3975 Penticton Street, 2006-2008

Exactly two years in this house have passed, and as I spend my last few days here I am becoming sentimental. Thinking about how exciting it was to finally find a place to move into, and then the struggles of moving and not feeling belonging in a neighborhood that broke into our vehicles three times in the first month or so. Then, eventually mostly enjoying the neighborhood (minus late night walks home from the skytrain station.)

Loving living with Kenda and Shelley, with our gourmet weekend morning breakfasts, popcorn and movie evenings, late night conversations.

Locking myself in this house for days while working on my thesis in my pajamas. Then, the joy of finishing the thesis. And the struggle to find a job. And the long mornings spent with Regis and Kelly (except for when Regis had his heart surgery) and Craigslist while working part time.
And then the joy of returning home when working full time.. and after travelling.

Heart making and heart breaking. highs and lows.

I think, as I recollect some of these memories, calculate the amount of work that will go into moving into my own little apartment, and delay packing any boxes, I am in a slight state of denial.

This place has been good to me.

folk! fest!

After a weekend at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival I am feeling full of music and art and life and possibilities. I am also still tired, sunburned, and miss Justine, but that is beside the point.

Justine and co. drove out here from Alberta for the weekend. It was wonderful to spend time with her (and Brenda on Saturday too!) Sheri also accompanied us for two thirds of the weekend.

Here are a few photos of us in and around the folk fest. what a beautiful place, that Jericho beach. And beautiful people make it (obviously) even more beautiful.





We drank in so much music, took in too much sun, and danced ourselves silly every night. It was amazing. The power of music blows me away.

This month I am co-leading a program at my workplace (the Day Program for adults with disabilities) entitled Bluegrass music. Last week I led the clients in creating musical instruments, and today we played our instruments. We named our band "G is for George" and performed "You are my sunshine" for everyone. I spent the week learning it on my old accordian, and today was my debut performance. I felt like a rock star for the first time in my life! The adults were all dancing and singing and requesting me to play it over and over again. What wonderfully accepting people who make me feel grand about my limited musical skills!

I think i am going to spend more evenings on my porch playing with the accordian since it has been making me smile.
It will be my music kick until the next folk fest.