It's been hard to do regular updates when I've been living in a tent all summer. I would like to buy a notebook laptop sometime and take that on the road with me. There has been many car rides where I had a writing itch. There's nothing like a keyboard and monitor, for those easy electronic writing moments. I write in hand writing, but that's mostly for my personal journal.
I am now back in Saskatchewan. I was planning on heading to Edmonton to do the Edmonton Fringe Festival, but realized I am broke and need a "real" job, so to speak, ha.
So, here I am, back in my home town. I'm a little saddened by this as I miss the mountains, sooo much... Alas...
The Canmore Folk Fest was pretty neat! I saw Elliot Brood and From Dehli to Dublin perform. Both were equally amazing. I was exhausted and had just worked 12 hrs, but there was no way I was missing From D to D. I made a friend named, Leslie. She was from Lethbridge. We made our way all the way to the front and grooved out hard. I didn't take any pics or vids, but did manage to get some of Elliot Brood. He sounds just as amazing live.
I saw a LOT of pregnant ladies at the Canmore FF. I saw at least two every other hour, if not every. Certainly got that new family, settling down vibe.
Tom came to pick me up along with our good friends, Jeremy and Rachel, the following Monday. I convinced Mandy that we were kidnapping her so she could have a much needed break, as well as do a surprise visit on her mum!
I could not have asked for better road trip buddies!! The drive from Canmore to Creston was GORGEOUS. I am definitely adding highway 95/96 to my list of favorite highways in Canada.
Rachel suggested we make a pit stop in a little town (damn, forget the name), where a infamous woodcarver works/lives. His style was carved, wizard type man faces with long wispy beards onto drift wood, gnarled and unique pieces of wood. He had quite the collection. We roamed to the ground level, where there were many large carvings in an open space. There were things like wooden chairs and doors that didn't open. If you turned the handle, lo and behold, you would be surprise attacked by a jet of water that shot out through various inconspicuous spots among the earthen ground. There were hidden sensors all over. It was a bit of a roasty day, so the water was welcomed and refreshing. We completely embraced this, laughing. I will have to come back and edit and give more details on the town and the name of the carver.
So I will skip along to when we arrived in Nelson. Mandy had been texting, Mary Ann (her mum) pretending she was me, as we had made plans for a visit, before Mandy had made the impulsive decision to join us. We met in the Safeway and Mary Ann had remarked how she was disappointed she wouldn't be seeing Mandy until Xmas time. I keep playing along until I hear Mandy's anklet bells come a chimin'. Out pops Mandy and Mary Ann is so shocked and happy all at once!! They were soooo happy to be reunited and I was jumping up and down laughing and smiling, being so content to be part of that moment. Those are the moments that make me feel alive and full of love.
Off to go wait in line at Shambles!! We waited in the car lot over night. I went off and had a mini Shar adventure. I met these guys who shared some beers with me and we chatted. Buddy lots a big back of his shake suddenly, so we went on a hunt for it. We did a full circle of the last places he was. We did one last scan and decided we may as well look again near where were were sitting. Sure enough, about three or four feet away from our sitting spot, he found the bag. It was a fun little time.
Dawn was about to break so I headed back to the car. We weren't aloud to set up tents in the field, much to our dismay. Tom, being the smart guy he is, pulled out our double sleeping back and put it behind the car. There was just enough space for us to do this. I crawled in with him and we had a pretty good sleep. Sometime in the morning, an inebriated girl comes wandering by, stops, broods over us and says:
"Aaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww..."
Ha ha, we kind of ignored her and went on with being in a state in between sleeping and dozing.
Eventually we got into the site and set up. Our camp site was pretty amazing.
(It was near where you, Tom and company camped, last year, Erin)
There was a little dip in the ground where Jer and Rach and Jackie and Jada camped. Other cool cats like a guy named, Trace, and some sweet kids from Dawson city were nested. We liked to refer it as "downstairs" from us.
Haaaa, Shambhala!!! One of the very cool- you-have-to-be-there moments of Shambs is the cheer wave. You can hear cheering in the distance, and everyone around the cheering, starts to cheer, and it just travels all along the site.
Also, another quirky shtick that occurred was when people started yelling, "ALLAN??" Then someone else, "STEVE?!" Anyone that was within an ear shot would yell out the same, and this happened for the full 5 days, and spread out all along down the road, which was at least 1km long.
I must say that I am certainly proud of myself pace wise with substances and alcohol. I hardly drank actually, which was awesome.
Alex, remarked on how well I took care of myself and that made me feel really, really good.
Party smart, right? Too long have I been way too gung-ho and made myself feel like complete shit. No one likes feeling like shit, or like feeling like killing themselves, so in turn, I did very well!!
They had a ferris wheel set up. Alex got super pumped about it and we went on a few rides together. The first time I went on, I was completely sober, but screaming my head off and laughing and had a blast. They had the speed faster than normal so it kind of felt like you were falling.
I was relieved, happy and thankful I had Tom to be there with. I really don't like being alone at Shambles; it sucks being surrounded by thousands of people but feeling lonely. We had such a good time together...
The river was super cold this year. It was nice when it was the middle of the day, at least plus thirty or thirty-five degrees. Cooled the body temperature right down.
It was funny how at Shambhala, I really didn't give too much care/effort into how I looked. I suppose I just got tired of it considering the amount of time and attention I had been putting into my looks regarding all the past festivals I worked.
Kimmie and Andy are on there way right now to pick me up, so I will leave y'all at this. ;)
xoxoxx
Shar
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
The much needed update.
Hello dear readers!!!
Oh my, it has been far too long since the last update and for that I apologize. I really appreciate that I have followers/readers, so thanks for checking me out!
Wow, where do I begin?? Ok, well Midsummers Festival was good. I unexpectedly ran into a dear friend of mine, Alana Banana. Was so nice to see her, she always soothes my soul. Smither's is beeeautiful. It's in a valley and there are rocky mountains to the north and south. It was really cold tho! But it was dryer than NCF, thank god! I wouldn't really recommend Midsummer's Fest to my friends because it's more so a family, older people crowd. Not too party hard type deal. The camp fires were amazing !! There were jams every night, and when Alana sings, you are hypnotized and are in awe. The only draw back was that the jams were usually late and I had to be up by 8am. But when you live where you work, it doesn't take much time to get there.
I also ran into a Saskatoon cat, Jason. Was really good to see a familar face.
After Smither's, I went back to Vanderhoof and hung out with my parents for a few days. My dad sold me his camera!! I have a camera again!! Feels great to take pictures again. It worked out perfectly that my parents were driving back to SK, a few days later. But I didn't end up driving with them. There wasn't really enough room for me and my bag. So I took the bus, which was fun. I wrote a short story about it which I will be posting when I can. It was SO good to see my boyfriend, Tom, again! We hadn't seen each other in a month. I swear, somehow he got cuter while I was gone :) <3
So we hung out for a few days and went off to Ness Creek. This was my 6th year attending and to be honest, I've had better years. There were a few things that were missing. That and my expectations were too high. I'm not going next year. There are so many wonderful festivals all over the country, so I need to check them out! My soul is craving new and interesting experiences.Ness made me realized some things on a personal level. Back to Saskatoon, where is reached plus 40 on the humadex... Hellooo summer!! Wow, what an extreme summer for weather for me. For weeks its nothing but chilly rain, and then BOOM, plus 35. One of those days where you can do nothing but lay naked on a bed in front of a fan.
I was then off to Calgary. I met this nice man named Kyle who drives people to where they need to be for a flat rate. He charged me $65 (way cheaper and way more pleasant than Grey Hound!!) flat rate fee, even picked me up from Tom's place and dropped me off where I needed to be. We had a lot in common which was interesting because we are completely different people. He said he had been doing this service for a year now. The furthest he's driven was Vancouver. I will certainly hit him up on rides in the future. If anyone needs a ride somewhere, let me know and I can hook you up with info. I HIGHLY recommend him. His car was clean, he was polite, respected my need for pee breaks and has a gentle demeanor. Will most likely be using him for a ride from Edmonton to Sasky in late Aug.
The Calgary Folk Fest was very different from the other festivals. Mainly because it was in the middle of a city and wasn't over night camping. We stayed in a camp ground SW of town. Saturday was really intense. I kid you not, there was a 5hr never ending line. My god. I was on cash and I really surprised myself, actually. I did very well with money and giving change (we have a cash register that is a cardboard box). I'm really not good with numbers, but I pulled it off. One of our new co-workers that we picked up in Smither's is from London. His name is Jame's and he's certainly a hoot to have around. There came a point where I started talking in a British accent. More so to amuse myself because I was sore all over, so friggin exhausted, but you know, had to be chipper!!! I really enjoy amusing myself...
I got an advance, so I bought some pretty things. I bought this red/blue irridescent rose that was sewn together and made into a headband. I also bought a ribbon wand for dancing. Gonna rock that at Shambles. Oh! And one of my fav items that I bought is this BRIGHT blue small backpack. It was made in Gautamala and has lots of pockets and is definitely a Shar-Sachel. Haha.
Well readers, Mandy is waiting for me so I'm going to leave you with this... I definitly have more to say and certainly will!
Thanks so much for reading,
xoxox
Shar
Oh my, it has been far too long since the last update and for that I apologize. I really appreciate that I have followers/readers, so thanks for checking me out!
Wow, where do I begin?? Ok, well Midsummers Festival was good. I unexpectedly ran into a dear friend of mine, Alana Banana. Was so nice to see her, she always soothes my soul. Smither's is beeeautiful. It's in a valley and there are rocky mountains to the north and south. It was really cold tho! But it was dryer than NCF, thank god! I wouldn't really recommend Midsummer's Fest to my friends because it's more so a family, older people crowd. Not too party hard type deal. The camp fires were amazing !! There were jams every night, and when Alana sings, you are hypnotized and are in awe. The only draw back was that the jams were usually late and I had to be up by 8am. But when you live where you work, it doesn't take much time to get there.
I also ran into a Saskatoon cat, Jason. Was really good to see a familar face.
After Smither's, I went back to Vanderhoof and hung out with my parents for a few days. My dad sold me his camera!! I have a camera again!! Feels great to take pictures again. It worked out perfectly that my parents were driving back to SK, a few days later. But I didn't end up driving with them. There wasn't really enough room for me and my bag. So I took the bus, which was fun. I wrote a short story about it which I will be posting when I can. It was SO good to see my boyfriend, Tom, again! We hadn't seen each other in a month. I swear, somehow he got cuter while I was gone :) <3
So we hung out for a few days and went off to Ness Creek. This was my 6th year attending and to be honest, I've had better years. There were a few things that were missing. That and my expectations were too high. I'm not going next year. There are so many wonderful festivals all over the country, so I need to check them out! My soul is craving new and interesting experiences.Ness made me realized some things on a personal level. Back to Saskatoon, where is reached plus 40 on the humadex... Hellooo summer!! Wow, what an extreme summer for weather for me. For weeks its nothing but chilly rain, and then BOOM, plus 35. One of those days where you can do nothing but lay naked on a bed in front of a fan.
I was then off to Calgary. I met this nice man named Kyle who drives people to where they need to be for a flat rate. He charged me $65 (way cheaper and way more pleasant than Grey Hound!!) flat rate fee, even picked me up from Tom's place and dropped me off where I needed to be. We had a lot in common which was interesting because we are completely different people. He said he had been doing this service for a year now. The furthest he's driven was Vancouver. I will certainly hit him up on rides in the future. If anyone needs a ride somewhere, let me know and I can hook you up with info. I HIGHLY recommend him. His car was clean, he was polite, respected my need for pee breaks and has a gentle demeanor. Will most likely be using him for a ride from Edmonton to Sasky in late Aug.
The Calgary Folk Fest was very different from the other festivals. Mainly because it was in the middle of a city and wasn't over night camping. We stayed in a camp ground SW of town. Saturday was really intense. I kid you not, there was a 5hr never ending line. My god. I was on cash and I really surprised myself, actually. I did very well with money and giving change (we have a cash register that is a cardboard box). I'm really not good with numbers, but I pulled it off. One of our new co-workers that we picked up in Smither's is from London. His name is Jame's and he's certainly a hoot to have around. There came a point where I started talking in a British accent. More so to amuse myself because I was sore all over, so friggin exhausted, but you know, had to be chipper!!! I really enjoy amusing myself...
I got an advance, so I bought some pretty things. I bought this red/blue irridescent rose that was sewn together and made into a headband. I also bought a ribbon wand for dancing. Gonna rock that at Shambles. Oh! And one of my fav items that I bought is this BRIGHT blue small backpack. It was made in Gautamala and has lots of pockets and is definitely a Shar-Sachel. Haha.
Well readers, Mandy is waiting for me so I'm going to leave you with this... I definitly have more to say and certainly will!
Thanks so much for reading,
xoxox
Shar
Monday, 27 June 2011
The little house in Prince George.
I met a woman named, Laura, a few years back in Nelson when I was staying with, Mandy. She showed up to grab her car from the driveway. I noticed her ankle was full of festival wrist bands. I asked her what they were from and she said she had been cooking at various festivals previously that summer.
"Wow... That's like a dream job," I had remarked wondrously.
Little did I know that a few years later, I would be doing the same gig.
She had been recently house sitting for a friend in Prince George and invited us to spend a night or two. She decided to spend an extra night in Quesnel. So, here are Mandy and I, in Laura's friends' house. Finding it here was quite the hilarious feat.
I asked my sister's room mate, Ralph, to drop us off. The address in the text message was a little obscure. We went to the wrong house. Well, shit. Good vibes were flowing from the house next door, so we asked for help/directions. We met a wonderful woman named, Katy. She had a gypsy vibe and was very friendly. She gave us a cab number and chatted with us as we waited beside her porch that was lined with colorful hammocks, flowers/herbs and Tibetan prayer flags.
Hopped into the cab only to have the driver tell us that the house number where we wanted to venture to was in the industrial area and there were no houses. Shit. We sit on the other side of the street to think and make a plan.
"Maybe it's on fourth street," Mandy suggests.
We prepare for a most epic adventure.
I mention to her that Laura said there were heart shapes on the shutters. Immediately after I say this, she says:
"OMG right there!!"
Two houses down, is the house we were looking for... Sweet, LOL!!
The house is small, but BURSTING with creative energy.
The best part? THERE IS NO TV!!!
Upon investigation the occupant's name is, Arkell. I'm on her Mac right now and she has amazing taste in music. As a token of our appreciation, Mandy and I have made a piece of art for her in which the medium consists of pencil, Sharpie, crayon, and marker. If only I had a camera-- I would post a photo of it. It is so beautiful, vibrant and flowing.
Her space is set up for an artist studio.... Something I long to create when Tom and I move in together.
She has a little bin of knitted moustaches!! What a lady, I must say... Would love to meet her.
In small northern towns... There's not a whole lot to do besides get drunk. My mother advised me to not walk around alone after dark... These northern towns can be very boring.
BUT! There is a yoga studio nearby and hopefully we can hit up an aquatic center.
If anyone wants me to send them a postcard, forward your address to my e-mail: shar_kitty@hotmail.com.
Thanks for reading, till next time...
Shar kitty
"Wow... That's like a dream job," I had remarked wondrously.
Little did I know that a few years later, I would be doing the same gig.
She had been recently house sitting for a friend in Prince George and invited us to spend a night or two. She decided to spend an extra night in Quesnel. So, here are Mandy and I, in Laura's friends' house. Finding it here was quite the hilarious feat.
I asked my sister's room mate, Ralph, to drop us off. The address in the text message was a little obscure. We went to the wrong house. Well, shit. Good vibes were flowing from the house next door, so we asked for help/directions. We met a wonderful woman named, Katy. She had a gypsy vibe and was very friendly. She gave us a cab number and chatted with us as we waited beside her porch that was lined with colorful hammocks, flowers/herbs and Tibetan prayer flags.
Hopped into the cab only to have the driver tell us that the house number where we wanted to venture to was in the industrial area and there were no houses. Shit. We sit on the other side of the street to think and make a plan.
"Maybe it's on fourth street," Mandy suggests.
We prepare for a most epic adventure.
I mention to her that Laura said there were heart shapes on the shutters. Immediately after I say this, she says:
"OMG right there!!"
Two houses down, is the house we were looking for... Sweet, LOL!!
The house is small, but BURSTING with creative energy.
The best part? THERE IS NO TV!!!
Upon investigation the occupant's name is, Arkell. I'm on her Mac right now and she has amazing taste in music. As a token of our appreciation, Mandy and I have made a piece of art for her in which the medium consists of pencil, Sharpie, crayon, and marker. If only I had a camera-- I would post a photo of it. It is so beautiful, vibrant and flowing.
Her space is set up for an artist studio.... Something I long to create when Tom and I move in together.
She has a little bin of knitted moustaches!! What a lady, I must say... Would love to meet her.
In small northern towns... There's not a whole lot to do besides get drunk. My mother advised me to not walk around alone after dark... These northern towns can be very boring.
BUT! There is a yoga studio nearby and hopefully we can hit up an aquatic center.
If anyone wants me to send them a postcard, forward your address to my e-mail: shar_kitty@hotmail.com.
Thanks for reading, till next time...
Shar kitty
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Rough summer layout.
I suppose I should let you in on where I'm going and what I'm up to for July and August!
Next Thursday, June 30th, I will be heading to Smither's/festival site for Midsummer's Festival, which runs July 1-3. Then I have another week or so to hang out in Vanderhoof with my parents. I may go to Ormand Lake with my dad, that's where he works. He works with addictions using Native traditional culture. He said I could come and volunteer, and I think that's a really good idea. I would rather keep busy and be doing new interesting things then sit on the couch and watch TV (which is what Mandy and I have been doing the past few days, ugh).
July 11th, my parents are heading back to Saskatoon, so I will be tagging along. I should be getting back into Toon town on the 13th, which is SO perfect because Tom and I will be leaving the next day to Ness Creek!!
http://www.nesscreek.com
This will be my sixth year attending Ness and I'm SO stoked!!
Afterwards, I will be heading to Calgary to go and work the Calgary Folk Festival, which is July 21-24, I believe. Then I'm hanging out for about a week (ooohh, have some time for an adventure... Anyone?) before SHAMBHALA!!!
http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com/
Tom's gonna come grab me, along with Jrock. He's dropping me off in Calgary after Shambles and I will run up to Edmonton to work the Edmonton Fringe Festival (Aug 11-21).
I'm not really sure yet what I will do at the end of Aug. I would have time for a hitching adventure!!
So that's the rough timeline for my summer! If you wanna join me, let me know ;)
Next Thursday, June 30th, I will be heading to Smither's/festival site for Midsummer's Festival, which runs July 1-3. Then I have another week or so to hang out in Vanderhoof with my parents. I may go to Ormand Lake with my dad, that's where he works. He works with addictions using Native traditional culture. He said I could come and volunteer, and I think that's a really good idea. I would rather keep busy and be doing new interesting things then sit on the couch and watch TV (which is what Mandy and I have been doing the past few days, ugh).
July 11th, my parents are heading back to Saskatoon, so I will be tagging along. I should be getting back into Toon town on the 13th, which is SO perfect because Tom and I will be leaving the next day to Ness Creek!!
http://www.nesscreek.com
This will be my sixth year attending Ness and I'm SO stoked!!
Afterwards, I will be heading to Calgary to go and work the Calgary Folk Festival, which is July 21-24, I believe. Then I'm hanging out for about a week (ooohh, have some time for an adventure... Anyone?) before SHAMBHALA!!!
http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com/
Tom's gonna come grab me, along with Jrock. He's dropping me off in Calgary after Shambles and I will run up to Edmonton to work the Edmonton Fringe Festival (Aug 11-21).
I'm not really sure yet what I will do at the end of Aug. I would have time for a hitching adventure!!
So that's the rough timeline for my summer! If you wanna join me, let me know ;)
Saturday, 25 June 2011
The ineffable beauty risiding in uncertainty.
There are many things in life that remain uncertain and I'm learning how to be comfortable in not knowing.
A month or two ago, I wrote a letter to the universe, asking for help. I had been unemployed for a while and had been searching for work. I longed for something different to do with myself this summer. I worded the letter carefully, then burned it.
Since then there had been two great job opportunities for me, but in the end they had fallen through. One of the jobs I had was at Saint John Bosco Wilderness Camp which is in northern Saskatchewan in the Narrow Hills Provincial Park. http://www.johnboscocamp.com/
I only did a week of training, but it was an enriching experience. The only time I spent indoors was to eat and sleep. Lots of sun, hiking, canoeing, swimming and other fun activities that involve running around the forest.
I feel like I can be my true self again when I'm in nature.
The teachers of Saskatchewan had gone on strike the first week we were expecting our school kids to come camp. All of June usually consists of year end trips for Grade 8's. So all the June trips were cancelled, thrusting me into unemployment and homelessness. I planned June to be rent free, in the hopes of saving at least $400. Thank goodness for my wonderful boyfriend, Tom (my home away from home), and my family friend, Sheila. I stayed with both Tom and Sheila for about a week. Staying with Sheila was like staying at a deluxe hostel. The room I stayed in had a balcony and was only a few steps away from Saskatoon's hot spot, Broadway. My friend, Malika, is living in her RV in Sheila's parking stall out back. It was good company and lovely conversation.
My best friend, Mandy, had told me about her summer job. The Nomad's Kitchen is a travelling food vending collective. This is Dave's sixth summer doing this gig. He makes healthy and delicious meals. They consist of a layer of rice, Daal, grilled veggies, and your choice of diced Algerian chicken, Filipino chicken on the bone, Prawns or grilled Tofu. We then smother the dish with more Algerian sauce and garnish it with green onion. Definitely a nourishing meal to enjoy at a festival! And there's no deep fryer in the kitchen. The Nomad's Kitchen is going to eight or nine different festivals this summer in Alberta and BC. She told me that her boss had posted something about a position being open. I immediately jumped on that and was hired!!
"Can you be in Slave Lake by Wed with Mandy?" Dave asked on the phone.
Spent my last night in Saskatoon at the Yard, pounding shots with good friends. Totally cried a little when we drove away. Was sad to leave Tom. Bittersweet goodbye.
And away we went! And what a bus ride that was... About 13 hrs, over night. Arrived in Edmonton at 5am and had a three hr layover. Awesome. We took a small stroll and found a Deny's, which in the end was a good thing; perked us up.
When we arrived in Slave Lake it was pouring rain. Did not prepare for this, me in my little skirt and flip flops. We met Dave in a little cafe, warmed up and filled our bellies. There we also met one of our soon to be co-workers, Chuck. He's from New York, super nice and cute feller.
We made a trip to the grocery store and then to the festival site. Our first festival was The North Country Fair. http://lslncca.ca/current/
For you Prarie Chickens out there, The North Country fair is Alberta's equivalant to Ness Creek. There's four or five stages and it's right next to a creek along with rolling hills.
The first 24/30 hrs we were there for set up was raining. It didn't stop at all, it would only slow to a spit. Totally wasn't ready for constant rain. The sun actually shined on Saturday and let up the day we packed up. Yay!
We worked 11/12 hr days, but since I lived in a tent out back, it didn't really feel that long.
My inner festival goer wanted to run off into the forest, go dance barefoot or have a mud bath. Alas, I had to work. It was interesting to be on the other side of a festival. Much more clear headed and made a bunch of money, instead of spending it away!
This was my first time at this festival and I felt like I knew the majority of people, despite the fact that in all actuality, I knew no one. Hmm... Lot's of beautiful people!
We did get a chance to roam around. We stayed Sunday night which is the volunteer party. We danced our hearts out and found some sweet ground scores. I found a small silver chalice, a beautiful shawl and some poi flags with the straps broken off.
I like ground scores.
Tip: Best time to go hunting for ground scores is about 4 or 5 in the morning at a festival.
Oh yes, I should introduce you to Candace and Jeff. Jeff is our cook and Candace works on and off because she has a 2 year old girl named, Aylah (sp?) to look after. Jeff is like the rock or stone of our operation. He's very mellow and grounded, nice energy. Candace is easy to talk to and has a radical way of thinking. Aylah is fun, beautiful and smart. She's also shy, but she's been warming up to me already, to my delight.
Side note: the best instant coffee I have come across comes from Starbucks. I don't really like to be an ambassador for Starbucks... But, their instant coffee is strong, well balanced and tastes exactly like drip coffee. Little tip for coffee lovers who are on the road!
So, after the festival was another long, long drive to Dawson Creek where we dropped off our dear, Chuck. He was on his way to Alaska when Dave picked him up hitch hiking.
Dave's destination was Smither's, BC. It just so happens, my parents live in Vanderhoof and my sister in Prince George which are both on the way.
Mandy and I have a week off before we head to Midsummer's Festival in Smither's. www.smithersmusicfest.com/
So, here I am hanging out in Prince George with my little sister, Jenny. Her boyfriend is here as well. They get strange together, like mad giggling and wrestling... It sounds like at least.
We're going to go take Rosie (Jenny's dog) for a walk soon.
My dear readers, I leave you at this. More to come as the adventure's happen!
Love,
Shar
My faith remains strong.
~~~
A month or two ago, I wrote a letter to the universe, asking for help. I had been unemployed for a while and had been searching for work. I longed for something different to do with myself this summer. I worded the letter carefully, then burned it.
Since then there had been two great job opportunities for me, but in the end they had fallen through. One of the jobs I had was at Saint John Bosco Wilderness Camp which is in northern Saskatchewan in the Narrow Hills Provincial Park. http://www.johnboscocamp.com/
I only did a week of training, but it was an enriching experience. The only time I spent indoors was to eat and sleep. Lots of sun, hiking, canoeing, swimming and other fun activities that involve running around the forest.
I feel like I can be my true self again when I'm in nature.
The teachers of Saskatchewan had gone on strike the first week we were expecting our school kids to come camp. All of June usually consists of year end trips for Grade 8's. So all the June trips were cancelled, thrusting me into unemployment and homelessness. I planned June to be rent free, in the hopes of saving at least $400. Thank goodness for my wonderful boyfriend, Tom (my home away from home), and my family friend, Sheila. I stayed with both Tom and Sheila for about a week. Staying with Sheila was like staying at a deluxe hostel. The room I stayed in had a balcony and was only a few steps away from Saskatoon's hot spot, Broadway. My friend, Malika, is living in her RV in Sheila's parking stall out back. It was good company and lovely conversation.
My best friend, Mandy, had told me about her summer job. The Nomad's Kitchen is a travelling food vending collective. This is Dave's sixth summer doing this gig. He makes healthy and delicious meals. They consist of a layer of rice, Daal, grilled veggies, and your choice of diced Algerian chicken, Filipino chicken on the bone, Prawns or grilled Tofu. We then smother the dish with more Algerian sauce and garnish it with green onion. Definitely a nourishing meal to enjoy at a festival! And there's no deep fryer in the kitchen. The Nomad's Kitchen is going to eight or nine different festivals this summer in Alberta and BC. She told me that her boss had posted something about a position being open. I immediately jumped on that and was hired!!
"Can you be in Slave Lake by Wed with Mandy?" Dave asked on the phone.
Spent my last night in Saskatoon at the Yard, pounding shots with good friends. Totally cried a little when we drove away. Was sad to leave Tom. Bittersweet goodbye.
And away we went! And what a bus ride that was... About 13 hrs, over night. Arrived in Edmonton at 5am and had a three hr layover. Awesome. We took a small stroll and found a Deny's, which in the end was a good thing; perked us up.
When we arrived in Slave Lake it was pouring rain. Did not prepare for this, me in my little skirt and flip flops. We met Dave in a little cafe, warmed up and filled our bellies. There we also met one of our soon to be co-workers, Chuck. He's from New York, super nice and cute feller.
We made a trip to the grocery store and then to the festival site. Our first festival was The North Country Fair. http://lslncca.ca/current/
For you Prarie Chickens out there, The North Country fair is Alberta's equivalant to Ness Creek. There's four or five stages and it's right next to a creek along with rolling hills.
The first 24/30 hrs we were there for set up was raining. It didn't stop at all, it would only slow to a spit. Totally wasn't ready for constant rain. The sun actually shined on Saturday and let up the day we packed up. Yay!
We worked 11/12 hr days, but since I lived in a tent out back, it didn't really feel that long.
My inner festival goer wanted to run off into the forest, go dance barefoot or have a mud bath. Alas, I had to work. It was interesting to be on the other side of a festival. Much more clear headed and made a bunch of money, instead of spending it away!
This was my first time at this festival and I felt like I knew the majority of people, despite the fact that in all actuality, I knew no one. Hmm... Lot's of beautiful people!
We did get a chance to roam around. We stayed Sunday night which is the volunteer party. We danced our hearts out and found some sweet ground scores. I found a small silver chalice, a beautiful shawl and some poi flags with the straps broken off.
I like ground scores.
Tip: Best time to go hunting for ground scores is about 4 or 5 in the morning at a festival.
Oh yes, I should introduce you to Candace and Jeff. Jeff is our cook and Candace works on and off because she has a 2 year old girl named, Aylah (sp?) to look after. Jeff is like the rock or stone of our operation. He's very mellow and grounded, nice energy. Candace is easy to talk to and has a radical way of thinking. Aylah is fun, beautiful and smart. She's also shy, but she's been warming up to me already, to my delight.
Side note: the best instant coffee I have come across comes from Starbucks. I don't really like to be an ambassador for Starbucks... But, their instant coffee is strong, well balanced and tastes exactly like drip coffee. Little tip for coffee lovers who are on the road!
So, after the festival was another long, long drive to Dawson Creek where we dropped off our dear, Chuck. He was on his way to Alaska when Dave picked him up hitch hiking.
Dave's destination was Smither's, BC. It just so happens, my parents live in Vanderhoof and my sister in Prince George which are both on the way.
Mandy and I have a week off before we head to Midsummer's Festival in Smither's. www.smithersmusicfest.com/
So, here I am hanging out in Prince George with my little sister, Jenny. Her boyfriend is here as well. They get strange together, like mad giggling and wrestling... It sounds like at least.
We're going to go take Rosie (Jenny's dog) for a walk soon.
My dear readers, I leave you at this. More to come as the adventure's happen!
Love,
Shar
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