Red Cedar
More apocalypse, less angst
Summer arrives!
Now this is not my favourite photo ever taken, but it encapsulates a lot of my weekend so I am using it anyway. That is, I had an incredibly engaged and active weekend, most of it spent outdoors which seems fitting to summer solstice and the arrival (finally) of some beautiful weather.
After a series of high-profile union events last week I decided to ditch Vancouver on Friday for a quick trip to Saltspring Island where I participated in an evening summer solstice ritual and picnic with friends in Bergoine Bay. On Saturday it was hanging out at my friends’ house, an amazing breakfast, some reading/relaxing time (while they worked to get ready for a trip), and then a paddle around Stowell Lake and a swim from one of the abandoned docks. Saturday evening we had a quick bite and a beer in Fulford Harbour before I got back on the ferry to head to Kyla’s solstice gathering in Victoria where there was more amazing company, food and music (and a fire!).
And if that wasn’t enough partying for one weekend, I returned home early on Sunday to meet up for a mid-afternoon bike ride and picnic on the seawall with Brian and Mica which turned into several hours of riding, walking, card playing and finally, gelato-eating.
My skin is officially browned, my hair still smells faintly of wood smoke, and I walked to work this morning without a jacket. Could summer really finally be here? If so I hope mine includes more of the same!
Off to islands….
Had a frantic and fabulous day yesterday – succeeded in every event and went to bed exhausted! Today I’m off to islands for a couple of days. Not exactly sure if it will just be saltspring or if I’ll pop in to Kyla’s party tomorrow night in Victoria. We’ll see. But I’ve got a guitar and a bag of clothes so I’m ready for anything.
And have I mentioned lately that I am completely smitten with my lovely Brian? I think a post on my trepidations about step-mothering is coming soon – just finishing up yet one more book on the subject and then I’m sure I will start ranting about it.
Back Sunday or Monday!
Tomorrow I will be….
In case you are interested in any of the below events – I will be all over town tomorrow:
- Speaking on the Future of the Public Service (and collective bargaining) tomorrow morning at SFU Harbour Centre from 8:30-10 am. I won’t be speaking for most of that time, but a little tiny part.
- Demonstrating (and speaking) at a noon rally for collective bargaining at Canada Place. Free hotdogs!
- Doing a union meet-n-greet with members from my bargaining table at Nat Bailey stadium from 5:30-7 pm, and
- Playing the fiddle and singing with Brian at the VDLC Workers’ Cafe @ The End (8th & Commercial) from 7:30-9:30. We will probably play between 8 and 8:30.
A busy day, for sure. But lots of variety at least!
Getting by.
I haven’t felt much like writing the last few days besides being busy, so here I am updating for the first time in days – and it’s not with a big well-crafted post, but with some of my life bits instead to get myself caught up here.
For those of you not paying attention to the other site – there is a new post on Viaduct for your reading pleasure. I am hoping to work on some non-restaurant-related posts for that site next. As soon as this week is over and I’ve actually got a free evening or day on the schedule. Sheesh! I’m not even reading much these days, that’s how little time I’ve got for myself!
Short story is that it’s been an overwhelming couple of weeks with work and all. Long story is that besides all the stuff I have to do I’ve been having some relationship introspection that isn’t making me feel very good about myself. Lots of jealousy and feeling like I don’t fit into Brian’s family which by definition includes his ex and not me. And even though the divorce stuff is finally happening and she is moving out by the end of summer, I am not feeling there is a legitimate place for me anywhere in this and I wonder if I am foolish for trying.
Of course Brian tells me otherwise. But I just can not shake this feeling that everyone would be better off if I just vacated and let them get on with their lives. For the past eight months or so I’ve been getting that message pretty loud and clear from Brian’s ex and even though she’s shifted somewhat, I am still excluded from my partner’s home so I shouldn’t wonder where these very strong feelings are coming from!
Anyhow. I’m sure it will all pass shortly and I’ll start feeling like a normal person about all this stuff again. In the meantime I’ve got a ton of work and several speaking engagements this week so posting will be spotty.
Red Cedar 