Last day of July

August is measuring up to be a rather busy month.

One of the first big events is the Writer's Festival: www.writersfestival.ca

One of the most important to me is our wedding anniversary.
You may ask yourself, in this day and age when one in every two marriages end in divorce, why did I get married?

My reason: to preserve something precious to me - my life.

In 1990, my boyfriend and I took a trip from Manitoba to British Columbia.

While in BC one of the sites we took in was the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Many know of its beauty. It is definitely a site worth seeing.

Now when you're there you have the opportunity to cross the bridge to an observation tower. We decided to cross the bridge. Starting out was fine. The weather was warm and sunny. Soon, however, I began to notice how the bridge would sway with every step. In fact, it seemed to sway more and more wildly with each and every step I took. There was only a small rope to stop my violent fall to the rocky waters hundreds of feet below. Nothing could shake this image from my mind. I was paralyzed.

"Hey, Leanne what's the matter?" My boyfriend enquired.
He soon realized my dilemma. It was only his constant support that guided me safely to the other side.

Once on the other side we took a few moments to admire the beauty and to congratulate ourselves on our achievement. Then my boyfriend did a truly horrible thing...he proposed. Saying, "no" would have meant crossing back by myself, I feared. I could never do that and so I said, "yes". As it turned out it was no great sacrifice because I had already fallen head over heels for him many months previous.

Since that day we have had many ups and downs. Through it all there is one thing I knew I could unquestionably count on - my husband's constant support.

Rain!

Finally, we have our sweet life-giving, fire-fighting rain! I couldn't be happier. It started a few minutes ago. I just had to let you know. This will help so much in ending the mess on Galiano island. Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers.

So you think you can write

I am really enjoying "So you think you can dance". This enjoyment caused to question if the same format would work with the other arts. Such as, for example, writing.
Show concept: Each week the contestants select either a topic or opening sentence. Both topics and sentences are thrown into a hat. Contests do not know which they will select. Then they are given a week to write. Next week the contestants perform their piece. So the contestants must not only be able to write but they also must be able to perform. Then one of the contestants is voted off and the process continues until the victor is triumphant.
Sounds like a show I would love to watch.
If you are a TV producer please feel free to steal my idea. I don't mind. A small sacrifice for good TV. : )

Going off island

It is time for our monthly or bi-weekly trip to Vancouver island. We experience a slice of city life to complete a long list of "must dos". If we are successful with time to spare our reward is a DQ visit. Then its a mad scramble to the ferry to reclaim our island life.

Taken on route to the ferry. Now you know why we are so eager to return.

Oh, yes, about the rain: none yesterday but it looks like we could get some today.

And about "is it art?": the verdict is yes. I also received some valuable advice on how to make "it" more effective.

Yes, but is it art?

Do you know what "Socket" is? If not, you may find it helpful to refer back to my Thursday, July 20th post: To read and to listen. Anyway, the last episode I heard asked the question: Is it art? This is a question that has pledged me.

An artist friend of my jokingly suggested that if I knit my baby sweaters in black they would be art. Black is an artistic colour. Black makes a statement. Black is profound.

Yes, but is this?

I plan to attach a sign. The sign will read: "25 years: Protect yours".

What do you think? Is it art?

I am meeting with a group of artist friends (or friends who are artists) tonight. I plan to bring "it" and ask them. I will let you know their verdict.

Ostriches don't but I do

I bury my head in the sand. When I am assaulted by uncontrollable dire circumstances it is not enough for me to be inactive. I must be ignorantly inactive.

If I am knowledgably inactive I climb the walls. There must be some action I can take, I reason. Those are the thoughts that create the tornado in my brain. Either those or I drive myself crazy with worry.

No, the best solution is to bury my head in the sand until things improve or return to "normal". Of course this is not always easy. Occasionally my sand hill is blown open exposing me to the light.

Case in point, what happened to me this week.

Mayne Island is very quite. Sure there are the spring choir of tree frogs. There is even the occasional piece of heavy machinery. But on the whole we are a quite lot. Not Sunday night. No, not Sunday night. It sounded like we were being invaded.

Then on Monday I woke to a heady smell. Something was hanging like a ten pound weight in the air. What it was was not easily identifiable or at least not to me. Later that same day I turned on CBC radio, as is my habit, and I overheard bites and pieces. Something about "Galiano Island" and "fire". No, it can't be. Hubby, the volunteer firefighter had warned me that we had 45 minutes to vacate the island if "something" happened. 45 minutes! It was so dry that that's all a tiny little spark would need. Anything could create a spark from a chainsaw to a Bar-B-Que. Anything! We, islanders, had been living on pins and needles. Rumour spread that some tourist had enquired about obtaining additional firewood. Didn't they know?

And then it happened. It had happened on Galiano Island. 130 residents were evicted from their properties. Ferry transportation to and from Galiano was limited to island residents.

Island life breeds self-reliance. We know how to pull together in the case of an emergency. How does a tiny island find room for 130 evacuees? It's easy we all move over one.

Here I was safe on Mayne Island driving myself crazy trying to figure out how to help. Three Mayne Island firefighters had already gone over to help. I have no skills as a firefighter. The best thing I could do is find another sand hill and wait it out.

On Tuesday, I attended an art council meeting. (http://mayne.gulfislands.com/trincoarts) Our art council is comprised of four islands: Mayne Island, Pender Island, Saturna Island and Galiano Island. A friend from Galiano Island was in attendance. He reported that they were all working together, that the fire was under control, and that they would get it done. His words comforted me.

Yesterday, I heard bites and pieces of another broadcast, "Galiano residents allowed to return home". The crisis is largely over. Even though the fire is not out it is largely contained. We are even promised rain on Friday. Ah, sweet sweet rain.

Only one question remains: What could I have done? Could I have made knitting kits to be distributed by my friend? Surely there is something I could have done.

The Canadian Guild of Knitters does distribute knitting kits to those in crisis. Find out more by logging on to: www.cgknitters.ca

The mailbox - continued

Good news, I found the ending.

She takes a deep breath and slips the key into the lock. Her hand gropes the dark cavern for the contents: bill, bill, bill, junk mail, letter. She can't believe her eyes there it is.

She blinks then carefully re-reads the envelop. Her eyes have not failed her. It clearly says: Smith & Gordon publishing house.

She can't wait she madly tears the envelop open. Her eyes merrily skim the contents of the letter.

"Dear Susan ...
It is our pleasure to inform you that your manuscript...
has been selected for publication."

"Oh, my heavens!" She exclaims.

She flies home eager to share the news.

"It came! It came!" She roars.

"Slow down, what came?" John enquires.

Susan thrusts the letter at him.

"Did you read this?"

"What do you mean? Of course, I read it. It's great news."

"Yes, for Susan I. Johnson."

"Who? What? What do you mean?"

John hands the letter back. "Susan I. Johnson" his finger outlines the truth.

Of course, he is right: even though the envelop was addressed to her the contents belong to another. The brass ring was within her grasp but now magically it has disappeared.

Copyright by Leanne Dyck on July 26, 2006

The mailbox

It's a hot, hot day. Unusually hot for this climate of moderation.

Susan has decided to walk down to the mailbox even though she could have taken the air-conditioned car. She should have taken the air-conditioned car. No, if "it" comes the walk back will give her time to clear her head. Each step is a tiny prayer. "Please come, please be there."

Of course, she is not a virgin. She has taken this walk countless times before. She refuses to count them. She doesn't what or need validation. She knows she's a big loser.

"Why does she do this to herself?" Any sane person would ask.

The question has floated through her brain. She can't deny that. Is she sado-masochistic? No, it's worse. She is a hopeless romantic. She believes in happily ever after endings. One day - someday it will be there. Today could be the day.

All too soon the walk is over. Ready or not it's time to face cold, hard reality. She searches for her keys. Why are they always at the very bottom of her purse?

Copyright by Leanne Dyck July 24, 2006

Log on tomorrow and hopefully I will have found an ending.

Pages

Writing a book had always been a goal ever since I wrote my first one. My first book was about five pages long and featured a cat sitting on a mat, as I recall. I was the illustrator and author: a mean feat for an eight year old. Yes, I wanted to write a book but the task seemed daunting. Now that I was an adult I realized that my readers would not be satisfied with five pages. I also realized my artistic limitations. So a comic book was out. A chapbook at 50 pages was a possibility. Still 50 pages! How could I write 50 pages? So writing a book became my unattainable goal. Or so it seemed.
My attainable goal was to improve my writing. I clearly laid out my objectives to obtain this goal.
Ask any writer any where: "How do you improve your writing ability?"
The answer can be summarized by one word, "Write."
Daily writing: I had made this pact before. Many journals still remain empty because I did not hold to this pact. Problem was I had only been accountable to myself. It was easy to find excuses to let it slide.
Then I heard about a web log. A blog was perfect. Now I was accountable to the world. Of course, if your blog is never read who cares. However, to my amazement mine was and is. I now have a readership that I can't let down. I have a commitment to up hold. I have been posting daily since November 9, 2005. That's over 200 posts. I must confess some days I have let things slide. Some days I was eager to post and nature rudely stopped me. On the whole I am proud of my success. I am also humbled by it. You see I know that without you I would not have made it this far. Without you peeking over my shoulder I would have no doubt given up on blogs as well. So to you I owe much. Thank you.
Looking back over these posts I realized that I had the making of a book. I was shocked to realize that I had reached my unattainable goal. With your help and support, I have made it. I hope you will continue to log on. Who knows where we can go from here.

Knitting as craft

Indy knitwear designers sacrifice much for the craft of knitting: a steady pay cheque, neighbours wondering what you are doing, having to think about fall when it is HOT outside, etc. However, there are also many rewards. One of my best rewards is hearing from knitters who have enjoyed knitting my designs.
Here is a design fresh off my needles.
"Don" notice the racing stripe. It is designed to fit infant to toddler.
I am working on an adult size of this sweater for my hubby and all guys everywhere. The adult size will have set-in sleeves. Yes, you heard it here first set-in sleeves. Watch out fall here we come. : )

Knitting as art

Here are my humble attempts at making art.
I was inspired to venture forth into this new avenue upon a visit to a friends art studio. The friend was Cedar T. Christie.
I asked her permission to attempt to transform her painting into knitting.
I am rather thrilled by the result.
My next attempt is this...

I am knitting this for an art show that will be held on Mayne Island September 7 - 9.

What is it? Well, as it slowly unfolds I will keep you posted. Hopefully you will be able to understand my profound statement. : )

Is knitting art or craft

The answer is clearly "yes". It can be art. It can be craft. It all depends on how, what and why an item is knit.
If you shop at your local yarn shop for yarn and purchase one of my patterns then proceed to knit the item in question with conventional knitting needles you are engaging in a craft. Or so I thought. Recently an artist friend of mine singled out 'Islandia' and 'Gwenhwyfar'. She identified these patterns as art pieces. Puzzled? I was but she is an artist. She knows art.
If you create or find your own fibre, pattern, and needles in an unconventional way you are clearly an artist. Their is no question in my mind.
Another way to determine if something is art or craft is to ask the question "why?". Why are you knitting this item? Is it to serve a purpose? Say for example, you are cold so you knit a sweater. On the other hand, if you are making a profound statement by knitting the item then clearly you are creating art.
Please share your thoughts: email leanne@oknitting.com

To listen and read

To listen:
Yesterday, I listened once again to one of favourite radio shows: Socket. It is billed as: 'a new show on CBC Radio One that plugs listeners into our hottest new art markers.' http://www.cbc.ca/socket/ Listen. You'll like it.
One of the artists, they featured, used yarn as her medium. View her baby booties when you log on.
To read:
I show no mercy as a reader. I give you a couple of pages. If you haven't caught my interest by then sorry I drop you like a hot potato.
On Monday I bought A complicated kindness. Did it caught me? Well, let me put it this way, there is a reason why it won all those awards. Read it. You'll like it.

Hey, Indy Artists

Go north of Vancouver to the centre of the province. There you will find the picturesque town of Wells, BC.

Wells Arts Festival'

August 4 - 7

http://www.imarts.com

"Working towards being the largest indy art festival in BC"
What an opportunity for indy artists of all shapes and sizes to showcase their art.
Even if you can't make it to Wells you can still participate. For example, you can do what I did: submit a piece for the 'One minute play'.

Rebellion

Language warning.

A small group of women gather in a kitchen to drink coffee and chat.

Cindy starts, "He stays out all night. Who knows where he goes?"

Linda shares, "She listens to that rap music garbage. Loud. It breaks my eardrums and I'm downstairs."

Brenda joins in, "He is so disrespectful. He calls me an 'old cow' and worse. His teachers all tell me he doesn't listen. But what can I do?"

Ann adds, "First she got her ears pierced, then her nose. Now she has piercings and tattoos all over the bloody place. She even shaved her head. When I say anything she says, "It's my body." I have no say. No say."

Then it's Rebecca's turn, "My daughter knits."

Silence.

Then the room explodes with laughter.

"Ya, I thought the same thing. I though 'a mother's joy a knitter'. I thought we would sail through the teen-age years. No problem at all. Then I started noticing what she was knitting. Let's just say no yarn manufacture was getting rich off of her.
I told her she was sending the wrong message. I told her that guys would think she was a slut. But what does Mom know?"

She is answered by a chorus of, "Nothing."

"Guess what I'm knitting? Come on guess."

She pulls a baby pink something out of her purse.

"Aren't you going to congratulate me. I'm going to be a Grandma."

Copyright by Leanne Dyck on July 18, 2006

Something special for you

Do you remember this yarn? Here's the story: way back when we were celebrating winter solstice I selected this yarn. My intent was to celebrate the return of the sun by knitting something sparkly. Well, things did not go as planned. I didn't factor in the characteristic of the yarn. It stretched and stretched and then stretched some more. Frustrated I left that project aside and didn't comment on it again until today.
Yesterday I attempted to frog the project. No go. I was only able to salvage a tiny little ball. 'What am I going to make with this?' I thought.
Well, thankfully I did have an idea. I had caught a glimpse of a necklace one of the contestants on that Rock Star show was wearing. That combined with inspiration from Sivia Hardings' designs (http://siviaharding.com) yielded me this:

I felt so clever. Hubby's response, "That's just I-cord and a tassel." I think he thought I was Great Aunt Margaret. Well, of course, he is right. Smart guy he must be married to a knitter. : ) Of course what all this boils down to is if you can work I-cord and know how to make two tassels you can make this neck piece.

If you don't, don't worry. You can always read (12/06/2005) "Making I-cord". And today, drumroll please, I will teach you how to make a tassel.

Cut lengths of yarn. Not sure how long. It's like measuring flour you just know how long. Let's say about 24". I cut ten lengths. Five for each end of the I-cord.
I then thread the yarn through the end of the I-cord.
I ensured that all ends where the same length. I then tied a square knot near the end of the I-cord to secure the tassel. If your tassel is too long you may cut it.

So there you have it. You now know how to make a tassel.

I can sleep at night knowing that I have not given you a free pattern. You clever knitter have figured it out yourself. Moreover, I have directed you to a fellow knitwear designer's site. Excuse me while I pat myself on the back. : )

Happy knitting!

The Mad Hatter's Church Fair

Your humble reporter reporting from the Church Fair. Okay, to be frank this was not easy for me. You see my comfort zone does not include crowds. ...but for you I will gladly face anything. (within reason : ) )
The crowd. Okay, from this spot they don't look fierce but believe the closer I ventured the scarier they became.
Things did become easier for me. The Mad Hatter himself was there to welcome me to the fair.
Then I found KNITTING!! Novelty yarn scarves. I think we knitters can sniff it out. Admiring another's knitting is almost as good as feeling yarn. IMHO
Pot holders. Most are knit but I have no idea how the green was made. It is very intriguing. I'm sorry I didn't get a better shot of it.
Baby and children's hats. How cute!
Sweaters and slippers.
Yes, that's what this humble reporter saw at the church fair: knitting.

However, what I bought at the church fair was slightly different. Afterall I can knit. In my lam attempt at organizing some of the paper in my studio I bought the envelope holder. My reasoning: I can put important correspondence safely in the pockets. No more pawing through stack after stack. We'll see how well this works.

Beautiful napkins. I just loved this print. Now all I have to find is a denim table cloth. Yes, I am a Jean girl.

Hubby and I will soon be celebrating our anniversary so I am on the lookout for romantic gifts. The wine/candle holder fit the bill. We can take it camping or canoeing or simply up our hill. The dogs are perfect I enjoy tormenting Hubby with the phrase: "I want a Puppy". Sure we have three cats but... I know but I never claimed to be mature.

So there you go I came, I saw, I bought. Then I quickly left the masses.

A traditional church fair

Yourself, science, Mother Goddess, God - you must have faith in something.
Saint Mary Magdelene Church is Anglican but she has welcomed Catholics and Protestants of all denominations within her walls.

Built in the 1800 she has seen many changes. Many tourists come on Saturdays simply to marvel at her ancient grace.

This Saturday (tomorrow) islanders and tourists alike will gather for fun and games in the park-like church grounds. This year's theme for our Traditional Church Fair is the Mad Hatter. Attendees are requested to join in the fun by donning their most outlandish hat.

Why not join us from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm? We offer kids' games, a silent auction, delicious food and live entertainment. I have faith that you sill have a good time if you do come.

For those unable to attend, don't worry, I will report back on the fun in tomorrow's post.

An addiction

A "friend" taught me to cast on - it was all downhill from there. I slipped into the life so easily. It all seemed so innocent. It's just lacework I told myself what harm could it do. Next thing I know I'm doing cables line after line, row after row. I can't stop myself. I'm not myself - something else had taken over. Then came the hard stuff intarsia I couldn't get enough. I found myself sneaking off to knitting raves. Raves where I broke needles. Exchanged yarn. It wasn't pretty. I couldn't stop myself.
The best thing you can do is not start. When you see a yarn shop cross to the other side of the street.

Signs you may have a knitting addiction:
-Meals are late, cold or burnt.
-Laundry is mounting up.
-The house is a mess.
-Children complain about being bored.
-Your significant other begs you to lay down your needles.
Don't let this madness happen to you or a loved one.

A message from Significant Others for more peaceful living.

Copyright by Leanne Dyck July 13, 2006

La tour de France

It's summer. Nothing on TV. Turn on OLN. Watch la tour de France.

Last night I was captivated by three cyclists who raced to win. Unfortunately, they refused to work together. They needed to draft one another but didn't. The peleton devoured them. It was painful to watch like a deer being chased down by a lion.

Hubby said, "Watch closely. Where's the guy in green?"

I didn't understand. I couldn't see a guy in green. Then out of nowhere he appeared: Robbie McEwen - the invisible man. He maneuvered around a steady stream of cyclists all bent on blocking him. McEwen didn't say die and came in second. Second by the thickness of a tire.

Watch OLN today and see the cyclists climb Stage 10.

The treasure is mine

I'm not sure why but I always get a little intimidated when I deal with the government. I was half expecting Mr. Ottawa to phone me and say,
"Why do YOU want an ISBN number?"
Well, no phone call. In fact, only polite, friendly, helpful emails. Ah, emails my favourite form of communication.
They said I would receive my ISBN number in five to ten days. How long has been - three? I checked my emails this morning and there it was. My ISBN number wrapped up with a polite, friendly, helpful email.
Maybe it is true. Maybe the government does exist to serve the taxpayers ...even little old me.
Do you believe it oknitting.com is now a publisher. ...um...er...well at least has an ISBN number. I guess I actually need to have a book to be a publisher. No worries it's coming.
Smiles all around

Magazine: Knit Together - rocks!

Knit Together is the quarterly publication of the Canadian Guild of Knitters. It unites our large nation of knitters. Editor Cynthia MacDougall does her best to ensure that there is fair representation nation wide.
Each issue features a introduction to a Canadian knitter and designer, yarn reviews and a knitting pattern. This issue I am proud that my design, Hey Blondie! - is featured. The pattern was influenced by the blonde movie starlets of the 50s and 60s. "Hey Blondie!" is available for sale from my web site: www.oknitting.com

Editor, Cynthia MacDougall models "Hey, Blondie!"
To learn more about Knit Together please log on to: www.CGKnitters.ca

Finding it

Sorry about the lack of post yesterday. Hubby and I went off-island to complete a long list of tasks.

One of the tasks took us to downtown Victoria. We hadn't been there for a very long time so our city navigation skills are a little rusty. Or at least mine are - Hubby was driving.

Urban BC is rather civilized when it comes to street signs. Read a street sign and you not only learn the name of the street but also the street number (i.e. 600 block). This makes up the for the lack of numbers on the buildings ...I guess. : ( I was surprised to see how jammed up together the buildings are. Yes, I don't get off island much. I was just about to ask Hubby, "Where do you think..." and there was the building in front of my eyes.

During the ferry ride home, the Captain announced that we were approaching a pond of Killer Whales. We, passengers waited with eager anticipation. I was just about to turn to ask Hubby, "Where are they..." when there was a fin right in front of my eyes.

My search for an ISBN number application form was much like this: easily solved once I knew where to look. Nation-wide the web site address is: www.collectioncanada.ca I have to wait five to ten days and then the holy grail will be mine ...I hope. Positive thoughts appreciated.

Lesson learnt: Keep your eyes open.

Mainstream or Self-publishing

Last night I attended the opening night for my local art council's group show. I am participating in the show (a knitwear design, writing, and photography).
I was overwhelmed by the fount of knowledge that awaited me there.
You see I had mentioned to a few friends what had transpired with my manuscript submission. All where supportive. One friend suggested that I go the self-publishing route. I do plan to self-publish an ebook. However, self-publishing a children's book seems to me to be too expensive. She pointed out the advantages:
I would be able to retain artistic control on the book
I wouldn't have to share the profits with a publisher
I also would not have to tie myself to a publisher who may drop my book like a hot potato.
Our conversation was over heard by a book-seller. She pointed out that book-sellers shy away from self-publishers because:
-book-sellers prefer not to deal on a one-on-one basis with a large group of individual self-publishers. Work with a publishing house is much easier for them.
-self-published books tend to look amateurish.
So I am still on the lookout for a publisher for my children's book. However, I still intend to self-publish my ebook. The roadblock I have come to with my ebook is acquiring a ISBN number. "Where do you acquire an ISBN number?" You would think that all it would take to answer this question is a simple google or yahoo search. Unfortunately, this is not the case. I have tried repeatedly - to no avail. I have found tons of information. Yet, no answer to my simple question. So if any of you can help please email: leanne@oknitting.com You may prevent me from going preeminently bald. : )

In search of a publisher

I innocently stopped off at the mail box yesterday. I was blissfully unaware of what awaited me there. I usually can't wait to look through the incoming. Yesterday was no different. A large brown envelop stood out among the rest. I quickly realized that it was "the manuscript". The first manuscript that I have ever submitted to any publisher anywhere. I was overcome by a feeling of failure. I had carefully matched my manuscript to a publisher who I was sure would appreciate it.
I managed to wait until I arrived home to tear the envelop open. There I found a form letter. The publisher encouraged me to continue submitting the manuscript to publishers. I will follow their advise. I still believe in the merit of my craft/picture book. I will not give up on it.
I am encouraged by a story regarding one of my favourite children's book: Love You Forever. Apparently Robert Munsch (http://www.robertmunsch.com/playstory.cfm?bookid=40) submitted this manuscript to nine publishers before it was finally published. That means I have at least eight more publishers to go. Ready or not here I come. Wish me luck.

Saying good-bye to a friend

I just finished this excellent book. The tale recounts the lives of four women. They are connected through a knitting shop: A Good Yarn.
Lydia Hoffman: a cancer survivor and shop owner.
Elsie Beaumont: avid knitter and Grandma.
Bethanne Hamlin: returning to knitting and Mother of two teen-agers.
Courtney Pulanski: A teen-ager who is learning to knit.
It is interesting to see how there lives intertwine and develop.
Only one complaint: most of the lives are told in the third person except for Lydia's. I found this confusing at first. I thought that perhaps Lydia was telling the stories of the other woman as well as her own. I then realized that this was not possible.
It was a fun, light read. I didn't want to say good-bye.

Happy Independence Day

Canadians say, "Zed"
Americans say, "Zee"

Canadians say, "gauge"
Americans say, "Tension"

Canadians say, "Cast off"
Americans say, "Bind off"

It just as easily could have been a person from Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver but it wasn't, he was American.
I was sitting in a dark corner of my craft store knitting when he walked in.
He said in a loud voice, "Hello is anyone here?"
I popped my head out of my hiding place.
"Hello" I said shyly.
"I just wanted to tell you that I am impressed with the stock you carry. You have a small store but the inventory is wide." A broad smile across his face.
"Thank you."
"Be proud of what you have. Don't hide. If this was my store everyone within a hundred mile radius would know about it. Believe me. ...but I am just a loud mouth American. I guess."
I would like to thank him. That day he caused me to think. He taught me a lot. I no longer hide. In fact, I am open 24/7 globally. Gosh, I even share my writing with the world.
Canadians try not to stand out. If it is there it will show, we are taught. Like the crab in the bucket, if we forget this lesson there is always a fellow Canadian who will be there to remind you. ....but when you are in business is this wise?

Happy Canada Day

So my mission was discover how we on Mayne Island celebrate Canada Day. Of course it is impossible for me to visit all residents individually. So I decided to join the masses. They all meet at Dinner Bay Park. When I was there this is what I saw.
'Oh Canada'
We all sung the national athem as the flag flew.

'We stand on guard for thee'

The above picture is of Hubby standing in front of the Rapid Attack truck. He was only one of the service personal present. Also present was the rest of the firefighter as well Mayne Island RCMP constable.

So there you have it: Canada Day on Mayne Island.

Later we will do what we do best: gather in small groups to celebrate. Yet another day to enjoy each others company and give thanks that we live on such a beautiful island.

Mission: Oh Canada

Canadians don't often fly the flag.
Do Canadians on a tiny island in the pacific celebrate Canada Day? If so, how?
To seek out and record the answers to these questions, this is my mission.