Last Hoorah

I don’t like doing it, but it looks like it’s necessary. Next week I’ll be looking around to trade in my car for another. I don’t want to, but it isn’t worth it to shell out $2000 in part replacements (front subframe, muffler, and spoilers) when it could need mechanical repairs a month or two from now. Unlike my Jeep, I don’t think the Blue Mobile will be able to make it to 13 years and 200,000 miles- only half of which were mine. It’s only a 2001 (Ford Focus ZX3), but the long and often severe winter weather is harsh on cars. Salt = Rust = Replacing parts.

So I’ve been browsing consumer reports on cars. Right now, I’m thinking to get a Honda- Accord, Civic, or Fit. I like Ford, but I really like Honda, which I had years ago. Honda makes the top ten for fuel efficiency, driving, safety, reliability, and then some. Ford on the other hand, not so much. There are a lot of opinions out there that Ford is pretty shoddy on parts, from the stereo not working to locks sticking. I’ve fought with both and I’ll be reattaching the seat handles that snapped off before I take the Blue Mobile in for an estimate.

I’ve been thinking about my requirements for my next car. Reliability and knowing I won’t have to pull over on the highway is pretty major. With high gas prices, fuel efficiency is a big one. I’m debating getting a standard because they tend to get better gas mileage. The downfall is that not everybody knows how to drive a standard and there are occasionally times when another driver is necessary- ie. rushing dad to the E.R. Safety is also important. One of the reasons I got a Jeep Cherokee was because of it’s low roll over rate. When I was in a car accident several years ago (due to winter weather), the front of the Ford I had at the time smashed in, but the airbags worked and I came out (surprisingly) unscathed. That’s actually why I ended up with the Blue Mobile. I’m also looking at how well the car drives. Driving in cities like Montreal, I need a car that maneuvers and accelerates well and at the drop of a hat. Comfort and space come next. I tend to spend a lot of time in the car. How will my back, shoulders, and knees feel after a 4 or 13 hour drive? What about anyone who tends to be with me? Though I’m no longer moving myself or my sister into and out of college, I need a decent amount of space inside. For a hatchback, the Blue Mobile provided ample space- enough that a friend who is 6′2″ doesn’t hit his head on the roof when riding with me and I can load up suitcases in the trunk and go away for a long weekend with friends. Mini Coopers are great (and fun!) cars, but they’re too small. Anyways, these are just some of the criteria running through my head.

I wish I lived in an area where I didn’t need a car, but public transportation is non-existent. And yes, I enjoy being able to go wherever whenever. I’ve always loved driving and road trips. I have trips waiting to be taken and friends to visit, but they’ll have to be done with my next car- starting with a friend’s wedding at the end of this month.

Though I probably shouldn’t, I’m taking the Blue Mobile for it’s last hoorah to Montreal, about an hour away. Since 2003, we’ve traveled 67,000 miles together. We’ve traversed a lot of New York and been to Ottawa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and various parts of Vermont.

Back when gas was more affordable, the Jeep and I went cross country from Los Angeles to northern New York. With a friend, we crossed “the Ontario wasteland” to get to Detroit, while seeing a friend in the Niagara Falls area along the way. I’ve had a lot of fun with my cars. We’ve seen a lot together, sometimes with others and sometimes not. Like the scenery and the rest stops, they’re part of the journey.

A future trip I’d really like to take, possibly by train: Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Tennessee. In Tenn, there’s a folk festival I want to check out and seeing friends along the way (some of whom I haven’t seen in over a decade) is big incentive for me to make a week or two out of it. And eventually, I’ll do the trip through the Northwest that’s been on my mind…

Faire Foreclosure

Following up on my last post… Although I wouldn’t have been able to go, I’m sad and irked that the Washington Rennaissance Fantasy Faire was canceled. According to the Kitsap Sun, it basically came down to the Department of Natural Resources and a zoning conversion. Petitions were signed, some for and some against the Faire. Wesley Weaver pointed out that “Saying ‘No, we don’t want the millions of dollars the fair is going to bring to the community’ is ludicrous. It’s self-destructive.” It was estimated that $5 million would have been going into the area and more with other festivals lined up later in the year.

The cancellation affects dozens of people, from the organizer who’s out $250,000 to the attendees who purchased their airline tickets and made reservations for the occasion. There’s a lot of unhappy people out there, including/especially the performers and vendors who have been scrambling to fill the sudden gaps in their schedules. Faires, festivals, and conventions are major sources of income for them. It’s a fun circuit, but can be extremely stressful. I caught wind that one couple has this month to cough up the cash or else they’ll be forced to foreclose on their farm and find a home not just for themselves but its feathered and furry residents as well. I know how long it took to get that and the thought of that getting swept away in an instant just saddens me. My fingers are crossed and good vibes sent their way, but there’s not much more I can do at this point.

Rather, I can plug (some) of those who were scheduled to perform at the Faire:

Alexander James Adams: Celtic folk, storyteller, and Heir to the magic of Heather Alexander.

BOWI: Lively Celtic ballads, jigs, and reels.

CeltCheck: The trio began jamming at a Faire and decided to continue…

Erwilian: Organic acoustic, from early music to contemporary folk.

the Forgotten Celts: Traditional tunes of Eire, Europe, and North America.

the Rogues: Scottish bagpipes and percussion to set one’s heart pumping.

SJ Tucker: Folky and funny with songs of pirate lasses, seafaring, and then some. Also a Tricky Pixie, Alec Adams being another.

“Support local music, sleep with a musician.”~ a T-shirt.

Help A Faire

The Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire is in need of help or it may be canceled this year. Scheduled for the first three weekends of August quick action is called for. The Faire has not been able to acquire the necessary permits for the event in Belfair, Washington. Although the Faire has the support of over 84%, there are those who oppose the event on the basis of traffic congestion and the doubt that money will make its way into the local economy. One of the reasons for possible congestion is that one of the area’s roads is now one lane because of a winter landslide. As SJ Tucker points out, “Shouldn’t folks be hammering away at the city and state highway departments for this, instead of trying to stop the Faire?”

The event effects not only the local economy, but also the musicians, entertainers, and vendors who were planning on earning some cash while there. Faires and festivals are not only a lot of fun, but are also a big source of income for them. With about a month to go before Faire, SJ says:

At this point, it would be next to impossible for most of the performers and vendors who’ve been hired and contracted by the Faire (that list includes myself and Alec, as well as dozens of others) to find other paying gigs that would treat them as well, pay them as well, and earn them as many sales and new fans as the Faire would do. My reasons are not entirely selfish, but there you are.

Should the Faire not happen, SJ Tucker’s tour schedule for August will change so much that she’ll need to cancel her performances in Washington. If I could, I’d be giving my support to SJ Tucker, Alexander James Adams, and the rest in person, but I’m on the opposite coast so this and a few emails will have to suffice.

The Mason County Commissioners vote will be giving their thumbs up or down on July 15th. To voice support and help save a Faire and its folk, please contact the following: Tim Sheldon (Tims@co.mason.wa.us), Ross Gallagher (rossg@co.mason.wa.us), and Linda Ring Erickson (lyndare@co.mason.wa.us).

Also from SJ: “I appreciate your effort, and I know that all the other performers do as well.”

SJ Tucker’s concerts are scheduled for 1000, 1300, and 1530 on August 9, 10, 16, and 17. Alexander James Adams will be there all three weekends. Great music, great fun!- there ends the plug and the post.

Follow Your Heart

I’ll be the first to admit I can be a bit dense and may need to be hit with a clue-by-four at times. On occasion, I need others to give me my own advice of “follow your heart”. Perhaps a bit cliché, but it usually holds true.

Last week I was torn between going to two places, each for different reasons, or so I originally thought. No sooner had the question left my lips (yes, I talk to myself while driving) when I saw an eagle flying just ahead and above me. I may not have paid it much attention except that the last time I saw an eagle was a few years ago and it was headed southeast. I guess I didn’t think that clear enough at the time because I asked a friend what he thought. Understanding my dilemma, he simply said, “follow your heart”. As the sun rose Thursday morning I followed the eagle’s path to Pittsburgh. While on my way, I found myself making a date to see another friend in New York City, which was option #2 and which meant leaving PA a day earlier than slotted. Eagles again led the way during the rest of my travels, one towards New York and the other towards home.

Although my heart was split between PA or NY, it seems as though I was meant to go to both, in that order. As if to say, “I told you so”, I unexpectedly ended up with a belt buckle of bronzed talons from a rescued eagle and an art piece of a phoenix that I’ve loved for ten years. The Egyptians believed that every decade an eagle flew into the Underworld’s fires and was reborn much like the phoenix.

With keen eyesight, eagles can see the ground from up high. Their powerful wings make them swift and agile. They have long been symbols of courage, strength, authority, majesty, victory, and spiritual power. Seen as solar birds and symbols of sky deities, they are also associated with the sun, fire, and lightning. Among the Celts, eagles were associated with wisdom and long life. In Scandinavia, it was said that atop the World Tree sat an eagle. It is also said that eagles were the only birds to live on Mount Olympus with the gods.

It is believed that Eagle lives in both the spirit and Earth realms and is able to see hidden truths. Its element, air, represents wisdom and the mental plane. Its feathers are often used as tools in healing and cleansing (ie. smudging). Eagle represents understanding, personal power, and connecting with guides and the Great Spirit. Eagle is a reminder to face one’s fear, broaden one’s sense of self, and last but not least, to follow one’s heart.

~Wind to thy wings~

Expansionist Meme

A friend brought up the fact that I haven’t posted much lately. Although I have topics in the queue, I’ve been busy enjoying the summer while I can. Even if it’s been raining a lot lately, four months of warmth and sunshine gives me cause to be out and about. Usually I’m fishing, sailing, camping, chatting with friends outside, or catching live music. Yesterday was spent showing my parents Montreal and the festivities for St. Jean Baptiste (a big national holiday in Québec), including the fireworks. It drizzled, but not enough to put a damper on a very enjoyable day. Today is gorgeous with no sign of rain, but I have things to take care of (laundry is currently going). As the sun rises tomorrow, I’ll be departing for a weekend of music. More on that when I return…uh, at some point.

Anyways, Nita tagged me a week or so ago for this meme so here it goes…

Please thoughtfully consider the following, and choose one item for each of the categories below. (Be sure to describe your reasons for choosing)

One religious work from a non-familiar tradition you’ll read:
Having already read Ursula LeGuin’s translation of Laozi’s Tao Te Ching, I’d like to read another just because. The poetic work flows through Taoism, Shintoism, and Buddhism.

One music video-that you like-from your “least likely to listen to’ genre:
I can’t think of one because I don’t know of any music videos and I barely watch any of the 8 channels I have. But I’m least likely to listen to rap and hip-hop. They just never jived with me.

A book from a genre you almost never read, that you have read, or you will read (promise!):
John Grisham’s The Chamber was surprisingly very good. The legal fiction genre isn’t something I would normally pick from a shelf, but I found myself reading this because of the plot and subject matter (in short, Jews and the KKK). I would read another Grisham, though I have other books waiting that have priority.

Somewhere you’d never thought to go on holiday/vacation, and why it might be fun to go there?
James Bay, Canada which lies between northern Ontario and Québec. I’d never heard of it until a friend told me about it. I love the rugged outdoors, especially when open water is involved, and it’d be cool to visit him while he’s there. I think he mentioned sub-arctic climate…

A specific food you’ve never tried, but will because of this meme, honest!:
Specifically, that’s hard. I love food and will try anything, provided it’s within the range of my vegetarianism.

A sport or game you really hate, or haven’t tried yet, but are willing to give one more go:
Tennis or racket ball. I’ve picked up a racket a few times in my life, but wouldn’t mind hitting the ball back and forth again.

A style of dance you probably won’t try (we won’t make you promise on this one):
I’m usually up for trying just about anything at least once. Thanks to friends, I’ve done the merengue, line dancing, polka, and even the tango. My two left feet, on occasion and with the right partner, can bumble their way through a dance.

A career job you don’t feel you’re suited for, and why:
I found out that office jobs bore me to tears and I can’t deal with the monotony.

If there’s one thing in life you wanted to do, and will do because of this meme, what will it be?
Sky dive. According to friends, a few of whom do it regularly, there’s nothing like it.

An item that’s “thinking out of the box” for this meme that hadn’t been included:
If you could learn an instrument what would it be? The fiddle so I can play the jigs and reels that I love so much.

Web Weavers

Back in autumn, I was stagnant and stuck and for various reasons just couldn’t move. Part of it was just not knowing how or in which direction. I was also overwhelmed by the tides of change. I still am on occasion, but its lessened enough that I can, am doing, and did something about it. I also had the urge to create again for myself and for pay. I had previously been doing website design and maintenance, but after a hiatus was looking for more projects. A friend pointed me in the direction to seek to new clients, but I was a bit hesitant to swim new waters. Although my original intention was more design projects, the winds blew something else my way. I have always loved writing, but to get paid for it? Okay. During this time I felt the need to share my thoughts on the arts in all of its forms and so began Stage and Canvas. Shortly afterwards I realized I had a lot more to write about than would fit the canvas and thus started this one. I owe a lot of the creative venues to my friends, two-legged and eight-legged.

I have always loved the weavers of webs, even if walking into their creations can be annoying. I try to listen to them, especially when they won’t leave me alone. More frequently than usual, spiders were visiting daily back in autumn. On one occasion, two decided to hang out on me one after the other. I was more worried about them getting accidentally squashed than anything. Last month, a spider even decided to share a pint of Guinness with me. My thanks to them for giving me a shove now and then. Anyway…

Spider is a bringer of creativity and a strong warrior. Agile, she is able to walk upon the delicate, but also strong, threads she weaves. It is believed in many cultures that she brought forth the world through her dreaming and gave humans the first alphabet, so she is also a guardian and teacher of language. Represented by the number 8, she is the symbol of infinite dreams. Her eight legs represent the four winds of change and the four directions of the medicine wheel. She is also associated with death and rebirth and seen as a lunar symbol. Some spider species, like the Black Widow, eat their mates.

Spider is referred to the Weaver of the World in Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek, and Norse folklore. Native Americans considered Grandmother to be the link between the past and future. Among Hindus, it is said the spider weaves life from its own body and is the creator of illusion. The Ashanti say that Anansi, the Great Spider, is creator and trickster. Spider also represents the Great Terrible Mother in her fate-weaver aspect.

Spider has much to say, sometimes repeatedly, as I’ve found. Weave your own fate, if one way is too dangerous then look for another. Don’t let yourself become trapped by your own web of fear and limitation. Don’t try to plan your life so hard that you miss opportunity. Stay focused on a goal and don’t scatter yourself in all directions. Maintain balance in your life: past & future, physical & spiritual, male & female. Each of us is in the center of our own worlds.

From out of the nothingness of the great void the light issued forth
From the Light you sprang forth into being… Masters of Destiny
You have since the beginning always held the ability to set forth the dictates of your reality
Even now the universe awaits your command…
Master yourself and you will master your life
From the light you came and unto the light you will return
… from the dream
~Robert Ghost Wolf, Changing the Tides of Fear

Hawk Brother

Hawk brother, steadfast friend cast your song upon the wind. With your sure and healing hand draw the magic of the land.

With a heart full of love and wonder I watched well over a dozen hawks soar, dip, and circle. As they have in the past, these magnificent raptors guided my way this weekend and aptly so. Upon my first sighting, words from Hawk Brother began circling in my mind. Coincidentally, the song is from the soundtrack for the Last Herald Mage Trilogy, in which some of the main themes are the power of one-self, music, and love. Considering that the album’s writers (lyrics by Mercedes Lackey and D.F Saunders and music by Heather Alexander and Cecilia Eng) are pretty popular names among the fantasy and filk circles with whom I spent my weekend and just life in general it seemed apropos.

Hawk is a protector and a visionary. The Celts thought hawks to be messengers between the realms and similarly they was said to have been messengers for Apollo. The Pueblo use hawks’ feathers and energies in healing ceremonies while to the Ojibwa, they represent leadership.

In animal medicine, birds in general stimulate hopes and new ideas. With exceptional eyesight, hawks can strike quickly from a distance. Their call can pierce , both the air and the consciousness. Male and females look similar, though females are larger because they protect the nest. They tend to mate for life. Their diet is usually rodents, rabbits, and snakes, but they are adaptable. The tail of the red-tailed hawk is symbolic of the kundalini, the base chakra and seat of the primal life force. Lighter feathering represents more joyful and social energies while the darker feathering reflect a time to be alone. Due to their excellent memory, hawks are said to help with recalling past lives. They are also attributed with courage, wisdom, strength, creativity, truth, and experience.

Wind to thy wings.

A Mother’s Thoughts

Words I felt worth sharing.

“The day-today values you live shape your life and your world and show others what you are really about. Always remember that what you do and how you treat others is more important than what you have! Take responsibility for yourself and your problems but don’t be afraid to ask for help! Face your problems as opportunities. Be thoughtful, hard working and courageous. Learn to face your disappointments and work hard to overcome them. Don’t burn bridges.

Don’t ever abandon your dreams. Make long and short term goals that will help you reach them. Be nicer than you need to be. Remember, everyone has worth! Be intolerant of verbal abuse. Unkind words are as damaging as physical abuse. Think optimistically. Life is too short for anger and bitterness. Be quick to forgive yourself and to forgive others.

Choose good friends. Always be generous - with time, money, your skills and compliments. Pray for wisdom, courage and strength.”

Good Game, Old Chap

Trout season began on April Fool’s Day, but the joke is that the local rivers are raging from the winter’s thaw and fish are nowhere to be seen. Since then, my fishing partner and I have been enjoying the great outdoors. Seeing or hearing that no one else had felt a nibble either was a good sign in that it wasn’t just us at a bad spot. But really, our outings are about sharing company, relaxing, and being outside after several months of snow and cold. Bringing home dinner, on the occasion that we do so, is just a bonus.

Trout are not only intelligent, but they also have excellent sight and hearing. I got the first bite and signs of activity today from a rainbow. He was hefty, hungry, and certainly put on a good game. As I was reeling in and trying to land him, he spit the (empty) hook out at me. After untangling my line and resetting my hook, I dropped in. After a few minutes, I felt him pull the line and again, the hook came flying back at me. Once more this happened so I decided to change my setup, opting for a particular lure and bait. For his next move, he ate the bait around the hook. I would have liked to stay and continue, but it was time to head off. If he’s that wily then perhaps we’ll meet again at the river, perhaps not. It was a good and memorable game on a beautiful day.

Ommm…

Tibetan food may be one of those well-kept secrets and, for many, difficult to come by. A couple years ago, I came across the delightfully delicious cuisine by chance when a friend asked if I wanted to try Tibetan. Before then, it never really crossed my mind. Due to the current protests surrounding the Olympics and the torch, my mind, heart, and stomach are turning to Tibet. Aside from a few tasty similarities to Indian, which I also love, Tibetan cuisine isn’t something I knew much about.

Due to Tibet’s high altitude and long winters, the diet tends to be high in protein and the food heavy and warming. Those in the lower altitudes tend to consume more vegetables and less meat than those in the higher regions. Also due to altitude, one cannot cook with water, which boils at 90 degrees Celsius. Barley flour and tea are are consumed daily. Yak, mutton, and pork are eaten freshly cooked or dried. Milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt are also consumed regularly. Tibet is probably one of the few Asian countries, if not the only one, where rice isn’t eaten regularly nor by everyone. Also interestingly, although a Buddhist country, Tibet’s climate makes the consumption of meat and high calorie intake a necessity of life.

Tsamba, a main staple, is made of barley flour and tea, flavored with butter, curd, and sugar, and eaten with one’s fingers. The meat or vegetable filled momos can be a meal in themselves. The dumpings’ dough tends to be thick and bread-like. After having sampled it, I can see why butter tea (po cha) is a standard drink. Thick and heavy are the first things that come to mind for a description. It also tends to be on the salty side, as butter and salt are used along with black tea to make it. My suggestion, save it for when it’s cold outside. On the lighter side and possibly more palatable for some, are jasmine and milk teas. There are a variety of flat breads, with regions having their own styles to make them. Definitely try the momos and bread if the opportunity arises.

A few basic Tibetan recipes may be found at Lobsang’s. And because she wrote about it so well, Nita’s post about the Olympic protests.