Remedy for a Funk

I have to admit being in a bit of a funk over the last few days. I think a whole lot of things have come together to cause me to have this wobble: Susan's death, the fact that my Dad isn't well, some rough times for a number of people around me, and the precarious state of the world in general. I fear so much for our planet's survival. One thing that sustains me though is seeing or hearing a beautiful work of art. It reminds me that if humans have it in us to create something of such beauty and positive power, then we have it in us to find a way of bringing peace and salvation to our world. It was in this frame of mind that, on arriving home, I found this year's ArtsNet Guide in my mailbox. ArtsNet is an annual publication that outlines the upcoming arts events in Whitehorse. Here are just a few highlights, with links so you can read more about them if you wish: The Gryphon Trio's Constantinople, Margie Gillis' A Stone's Poem, Juan Martin's Flamenco Ensemble, Black Umfolosi, Winter Harp, BC Ballet, and many many more. And what's great is that for most of them, tickets are far below the price charged in major cities: $25 for adults, and only $5 for Jamie (they're trying to attract more teenagers to the arts). That's a pretty sure cure for a funk, wouldn't you say?

Party Time

Last night Iris had a going away party. Joe, Jamie and I hid out in the master bedroom...close enough to deal with any emergencies but far away as to not put too much of a damper on things. Alan was out of town at a friend's cabin, so he missed the whole thing. The house survived relatively unscathed. There were one or two nicks in the walls (easily fixed with a dab of paint), and every floor in the house had to be washed this morning. I discovered a piece of pizza in a bowl hidden at the very top on a wall unit. Some thoughtful soul had also left behind a bottle of essential oil called 'de-tox formula'! Hmmmm. And a photo that was missing from the wall in my diningroom was discovered, after a lengthy search, in my spice drawer. But all in all, it wasn't too bad, given that there were about 50 people here last night. I do however now have quite a collection of purses, cell phones, hoodies and t-shirts. Kids have been coming by all day today to pick up the things they left behind. It almost feel like Halloween, given the number of times I've gone to the door to hand out their 'goodies'.

Catching Up

A couple of weeks ago, Joe, Jamie and I drove down to Skagway, Alaska to meet up with some friends from Victoria who were taking the Inside Passage cruise. I've just now got around to posting photos. As you can see, Jamie kept us well entertained the whole day.

Signs of Fall, Signs of Change

It may still be August, but in my neck of the woods Fall is about ready to make its grand appearance. A couple of mornings lately, it's been cool enough to warrant a bit of a fire in the woodstove, and vanguard leaves are beginning to change their clothes. My garden is past its prime, although we will continue to harvest its gifts for several weeks yet.

Truth be told, it's a rather melancholy time of the year. Saying good-bye to our ever-so-brief summer is often hard for me. I think this year it's more difficult than usual because I'm also saying good-bye to Susan, to Iris, and to Alan who has informed us he's moving in with a friend at the end of September. Apart from Susan's passing, which came far too early in her life, these changes are part of the normal course of events. They are as they should be and mostly I'm happy about them, but I am still permitting myself that conflicted mixture of pride and heartache any parent must feel when their children step out into the world on their own. Very soon, our house is going to get a whole lot bigger and a whole lot emptier.

Portfolio of a Dancer

Recently, a local photographer saw a dance photo of Iris, and apparently liked it. He contacted her and asked if she would model for him. She gets the photos for free for her portfolio and he gets to use the photos for his own purposes. There are dozens to choose from - I just posted a few - some corny and some quite nice.

Back Home

I'm back in the Yukon, after spending the last few days in Toronto for Susan's funeral. I am so very glad I went....my brother was in pretty rough shape and I think he really appreciated the support.

It was a very sad two or three days...I kept hearing Susan's distinctive laugh in my head and looking around for her. It always took me a split second to realize she wasn't there. A short time later, the same thing would happen. It's like I was constantly having to remind myself that she was gone. I still can't believe I will never hear that wonderful laugh again.

The funeral, as funerals go, was quite lovely. Roy hired a string quartet to play before the service, and at the end Roy performed with them: he wrote a piece for Susan called China Doll. It was incredibly and achingly beautiful.

I spoke on behalf of the family. I talked about Susan's smile, her generosity and giving nature, and her ability to make the best Chinese food ever. I told some funny stories and talked about some of the good times we had had together. But the message I really wanted to leave with people was that Susan was all about love and giving and service to others, and it was now up to us to carry on in that way on behalf of her.

Martin also spoke, and while he had a similar message, he had a much more powerful way of expressing himself. He said that his mom had taught him about unconditional love - that's what she gave him and Jeremy and Roy. He said the world needs all of us to live our lives with unconditional love as the basis for everything we do. He said the world needs more heroes like his mom. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house when he was finished.

Susan

Susan crossed over yesterday morning. Now Roy and the boys have moved into 'busy mode', making all the arrangements for visitation, funeral, etc. I'm flying down tomorrow to help out wherever I can and to give general support. My older brother can't attend....he's got a commitment he can't get out of, plus some one needs to stay on the East Coast in case my dad takes another bad turn. As my friend Lucca pointed out, our family is rather thin on the ground at the moment.

Dad is still in the hospital and isn't doing all that well, but doctors are hoping they can get him to a point where he can go home in a week or so. I keep sending him telepathic messages, asking him to hang in there for a while yet, at least until we have a chance to mourn for Susan. He's a strong old bird...I think he still has some living to do.