FISHBOWL MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

SALT SPRING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE november 2018 - FISSUE #123 FREE & EASY

James & Jamsey return to ArtSpring December 4th & 5th The Singing Amma

Raising Boys in #MeToo times • 6

November Events Calendar

STUFF to DO on the ROCK • 9

Dorothy Price

Happiness • 13 PHOTO CREDIT: Thaddeus Hink

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On Our Cover

JAMES & JAMESY

Acclaimed British Comedians James & Jamesy steep Holiday Hilarity Buckle your theatre seats and grab your teacups, British comedians James & Jamesy bring their unique brand of hilarity to British Columbia in their theatrical holiday classic O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy. It’s unlike anything you have seen before. The spectacle brings people together much like a panto, with cleverly crafted interactive elements, yet James & Jamesy’s spectacular physical comedy and endearing chemistry provide the real magic of this play.

They have already won just about every comedy award they can, and the reason is obvious: these two are exceptional. Stepping away from their Off-Broadway debut in New York, the duo touch down on Salt Spring December 4 & 5. Islanders, leap to get tickets.

“In O Christmas Tea, Jamesy’s wish for tea is granted, but with catastrophic and uproarious repercussions,” says Knowles. “When tea fills Jamesy’s flat and bursts through the fourth wall to flood the world, our performance spills from the stage into the audience. Classic aquatic narratives like Jaws, Noah’s ark, and the Titanic are all steeped together and thematically wrapped up in the Christmas spirit.”

Describing any part of this show does the art a disservice, as this show must be seen to be understood. Go see this show! The script is absolutely astonishing and these two titans of the International Comedy circuit present one of the tightest pieces of theatre I have ever seen.

December 4 & 5, 7:30pm | Artspring Theatre, 100 Jackson Ave | Tickets $18 - $26 Online: www.JamesandJamesy.com | Phone: 250-537-2102

FISHBOWL

Scopes Brought to you by our own in-house astrologer who now goes by her numerologically correct name of “Ya Righta.”

^ Aries:

d Libra:

_ Taurus:

e Scorpio:

All the advice I could share with you would blow your mind and leave nothing to the imagination.

All the committee work you have done this year is brilliant and you will get the reward you richly deserve. Just kidding, you’ll likely have someone else take credit for your efforts and be criticized for that spelling error on the meeting minutes you typed.

` Gemini:

Brown is your unlucky colour for today.

Avoid it wherever possible.

a Cancer:

Jumping up and down is great fun and encouraging others to do so is a fine way to make friends and see wobbling breasts.

WINTERCRAFT M ahon Ha ll: No ve mber 23 – December 22 Open daily 10-5 | Fine Gifts, Crafts, and Art. Be auti ful .

L o c a l.

U n i q u e .

b Leo:

Today can be what you make of it: beautiful or thoroughly horrific.

People may wander up to you today and offer to buy the magazine you're holding.

Give them my number and send them my way! There’s something in it for you!

f Sagittarius: Today is going to be like most days, certainly in terms of its length and the frequency of sun-rises to sun-sets

g Capricorn: Capricorns are known for their incredible wit, astounding intelligence and breathtaking beauty. Just keep being awesome, Hot Stuff.

Push those bad thoughts to the side. h Jail sentences between 5 and 10 years The only conspiracy theory you need to worry about is the one that involves may be applicable to the thoughts you. You knew about that conspiracy, you’re having today. right? Oh... dear...

c virgo:

Aquarius:

If you're terrified by the thought of someone i being able to look into your mind... are you Liven up your day by putting party sure you should be here, because that's what balloons and glitter all around your desk. Jeff will love it!

I'm doing right now.

Pisces:

THE FISHBOWL is brought to you by publisher Genevieve Price cOLUMNISTS: Lisa Sigurgeirson Maxx GREEN PRINTING & LAYOUT: IMAGINE THAT GRAPHICS.CA along with the following columnists.

Dorothy teaches local classes & retreats locally & worldwide. John Bateman • Dorothy Price • Ken Brudner Dorothy teaches classes today & retreats Call Genevieve at 250 locally 538 8427&orworldwide. email Visit www.santosha-yoga-retreats.com or phone 250.653.4655 Peter Vincent • Dr. Brad DunstanVisit www.santosha-yoga-retreats.com or phone 250.537.7675 Marsha Moreau • Melinda Parks-Divers thesaltyfishbowl@hotmail.com for rates & information.

T H E F I S H B O W L - N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8 • PA G E F O U R

Price is Right

PRODUCT REVIEWS by: Genevieve Price Sponsored by

Keep your blonde bright with Purple Shampoo I know I know, the first place I saw it too was grandma’s bathroom but Purple Shampoo is great for all light hair types, white, grey and even blonde. Purple shampoo can be used as a regular shampoo, or as an intensive treatment by applying it generously to dry hair. It’s recommended you leave it on for 1-5 minutes but it can leave a lilac tint on light hair if left on too long.

Not convinced putting purple on your hair is the way to go? Here’s the science. To neutralize yellow or brassy hues, you'd color them with purple ones, when we wash our hair with purple shampoo, our hair absorbs a small amount of purple pigment, which cancels out red and yellow undertones, making your blue undertones higher.

Why are women doing this? Well I started because the water I was washing with on a daily basis was turning my hair green/yellow from the chlorine. Between colour treatments a weekly or even twice weekly application kept my hair looking bright and white, more of an ash than a yellow blonde.

Pharmasave has 2 brands and I liked them both PRO:VOKE Touch of Silver Brightening Shampoo and Intensive Conditioner is a little less expensive and seems like a stronger formula. I used a second conditioner after using this brand.

AG Hair Care Sterling Silver toning shampoo and Conditioner also did a great job and felt more like a shampoo and conditioner than a toning product. This one is priced a little over $20 per product.

YOUTH

ENRICHMENT GALLERY SHOW Runs Friday November 2

from 3:00 - 4:00pm

and on November 5 and 6 from 10:00am - 4:00pm

Featuring artwork produced by the children participating in the Youth Art Enrichment Program. Generously sponsored by Country Grocer.

Children ages 7 to 14 will explore the work and life of the Dutch Master painter Vincent Van Gogh and replicate his style through carving, texturizing and sculpting clay plaques, painting self-portraits with acrylics on canvas, sketching local landscapes using pen, ink and charcoal, and by creating 3D oil pastel paintings. Students will view sections of Loving Vincent (the world’s first fully painted feature film) to learn about Van Gogh’s life and his painting and sketching style.

Facilitated by Tracy Harrison, a multimedia visual artist, arts educator, and Art Therapist. Generously sponsored by Country Grocer.

A Love Story

My Food Matters

by CHEF KEN BRUDNER

PLEASE SIR MAY I HAVE SOME MORE? Imagine the courage that Oliver Twist must have conjured up to get up from his bench in the dirty mess hall and in bare feet and dusty clothes walk down the long aisle holding his empty bowl. In desperation, his hunger motivated him; he had nothing else to prevent starvation.

In any decade or century, past and/or future, there was and will always be a class structure that determines a certain lifestyle.

Starvation mimics plagues with millions of people around the globe who don’t have enough food to eat for nutrition and basic life’s needs. So they die without dignity or even knowledge of the potential of a better life while other millions of people have a place to live that keeps them warm and food they can simply buy from a store and now the advent of online shopping which makes life so much “easier,” is on the rise.

Since bank machines and debit cards have arrived on the scene most of us do not carry cash. Panhandlers are swept aside; squeegee boys are empty handed, sick people with mental issues hold out their torn and dusty hat expecting a piece of bread. Sometimes they get it, sometimes they don’t.

So now, we turn away simply because our debit cards need a pin number and I don’t know anyone that would give that away especially to a desperate person.

Opening Reception November 11th, 2pm at ArtSpring Show runs November 10th to 25th daily Every November, for the past 5 years, a group of female artists have gathered to tell stories expressed in a variety of mediums from mosaics and collage to paint and fabric. Through their art and words they have shared stories both personal and imaginary. They have been vulnerable, shared about their own creative process, spoke about why they create and hoped that they would inspire others to follow their artistic passions.

This year the women have chosen to tell A Love Story, stories that aren’t necessarily about falling in love with another human but could be. Through their artistic creations they will tell stories about the love of mother earth, places they have fallen in love with, the need and struggle for self love, things they are passionate about, the love of creating art and telling stories, about

Would you walk to the bank machine if you felt like giving? Would you have the time or inclination? how they can fall in love with a piece of paper or ephemera because they see something that inspires them to take that item and create something completely different.

From November 10th until the 25th nineteen women will gather once again to share their own creativity, their own Love Story. The artists work will include photography, collage, mosaics, mixed media, upcycling, paint and the written word. Some work will engage those attending the show to be a participant in someone’s creation, to perhaps reveal their own Love Story.

This years’ artists include: Sam Barlow, Selena Barwin, Val Chipman, Erin Cleal, Suzan Denis, Faeryn Eden, Erin Fawcett, Beulah Gordon, Julie Howard, Aiden Hughes, Isabelle de Launiere, Laura Hughes McGrath, Meghan McKillop, Nikki Menard, Dominique O’Neil, Ahava Shira, Julianna Slomka, Aria Squire and Charlene Wolff.

If we were honest... probably not.

Would Oliver Twist steal your wallet if he had to? Maybe.

There is a man who not too long ago, passed by a young child and his parents that were just sitting up against a wall looking hungry and sad. He took a few steps past them and then stopped. Remembering he had a $20 bill in his pocket he turned around and handed it to the mother. Her eyes were full of joy but her gratefulness was full of confusion.

It wasn’t a big deal really, just a random act of kindness, he thought. However, the mother found it to be the ticket for that day’s wellbeing for her family.

Some people all over the world travel to impoverished countries to lend a hand.

But all the rest of us can do is look after the ones around us. Food banks are supportive and provide nourishment for the community.

On Salt Spring a new outdoor restaurant called “Harvest Kitchen’ located at 134 McPhillips Ave., has opened. They are dedicated to making good food available for a low price using produce donated from farms and other community resources which help people with financial difficulty get a decent meal.

One thing for sure is that we must be confident that if we donate to any cause with this agenda it must be scrutinized for its intentions and ethical behaviour.

Love What You Cook, Love What You Eat! allmyfoodmatters@gmail.com

T H E F I S H B O W L - N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8 • PA G E S I X

Baba Hari Dass,

the master yogi and inspiration for the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2018 in Santa Cruz, California.

Babaji was born in Almora, India in 1923. He left his family at the age of eight to pursue the intensive study of yoga. He took a perpetual vow of silence in 1952 and served as a teacher and builder in several ashrams, notably that of Neem Karoli Baba (the guru of writer Ram Dass). Babaji was invited to come to the west in 1971 and began teaching in California, New Mexico and Florida.

Eventually, centres for the practice of his discipline, Ashtanga Yoga, were established in Santa Cruz, Toronto and Vancouver.

Babaji’s Canadian students attended several summer retreats in White Rock and Oyama. At his urging they searched for BC land, eventually purchasing the old Galleon Manor on Blackburn Road in 1981. It was initially named the Salt Spring Centre of Creative Arts & Sciences due to controversial associations with yoga at the time. The centre slowly grew into a successful retreat centre, farm and alternative school. Hundreds of yoga teachers graduated from the Centre’s comprehensive yoga teacher training.

Easter and summer retreats commenced in 1982, lasting several days and including asana, pranayama and meditation classes, Indian scriptural study, Q&A with Babaji, devotional kirtan music, yajna ritual ceremonies, work parties and recreational activities such as volleyball and arts. In keeping with Babaji’s emphasis on karma yoga or selfless service, he initiated projects which engaged everyone in a common task— often in building rock walls around the property. He toiled at the centre of these activities in his white robe and blue apron, communicating with a small chalkboard and frequent clicks and whistles.

Besides his deep advocacy of yoga practice, Ayurveda and Indian philosophical traditions, he pursued other interests: building and sculpting temples and assisting the production of the Ramayana epic play with dozens of cast members. He wrote story books, scriptural commentaries and answered dozens of letters each day.

He had a particular love for children and established Sri Ram Orphanage in India in 1986, where he traveled each winter. The income from his writings was dedicated to this project.

In his late years, Babaji was affected by a debilitating illness requiring full-time care and he was unable to return to Salt Spring. On October 7 after his death, about 150 local friends gathered under the maple tree where he taught to honour his life.

His ashes will be spread on the sacred Ganges in mid-November at Haridwar.

“Don't think that you are carrying the whole world; make it easy.

Make it play, make it a prayer.” ~Baba Hari Dass Author: Mark Classen, President, Dharma Sara Satsang Society

Lisa Sigurgeirson Maxx, ECE

Nurturing, empowering & educating families for over 30 years *amma = grandmother in Icelandic

How do we raise boys to become respectful men in the #MeToo era? This question has been on the minds of many parents in recent months, and has just peaked again at the time of this writing. There are many things we can make sure we have in place to help us raise caring sons, no matter how old the child.

Teaching our children to create healthy boundaries, and how to be respectful of others’ boundaries, begins with us modeling these behaviours. When playing a tickling game and, through fits of laughter our child says “Stop!” there is only one thing to do, and do immediately; STOP. Even if they seem like they’re totally having fun. No means no. “Maybe” means no. Silence can also mean “no.” In the teen and adult world, being too impaired - or unconscious - to speak your truth, also means no. Only “yes” means yes. When our children set personal boundaries, it is our job to respect those boundaries. This creates an early understanding of the concept of consent.

It is also important that we never insist a child hug or kiss anyone. A child should be asked if they wish to give that beloved family member or friend a hug/kiss.

If the answer is “no”, their “no” needs to be respected. Asking our child for a kiss or hug ourselves, instead of just swooping in and giving/taking one, creates a communication model that empowers personal choice.

Watch for disempowering, sexist language usage. “Boys will be boys,” for example, implies there is some rowdy or even untoward behaviour going on that is only acceptable because they are boys. And we’ll let them get away with it - yup, simply because “they are boys.” Eliminate phrases like “Man up.”“Big boys don’t cry.”“Quit being a sissy.” and “You run like a girl.” All of these phrases are sexist and diminish the worth of girls and women in another persons listening. They also disallow a boy to experience his feelings in the moment. His emotions are discredited out of hand and he begins to disassociate himself from his feeling-body.

Supporting individual emotional expression is paramount in raising healthy children - and boys are no exception. Allowing boys to be sad and vulnerable sometimes, as their emotions dictate, allows them to grow emotionally. Allow, also, their creativity to flourish, and for quiet times to ebb and flow. Being strong and sensitive are not mutually exclusive. Nor are either gender specific. Being a caring, compassionate human being is a positive attribute for all genders.

Encouraging boys to develop empathy can be a positive step. Having pets or younger siblings to care for, taking tea in to grannie, and playing with dolls, can all help boys develop their inner, caring nurturer.

Make sure the chores in your house are not divvied up in any way that could be ascertained as gender-stereotypical; dishes, laundry, taking out the garbage and mowing the lawn can be done by any household member.

Send your parenting questions to: singingamma@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/thesingingamma Visit: www.thesingingamma.com

Salt Spring TherapeuticRiding 2018

Kentucky Derby

Party

Feature Band: The Fabulous Flakes Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018 Time: 8:00-midnight | Location: Fulford Hall Door Prizes for Best Kentucky Derby Hat | Ticket price $20 Salt Spring Therapeutic Riding Association has found a new home at 700 Upper Ganges Road. Thanks to the new owners we will be running the program from this location starting in November. The program also has 4 new horses and 2 miniature horses to accommodate every rider.

SSTRA has worked incredibly hard for the last 17 years to improve the lives of individuals who are physically, intellectually or emotionally challenged. During this time, hundreds of individuals from kindergarten aged children to seniors have benefitted from the program. We believe it is important to continue this absolutely life-changing work and to ideally grow the program so that we can help even more individuals in the community that need us.

On November 3rd we will be holding a Kentucky Derby Dance featuring the Fabulous Flakes at the Fulford Hall. Tickets can be purchased at Salt Spring Books for $20, kids under 15 for free. There will be prizes for the best Kentucky Derby Hat. For information call Erika Ponsford at 250-653-9925 or email info@sstra.ca.

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month

we will remember you.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Meadon Hall 8:30 am to 10am. - Public Welcome by Donation.

Join veterans in Ganges to remember the sacrifices made by thousands of Canadians preceded.

Parade musters at the Ganges Post Office at 10:15 with Veterans and Legion Members, Colour Party, Legion Pipe Band, Royal Canadian Navy Contingent, RCMP, Coast Guard, Fire Fighters, RCMSAR, SAR and Youth Groups.

Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph at 10:45, moment of silence at 11am.

The public is then cordially invited to the open house at the Legion following the ceremony for refreshments, entertainment and membership kiosk open. Music with Alan Moberg 2-4pm and Ric Procter 4-6pm.

Giant Book & Jewellery Sale Fri, Sat & Sun, Nov. 16, 17 & 18 | 10 am to 4 pm Salt Spring Farmers’ Institute The Farmers’ Institute hall will once again be filled with great-quality mostly used books and jewellery pieces.

Most books are $1 or $2. All book sales after 1 pm on the Sunday are by donation. Jewellery is individually priced and ultra affordable.

Salt Spring Literacy is grateful to the Rotary Club of Salt Spring Island for major sponsorship support.

A preview night with wine and appetizers also held for Salt Spring Literacy Society members on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. People can peruse the books and jewellery and purchase their two favourites from each side. Memberships can be purchased at the door for $10.

Proceeds from the weekend sale help Salt Spring Literacy deliver A Fundraiser for its free programs that range from tutoring for adults, including ESL students and those who need assistance with computers, phones and tablets, to helping children grow their reading skills.

See www.saltspringliteracy.org for more information about Salt Spring Literacy’s programs.

’ Mishka s Gravity & Other Myths!

Book Reviews

T H E F I S H B O W L - N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8 • PA G E E I G H T

COMING THIS NOVEMBER TO SALT SPRING ISLAND

Friday Nov 9th and Saturday Nov 10th 7pm at Salt Spring Island Middle School gym.

Tickets are $20 and are available at West of the Moon, SIMS and at the door.

Seven acrobats push their physical limits without reserve. This performance is simultaneously raw, frantic and delicate. Supported by driving live percussion and presented so intimately that you could reach out and touch them, this is a unique audience experience; feel the heat, hear every breath, and completely indulge in every moment.

“It is such an amazing feeling to push yourself to such extremes, to be sweaty and exhausted and look out and see mouths open and eyes wide with appreciation” says Jascha Boyce, an acrobat with Gravity & Other Myths.

Another of the team, Triton Tunis-Mitchell, talks further about the intention behind A Simple Space. “With A Simple Space we wanted to evoke real responses in our audiences, something visceral rather than cerebral. So instead of fine-tuning our performance with makeup, lighting and contrived theatrical overlay, we’ve deliberately gone the opposite way. We’ve brought the audience in close to surround us and stripped back the stage. In that space we push ourselves to the physical limit to break our down usual guards and introduce the reality of failure or weakness.

With nothing left to hide behind our personal narratives come through naturally.

This honesty is the essence behind A Simple Space.”

Gravity & Other Myths (GOM) is a multi-award winning and well respected Australian acrobatics ensemble. The company creates engaging works of acrobatic art for festivals, touring and corporate clients. Formed in 2009 in Adelaide (South Australia) the ensemble creates, directs and produces their own work. Their work has won multiple awards and has toured extensively throughout Australia and the World.

“Mind-blowing physical theatre” “Cirque du Soleil with a fistful of grit” -UK Express -Talk Fringe WINNER Australian Dance Award 2015 “Awe-inspiringly WINNER Greenroom Award Outstanding Circus 2015 impressive to watch” WINNER Best Circus Adelaide Fringe 2014 -Kryztoff Review NOMINATED Pick of the Fringe Adelaide Fringe 2014 “A total triumph” WINNER Best Circus Weekly Adelaide Fringe 2013 -The Guardian NOMINATED Best Circus Adelaide Fringe 2013 “Stripped back and raw… an awe-inspiring display of strength, skill and creativity.” – The Advertiser “These guys and gals fly through the air, slide along the floor, flip across the stage and shake it all out better than anything you will see on TV.” – Fringe Benefits

with Marsha Moreau

The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson Shortlisted for the 2018 Rogers Trust Fiction Prize in Canada, a recognition this novel wholeheartedly deserves, it was a delight to read. The descriptions and characters are vivid, the prose fantastic, and while it feels like fun, buried deep inside this story is heartrending grief. It opens gently, with musings from our central character, Jake (we first meet him as an adult neurosurgeon) on the literal nature of the brains he spends so much time with, and the less literal nature of memory, deemed tricky and unreliable. Jake recounts for us the summer of his 12th year. The summer of the ghost club, held on Saturday nights and its participants are a motley crew. Jake, a bullied and awkward kid, a believer in monsters, and ghosts. Billy Yellowbird, the archetypal “new kid in town”, who comes to the club wanting help solving a problem but ends up bonding with Jake and sticks around. His sister, Dove Yellowbird, a little older than the boys, is only a sometime member. Dove very much does her own thing and is a source of first love type feelings from Jake but is a very unique, powerful character in her own right. It never feels as though the author threw her in there because he needed a “girl” to round out the group. The two adult members are Jake’s uncle, Calvin (Uncle C), owner of a shop called the Occultorium-no explanation needed- and his best friend, Lex, an odd duck who insists that Betamax is the wave of the future and owns the Beta-only video store to prove it. This novel is set in the 1980s- was the Betamax the tip off? -and takes place in Niagara Falls, also known as Cataract City (incidentally the title of a previous novel by the author).

I grew up in Southern Ontario in the eighties and felt such a connection with this authentically written work. Memory IS a powerful thing, and this novel hits the right note in the same way “Stranger Things” does. You can see yourself in that group of kids, riding around on bikes, navigating adolescence, having adventures. It’s so darn real. Even the cover of this book feels like something I used to know. Does it remind me of those fantastic Choose Your Own Adventure books, or is it something else, elusive, buried somewhere in my own childhood memories.

T H E F I S H B O W L - N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8 • PA G E T E N

5th Annual

Mark Your Calendars!

Festival of Trees November 30th to January 4th at the Harbour House Hotel

The Festival is organized by The Friends of Kenya to thank SSI for supporting their fundraisers during the year.

For the first 3 years the event was held at the Golf Course but is now held at Harbour House.

On Jan 4 people from Copper Kettle and the Food Bank come and decide which tree has the most donations. The winning This year the Friends of Kenya are setting organization and their tree will be featured in local media. up the trees in the lobby on Nov. 30.

Every year various Island organizations The Festival has been VERY successful and merchants participate by decorating a every year. It helps to re-stock the shelves tree. The trees are a visual representative of the Food Bank and Copper Kettle after of the organization/business that put the big Christmas rush. them up. The public is invited come to see the trees and vote for their favourite tree The trees can be viewed from 10-8 daily inside Harbour House from by leaving a donation of nonperishable Nov 30 to Jan 4. food items under their favourite tree.

SSI United Church

WinterFaire

Sat Nov 24th, 9am - 2pm at 111 Hereford Ave.

Folks will feel a sense of joy and excitement as they come into SSI United Church on the day of Winterfaire. This year’s annual event is Sat Nov 24th, from 9am - 2pm at the church on Hereford Ave, Ganges. It is the churches largest fundraiser of the year and many of the congregation contribute countless hours to prepare crafts, food and decorations. The energy is high and everyone involved is amazed to see how all our efforts come together to create such an eclectic mix of talents. It always seems a surprise to everyone involved to see how everything has come together. Many of the crafts were made at workshops in the church Lower Hall, while others were created in homes.

To see the culmination of everyone’s efforts artistically placed in the Lower Hall is truly exciting for us.

Perennial best seller is the Christmas Cafe where traditional Tortierre is combined with salad to make a tasty lunch. Coffee, tea and sweets are also on offer for sale. Christmas music wafts from the sanctuary as patrons share their meal time with friends, or make

new friends with those sitting close to them at the long tables that make up the cafe at the rear of the church. Fellowship is the unforeseen benefit of the cafe.

All of the funds raised at WinterFaire go directly to help the church to function, and be the positive influence it is in the community, including distributing food & a warm space to the marginalized, hosting the annual Community Christmas Dinner, and maintaining the Meadow, the beautiful and quiet green space right in the heart of Ganges, beside the church.

A couple of years there has been threatening snow in the early morning hours of this Saturday event, but those carrying the cookie trays and other goodies did not slip in the snow, so all arrived at the church intact. Patrons seem not to be daunted by the weather. We have always been grateful for the dedication of the public.

The silent auction is always a draw, as is the cash and carry of previously loved treasures, as shoppers hover over particular finds that they are sure they cannot live without.

It is all good fun, and each year sees new and different items for sale.

November 30

is coming!

Fulford Hall Christmas Craft Fair 5-9 PM Beaver Point Hall Christmas Craft Fair 5-9PM

December 1st

Fulford Hall Christmas Craft Fair 9AM - 5PM Beaver Point Hall Christmas Craft Fair 9AM - 5PM 7th Annual Chili Cook Off, Carolling and Light Up 4-6PM Gather under the twinkling lights in Centennial Park, sample chili and cast your vote, warm yourself by the toasty fire, sip hot apple cider and sing carols with Viva Choral. Chill will be for sale by our friends at Island Savings with all proceeds benefitting the Salt Spring Island Food Bank.

December 2nd

Fulford Hall Christmas Craft Fair 10:00AM - 4:00PM Beaver Point Hall Christmas Craft Fair 10:00AM - 4:00PM Experience the incredible artisans at our historic Christmas Craft Fairs. Find that special gift for everyone and take in the festive atmosphere and delicious treats all made on Salt Spring. From Soaps and Lotions to fine jewellery, hand made pottery, felted art, beautiful paintings and much more!

December 13th

Ganges Shop Local Social 8pm Join the merchants of Ganges for an evening of late shopping & specials!

December 15th

Lions Santa Ship Coast Guard Dock 7pm 8th Annual Glowtini Contest at Harbour House Hotel 7pm Mixologists from island pubs and eateries face off in an entertaining night of fundraising and catching up with friends. Glowtinis are auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting the Copper Kettle, helping people in need in the community.

Who’s Glowtini will take the title this year?

We can’t wait to find out. See you there!

December 17

Merry Monday in Fulford Village, sing along with Valdy 6:15pm Sing along with Canadian Folk Legend Valdy as he welcomes Christmas to peaceful Fulford Village. Fa la la la la and hot chocolate for all.

Scrooge December 20-23

“Patrick Cassidy and Bob Twaites in “Christmas with Scrooge”, 2017 (Stewart Katz in shadow!)”

at ArtSpring

The Green Isle Enterprise

T H E F I S H B O W L - J U LY 2 0 1 8 • PA G E E L E V E N

Holistic Psychology, Health, Education

With Ralph D. Miller, Ph.D. Guess who’s coming to town? It’s that miserly old man, Ebenezer Scrooge!

Returning to Artspring this December 19th-22nd, Newman Family Productions’ “Christmas with Scrooge” will delight audiences once again!

With its “cast of thousands”, lush and playful original songs and beautiful costumes, this adaptation by Ray and Virginia Newman, of the famous Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol, has entertained Salt Springers for generations.

In fact, some child actors from earlier days are back, to tread the boards again... as adults!

They’re gearing up for their 50th anniversary, too! The 1971 production has seen many Christmases since then, and is not to be missed! After a decade hiatus, last year’s remount was SOLD OUT, two weeks before they opened!

So get your tickets early! (And arrive early, for chestnuts and carolling by the fire.)

“Christmas with Scrooge”, is a beautiful, family and community holiday experience!

Please consider donating to Scrooge’s Inclusivity Campaign on GoFundMe, so that everyone can see the show!

Christmas Treasures

Salt Spring Singers annual Christmas concert, Christmas Treasures, includes musical favourites suggested by the singers and their audiences plus other gems from the choral repertoire. Director Don Conley has chosen beautiful works by John Rutter, Morten Lauridsen and Josef Haydn plus a a new choral work that has gone viral in choral circles; Across the Vast Eternal Sky by Ola Gjeilo. As well as these choral treasures, a subset of the main choir will sing selections by Palestrina, Dufay, Mozart and Leontovich. Our special guest Cicela Månsson will delight listeners with her magnificent coloratura soprano voice enhancing this year's festive program.

Performances at ArtSpring on Saturday December 8 at 7:30 and Sunday December 9 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for youth. Phone the Box Office at 250.537.2102 or order online from www.artspring.ca

wintercraft

November 23rd - December 22nd

Wintercraft opens on November 23rdat Mahon Hall and runs all the way to December 22nd.

As the winter version of Artcraft, Wintercraft is directed more towards the season and to gift giving than the summer show, but maintains the same quality, diversity and originality.

The mantra of “Beautiful. Local. Unique.” holds very true as visitors find that special something for the people on their lists.

90 different artists and craftspeople from Salt Spring and the Gulf islands have their work displayed with everything from feltwork, painting, pottery, jewellery, basketry and woodwork to tree ornaments and greetings cards filling the hall. Mahon hall looks magical with seasonal decorations and a cornucopia of creativity.

"Dr. Miller has been a psychologist and, family counselor in the Gulf Islands since the mid-'70's, and taught Holistic Psychology in our high school, as well as a few semesters for Camosun and OLUBC."

A Two-Handed Approach to Peace and Freedom A core concept and practice in Our Holistic Psychology is the Two-Handed Approach to life. First and primary is the inner psychological ‘Psi’ Hand. The secondary hand, in a supportive role, is the external, environmental, physical ‘Phi’ Hand. Both hands, working together, are necessary in this world.

We emphasize Psi Hand processes, such as allowing the softening and opening of our heart and mind, relinquishing our resistance to our emotional experience, and lightening up on our demands and desires, attitudes, opinions and rigid beliefs.

We practice giving less attention and energy to guilt/blame, attack/defense, victim/victimizer and other unhelpful, judgmental, dualistic separating thoughts about ourselves and others. Meditation, mindfulness and contemplation are beneficial. We learn to let go of illusory stories of the imagined past and future, resting gently and tenderly in the present moment, trusting, and allowing our mind to naturally quiet down and, just for a moment, simply letting reality be as it is. That’s all. Really, all freedom asks is the simple humility and courtesy of allowing creation to be itself.

With the Phi Hand, we do what we can to make the physical form of our personal virtual reality easier to accept. There are essential life-supporting environmental issues to be dealt with—while never losing sight of the fact that seemingly external conditions are of value only to the extent that they support our Psi Hand ultimate life goals. So we optimally try to create or choose social and physical situations that facilitate and encourage the development and manifestation of our virtuous, empowering qualities, rather than subjecting ourselves unnecessarily to conditions that trigger and reinforce negative separating thought and behaviour patterns that are, in the end, not in our own (nor anyone else's) best interests. We try to choose lifestyles (including good nutrition, exercise and rest) and living environments that are supportive of, and contribute to our highest goals. It is essential to be humble and realistic about our present strengths and weaknesses—and this may very well involve, at least temporarily, actively avoiding people and situations that we feel we are not yet able to handle gracefully.

As each hand is practiced and is successful (i.e., in increasing positive feelings and/or reducing negative ones) it is reinforced and strengthened, and becomes more habitual and effortless in daily life. The more we develop and rely on our Psi Hand skills, the easier Phi Hand environmental issues seem to be resolved, and more easily fall into place.

As our Two-Handed personal skills are practiced and refined, our perception becomes clearer, we see more creative options, our motivation becomes more virtuous, and understanding, forgiveness, loving kindness, compassion and wisdom arise for one’s self and others, inseparably, simultaneously as one process—and life naturally becomes easier, less stressful, and more spontaneous, joyful, free and fun. To me, this is the ultimate art form, the song and dance of life.

For additional information: ralph@islandroots.ca and http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/Library/studies/ledain/ldctoc.html

PETER VINCENT

CITIZEN at LARGE God’s Little Acre

My yard is no Butchart Gardens. Not to make excuses, but the local water board takes a dim view on frittering away St Mary’s Lake water on something as frivolous as a lawn. And so my yard is a brown, unsightly heat sink from May till the rains hit in October. I’ve given in to the forces of nature and conservation. The native soil is hard packed clay that has all the appeal of a Walmart parking lot in summer, and a sloshy rain soaked mess in the winter.

But my yard has its stories. There is a slight depression in the back, just under a majestic sequoia. The dip in the ground marks where I buried my beautiful boxer ten years ago. That spring, there was a guy working a backhoe next door, and for the cost of a case of beer, I got him to dig a hole in the hard scrabble. Poor Kai was getting on in years - her muzzle had turned grey, her eyesight was failing, and I had to lift the old girl into the back seat for our daily walk in Mount Park. It was only a matter of time.

Months after the hole was dug, that time had come. Kai could no longer get up and was in constant pain. I lifted her onto her bed in the back of the SUV, and drove up the bumpy road to Malcolm Bond’s vet clinic at Bonacres Farm. I remember it all - opening up the back of the SUV, wrenching cedar boughs from Malcolm’s tree in the parking lot, placing them under the old girl’s nose so the fragrance of cedar filled the air, Malcolm coming out to the car with his kit, the kindness he showed, the tears, the look in Kai’s eyes as they closed for the last time, the immediate sense of relief that passed over her body as the pain and fear ceased with her heartbeat.

And then back to the house, in the fading light of a late November afternoon. It had been raining relentlessly for a few days. There was three feet of water in the hole, and the hard rain still coming down. I wrapped Kai’s body in a white cotton sheet and wheelbarrowed her out to the grave opening. As inelegant as the garden barrow was, there was no other way.

Dark now, the wind howling and that cold rain pounding down into the water filled grave, and poor Kai slumped in the wheel barrow. I managed my arms under her and dropped her as gently as possible into the hole. Her body floated. Searching around in the dark, I found a few old cinder blocks to weigh her body down. Over the summer months, the dirt mound had become as hard as concrete. There I was, tears of grief and frustration, flailing away with a pickaxe and a shovel on a dark, cold November evening, burying my beautiful boxer and constant companion, poor Kai. My yard has its stories.

For Everyone

with Salt Spring Island teacher Dorothy Price

Yoga

HAPPINESS

What is happiness? For me it is when I feel content and fulfilled. When I feel at peace, with no feelings of stress, anxiety or fear. Sometimes, the feeling of happiness is elusive and it seems like it requires work to achieve.

Here are some things I have found helpful in my quest for happiness.

Facing problems and facing reality One of the biggest happiness zappers is when you perceive you have a problem.

Perceived problems create fear. Fear dissolves happiness.

It is important to identify what you truly need to be concerned about and what is not worth your time and energy worrying about (AKA “the small stuff”).

If you perceive something is a real problem, try to change your thinking from “a problem” to “a challenge”. Sometimes we need to be courageous warriors to face our challenges and fears. Do what you can to improve the situation and then move on. Nothing is perfect. We all face set-backs. It is all part of the process.

Get physically active Often, we have to live with an on-going challenge. This is where physical activity really helps. Physical activities of all sorts can uplift your spirit dramatically! 10 – 20 mins daily will help, but more (at least on some days) is better. Sometimes this requires a kick-in-the-butt to get you going. Consistent physical activity reduces stress and helps cultivate a positive mindset.

Meditation Sitting in quiet meditation or focused rhythmical breathing (even for 5 mins) can help peel away layers of stress.

Eat well Your body is a temple! Take care of it by eating healthy foods. Minimize junk food.

Sugar can affect your body and your state of mind negatively. It can cause anxiety and even anger or you may feel uncontrollably tired and lethargic. Observe what happens to you after eating sugar. You might be surprised!

Feel gratitude Writing down feelings of gratitude for what you have (people, places, things), lifts the spirit and helps shift attention away from what you don’t have. You might be surprised at how much you have!

Live in the present Don’t dwell on anxiety ridden thoughts of the past or future. Enjoy the simple pleasures of “now” by being in nature or socializing with people you love.

Positive affirmations Repeating positive affirmations such as “I am happy”, “I am healthy” etc, can have a positive effect on your mood. (I say them all the time!)

Let go of grudges Grudges are another happiness zapper that constantly eats away at your potential for happiness.

Choosing to be happy Yes, putting on a happy face and bringing joy to others instead of focusing on yourself can help change your mood.

Are some people naturally more happy than others?

Maybe. Lucky them! Most of us have to work at keeping our lives on track to achieve a lasting level of happiness. It is all good work though. You can make a difference in your life. You have the keys.

T H E F I S H B O W L - N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8 • PA G E T H I R T E E N

MEL it OVER

by Melinda Parks-Divers

Meeting Babaji

Right in the centre of the island in a beautiful valley, there is a rural sixty acres of land with a renovated farm house, some out buildings, a school, a working farm, and some camp sites nestled in creekside and forest trails.

This is the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga, the place that drew myself and my family to Salt Spring Island twenty-two years ago.

It was purchased in the seventies by some students of sadhu and teacher from India, Baba Hari Das. Babaji as most know him as, was brought to California where he inspired a land project that includes a large community, a retreat centre and school amidst redwood forest, farmland and views of Monterey Bay from the mountaintop perch.

He would split his time between these two land projects, a Toronto Retreat, and India at an orphanage, also inspired by him.

We lived in Ontario and attended the yearly retreats and were among the honoured spirituality seekers of whom got to experience the teachings of the Baba.

One day as we sat outside the main hall of the retreat after class, Babaji wrote on his chalkboard (he was a silent monk), “Go to Salt Spring Island” and he held it up for Param and I to read.

He then wrote a letter to the Salt Spring Centre and had someone fax it right away.

Three years later we moved here! We spent two years living at the Salt Spring Centre before moving into an old fixer upper that we were lucky enough to be able to purchase a few years later.

We came to find community and we found way more than we expected. We found the greatest place to live, and the most wonderful island society of abundantly diverse and likeminded folks. We have never looked back.

Babaji passed away on September twenty-fifth at the age of ninetyfive. He provoked the best out of anyone he met and was open to receive his subtle gift of wisdom. But mostly, he taught by example.

One just needed to observe, fill your heart with love, meet each day with gratitude, work hard, and be fearless as his example.

I asked him once what I should do and he said “Take care of your worldly responsibilities”.

He was so good at grounding those who could otherwise have floated away!

I feel blessed and honoured.

What a gift his influence has been in my life.

Find the FISHBOWL ONLINE!

See you on the mat! ~ Dorothy

you can now easily access The Fishbowl Magazine issues online at

Dorothy teaches yoga classes, pranayama, meditation & retreats locally & worldwide.

Visit www.santosha-yoga-retreats.com or phone 250-537-7675

It’s never been easier to find out what’s happening on Salt Spring Island!

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