FISHBOWL MAGAZINE JUNE 2015

SALT SPRING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE June 2015 - FISSUE #82

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Salt Spring

SEA CAPERS • 7 Get around

Salt Spring MAP INSIDE! • 8 June Calendar of

STUFF to do on the ROCK • 9 One stop island adventures

Salt Spring MARINA • 10

Kind Paws with Sean Hogan

An ANIMAL REVOLUTION • 13

Alex

CUBA

JUNE 26th @ FULFORD HALL www.fishbowlmagazine.com read us online at issuu.com/fishbowlmagazine email us today at thesaltyfishbowl@hotmail.com

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On Our Cover Magic Lamp Productions presents

Alex

CUBA

with JOSE SANCHEZ

@ Fulford Hall Friday June 26th, 8pm “He’s like Marvin Gaye singing soul to a new generation” - Boston Globe Alex was born and raised in Cuba, studied guitar with his music teacher father and played bass in a pop singer’s band before moving to Canada and launching a career performing his own original works.

He’s toured his trio to venues around the world, released four albums and earned 18 awards and nominations for his music, including two Junos and 3 Latin Grammys.

His music is shaped by the experience of singing in Spanish in an English/French nation and by his choice of a home base in the northern town of Smithers, BC. It’s a sound that at once reminds listeners of the musician’s tropical roots and inspires them to conceptualize an emerging genre of Latin soul.

Alex’s smoky vocals and adept guitar-work cross genres and cultures through magnetic pop/ soul hooks. His talent as a songwriter has lead him to co-write with major label artists artist such as Nelly Furtado and Jason Mraz. However, when it came to his own recording career, the U.S. economic sanctions on Cuba reached beyond the borders of either nation and directed the artist to pursue an independent recording career away from the support of major labels. Support from fans and the industry never wavered though.

His self titled release was the only independent release nominated for the Latin Pop category at the Grammy Awards in 2010. Based in Smithers, Caracol Records is the label created to house Alex Cuba’s recordings. His latest album, Healer, refers to the need we all face to grow and heal in our lives physically, spiritually and emotionally. The album includes five bilingual duets with four Canadian singer-songwriters – Ron Sexsmith, Alejandra Ribera, David Myles, and Kuba Oms – and one with New Yorker: Anya Marina.

Tickets are $20 and available at Salt Spring Sound and Salt Spring Books or contact Tania at pichunga@shaw.ca or 250 221 5673

FIRST OF ITS KIND FESTIVAL ON SALT SPRING kicks off weekend of August 8-9th Earlybird tickets on sale now!

Organizers for the 1st Annual Salt Spring Garlic & Music Festival are thrilled to now be offering early bird tickets for the first ever celebration of its kind on Salt Spring Island. General admission tickets will be available on-line by visiting: saltspringgarlicfestival.com/ and selecting the Buy Tickets button, and also for purchase at select outlets on Salt Spring Island. Early bird weekend passes for the two-day event are $50 and daily passes are $30.

With a roster built to please a wide range of music fans, the Salt Spring Garlic and Music Festival takes place the weekend of August 8-9, with a solid line-up of musical acts from headliner Chilliwack to Vancouver favourites the Boom Booms to Juno award winner, Shari Ulrich. Genres include Rock n Roll, Jazz, Indie rock, Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Folk African Bbeat, Motown, Bluegrass and Gospel.

Festival founder Neale Smith says with great music, an array of food vendors and the support from local farmers and growers, it’s two days of incredible entertainment, as well as garlicky good fun, “Festival planning has been in the works for over a year, so we’ve attracted amazing talent and booked a wonderful line-up. We think we’ve struck the right balance for music and food lovers looking for a rural, island experience that includes good vibes, great tastes and the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular setting during this daytime, family fun, event.”

Over two-dozen farm vendors will be on site selling organic produce, including over a dozen varieties of locally produced Salt Spring garlic. Salt Spring Garlic Guru Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds is one of them; “Garlic has a persona that’s potent for a lot of people. It’s one of those things that you love or hate; it’s the most amazing combo of food and medicine that enlivens any meal. We’re looking forward to a great experience at the festival.”

The Salt Spring Garlic and Music Festival takes place at Paradise Farm, a beautiful rural location on the south end of Salt Spring Island, a landscape with breathtaking views of the ocean. Attendees will be able to book nearby camping sites in advance, as well as off site accommodations by visiting the following link on the festival website: saltspringgarlicfestival.com/salt-spring-accommodation GETTING HERE: Visitors can access Salt Spring Island from three ferry ports via BC Ferries, and also by floatplane service, or by moorage available at the three local marinas. Local transportation to the venue will be available via shuttle pick up from the Fulford ferry terminal. There’s limited parking at the venue grounds, so people will be encouraged to take local transportation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the Salt Spring Garlic & Music Festival, please visit: saltspringgarlicfestival.com Facebook: facebook.com/saltspringgarlicfestival or Twitter hashtag: #SSGarlicMusic

FISHBOWL

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

Aries: Best of luck on your transition from Seasonal

sponsored by:

Affective Disorder to Swimsuit Shopping Despair.

Taurus: Trouble in paradise this month Taurus.

You will find that through June you continue to get into fights with your loved one about the the same things Hours: 10am-6pm, 7 days a week you’re always wrong about.

Gemini: Everything you read on Facebook is not real Gemini. Remember, you’re getting your news from the same place people get pictures of puppies.

Cancer: There is a common thread in all your problems Cancer. Sorry to say, it’s you.

Leo: A great way for you to maintain a balance between work and family

is to stop giving a shit about your job.

Virgo: This month you will go from being in a relationship, to being the anonymous arm of a cropped out body in someone’s Facebook profile picture.

Libra: You don’t work well under pressure Libra, or any other circumstance.

Scorpio: This month you finally start standing up for yourself in your

fantasies about what you really want to tell your boss. It’s a step!

Sagittarius: Try finding someone that misses you even when they’re not horny. I know, sounds crazy.

Capricorn:

We will co-sign your bullshit and agree that doing your part to conserve water by drinking wine instead DOES qualify you as an environmentalist.

Aquarius:This month you officially run out of Throwback Thursday pictures from the year you peaked. Yikes!

Pisces:

If you had as much willpower as you do Girl Scout Cookies you would be in amazing shape right now.

Are you New

to SSI? Having a Baby? Getting Married?

Don’t miss your opportunity for a great welcome wagon visit.

Call Jenny today for your greeting, free gifts & useful info 250-653-9222 or email langdonjennifer5@gmail.com

T H E F I S H B O W L - J U N E 2 0 1 5 • PA G E F O U R

Marsha’s

Price is Right

Book

Reviews

with Marsha Moreau

PRODUCT REVIEWS

by: Genevieve Price Sponsored by

MARCELLE BB CREAM: GOLDEN GLOW I love Marcelle and this summer beauty balm doesn’t disappoint.

It has self-adjusting pigments, powerful antioxidants, aloe and chamomile.

This hydrating balm is perfume and oil free!

I found that this formula goes on smooth, does not clog my pores and is hypo -allergenic so it does not irritate my sensitive skin. Keep in mind this is a beauty balm, like it’s title it provides a golden summer glow but is not meant to provide heavy coverage or mask major blemishes. I do notice, however, that it helps blend the redness around my nose. It blends out nicely and provides just the right hint of shimmer without crossing over into “glittery.”

This product only comes in one universal shade so if you have very fair skin and it hasn’t kissed the sun yet this product might not be ideal and you may want something with more of a pink undertone.

A Recipe for Disaster & Other Unlikely Tales of Love by Eufemia Fantetti I was given several review copies of books published by a local publisher, Mother Tongue Publishing. With no promise of a review, favourable or otherwise, I felt I wanted to share the delight that is a Recipe for Disaster. My only complaint would be its length. At a scant 83 pages, this short story collection is over before you know it. With six very short, short stories, this slim volume is easily devoured (please forgive the cooking themed pun) at a time when as they might like to. Every tale is layered with double entendres that are as at home in the kitchen as they are in the relationships, both dysfunctional and loving, that pepper these stories. readable. She has carefully measured what to share in each tale so that while they’re each just a small slice of the characters’ lives we can also imagine the spaces these people inhabit beyond the curtain she’s lifted for us to

“It’s cleverly executed, and not remotely gimmicky.”

she’s produced many different works, including plays, essays and

also performed as a stand-up comedienne, which I’m certain has pacing. I can easily imagine her words being read aloud. She is actually telling us a story. Or many stories, as it turns out.

The title story, “A Recipe for Disaster” is one of my favourites.

“Knead high expectations into the mix. Do this several times.”

A relationship is examined in the context of recipe directions.

It’s cleverly executed, and not remotely gimmicky. “Sweets” takes us to some unexpected places, and it’s another favourite.

In less than ten pages, I was so smitten with the brother and sister, that I wanted a whole novel starring the two to be forthcoming. However, what makes this such a perfect short story is that you have all you need to know beautifully wrapped up by achingly true. Anyone who has ever been there will understand.

I’m so very pleased I was offered the opportunity to enjoy a book that I may never have discovered on my own. Here’s to reading what’s published locally.

PETER VINCENT

T H E F I S H B O W L - J U N E 2 0 1 5 • PA G E F I V E

Psst! Have you heard about

CITIZEN Imaginelle? at LARGE ALL HAIL THE MICROBUS!

While trekking across British Columbia’s newest national treasure, the rugged nearly-one-acre $5.45 million Grace Islet, in search of old chicken bones and vintage beer bottles, I came across a rusted amulet protruding from the sand. It was a four inch metal ring. Inside the ring was a large “W” behind a smaller “V.” Before you break out the team of archeologists and launch the kayaks, relax. It turned out to be a late 20th century artifact - a Volkswagon badge. After researching the archives and potlatching with the elders, it was revealed that the word “Ganges” is an ancient First Nations term meaning “Where Westfalias come to die.”

Indeed, this island is lousy with Volkswagon camper vans of every breed. There are more campers per capita here on Saltspring Island than anywhere else in Canada.

The mighty Volkswagon camper seems to transcend social and economic lines. You will find them gracing the driveways of gentile waterfront homes on Sunset Drive nestled alongside Mercedes and Teslas. You will see them at the end of forgotten south end logging roads, where wild eyed hippies have taken up permanent Volkswagon residence, rearing confused children and goats.

Buses attract fellow buses.

“Ganges...meaning You will often see two, three or four parked in ‘Where Westfalias a row at downtown parking lots. VW owners come to die.’” still wave knowingly at each other as they pass on the island roads as if members of a secret society - sometimes a wild wave out an open window, sometimes a flick of the forefinger off the steering wheel, sometimes the old school peace sign.

Given that, there is an occasional unpleasantness when it comes to Volkswagon salutations . . . a bit of snobbery. Some owners of the earlier Westfalia think their oil doesn’t stink, and will not lift as much as a finger off the wheel to acknowledge a later model Eurovan, deigning their model the only true VW Campervan, with none of the modern-day niceties such as automatic transmissions and actual horsepower. But generally, we are an egalitarian teutonic tribe, more than happy to flash the peace sign at any camper van with the iconic VW badge on the front.

How did this come to be, that our bucolic island would attract Volkswagon microbuses like bees to honey? Some attribute this to the mass exodus of American conscientious objectors that came north to Vancouver, thus avoiding the jungles of Viet Nam. Vancouver pushed them to Victoria. Victoria pushed them to Saltspring Island, always in search of Walden Pond. The best they got was Walkers Hook. And here they stayed, populating tables at the Saturday Market, living in their busses until a permanent yurt could be found.

Some attribute the VW concentration to chemistry. This is the only part of Canada where the roads aren’t heavily salted, sparing the mighty microbus from the typical Canadian winters. Judging by the high numbers of 1970’s Westies piloted by balding hipsters sporting grizzly pony tails, I suspect both theories bear an element of truth.

Whatever the reason, I am glad for it. Maybe it’s the time of life or perhaps the ghosts of Grace Islet, but I have developed a preternatural attachment to my 1992 VW Eurovan. As one Birkenstocked elder said, “I’ll give you my Westie when you pry the steering wheel out of my cold, dead hands.”

It’s an all local, meaningful, funny and totally spectacular dance and music production coming up this month at ArtSpring.

After two years of mostly sold out shows, this year’s brand new creation, ‘Imaginelle: Alchemy’, promises to create an even bigger island buzz with its celebratory and touching performances featuring local artists of all ages and walks of life. Over 75 artists and community members ranging in age from 7-70 are coming together to present this exploration of the extremes of Water and Fire and the subtle alchemy between them.

Featuring live, original music, original dance, circus arts, poetry and comedy, the show is led by core collective members Naomi Jason, Suzanne Gay, Ananda Sinclair, Deanna Ziraldo, Robbyn Scott, Lesley Smith, Tyler Carpenter and Tali Wendt and includes star performances by so much awesome local talent, it’s impossible to list!

Imaginelle: Alchemy runs at ArtSpring, June 26 -27th with a matinee on Sunday June 28th. Tix are $25 adult and $15 youth.

T H E F I S H B O W L - J U N E 2 0 1 5 • PA G E S I X

NATURAL HEALTH NOTES with DR. PATRICK CALLAS

CHELATION: Removing Toxic Metals from your Body Most heavy metals are toxic to the body. Iron is a heavy metal, which we require to carry oxygen in our blood, but too much can be toxic to us.

Aluminum is toxic to our brain, nervous system, and gut, but it is not a heavy metal. Anyone who has held an aluminum can knows that it is quite light. To encompass the heavy metals and lighter toxic metals like aluminum, I shall refer to all of these metals as toxic metals.

Why are these metals toxic? Our body is a complicated clockwork of biochemical reactions which requires over 20 essential minerals (such as 1. Arsenic magnesium, zinc, and selenium). These minerals 2. Lead are like little gears. Toxic metals will displace them, 3. Mercury binding up the delicate clockwork of our body. For 4. Cadmium example, acute lead toxicity bumps iron off of our 5. Aluminum red blood cells and decreases our ability to carry oxygen from our lungs to our tissues. The result is we suffocate on a cellular level.

However, the problem we face is not acute metal toxicity. Our bodies now have an increasing burden of chronic toxic metal exposure that we accumulate over a lifetime. We absorb these toxic metals from the ever-polluted environment.

The 5 Most Common TOXIC METALS:

Does everyone have a Toxic Metal problem?

Every one of us has been exposed to toxic metals. Toxic metals are in our air, water and food. However, it is our individual level of exposure to these metals and how our own body is able to eliminate them that determines if these toxic metals are a health problem for each of us. Not everyone has metal toxicity; however, most of us could benefit from periodically clearing out toxic metals from our body.

What are key symptoms of chronic Toxic Metal accumulation?

Fatigue, weak & aching muscles, muscle twitching, numbness, arthritis, poor mental function, memory loss, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, hair loss, chronic headaches and migraines.

Conditions that may be caused by or worsened by Toxic Metals: Heart disease, arrhythmia, poor immune function, chronic yeast infections, chronic sinus infections, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Testing for Toxic Metals The standard test for toxic metals is a blood test. Blood tests only show acute exposure and do not reflect what amounts may be accumulated in your body. To test for accumulated levels of toxic metals a urine test is best. These urine tests are available at my clinic.

Chelation Chelation is the process of removing toxic metals from the body. The process is gradual and optimally includes chelating agents, natural supports, and nutrition over the course of months. Toxic metals typically accumulate over years and decades so their safe removal can take months.

To find out if you have a toxic metal burden and how to remove it, come see me in my clinic, Island Natural Health.

For more information, visit my website www.islandnaturalhealth.com or follow me on Facebook DrPatrickCallas.

15th Annual

What is Treasure Fair?

ArtSpring could operate without strong community support and Treasure Fair is no exception. Ticket sales and theatre rentals contribute only 42% of ArtSpring’s operating budget. Treasure Fair is a critically important annual fundraising event that keeps ArtSpring in the black.

It is a phenomenal auction event that is organized by volunteers. We have great fun meeting new donors, connecting with past donors and working with business owners who generously donate items, skills, and experiences that ArtSpring then auction off at a gala weekend on July 16, 17, 18.

And, we would love your help.

If you have a business and you want to give back to support affordable dance, music and theatre on Salt Spring, please consider donating an item or service while also getting some well-deserved publicity.

If you are downsizing or simply find that you have outgrown one or two treasures, please consider donating to Treasure Fair.

We have had some lovely and interesting donations to kick off our 15th year, including this handcrafted garden bench.

Did you see ArtSpring’s presentation of Miss Caledonia? The Chair of ArtSpring’s Board, Donald McLennan, made this bench as a stage prop for actor Melody Johnson in her heartfelt performance of Miss Peggy Ann Douglas. The bench and a program from this charming one-woman play were both autographed by Melody to be auctioned off at Treasure Fair.

For more information, please contact Christie at 1-250-516-5622 or at christieroome@shaw.ca

Salt Spring Island

visit our Facebook page for more daily updates on Salt Spring events

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June stuff to do on the rock

T H E F I S H B O W L - J U N E 2 0 1 5 • PA G E E L E V E N

MEL byitMelinda OVER Parks-Divers What Cancer Gave To Me June 3rd marks 3 years since completion of aggressive treatment for cancer (Ironically, it’s our anniversary too!). I celebrate this as it was the beginning of a new journey to find acceptance and wellness after a long, difficult time in life by focussing on the good it brought. Staying positive is extremely important for wellness. Here’s the list..

FEARLESSNESS. I am fearless now. Afterall, when you have faced one of your greatest fears, what have you got to fear? I have learned that in the face of it, you pull strength and find your way through. Humour is best to counter fear. Laugh lots!

SHINE. I am not afraid to shine. When you disallow fears grip, shining is natural. We’re all given a light and are equal in that way! Let it shine! Radiate what you were given.

ACCEPTANCE. I accept myself for who & what I am. In the past I sometimes would compare myself to others or feel badly that I lacked some skills, strengths or height (heehee!). I am ok with me now! I can’t change who or what I am but choose to be the best me possible.

GRATITUDE. I think about death often post-cancer. I imagine what the world would be like without me. I think these thoughts without fear, but rather a grateful heart.

Life is magic. I want to experience it deeply. I want to look back on my life satisfied.

BE PRESENT. I aspire to live more in the moment. I don’t want to miss anything.

I’m making a point to seize beautiful opportunity and not let thoughts get in the way like “I don’t have time.”

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM. Anger does not possess me anymore. I don’t have the time to feed it and life is too precious to waste in a cloud of mad.

Same for all the other demonic emotions.

APPRECIATION. It is much easier to feel satisfied with life when you constantly feel as if you were given a new lease.

DETACHMENT. I only want to invest myself in things that feed my soul and appear to be doing good in the big picture, for myself, my friends & family, and the planet.

RELAXED. I feel less pressured or stressed no matter the circumstance. I might have 20 hours of work to accomplish in 8 but I will stop and take that walk if I want because I will never get that moment back. Fill your life with good memories.

MODERATION. I could be extreme about my health & I do want to do whatever I can to ensure I stay on the good side of the statistic but being neurotic can do damage too. Keeping a balance is healthy. Some treats feed the soul.

POSITIVITY. I count my blessings and focus on the positive and try to kick negative thoughts out.

HONESTY. It feels better to be true to yourself and speak your truth.

LOVE. I love more deeply and unconditionally and value relationships. I had shielded myself previously but now refuse to miss out on friendships from shyness or fear.

NO REGRETS. I wish I could change some stuff in my past but those things just are, so accept it and move forward. Reconcile what can be and work on being someone you are proud of.

CONFIDENCE. I have a second lease on life and as a result, I feel like I can do anything I set my mind too! I have nothing to loose and everything to gain!

Inhale it all deeply. It is a gift. Play. Be silly! Life is short. Enjoy it, and make it count.

T H E F I S H B O W L - J U N E 2 0 1 5 • PA G E T W E L V E

For Everyone with Salt Spring Island teacher Dorothy Price

Yoga

YOGA & PROCRASTINATION Procrastination: “to be slow or late about doing something that should be done: to delay doing something until a later time because you do not want to do it or because you are tired, too busy etc.”

There are many different occasions on which we could procrastinate.

One way could be something as simple as not getting up when the alarm goes off in the morning. So instead of having time to get ready for work in a reasonably relaxed manner and have a proper breakfast, you have to jump out of bed and run out the door not feeling relaxed or prepared for your day.

Another might be that you don’t want to stop one activity to prepare for another. “Bedtime procrastination” has been called a relatively new phenomenon and may be caused by not wanting to quit activities such as watching TV, exploring the internet or watching U-Tube videos.

Thus causing you to miss out on very valuable sleep time.

We may have many excuses for why we do not want to clean out the garage, the yard or the spare bedroom. Reasons such as being too tired or having other more important things to do or not seeing it as a priority. Therefore we live with the mess, which can have detrimental effects on our sense of well being.

Then, there are the “bigger” things in life we may be avoiding. Such as up a home based business or you have an idea for an invention. Until you actually start, they are just ideas and dreams. You can’t move step and have to face the outcome of your actions that your dream can become a reality. In that process you may have to overcome your fear and rally your commitment, courage and hard work. The sooner you be a success or a set back.

A tendency to procrastinate could be improved by: • learning to manage time more effectively, • prioritizing what you are choosing to do with your time • improving discipline and will power • being committed to a project • increasing energy, drive and general health by improving diet, exercising and getting enough sleep procrastinate until an opportunity is lost”. This rang true. It made me sit up and take notice of what is important to me. It made me prioritize and think about what I want to accomplish in this lifetime and what I can graciously let go of and not spend valuable energy on.

Don’t let procrastination rob you of your opportunities!

See you on the mat! ~ Dorothy Dorothy teaches classes & retreats locally & worldwide.

Visit www.santosha-yoga-retreats.com or phone 250.653.4655

MAD COAST

T H E F I S H B O W L - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5 with • PA GMatt E TEN

O’Connor

The Queer was Always Here As an only child I was in charge of entertaining myself the majority of the time, making up games and stories and manipulating the world around me to be part of my games as well.

When I played with other children however, I of course was pulled into playing typical games such as Hide and Seek and House.

I’ve heard many stories of House being much like Doctor one of those games where kids experiment, pushing the boundaries of their current existence. Be it “mom and dad” k-i-s-s-i-n-g under a tree or “so and so” having a “check up” such games can be uncomfortable to look back on but remain a completely normal part of growing up.

As an adult I find it hilarious to look back upon those years of play and see the “warning” signs of things to come. For instance, when I played House, I was always the rebel teenage son who smoked cigarettes, swore, and rode a motorcycle. I was the James Dean of the playground I guess you could say…but how could a twelve year old with no knowledge of similar pop culture icons be so completely attracted to the image of a rough, slicked back, leather clad, ladies man?

Was this playtime ritual an act of defiance against a mom who had always warned me of cigarettes, motorcycles, and tattoos? Why was I drawn to the very things I was told to steer clear of? We are the kids your parents warned you about. Isn’t that how it happens? Perhaps not always but it seems that I was attracted to the very things I had been warned against. A rebel without a cause.

Of course, I was in attendance at a Catholic elementary school so perhaps the queerness resting inside was slowly bubbling to the surface. I absolutely itched to disrupt the system. I can’t even begin to guess how many schoolgirls had their first playground kisses with this guy right here. This guy who I might remind you was not always the perfect male specimen that writes before you today.

To this day I think my mom blames my peers for the majority of my screwups. Parents are susceptible to crowning their children with veils and cloaks of perfection. When mistakes are made others are to blame and that can carry on throughout adulthood. Although I was certainly affected by my peers, I’ve always had the drive of an off track locomotive. Meaning my independence has not created the best sheep out of me.

See, my James Dean playground king self has stuck with me all of these years.

I don’t ride a motorcycle or smoke cigarettes amongst gaggles of girls but I continue to disrupt the system.

The way in which I disrupt the system now is by simply being myself, which is far less punishable outside of the Catholic dialect, and not so far from the way in which I conducted myself on Catholic school grounds.

kind

paws

T H E F I S H B O W L - J U N E 2 0 1 5 • PA G E T H I R T E E N

with Sean Hogan

An Animal Revolution Last month I had the good fortune to be in Richmond, BC for the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies conference that brought together over 350 delegates from across Canada representing a cross-section of leaders in the animal welfare industry. This was the had ever been assembled for 2.5 days of sessions and networking.

How cool to be one among many making a difference for animals everyday! I left the conference inspired and motivated to do more for animals. I also left feeling agitated as it was hard to face the terrible truths of animal cruelty that happen daily in our country. We’ve come a long way on behalf of animals, yet there’s a lot of work ahead requiring more people and money. Much of what we do is accomplished with devoted volunteerism and unending fundraising.

Rarely is any agency swimming in endless streams of resources be Keynote speaker Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, encouraged us to become activists in our work. We can not be neutral on issues of animal well-being. While Bekoff acknowledged there are some measures of progress in animal rights and welfare, he pressed us to really take a hard look at that progress to date. To truly

Barb’s ArtISTs of the Month

Ramona

LAM

animals better, because in so doing, we will be creating humane communities for both human and nonhuman animals.

Photography

I support this wholeheartedly. There are few arguments left among scientists and experts about nonhuman animals having rich emotional lives and experiencing pain, suffering, and grief. All animals are worthy of our respect as individuals and understanding of their needs. We seem to have no trouble giving dogs or cats this

Sponsored by

See Ramona’s photography All Of June at Barb’s Bakery & Bistro

We really should be asking tougher questions about where dairy and meat at the grocery store comes from. What about the treatment of dairy cows and pigs in factory-farming facilities?

What was the quality of life for the beings who suffered for the cream in our coffee or died for traditional breakfast?

What would happen if every nonhuman animal were given the rights just like every other human Canadian? Would higher status for animals end their suffering in our slaughterhouses? What would it take for our communities become safer, kinder, and more caring?

This type of activism takes the courage of a warrior and the patience of a skillful meditator.

There are few communities in Canada as unique as Salt Spring Island. We could solve a real cat crisis or promote a “harm no one” attitude together. Could we take our activism to the next level? I say it’s time we act. Right meow.

Find me at www.kindpaws.com

www.barbsbakeryandbistro.ca

If we don’t fix them, who will?

Get a low-cost spay/neuter voucher at the SPCA Contact the Salt Spring SPCA 250-537-2123

the

Singing Amma*

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

A GOOD LIFE FOR A CAT A few weeks ago, just before her 16th birthday, Amma’s kitty died. Chocolate had led a good life. We have a cat-door and a help-your-self, kitty-feeding-station.

She was an excellent hunter and always seemed rather pleased with herself, bringing in her latest show-and-tell. She and her brother lived a self-directed-life of Country Cats; climbing trees, sunning on the hillside, snuggling on laps beside winter’s wood-fire’s warmth. Yes. A good life for a cat.

So, let’s talk about death.

The loss of a pet is often a child’s first experience with death. When speaking of death with children use actual terms like “dying,”“died” and “dead;” avoiding euphemisms like “went to sleep;” young children interpret life very literally and could then develop bedtime fears.

Tell children in a gentle, matter-of-fact way about what has happened. Err on the side of less talking and more empathic listening on your part. Do your best to be with all feelings and answer any questions that arise. Let children see you grieving; acknowledge that people can grieve in different ways.

“Can we see her died?” our four-year-old asked. Hmm… I described a bit about how she looked in death. Then I let them decide. Sometimes our imaginations can be far worse than the facts.

Let each child choose what feels comfortable for them. Move slowly. Allow time for each child to choose through all steps of the process; each choice fully acceptable. Speak and listen respectfully.

Invite and encourage children to be involved in the burial; choose where and then dig the grave, lay a circle of rocks or place a marker on it, together. Share memories. Know it may take a while to fully process.

When their Mama told them that Chocolate had died, our eight-year-old told me, he’d cried. “I cried too,” I said. “It can be very sad to lose a pet.”“I’ve known her my whole life,” he continued. “Yes. She was nearly twice your age!”“That is old for a cat.”“Yes. She had a good, long life.”“Still, I am sad that she died.”“Me too,” I said.

Send your parenting questions to: the.singing.amma@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/thesingingamma Could a private session with the singing amma be helpful for you and your family? email: lisasigurgeirsonmaxx@gmail.com to book your session today! cOLUMNISTS: John Bateman • Dorothy Price • Peter Vincent Dr. Patrick Callas • Marsha Moreau • Lisa Sigurgeirson Maxx Sean Patrick Hogan • Jenny Redpath • Melinda Parks-Divers Matt O’Connor • Lucina Sliwowska Dorothy teaches classes & retreats locally & worldwide. sponsors: Mrs. Clean Laundromat • Pharmasave s Bakery & Bistro • Hawthorne Hill Gravel Sales Visit www.santosha-yoga-retreats.com or phone 250.653.4655 Barb’ Valcourt & Sons Roofing • John Lefebvre THE FISHBOWL is brought to you by Stephanie Rhodes & Genevieve Price along with the following local columnists & sponsors.

We are Salt Spring Island’s #1 Source for Arts, Entertainment & all things island style. Check out our Facebook and Twitter pages.

2013 SMALL BUSINESS of the YEAR!

GREEN PRINTING & LAYOUT: IMAGINE THAT GRAPHICS.CA aD sALES: Deadlines are the 10th of the month previous to book ad space & submit content.

Calendar events can be submitted up until the 17th.

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TWO LADS and a LADY Photographic Images from Here and There Curt Firestone, Tom Gilligan, and Margaret Ann Argiro

team up to premier high quality photo art inspired by places and people from Mexico to India, from the Gulf Islands to the Pacific Ocean. The two Lads rely heavily on composition and texture in their colorful, artistic expressions of abstracts and landscapes, as well as emotions to bring meaningful definition to faces and spaces. The Lady evokes a sense of atmosphere and empathy by capturing simple, unassuming portraits, juxtaposed with visually tactile presentations of Vedic Temple Yoginis.

Lad Curt and Lady Margaret Ann are avid travelers, yet reside on Salt Spring Island. The lad Dr. Tom, formerly of SSI, brings his work from Gabriola.

All three artists have received prior acclamation for their artistic photographs in the Driftwood and have participated in exhibitions on SSI, Gabriola Island, The Port Theater, Nanaimo, Victoria, Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastian and the Sidney Fine Art Show.

The exhibit is open daily at ArtSpring, 100 Jackson Ave, Salt Spring Island,

June 24, noon to 4pm, June 25-30, 10am to 4pm.

Special Reception with coffee and pastries,

Sunday, June 28, 10am.

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