Valerie and Bob at the Club

We had a delightful afternoon and the afternoon just sped by.  We had so much in common which was great.

As usual, the staff were wonderful and it was a most enjoyable afternoon with good people.

Here are some shots.

 

Valerie and Bob

My hand must have shook - not a good shot of them



 In my favourite room in the club - 2nd floor.

 

Valerie and Bob enjoying their tea and light refreshments

We all had different types of teas

Valerie and I in front of the fire

I took them for a little tour of the club.  They admired the many fine pieces of art and the ambiance of the club. 

We talked on a variety of subjects which was nice and very enjoyable.

All in all, a fantastic afternoon!

Thanks for dropping by.

A cane. slippery leaves and mud

Ah what a deceptive thing the sun can be as it shines through a pane of glass high up in the sky.  I was deceived by its warmth coming through to me as I worked around my small apartment.

Instead of putting a warmer hat,coat and boots on, I braved the elements in shoes, and a lighter coat and hat.When will I learn!

It was  a little wait for the No. 6 bus.  A young couple with their small baby was in the shelter.  The young man was sprawled on the seat with his two large feet up against the glass partition.  The young woman was at least seated more appropriately and they had their baby carriage in front of them.  Fortunately there was enough room for me to stand in the shelter as the wind was quite cold.

It is my guess that these young people might only be about 18 years of age if that!  I am amazed (in a negative way) about manners shown by the young.  In my youth, we had to stand up and give our seats to our elders. If our teachers came into our classroom, we had to stand for them as well.   It never hurt me to do that and it showed respect for our teachers and our elders.  Times sure have changed.

I have to say one good thing about them, they both paid attention to the child when she cried.  I was glad to see that. 

I stayed on the bus until we arrived at Princess Point and two  old fellows got off for a walk as well.

Here are some of the shots I took of familiar places.  November in Princess Point shows another side of it, doesn't it?

The entrance

Not much colour left

Bare trees and fallen leaves

It was quite chilly down there near the water but there were other brave souls out as well walking around.  Some even jogging.

 

A campfie which I have never noticed before. It was a little off the beaten trail.  I haven't sat around a campfire for so many years.  It is such a pleasant experience, especially if one sings and roasts marshmellows!

Some colour still

I found this a beautiful spot and enjoy it at all seasons except the winter, of course.


My special log where I sit, get ideas for poems and just enjoy nature

 

I took some more shots but am having trouble downloading them at this time.  This will give you an idea on how beautiful Princess Point is at any time of year.

Why did I title this little piece as I did?  You may well ask that question.  Some parts of the trail were muddy and filled with fallen leaves. My cane was a great help, but in some parts it was almost dangerous.  I did not go back the same way.  That is the reason for the title.  It was almost like walking on a slippery banana peel if you can imagine that.

Thanks for dropping by.  I hope you enjoyed your stay at Princess Point.  Hamilton has some wonderful places to visit.

ST. JOHN'S BAZAAR

It was an amazing bazaar.  The weather was fantastic and people came in droves.  I don't think I have ever seen so many people come out as I did yesterday.

We ran out of chicken schnitzel and potato salad.  Some of the workers did not get lunch because of that.  However, the main thing is that money is raised to help others, not that we eat.

My job is to pour coffee which I do every year.  I enjoy that as I love talking to people.

Some people speak to me in German, some in English which I find great.  It refreshes my mind to remember my German.  Unless one uses a language on a regular basis, I find that it is difficult to speak the language.  I saw an example of that at the Club on Thursday night.  Some visiters from France were there and the wife and I talked in French.  I had to really struggle to remember my French and did not do such a good job of it. 

I really liked them and she has taken my e-mail address so hopefully when they get back to France, we can communicate.  She also speaks Arabic as her parents are from two different Arabic speaking countries.

I often think it would have been a good thing if Esperanto had taken hold in the world and it would be a common language for all peoples.  Perhaps so many misunderstandings would not happen and the average people could communicate with each other.  In my opinion, it is not the average person who wants war.

Ah well, back to the bazaar.  The ladies work so hard and there are two men who help with the heavy things.  It was a success and the next one will be near Mother's Day.

Thanks for dropping by and come back again when you have the time.

A new finished poem

Friday, November 16, 2012

New poem from Wilma Seville

Misty Woods
By Wilma Seville

I brush against low branch
green leaves caress my cheek
its spindly trunk a contrast
among stately, rough barked trees.

I tramp along tree-lined path
carpeted with orangey/red leaves
which crackle under my feet.

Slender trees stretch towards heaven
their branches now stripped bare
reaching towards the sun.

My thoughts turn to the Creator
as I meander along the path
thinking how like other living things we are
stretching towards the light of God.

Smiling, I stoop down
Pick up red maple leaves
To make a fall wreath for my door
Happy to be one with nature.

(reponse to Janusz Wrobel’s Misty Woods)
Performed at Carnegie Gallery Nov. 4, 2012

Wilma Seville has been writing poetry since 2003. She enjoys writing about the many wonderful trails in and around the city of Hamilton, Ontario. Her work has been displayed on the ArtWalk in Dundas as well as performed at Carnegie Gallery. She also has had work in various local magazines and anthologies and a newspaper in Toronto. She writes articles and short stories as well. She is originally from Lachine, Quebec.

About Me

Name: John Stiles

Location: London, United Kingdom

London-based, Canadian novelist and poet. Novel and poetry titles include: Taking The Stairs, The Insolent Boy, Creamsicle Stick Shivs and Scouts are Cancelled: The Annapolis Valley Poems(Insomniac Press, Toronto, Canada). Recently featured as one of twenty New Canadian poets in New American Writing (Oink! Press, CA. USA). Filmmaker behind 'the smalls...er whatever' a rock doc featuring Corb Lund of Corb Lund and the Hurtin Albertans. Born and raised in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia and

MY FIRST TIME MAKING AN INVISIBLE NECKLACE

I enjoyed it but it sure is hard on the eyes and the fingers to do it.

I used Tiger Tail and used crimp beads beside each larger bead.  On the ends, I used six small pearl-like beads.

I like the look of it.  From a distance it will look like just the beads are hanging in mid air. 

Have a good day and thanks for dropping in.

The Nineteenth Annual Hamilton Literary Awards

This special event was held at Theater Aquarius in the Norman and Louise Haac Studio Theatre.  It is a cozy venue and the Theater Aquarius is easy to get to.

At 6:30 p.m., the evening began with people greeting each other and partaking of the delicious refreshments provided. Henry Strong and Warren Stirtzinger, both well known in Hamilton, played their music in the background adding to the sense of well being.

Here is a picture of Henry and Warren.

Warren (left) Henry (right)

More of a pose now - the other was a snap shot

I know both of these men from my club as they perform there every Thursday night and we have become quite friendly.  My friend Ed took a picture of the three of us together which I will post when I received it.
 

A suberb entertainer - Sara Weber had us chuckling away with her account of her childhood in Alabama and her move to Canada.  It was fantastic and something new for us this year.

Sarah Weber - Banter and Bluegrass

Robert Howard, a book editor at the Spectator, our local paper, was the Master of Ceremonies. 

Ron Howard - Master of Ceremonies

Opening remarks were also given by Stephanie Vegh, the Executive Director of the Hamilton Arts Council and by Stephen Near, Projects Manager. 

The sponors of this event were Upper James Toyota, Wolsak & Wynn,  A Different drummer books, Seraphim Editions, Bryan Prince Bookseller, Judy Marsales, The Bookworm, Reliable Life Insurance Company, Epic Books and Line Art Consulting.

Without the hard work of the Literary Arts Committee, Hamilton Arts Council and these sponors, the awards night could not have been held.

The winners of the awards are as follows:

Seraphim Editions Award for Individual Poem  - Marilyn Gear Pilling for her poem "Arancia Rossa"  It was presented by John Terpstra but the poet was out of the country at this time.

Epic Books Awards for Short Story Fiction -  Amy Kenny for her story of "Chocolate Season".  Colette Kendall presented this award to her.

Line Art Consulting Award for Short Article Non-Fiction - J.S. Porter for his article called "Duras"  Rose Johnson  presented this.

Reliable Life Insurance Award for Children and Young Adult Fiction -  Deborah Ellis for her story "True Blue".  Presentked by Ron Ulrich.

Bryan Prince Bookseller Award for Poetry Book - Amanda Jernigan for her book Groundwork.  Presented by Barbara Milne.

Judy Marsales Real Estate Brokerage Award for Nonfiction Book - J.S.Porter, for his book "Lightness and Soul".

The Bookworm Award for Fiction Book - Ross Penny and although he was not able to be there that evening, it was accepted on his behalf .  Paul Takala presented the award.

Ron Howard brought the evening to an end with his closing remarks.

All in all, a great evening.  One not to be missed next year!

Some other shots:

Carmelita and I

Ed and Carmelita  - Ed was a nominee

 I took lots of shots but these are the only ones that turned out well enough to put on the blog.  The lighting in there was quite dim and I do not have a powerful camera.

Thanks for dropping by and come again when you have the time and the inclination.

Prime Minister defends spending on vets, fails to address burials for the poorest

Prime Minister defends spending on vets, fails to address burials for the poorest