Day 148- August 16- Bright Blue Honda

It's a stretch for sure. But I felt a little anti-social today. I felt like driving. I rode around town up hills, down by the bay where no watermelons grow. I breathed deep, I relaxed, I tried to get my school work and the pressure of work and standardized exams and multi-leveled social studies classes and how far behind I am on my blog and papers that I have to find to fax to people and ... I just breathed deep. I looked around, I reminded myself that the world is big, it's beautiful, it takes things as it comes, it's been around longer than my troubles and pressures. I re-focussed and thanked my bright blue honda for getting me away, even if only for a few minutes.


Theme Song for today: Don't Let Your Feet Touch Ground by Ash Koley (AWESOME SONG CHECK IT OUT!!!!)

Day 147- August 15- Little Lisa

Lisa has to be one of the absolute sweetest girls that I ever met in my life. She has one of the best smiles ever, and is almost always cheerful and lovely. I have taught two different sisters of hers. Both were bright, creative, out-of-the-box thinkers. Her family is always very kind to me, always makes sure to say hello and see how I am doing. Families like this make me feel so happy to be here in G.R. Enjoy the pic!


Theme song for today: Shadow by Ashlee Simpson

Day 146- August 14- Lisa Annanack

This morning I went out on the boat with Mark and Nancy and their fam. It was a calm beautiful day, so the plan was to go to the secret spot for fishing or driving around looking for seal if the flies were too bad near the shore. As we launched and pulled away from the slip, we saw a boat spinning quickly around in the little harbour back towards town. It isn't the deepest water, so we knew something was up. The only plausible reason they'd be driving quickly and spinning wildly around in the boat was for an animal, and suddenly we saw a beluga head peep out of the water. We joined them and started following around with our eyes opened. It was incredibly exciting. We seemed to notice beluga popping up in two different places. that was when we realized there was actually more than one whale.

Before we knew it, the whale was just beside our boat. There were people all along the shore, tooting their horns, pointing excitedly and waving madly when they'd see it. We weren't equipped for a hunt so we waved the other hunters over to spear the whale. We had blocked it in enough that the hunters could pull up and get him. It was very interesting to watch the speed and skill of the spear men. Once that whale was dragged back to shore, there were more boats out on the water and we all started trying to track the other belugas. We saw around 5 different whales during the day out on the water. The hunters managed to bring in two. It was very impressive. We also stopped to chat with different boat loads of people while we were out. I chose Lisa to be my photo of the day. As we talked, she kept scanning the water for a head or arching back. We were all so eager and excited! Enjoy the pictures! Everyone in town is now eating the food of the gods today, I saw lots of very excited faces bringing home lots of meat!



Theme Song for today: Fix You by Coldplay

Day 145- August 13- Mary Baron

I choose someone for my photo for many different reasons, sometimes because I find them to be a genuinely interesting and then find out that they are extremely camera shy. Mary was one of these wonderful people. She has been working as the teacher training counsellor for longer than I have been at Ulluriaq School. She insisted however that I could only take a picture of her in her car... then we discovered that the window was jammed. We both had a good laugh at the circumstances.





Theme song for today: Enter Sandman by Metallica

Day 145- August 12- Alice Baron

Back in George River, getting ready for school to start. Here's my photo of the day, Alice, our Centre Director. She's been in the post for the last few years. The school structure is pretty neat up here, there are two lead people in the school- the principal, who makes the decisions regarding curriculum, the school program and teacher related issues. The Centre Director is responsible for the building and maintenance side of things, payrolls, school functioning, community liaison and management of the other school resources such as the housing and workshops. It is a nice partnership, usually with and Inuk and qallunaat working together making the school a fantastic place for the students.

Theme song for today: Let it rain by Amanda Marshall

Day 144- August 11- Maggie Emudluk

Maggie has been my friend since 2002 when I came to George River. At the time I know her only as the Principal's wife, but from that time I have learned a lot more about her and consider her to be a very close friend of mine. She is one of the most intelligent women I know. She is committed to Inuit culture and livelihood and is working very hard for the people of Nunavik as the President of KRG (Kativik Regional Government). Maggie is an inspiration to everyone she works with. I am happy to be her friend!





Theme Song for today: Life in the North by Beatrice Deer

Day 143- August 10- Priscilla M.

I arrived in George River today, flight was delayed and only touched down around 6 or so and by the time I got my luggage, drove to my house and threw everything inside it was dangerously close to the Northern closing time. Normally, this is not a concern but when you have been out of the house for 4 months you need everything from margarine, to milk, to vegetables and even mustard. I bolted, as quickly as I could, wallet and shopping bag in hand.


I got to the door when they were locking up, but did some puppy dog eyes, telling my sob story of plane delays and promising to run- Supermarket Sweep style- and they kindly let me in. As I filled my arms with the most necessary items, and brought them to the cash. Priscilla was extremely helpful- looking at my items and suggesting other things I had forgotten and allowed me to take all the time I needed. She's a super kind woman, even though we've not had much time to hang out together as she moved to town in the Fall of last year while I was off on my year leave. Thanks again, Priscilla!! (Sorry it took so long for me to finally get your pic for this post that I have had ready for quite a few months!!)


Theme Song for today: Hey Baby by Pitbull Ft. T-Pain

Day 142- August 9- Uncle Doug

I grabbed this pictures tonight during Doug's recreational paddlers course at Lake Milo. I actually took the course in early July and was talking about it to him about the course and how great I found it, learning a lot of technique and having the chance for some supervised practice. I really enjoyed following his class out on the water. Doug was very confident looking and seemed to really be enjoying himself a lot, despite it being only the third evening of the class.

Doug is an incredibly talented businessman and interesting guy. He really has a 6th sense about people, service and public relations. He's very generous and helpful if he can be to anyone who requests his assistance. He is well known in my hometown, across the country and really internationally for top customer service in any Hyundai dealership. His top service designation comes from his commitment, honesty and down to earth values.










Theme song for today: Bottom of the River by The Tom Fun Orchestra

Day 141- August 8- Kenneth Warner

I couldn't resist. I had to find some of my favourite photos of my brother, Kenneth, to go along with this, even if some of these pics were from a few years ago. I love Kenneth a lot. He's zany, unpredictable, funny, reliable and really quite whimsical. Of course, he has as many vices as the next guy- sometimes undisciplined and irresponsible, but really they all work together in his charm. He and Paul are really polar opposites and that makes it fun for me, since I love them both in very opposite ways. Where Paul is sensible and you can discuss more serious, complex situations with him; Kenneth is more liberal (and I say that in the non-political, little "l" liberal sense), enthusiastic and sensitive and and you can do more creative, unpredictable things with him.

I wasn't around for Kenneth's high school years. I was off to Germany and then university in Ottawa when he was just entering grade 10. We became closer moreso after his post Christmas visit to see me the year I couldn't manage to get a flight home for Christmas. He arrived the 27th (or something like that) and stayed with me until Jan. 3. We spent time sightseeing, and discussing his post high school plans. It turned out two years later that he had fallen in love with Ottawa on the trip and decided to attend Carleton as a result. We would meet up occasionally while he lived there, but I left for the north a couple years later leaving him to maintain a Warner presence in the capital.

Kenneth was the first of the family members, who came up north too. We had an incredible time. It was during a sort of low point for him, having just finished a very tough year at school and just breaking up with a girlfriend. I co-ordinated Aeroplan points from a friend and money for the Air Inuit ticket for him to come up for a week and a bit. It was incredible timing for him and will always be a very fond memory for me as well, despite our "getting lost in a snowstorm" experience on the way home from camping. Over the last few years, and especially during my year off, we've really bonded over the arts. We both really love making art- whether it is in photography, movie, music, written word- and being creative. We discovered an incredible musical chemistry for making zany and spontaneous songs together. We can sit down with no plan, find a beat inspiration on the computer or drum machine and play for hours without getting bored. I wish we lived closer for those things! When I spend time with Kenneth, it is normally light, easy going, enjoyable times of unpredictable fun. Almost always accompanied by a few pots of coffee, and sometimes ends with cooking, or baking, or creating new things in the kitchen as well.

Kenneth is quite possibly the most skilled salesperson/ public service person I have ever known. Put him in front of people and he is in his element- people LOVE him and he always seems to enjoy them. I am anxious and excited to see where and what he will find himself doing in the future. I wish him all the best as he navigates the opportunities and choices ahead of him in the next few months. I hope he can decide on the best path for himself and the best timeframe to make it happen! Enjoy the pictures, if you don't know Kenneth, hopefully the pictures can give you a hint to his vibrant personality.















Theme Song for today: The Happy Hat by... Us on one caffeinated afternoon... Maybe I'll post it somewhere, someday...

Day 140- August 7- France Muise

I love Yarmouth because the people are for the most part very proud to be from Southwestern Nova Scotia. Young people are also eager to come home and work hard to continue that reputation of being a happening place to be in the summer. Every year lots of summer students work all over Yarmouth in the service industry, serving visitors and citizens and sharing some of their own enthusiasm for the region. France is one of those young people. I met her through events at Seafest and saw her at pretty much every event with her crab hat.





France strikes me as the type of young woman that has inner strength, confidence and will go very far in life. She knows how to work hard, knows how to communicate with others, knows how to coordinate, problem solve and make things happen. She has a maturity ahead of her years and was a really big asset to the Seafest committee this year. She wasn't afraid to get her shoes dirty (was out on the island for the rum running) or to do the disgusting, or should I say less desirable jobs, like the above photo (picking smelly, gooey mackerel guts off of the public wharf after the mackerel toss event). That is the true sign of a good leader, one who is humble enough to get their hands dirty and who is not just there for the high profile jobs and the glory. Nice meeting you, France! Thanks for being my photo of the day!


Theme Song for today: Volunteers by Jefferson Airplane

Day 139- August 6- Kim Anderson

Kim is one of the coolest people I know. She can speak in a standard anglo-Canadian dialect and also a down-home, Acadian accent with ease and efficiency. She also is an avid equestrian, snake wrangler, plays a mean bass, and sings very well, even though she is often rather shy about it. I started following her and Danny's band "The Chunk of Funk" a few years ago. They'd play occasionally on the waterfront and then started playing weekly at the pub around the corner from my place. Will never forget the blast we had one Saturday night during our 10 year reunion when a bunch of us burned a hole in the floor dancing to their James Brown tunes!! They have such an awesome style, set list and personality to their music that you can never grow tired of hearing them.

From following her band, I came to realize another connection we had. My dad worked very closely with her father in economic development in Yarmouth. She introduced me to many different people the past few years, typically other fans of the Chunk, who turn up at many shows. They are always super calibre people, and are normally incredibly talented musicians, photographers, and artists in their own right. I've really enjoyed getting to know Kim the past few years, she's tres interesting; we try to make a point of doing lunch when I am home, and always seem to have a whole lot to gab about. This time around, she suggested "Little Lebanon", a place that MUST not be missed in Yarmouth's south end. The food is fab and she started me on a new favourite hors d'oeuvre, the Malfouf salad. It was so fresh, crisp and tangy, quite irresistible! Thanks for the pic, girl! Hope you have a fantastic time in Keji!






The below photo was when she was checking, "Are you really gonna use my picture? Just don't put da bad ones on FB, okay"






Theme song for today: Fat Man by Jethro Tull

Day 138- August 5- Bill Thibault

I was walking by Frost Park one day and was saddened by a sight I saw. One of the large, old growth trees was cut off, having rotted or fallen down in a storm. I was curious though as I noticed it was cut very high. A few days later, I saw Bill. (I think that is his name, I asked mom.) Bill works for the town, but also has a hidden talent. He offered this talent and I think it is a very fun way to keep some beauty in that spot on the park that was otherwise a sad place thinking about the future of the other trees. I saw him a few days later, carving and decided to take his picture. He's pretty talented, I sure know I would never be able to do it. I think it is supposed to be Queen Victoria, a nice historical icon for an old loyalist town like our. Enjoy the pictures and go visit the park for yourself!



Theme Song for today: Drinking Games by Library Voices (download it today, very catchy and is awesome for harmonizing to as you sing it loudly while cleaning your house!!)

Day 137- August 4- Lorna and JoAnne

Today, and actually the last few days, I have been completely absorbed in all things "Community in Bloom". It's a national competition for communities to highlight their effort in 7 or 8 different areas of good management and beautification of their communities. Yarmouth has been involved for 4 or 5 years now and we've always done very well because of the proud and wonderful people in our town. They might not all realize it, but there are little things that they do each day that contributes to our efforts in this competition.


Despite the name of the contest, it is more than just about floral displays, which is only one category that is considered. The major categories that we get judged in are: historical conservation, environmental action, tidiness, turf and ground-covering, landscaping, etc. Yarmouth has always done well because of our efforts to preserve our cultural heritage in the form of historic homes, the popular festivals that celebrate our seafaring legacy, and our pride in our past. We've also been a national leader in our waste management; despite the occasional complaints about the rules and very thorough procedures to do with the separation of recyclables, compost, waste, refundables- Yarmouth is actually setting a very high standard and example for the rest of the country and should take a lot of pride in the effort and success we are having with regards to that small thing most of us do everyday.

I say all that to say, Yarmouth, we've got something to be proud of and continue to develop and grow in!! We're much more than our flowers! My people of the day today, are Lorna and JoAnne, the Communities in Bloom judges that came to assess our town this year. I have been helping the committee out since the first year and have actually enjoyed being involved with presenting our wonderful town to the outside world, so they too might understand how incredible we are, hidden at the southwestern tip of NS. Lorna and JoAnne seemed to be duly impressed as they visited us, the second last of many communities they visited across Canada as part of the 2010 edition of the competition. Keep up the great work, Yarmouth!





Theme Song for today: Wildflower by Skylark (Kicking it old school Canadian there!)

Day 136- August 3- Historical Re-Enactors

Mom, Dad and I took a little drive on Saturday to Annapolis Royal to see the reenactment that was taking place all weekend. There are history buffs all over this province, they have taken their love, interest and knowledge of history and make it come to life all the time, at events all over the province. I am rather amazed at the commitment and attention to detail of the costumes, mannerisms, living conditions, weaponry, food and everything. It is really quite an impressive thing to experience first hand. Sometimes reenactments are of battles or special historical events yet other times it is just of traditional lifestyles and daily practices. Both types of events have value and are interesting in their own way. It is an excellent way for our history and past to be passed on and stay alive.

As we arrived at the field they were using for their weekend's encampment, a group of men and a few straggling women, were marching down the street. We came to find out that they were marching to the middle of town to the old pub for a traditional mid-afternoon pint. Visitors from all over would stop in their tracks to take in the sight, impressed by the traditionally thick woolly clothes on such a warm summer afternoon. Enjoy the pictures, and try to visit an encampment near you sometime!!







Theme song for today: Those Were the Days by Mary Hopkin

Day 135- August 2- Lori Colbeck

I had a fantastic weekend with my parents, the calm waters and a couple chances to visit with some of my favourite people in the world- Lori and Jim. As previously explained, Jim and Lori are living in Ontario now, to be closer to some of their family and most importantly, grandchildren. Normally I would see them around every time I come home from the north, so I was very happy to be able to share the time with them up at Keji. Lori is one of the kindest and warmest people I know. She has been a care clown for many years since she left her position as a nurse a few years back. She enjoys visiting and cheering up people whether she is dressed as "Bubbles" (or her new clown persona, which I forget right now) or whether she is in plain clothes as herself.

We had heard through the Facebook grapevine that it was Lori and James 30th wedding anniversary on Sunday, so dad picked up a nice Nova Scotian, sparkling maple wine; mom picked up a card, and we brought it over to their site during our Sunday evening visit. From there, we went to the stars presentation in a dark, dark field near the parking lots. It was pretty interesting learning about the mythology behind the names of the constellations and how to identify them in relation to one another. We had a nice evening, despite the chill in the air. We were all blessed with an incredible weekend of calm water and beautifully sunny days, enjoy these other pictures I couldn't not post!!

I wish Lori and James a nice drive back through New Brunswick and Quebec, nice weather for camping and a warm homecoming to the grandkids back in Ontario! It was truly wonderful seeing you!!





Theme Song for today: Daybreak by Igor Stravinsky

Day 134- August 1- Poppy and Nanny Rowe

(Written Aug. 24, 2013)

This was a tricky entry to write. Maybe it was because I have so much to say, so many things left unsaid, so many wonderful memories and so many "I wish I could have known them better"s. My mom's parents have both passed away. Poppy passed when I was in elementary school and since we had lived in Nova Scotia a few years prior to his passing I only had the opportunity to see him for a week or two in the summer.

From what I hear I had a very similar life as he did. He was a teacher in rural Newfoundland when he was younger. He wrote a journal, which I have read bits and pieces of based on his first year in the isolation of the outport he was teaching in. It was uncanny how much it sounded like my experience teaching up north. He believed deeply in treating people fairly and giving them a chance to prove themselves. He worked for many years in Labrador as a magistrate in the courts. He had an extensive library, had a sense of adventure, loved to travel and held his cards close to his chest. He was always one to stand up and fight for the underdog, which probably led to my existence as he reached out to my father when dad was living in 'not so great' conditions after losing his parents in a car accident.
Nanny was around until just a couple years ago. She was a strong lady much like her mother, but she loved me unconditionally. I spent a lot of time in my first few years in Bay Roberts with her and Poppy. I loved eating toast with marmalade and melted butter on bread baking day, watching Price is Right on the floor model television in her old home on Cable Avenue or sitting out under the canopy of old growth trees that sheltered us on sunny days, listening to the sea breezes rustle through the leaves. I spent one Easter holiday with her in St. John's before she passed. Mom and I flew in from Halifax barely landing in the thick fog. We spent most of our week listening to stories and laughing. She liked to tickle me and gave the best hugs till the day she passed.
I miss them dearly but am thankful knowing I am the person I am today partly because of the time I spent with them.

Theme song for today: Grace by Saving Jane