room around 6:30 pm tonight after a super fun drive with my dad from Yarmouth. We tested out the new USB jack in the new car. I had the idea that you could put together a jumpdrive of mp3 formatted songs into it and have a much more space saving method to carry the music from all of the "car CDs" that he has had for ages in the glove box. It worked wonderfully and now you could put an ice pack and your pop in the middle console if you wish since there is so much extra space.

After I settled into the room, I decided to go for a walk and find a quick, easy cheap supper meal. I'm staying at Dal so I decided since it was getting dark, and was kind of rainy/misty I would stay to what I knew- Spring Garden Road. Speaking of the weather, I must take a little more time to explain it, since it was something that I spent a lot of time thinking about on my walk. The weather in Nova Scotia is often the way it was last night. It is a weather, characteristic of the coast- where is does not feel too cold but the fog is so thick that is mists your face as you move through it. Water droplets form on trees and fall on your head like rain- even though it is NOT rain- and those same water droplets collect on your skin, growing to the point that they run down your face and make you wonder why you even bother using make up or causing concern that your mascara is running merely from the intensely moisture rich air. With all of the negatives of this type of weather, it seemed that the people of Halifax are incredibly resilient and hard to phase. As I walked by, worrying about whether to put my hood up or down, whether to stop somewhere to check my make up, whether my hair was getting frizzy, whether it was actually going to start raining and strand me somewhere (which is when I realized my umbrella was still in my overnight back at the residence), walking in a zig zagged line to avoid the thickest tree coverage where drips were the most frequent and intense; I realized the people of Halifax- commuters walking home from work, others walking home from the coffee shop or dinner- were all dressed in regular sunny day clothes, smiling, walking a straight line, seemingly not upset in the least for the moist, damp, thick air.

In other cities, people drudge along, showing their distaste in the weather when it is the least bit inclement. But here in Halifax, people seem to be upbeat, unfazed. The weather was not going to damper their plans, they were going to stay home and complain on Facebook to all their friends. Halifax, you impress me, I think I love you a little more. Your huge old growth trees everywhere, your attitude, your charm, the beautiful historic homes and buildings all over the place, your richness.



Theme Song for today: The Mistress by Amelia Curran (I picked up this CD at the HMV in one of the pictures, there was a seriously passionate music lover working in the shop that highly recommended the CD to me, she's a local artist and this song was one she swore she would only perform live, but everyone loved it so much she got the permission of an ex-boyfriend to include it on her most recent album. It was written about him, check it out!)

Day 74- June 2- Joanne Churchill

I spent a lot of time together with Kenneth today. He had the day off so we chilled out, talked politics, family and life, cooked decadent steaks and preparing a vegetable quinoa salad (for the first time, wow was it ever yummy!!) I love my little brother, he and I are a lot alike, similar ways of thinking, similar interests and priorities. We indubitably always have fun together. We had originally planned to play some music but just never got around to it, with so many interesting topics to talk about!

Tonight, I went back down to the campaign office to do a second night of calling through the voters list. I did a couple of hours on Monday night. Found it rather enlightening, and in some ways a little discouraging. Enlightening as to the priorities that people have and how many are showing support for Zach. Discouraging, when you hear a fair number of people that are so disillusioned with all politicians and the system in general, so much so that despite the extreme importance of having a strong candidate to represent us in Halifax, they'd rather sit back and have no voice at all, declining their right to vote altogether. It has been a rather fun experience and I should have a chance to do a few more nights next week after my holiday in Halifax for the weekend.

While I was making calls tonight, Zach's mother, Joanne came into the office. She was looking to see if one of the volunteer coordinators were there so they could give her a spot of two to help out over the next few days. Joanne was my grade 11 English teacher during high school. I really wish I had been able top take more than just that one course with her since she was by far one of my absolute favourite teachers. We had a wonderful relationship. She was easy to like though, and I think everyone adored to be in her class. One of my favourite memories happened near the end of the year. We had chatted about the possibility of having a "fake fight" in class. I guess you could call it an argument more so. I don't know who thought of the idea or how it ever came into existence but we made the plan, and we would not know when we would do it, but we'd improv our way through the fight during an English period sometime before the end of school. Joanne would take the lead, when she thought the timing was right and the situation worked. We thought it would be funny to see how the others in the class would react since I was a pretty strong, non-argumentative student, so it didn't seem like it would be predictable to them.

A few weeks later, another student came to the door to return a pile of dictionaries. At the time we were working on some sort of important assignment that was due at the end of the period. Joanne saw this as the perfect opportunity and gave a little wink at me as she walked to the doorway to accept the books. She then proceeded to ask me to move all the books and pile them on the counter on the other side of the classroom. I knew this was supposed to be the trigger, so I made some loud groan, and grudgingly said "Why me, why not someone else?". She continued with an "I asked YOU to do it, do you have a problem with that?", and we continued to escalate the conflict from there. The comments turned to very raised voices and I pushed past her at one point and called her a witch (as we had discussed in the planning stage). Finally when half the students were looking down in their books, not breathing or moving, and the others sat with their jaws dropped open, trying to tell me to calm down, she told me to go to the principal's office right away. I'll never forget the look on one of my fellow students' faces, Shelley. She denied after the fact that she believed it at all, but her face definitely told another story. Once out in the hallway, I dropped to the floor, quietly trying to hold back my laughter, when Mrs. Churchill came out into the hallway and closed the door, she too finally let out a giggle and we both whispered about the reactions we had witnessed. We gave them a couple minutes to talk and process it in the classroom and we eavesdropped from the hallway then we entered the room and let them in on our prank. You don't get to do those sort of things everyday with a teacher. She has always been such a warm, caring, kind, considerate, thoughtful, creative and open person. I try to make a point of seeing her every time I come home, and know that she played a very big role, even if she didn't realize it, with my desire to enter the teaching profession. She has since retired, but will always hold a very dear spot in many of her former students hearts!!

She very graciously allowed me to take a photo, despite her belief that she isn't photogenic. I seriously beg to differ on that one, but wouldn't want to start yet another argument with her!! :)



Theme song for today: Come to my window by Melissa Etheridge

Day 73- June 1- Natasha Sears-Boudreau

Kept myself busy with my usual routine today with one major difference. Went along with Zach Churchill as he canvassed on the 340 Highway from the county line down through to the Carleton store. I've never actually been actively involved in an election campaign, never taken a party membership (preferring to keep my options open for the person with the best platform that I can agree with), but in this instance, I feel strongly that Zach is the guy for the MLA job. As a result, I decided to do what I could, mostly due to the urging of a respected mentor of mine, David Sollows, my former grade 6 teacher and principal of my elementary school. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the time to get to know Zach, his views, his ideas, his plans, his priorities and his personality a little better from our time together. It made me feel even more secure in my decision to back him. I hope to get a chance to go out on the trail with him again sometime before June 22's election day.

In the evening, I went to the theatre for an anxiously anticipated viewing of Sex and the City 2 movie. Only one of the girls from the group had picked up a ticket prior to the evening, and as it sold out over an hour before the movie was due to start, two of the girls were left outside, sadly unable to join us. Natasha was the only one who made it, which made me a tad nervous since she was the least into seeing the film. She explained to me that she hadn't seen the show or the first movie, so had her son Jenym get her a copy of the first movie to do some background research before coming to join me for #2.

My father was the first one to know Natasha in my family. She works at the bank, and as Dad goes in there many times during the day and both of them are rather chatty, they've gotten to know each other fairly well through the years. Dad also has a tendency of talking about me a lot, so she kind of knew me before I had really had the chance to get to know her. I really wish I had met her before this year, as she is a total GEM of a friend. She's unpredictable, loads of fun, has a wonderful sense of humour and thinks outside of the box. I only really started to get to know her from our mutual love of music and participation in Yarmouth's FIRST NS Music Week (which by the way is already planned to be in Yarmouth again next year). We've been movie buddies for the last two weeks, having gone to SATC 2 today, as well as both Iron Man and Robin Hood, last week. She has an extremely talented singing son, named Jenym, keep your eyes opened for this guy to go far if he wants to!!


I think Natasha was feeling a little bit shy of letting me take her picture and also in a fairly crazy mood!! Enjoy these pictures!





Theme Song for today: Come Together by the Beatles (It's the song Jenym sings on the link I posted with his name)

Day 72- May 31- Uncle Len (Brown)

Uncle Len is the spouse of my Aunt Maxine. They were only down for a quick visit to their son, Chris, and his family around the corner from my parent's house. I went with Paul, Jessica, Landon and Walton for a walk up to see them this morning. It was a quick visit, but they were pretty busy, Aunt Maxine was watching Tookie (her grandson), who wanted to spend some extra time with his grandparents before they left. Uncle Len was hard at work painting Chris' work room in the basement.

Uncle Len is always at something, he's a very helpful to family and is very quiet and mild mannered. He tends to try and stay out of the spotlight most of the time, much like my brother Paul. For some reason in my mind's eye, I always remember him just as he looked today- shorts, very tanned, flip flops or sneakers- the kind of guy who would be very at home in Florida, poolside or strolling through the market. He's always very relaxed and chill. He used to work in the banking industry for most of his work life, but also dabbled in business here and there. He's retired now.



Theme Song for today- Lookin' Out My Back Door by CCR

Day 71- May 30- Aunt Maxine (Brown)

Well, it's funny but I prepared myself last night for rain. Mentally speaking, I knew the forecast had been settled on a "rainy forecast" all week and so I knew mentally, I would be a little more limited than what I have been getting used to weather-wise, since being home. Low and behold, I woke up to a slightly cloudy, overcast day, and within a couple hours, BEAUTIFUL SUN AGAIN! Could barely believe it. Mom had plans with her friend Judy, so I asked Dad if he was in the mood for a Sunday drive to the lighthouse and picture taking. We sometimes do that, just go to nice places and take pictures for ourselves and projects Dad is always working on. Today, we were getting some shots for the Fifth (I think) Annual Communities in Bloom summary binder that I have been preparing for him. I'll post a few pictures from last night and today for your enjoyment before getting into my person of the day!
















On our way back through town, we stopped at my cousin Chris' house since I had heard that my aunt and uncle from New Glasgow way (Mom's oldest sister) was in town for the weekend. We dropped in just a little before supper time, only to find my Aunt "Magazine" as I used to all her, was slaving away over some potatoes cooking a nice Sunday dinner. We chatted for a few minutes with her, my uncle Len, cousin Chris, his wife Jean, and their two children before coming home.

When we first moved to Nova Scotia in 1986, our house wasn't ready for us to move in. We were living at a motel on a lake out in Darling's Lake. Mom hated it- no car, three young kids, a small room, eels in the lake, nothing to do other than walk to the ice cream store. Instead of trying to keep us entertained there, we took the boat from Digby to Saint John, NB to visit Aunt Maxine and Uncle Len for a week. At the time my cousin Stephen still lived there too. They were much older than us, but we always thought he and his brothers were the coolest guys ever because they owned fast motorcycles and had really incredible, white shiny teeth. Or at least, that's what I remember the most. It was nice spending time with them then, it's probably the first time I really remember my Aunt Maxine.

The second time was when they lived in Amherst. I stayed with my Nanny for a few extra weeks one summer. I loved staying up at the trailer with her, picking blueberries, walking to the beach, reading National Enquirers and Star tabloids on the outdoors swing, riding Aunt Maxine's old school bicycle, going to the General Store for ring pops and eating toast with tea every evening before bed and just after a game of cards with my Nanny. During my stay, Aunt Maxine and Uncle Len took us along the Sunrise trail, through Pugwash where they had friends, up to their house in Amherst for a few days. I had never been to Amherst before, and I had a great time visiting the Anne Murray museum and eating the biggest donair Len had ever seen at the Pizza Delight next door. Aunt Maxine always has a way to make people laugh, her laugh itself and that 'mischievous grin' can make anyone giggle. I like spending time with her a lot! Enjoy the picture!



Theme Song for Today: Night that Patty Murphy Died by Great Big Sea

Day 70- May 29- Nancy Bishara

Nursing the burnt lower back today made everything a little more tedious today. Both of my parents had plans, dad was golfing in the morning and finishing up his speech on volunteerism for the Lion's Club supper in the evening; mom had her prayer group in the morning then went to help the preparations for a supper fundraiser at the church in the afternoon. I decided to take advantage of the sunny day by walking to the south end to check out the Zach Churchill BBQ. I was secretly mostly hoping to see his mom, my former Grade 11 English teacher, that still remains a huge inspiration to me.

I met up with lots of people I knew at the BBQ. As I scanned the crowd, I thought about those people and who I should ask to be my photo of the day. Then I saw Nancy and I knew, she was the one!! I've known Nancy since I was young. I met her originally when I used to attend and help out with the North End Baptist vacation bible school. I remember how much I loved being the one to help her out with her class, she was so calm, patient, creative and fun. I often spent a lot of my time watching out for her two youngest kids, Ashley and Milan as well. They were so cute back then, hard to believe they are all grown up and starting their careers already!

There was something about Nancy that stood out to me as being something that I wanted to be in my own life when I was older. Maybe it was the poise, maybe it was the confidence; I don't quite know for sure, but I've always thought very highly of her since that time, so many years ago! It has been really fun in the last year or two, through the magic of Facebook to re-connect a little bit. She is always super intrigued by my photos and stories of the North, so it has been fun to share that adventure with her. Enjoy the picture!



Theme Song for Today: Quiet Crown by Idlewild

Day 69- May 28- Heather Moulaison

Spent the whole day gardening with my momma. She told me she doesn't actually like gardening, but it is the lesser of the two evils, mowing the lawn being considered MUCH worse. I got a kick out of that, so I helped her by removing the sod for a new flower bed in the back yard, to eliminate another few square feet of mowing. It was tough work, but satisfying, sometimes feels SO good to sweat and break your back. Unfortunately I wasn't too careful and got a nasty burn on my lower back. Must respect the sun and depleted ozone more the next time!!

In the evening, I went to the local hang out, Tim Hortons on Water Street, to have coffee with two high school friends, one of the Ryan, lives here and the other, Heather was just back for the week in honour of her mother's 60th birthday party. They were both friends of mine from our band days- trumpet and flute respectively. (Ryan will be my person of the day later on this summer- RIGHT Ryan??!!) I decided to have Heather as my person of the day today because she heads back to Ottawa, where she lives and works, on Tuesday.



Heather is one of the most animated, upbeat and dramatic people I know. She has been involved with drama and theatre as long as I have known her, as well as music. We had lots of laughs catching up, talking politics, TV, work and about our lives since school. She is working for a financial company in a very interesting sounding management position in Ottawa, where her brother, sister in law and niece are also living. I had to include the picture of her laughing because it is how I will remember our evening, of two hours sitting behind a group of cranky old people, sipping our medium coffees. After I asked her if she could be my photo of the day, we had a very interesting time capturing this set of "happy" versus "serious" photos. I had more, but thought they would have to wait for the mini series! I really enjoyed seeing her and am sure we'll meet up in Ottawa the next time I am there.





Theme song for today: 9669 by The Joy Formidable

Day 68- May 27- Read On...

Today was a tough day for this blog. I felt a bit like I had run into a brick wall; overcoming the nerves related to asking complete strangers or not-so-close acquaintances if I could use them for this blog. Unfortunately in this day and age, our identity, intellectual property and images of ourselves are far too often taken advantage of in the online realm. I acknowledge this in my own life, but also struggle to, even still, produce something that has integrity, value and does not exploit people- but rather CELEBRATES people. I am coming to terms with the fact, that although the online medium has issues, it also has some tremendous advantages and benefits as well. Despite the unfavourable aspects of what I am producing, I hope that it will help to touch or move people, make them assess their own lives and value the people around THEM more, and also offers me a chance to express my appreciations as well as some of my photographic endeavors.

Having said that, I didn't take a picture today. Even after the fact, I was having a huge amount of difficulty in deciding WHO I could choose. I had some pictures from the girls I went to the movie with, lots of my nephews, a few of my other family members, etc. But none of them were really standing out for the occasion. I wanted to wait and take something more meaningful for those people later on this summer. But still, I needed SOMEONE for today. I thought about the show Sex and the City, since I was making plans to go see the second movie that just came out, and thought about how they call "New York" one of the characters of the show; pondering if "Yarmouth" itself could become my Day 68. But as I considered even that, I knew I didn't have a super picture that stood out to me to use for that.

As I thought about Yarmouth, I realized that the main reason I lived here and called this place my home came down to two people I never met. Yarmouth was the town where my dad grew up as a child with his brother, sister, mother and father. This year I have had a lot more time to connect the dots of dad's side of the family with a visit to my father's mother's half brother in England. Knowing these details and filling in more of the gaps only makes you feel a stronger connect to your roots, your family and yourself. If it had not been my dad's parents raising him in Yarmouth, then maybe my story would have been different, maybe my father wouldn't have brought my mom and us kids back here to grow up. Sadly, my father's parents died in a tragic car accident when he was only a teenager. My mother never met them, and thus, neither have I. I often wonder about what they were like- about their passions, interests, personality- if I am like them or have any traits that were passed on genetically, that could help me feel that connection stronger. I don't really know too much about them- my grandfather was in the War, worked in communications for the Canadian military or something like that, loved taking pictures of everything and anything, met my mother in England, she came over as a war bride, she was very musical, taught piano, played the organ at church, they wed, had kids, were well liked in town; and the rest is history. I love them even though I didn't know them. Here's my tribute to them in photos. The old style one is from my grandfather, Walton, scanned in this winter from an old negative, it shows my grandmother, Josina, my uncle and my dad.



Their grave is in the cemetery in Yarmouth, I trudged through knee deep snow one sunny February day this year.


Theme song for today: Home by Michael Buble

Day 67- May 26- David Warner

My daddy is the person of the day. I am a bit nervous to have used up two of my family so far, this early in the three months home, but I just didn't take anyone else that day. Tonight, Dad and I met Paul, Jessica and Landon for ice cream in Dayton. Mom skipped the trip, inciting that she didn't need any ice cream, and I just went for the ride since I had a bowl at home before we had the call from my brother about their plan.

It was still rather warm, as it had been all day. Landon really enjoyed his strawberry vanilla soft serve swirl in the cup, which after dripping down his chin ironically looked exactly like the calamine lotion behind his ears to treat the itchy black fly bites. I can't get over how big and independent he is. He is quite something. Had to include one extra picture of that!!



So, I picked Dad today. I love my dad and am happy to include him in my blog of my most favourite people. He is one of the hardest working people I know, does nothing half hearted, is incredibly generous much to the detriment of his own comfort, appreciates commitment and integrity in those around him. He is well liked by practically everyone that knows him because of his dependability and willingness to help out. I can always count on him for anything and everything, whether it is advice about work, finances, or life, or whether it is a practical need like a ride to the airport in Halifax. I have to say those are some of my most favourite times spent with my dad, when we've been driving somewhere. It pretty much always was to bring me somewhere, whether back or forth to Ottawa multiple times during my university years, or driving me or my boxes to Montreal or Halifax related to my work in the north. I love driving places with dad since we have so much time to sit and chat. My dad taught me early on the importance of being optimistic at ALL times, even in the worst situations. The big family joke is how we argue but I think deep down it is more fun than anything else, because we both have a keen mind and ability to see both sides of any argument. And if he doesn't agree with that, oh well, I know I am right! Hope you enjoy the picture!



Theme Song for the Day: The Stake by The Steve Miller Band

Day 66- May 25- Sandy Killam

Another nice day. Sunny, hot... God is really spoiling me so far, but I am not complaining about it!! I realized that since I normally travel in July, I really only own Summer and Winter clothes. When I leave the north for summer, there is typically still a bit of snow, so Spring, in the southern sense is the missed season for me. I don't really know what would qualify "Spring clothes" other than rubber boots, but since I have been home I have gone sleeveless everyday. A clearly SUMMER clothe choice.

As you can tell, being on holidays still has given me more than ample time to think too much. Work is a good thing for me in that regard, it keeps me busy, focussed and out of the realm of imagination and thought too much. If I had not been a teacher, I think I might have really enjoyed being a full time artist- writer, photographer or movie director, as I could walk around with a camera or notebook looking at everything and thinking about it. And speaking of movies, last night I went with "the girls", my pretty new, Yarmouth crew of the most wonderful friends I wish I had much early than this year. Natasha, Sandy and Gabrielle (there were a few other fab gals who couldn't make it too, so don't think I don't mean you too!) met me at the theatre for Robin Hood, or should I say "the Russell Crowe movie"... I warned them before the show that I had been planning all day that one of them would be my photo of the day. At first, they were a bit shy to indulge me so I took a few shots of them as a group, (knowing that I have to save the other two for another day so I don't run out of "beautiful people" in my next 90 or so days of being home!!) After the first shot, they were eagerly jumping in front of waste bins asking for pictures there and in front of movie posters for pictures there. I love their enthusiasm, energy and sense of humour! I don't think we ever get together without me leaving with slightly sore cheeks from laughing and smiling. Friends like this are the kind that everyone needs, the uncomplicated, fun loving kind of girls that you KNOW that you will have a good time with every time you are together. They are the kind of gals that make you realize that the Sex and the City style friendships CAN happen in real life!


Check out "Sporty Spice" in the middle showing off her Ninja moves!! XO!




Did I mention we spend a lot of time laughing when we are all together!



It was a tough choice between the photos, so I put up one of the silly ladies together. My person for today is Sandy, since I decided to use the ever so cute pictures of her giving Russell some loving. I met her during NS Music week in November. She had been a volunteer as well, and we met at the "after-party" where all the volunteers got to party with the "music celebrities" and have a private show of sorts. I knew Natasha (also Sandy's friend) a little better from the bank, so when I didn't really know too many people in the crowd, I hung near them. It turned out they were having a challenge to see which one could collect more "face time" from the "celebrities" (sorry for the overuse of quotation marks, I don't really know how to aptly describe this most interesting of contests any better)... I won't explain the contest any more but it included Ryan Cook, Joel Plaskett and I also think Matt Minglewood was included, for what reason I am not too sure!? We laughed very hard that night, I knew from that point we'd have to hang out more. We are all music junkies so since that point we've gone to concerts, shows, Karaoke, and played pool once. Sandy is an incredible high energy gal, a fantastic mother, very stylish dresser(especially when it comes to shoes, lol) and a very talented photographer Enjoy the photos, next time I will bring the lens that I can actually use the flash with!


"Now playing, Sandy and Russell!" :)




"Grrrr", she couldn't stop herself from clawing Russell!!



Theme Song for today: Crazy On You by Heart (Sandy introduced me to this song, someday we'll be rockstars and play it!)

Day 65- May 24- Norman Stephenson

I am not gonna lie to you, trying to find someone each day here in NS is quite a chore! Today, I went for a walk around town, with my camera in my backpack. I took some photos to prove to those of you who are not here, how gorgeous it is this time of year in Yarmouth. The colours are something else! I will include a few shots of the flowers and places around town in addition to my person of the day.



I searched and searched for my entire walk for someone I knew around town. No one, anywhere, except in their houses and I just didn't feel brave enough yet to walk up and knock to get a photo. I know I will have to before the summer is over but not brave enough yet. As I walked through the mall, it dawned on me that there HAD to be SOMEONE in the grocery store that I knew. There's ALWAYS people in Sobey's that I see when I go. I scanned the aisles and finally recognized someone I knew, Norman.

Norman is a great old guy from the Anglican church that my parents attend. I grew up there as well so Norman has always been interested in finding out how school is going or how work is when I come home for my holidays. He often jokes that if he was younger he'd ask me on a date, and always insisted on having lunch every summer with my youngest brother and I when we'd be in town. He worked for years at the Front Desk of the Grand Hotel on Main Street and is the type of fellow that the old ladies are sweet on and who easily grows on everyone he meets. I don't know if I know a more hardcore football fan as well, Super Bowl and other bowl games are the only reason he can easily justify not being in church on a Sunday. Enjoy the photo!



Theme Song for today: Say it Ain't So by Weezer (Inspired by the third goal by Philadelphia Flyers versus the Montreal Canadiens in the fifth game of the Semi-finals, BOO!)

Day 64- May 23- Kathy Nickerson

Again, I have been fortunate; hot, sunny weather all day. I could seriously get used to this! I went to church this morning and Kathy was very kind to agree to being my photo of the day. I really anticipated having to convince her big time to allow me to take a picture, but she accepted right away.

Kathy is Chad's (probably my closest high school friend) mother. I've known her since 1995 and love her and her family to pieces. She has such a wonderful sense of humour, a generous nature and a patient and kind manner about her. We have had a lot of good laughs together during board games night or firepits. They have a beautiful property in Kelly's Cove that overlooks the Yarmouth Lighthouse and the wild Atlantic Ocean. The sunsets are to die for and the grassy hill behind their house descends to a sandy beach. That is where I have had some of the most wonderful firepits ever. There is something so wonderful about the cool, fresh ocean breeze on your back while you snuggle into a warm crackling bonfire, with a slow roasting wiener in hand. Priceless!!

I grabbed a quick lunch with Mom and Dad and then met up with Natasha at the theatre for a movie. Iron Man 2, pretty good for an "Action Hero" movie. Mostly nice hanging out with Natasha, she's a great girl, and hopefully will agree to be my subject in the next month or so!! Tonight I am settled in to the basement TV room, watching the first 2 hour special review show before the SERIES finale of LOST!!!!!! I am so sad, but am extremely happy that I have loved this series over the last 5 years. It will long remain my absolute favourite show ever!!




Theme Song for today: Wash Away by Joe Purdy (One of my favourite songs solely due to in being on LOST)