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
Monday, 27 June 2011
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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