Saturday, June 06, 2015

Cats bring luck, of course…!

Elaine gave Richard and Jim some special ties of Don's. The one Richard chose was based on this famous image.   Jim has worn his to dinners at Le Crocodile  and to his job interview at Columbia College which he got  and this was in an email from Richard yesterday:

"BTW, I wore Don's tie today. Had to give a big presentation in Seattle. I think it brought me some good luck."

Elaine,  always so thoughtful.  Thanks again,  dear friend!

Well,  cats bring luck and I'm posting a few photos of Oscar to bring Grace luck on winning the Tom Fairley Award for Editorial Excellence.  She is short listed for the award this year.  Just being nominated is a real honour and will grow her editing business.  Congratulations,  Grace,  and good luck!

They are both going to the conference in Toronto this coming week.  Richard's company is paying his way.  With his presentations,  course development,  manual writing,  proposal writing,  etc.  his job has a lot of writing in it.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, May 11, 2015—The Editors' Association of Canada (EAC) has announced the finalists for the 2014 Tom Fairley Award for Editorial Excellence.
The Tom Fairley Award recognizes an editor's outstanding contribution to a work published in Canada in English or French in the award year. The $2,000 grand prize will be presented at the awards banquet of the international Editing Goes Global conference in Toronto on June 13. EAC is also pleased to announce that the two other finalists will each receive a cash prize of $500 in recognition of their exceptional editorial performance.

SHORT LIST

Sue MacLeod of Toronto, Ontario, for Mending Hearts, Building Bridges: The Story of Save a Child's Heart by Bernard Goldman (Save a Child's Heart Foundation)

MacLeod is an editor who clearly has the confidence and trust of her clients. "She did a superlative job of finding the gold in a mountain of text and shaping it into a cohesive and powerful book, while keeping her client's aims and preferences steadily in view," said one judge. The judges were impressed with her work on the manuscript, as well as her ability to negotiate tricky political and ideological waters, collaborate with the book's designer and keep the project on schedule. "Overall, a stellar editing job."
Sue MacLeodending Hearts, Building Bridges
Suzanne Rent of Halifax, Nova Scotia, for Our Children (Metro Guide Publishing)

In her two and a half years as editor of Our Children, Rent has transformed the magazine from a service publication to one that engages parents, teachers and students. Her enthusiasm for her role is obvious. She meets with the editorial board, assigns stories, writes sections herself, and, within a small budget, manages all aspects of producing this very attractive and interesting magazine. She extends herself beyond "mere" editorial duties to being a mentor who encourages young talent. "She shows us a side of editors that we often forget," said one judge. "We are caring, involved and creative people within our local communities as much as we are line-tamers and grammar gurus."
Suzanne RentOur Children
Grace Yaginuma of Vancouver, British Columbia, for A Discerning Eye: The Walter C. Koerner Collection of European Ceramics by Carol E. Mayer (Figure 1 Publishing)

Art books are notoriously complicated to edit because of the many elements they contain (text, multiple illustrations, captions, photo credits and reference notes) and the particular conventions they follow. This project was hindered by several delays and a tight schedule, but Yaginuma edited the manuscript expertly at all levels, performing structural, stylistic and copy editing for the project. She was always professional, positive and patient in her written communications with everyone involved on the project. "This very fine publication would not have been possible without [her] excellent editorial work and file management."
Grace YaginumaA Discerning Eye
* * *

The judges for the 2014 Tom Fairley Award are respected Canadian editors. Peter Midgley is the author of a travel memoir, Counting Teeth: A Namibian Story, and was the recipient of the 2013 Tom Fairley Award. He is also the senior editor (acquisitions) at the University of Alberta Press. Rosemary Shipton was the founding coordinator of the Publishing Program at Ryerson University. She has taught all levels of editing. In 2007 Trinity College, University of Toronto, granted her an honorary doctorate for her contribution to publishing in Canada. Sandy Newton is a freelance writer, editor and consultant. She co-authored Birds of Newfoundland (winner of a 201




"They better give you that prize or else!"

Friday, June 05, 2015

A beautiful morning and looks like it's going to be a great weekend.



And I'm well enough to keep my appointment with my retinal specialist today.  I had to cancel last week.  So,  I better enjoy the view because it will be a day of eyes dilated.   Well,  I guess that's life as a senior….feeling good about being well enough to keep a medical appointment.  I think there might be a stand up comedy routine in that….

For me, the first day of summer in Vancouver is always the return of the English Bay slide.   Wednesday,  Jim and I were having a drink on the balcony and commenting that the slide seemed late this year.  I called Stephos to order a roast lamb dinner for pick up.  When Jim came back the slide had miraculously appeared.   I think the actual slide is a new one….seems a bit smaller and a bit lighter looking.


Thursday, June 04, 2015

Batting 1000

I have written three letters to the editor in my entire life and all three have been published…the most recent one today in the Vancouver Sun.  And for once they didn't edit out anything.  Later,  I wish I mentioned that the Jericho lands would provide a perfect setting.  This is a large tract of extremely valuable land that partly formerly housed the Jericho School for the Deaf and Blind….a residential school where abuse was rampant so that also makes it an appropriate setting.  I believe it is currently slated for million dollar condos and multi million dollar houses.

I see First Nations are claiming the land as well so that makes it even more appropriate.  Estimates are it's worth around three billion.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/billion+debate+over+Vancouver+Jericho+Lands/9456829/story.html

re:  Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The city of Vancouver seems like an ideal location for a memorial museum to the cultural genocide on aboriginal people and to the forced internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War and other racist atrocities.  Such a project could provide employment for aboriginal youth and  volunteer opportunities for non aboriginals.   The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in New York and the Auschwitz Museum in Poland would provide excellent models.  These memorials educate people and provide them with a very deep emotional experience.

Sincerely,

Janice Sexton

Note to my blog readers outside Canada.   The Truth and Reconciliation Report has been released:

http://www.trc.ca/websites/trcinstitution/index.php?p=3

and newspapers across Canada have major reportage on this story.

An excellent article in The Globe and Mail by John Ralston Saul:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/truth-and-reconciliation-is-canadas-last-chance-to-get-it-right/article24826036/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=Referrer%3A+Social+Network+%2F+Media&utm_campaign=Shared+Web+Article+Links&fb_ref=Default


Sunday, May 31, 2015

Especially for Erna who missed seeing the VanDusan Gardens

Erna missed seeing these gardens and so many other lovely sites so I was thrilled when Carol sent me an email today with some photos of her garden that she had been working in and she also mentioned that she had walked to the VanDusan Gardens to enjoy their wonderful displays.

From Carol today:

However, a person must also have some fun, so I have also been in the garden staking delphiniums, which look beautiful with the peonies and pink roses that are just coming out now. Blue, purple and pink, one of my favourite combinations. The mock orange under our bedroom window is out now too, so that is pretty and smells good. I also played hookey long enough this afternoon to take a walk to VanDusen Gardens, where the roses are in full bloom. Very beautiful, as is the pond/lake, covered in water lilies. We should take a walk there one day when you are all recovered.




Cats are big business these days...

Richard's friend who is opening the first cat cafĂ©, CatfĂ©,  in the Fall is currently at a conference in LA called "CatCon"….amazing...

CatConLa is a two-day weekend event happening in June, 2015, celebrating groundbreaking products and ideas in art and design, pop culture, and attitude… for cat people.
Part expo, part symposium, CatConLA showcases the world’s top cat-centric merchandise including furniture, art, toys and clothing for those of us who possess a great love of the feline, as well as conversations with some of the top cat experts in the world.

http://catconla.com

Friday, May 29, 2015

You think you might just catch a break...

I was really pleased when I heard Erna managed to get just one stop on the way home but more problems.  And now Marvin,  our last man standing,  is sick.

Let's hope everyone has a speedy recovery.

I got this email from Erna today:

Hi Janice ,  I hope you are feeling less "miserable" now, although I think  it may take some time to get better.  Marvin now has this cold, laryngitis, etc.  My cough is pretty bad still, have appointment with dr. Monday.
Our trip home was not without problems.  The plane from Vancouver arrived late in Dallas and we missed connection to Baltimore- had to spend night and arrived home today at 12.  finally.  All in all, was great being in Vancouver , visiting with u and seeing your hangouts.  Thanks for sharing. Yes, we will always remember our week from hell in paradise.
Love, Erna & Marvin

Thanks to everyone for sending hugs and good wishes….

I will be back to you but at the moment I'm feeling like this….only worse.



Erna and Marvin left us a lovely card and a gift card for the B.C. Liquor Store.  We will be sure to pick out something special when we both get better.   I was too sick to join them for dinner at the Cactus Club but they really enjoyed it and even went back the next day for lunch!

 Jim's presentation at the Open Textbook Summit went well so that's another responsibility over.  It's a good thing he didn't lose his voice in all this.

We know people who are dealing with much worse at the moment so it all must be kept in perspective. On the positive side I got to postpone my appointment with the retina specialist so no eye dilation today….yeah!

Can't wait to start catching up on the fun we've missed….

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Update

Erna and Marvin and I did manage to get to Granville Island and do a drive around Stanley Park.  Erna is very tired and I'm in for a really lousy cold/flu whatever it is.  I have no voice at all this morning and had a rough night.  On the positive side,  Jim is getting better and after his class today and his presentation tomorrow at the Open Textbook Summit,  he should be able to breathe  a sigh of relief.

Erna and Marvin got a flight out tomorrow and even better than they had before with just one stop.  I'm sure they will be very glad to be home.







Monday, May 25, 2015

Good news

Erna got an angiogram today and it showed there was no damage to the heart.  The enzyme that was elevated was probably from her bronchial/pneumonia condition.  She was discharged around 8pm and was enjoying the sunset when I called.   Obviously,  she is very tired but we do hope to do some things tomorrow.

So glad things worked out so well.

Jim is more or less on the mend but I may be getting what he had….ah, well….life.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Itty Bitty Book Review: "The Innocent" by Ian McEwan

 "The Innocent" by Ian McEwan


I was quite interested in reading this book since its setting is Berlin in the days when it was a divided city.  We passed through that divided city in 1976.  McEwan is always a fascinating writer for me but I had a bit of a problem initially as the book seemed to drag at times but that made the climax and denouement all the most interesting and in the end I couldn't put it down.  Classic McEwan.

Well, some good news this morning.

Ireland votes overwhelmingly in favour of same-sex marriage.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/23/europe/ireland-referendum-same-sex-marriage/

Now let's hope the US Supreme Court does the same.  I believe that decision will be coming down in late June.

Update

I know people wonder when I don't post regularly to my blog so just to let you know that Erna had a mild heart attack Friday morning and is in St. Paul's.  She is doing well and hopes to be released Monday.  They were going to be flying home today but that is delayed.  They are staying at The Sylvia and there is no problem extending their stay there.

Jim is getting somewhat better but this cold/flu is still hanging on.  It's a busy week coming up for him as he has his SFU class Wednesday and he is presenting at the Open Text Summit Thursday.  I am very tired and may be coming down with what Jim has myself.  He started with a tickle throat and that's what I seem to be starting with.

On the bright side,  we had Marvin for dinner last night and he brought some lovely flowers.  It's nice to have something cheerful to look at….there isn't much joy in Mudville at the moment!

 Walking to the hospital along Comox Street we saw some lovely old houses and this VW Van from the 60's….just fit the neighbourhood somehow.


Marvin's flowers….thanks, Marvin!

Friday, May 22, 2015

Erna and Marvin arrive in Vancouver….and love it!

It was quite the day for them as the plane was delayed but they did arrive safely to great weather and it was super to see them.  We had drinks and snacks here then up to  Cloud 9…a great overview of the city.



Thursday, May 21, 2015

I love this!

Thanks to Linda for posting this on Facebook.  B.C. Ferries decided to have a naming contest for their new ferry and the results are hilarious.  We do love no longer being held captive to ferries.

I think my favourite is "Queen of the Damned"

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/05/best-submissions-bc-ferries-naming-contest/

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Lunch with Carol at Burgoo

Carol and I were going to meet at Au Comptoir,  a French Bistro that is getting lots of good reviews but I failed to notice they were closed on Tuesdays.  We ended up at Burgoo Bistro a few doors down and were much more comfortable and the food was excellent.  I see they have quite a few locations.

We always have a lot of laughs and it was good to get away from "sick bay central".  Jim is just having terrible time with this cold/flu.   I hope he gets through his class today without too much trouble.

Something that is dear to both our hearts is the tearing down of all these wonderful houses in Vancouver.    But at least some things are preserved.   Many years ago,  these typical wooden houses on Pacific in the West End were going to be demolished and they were saved.  I'm often driving  by them and love seeing them.  I took a couple of quick photos while stopped at a traffic light but I must take some better photos.



Friday, May 15, 2015

Making ATC's for Sunday

I have this idea for doing an ATC series of "Birds in my Neighbourhood".  I'm thinking of seagulls,  crows,  herons, geese,  and maybe ducks.  I've done the seagulls.


Making up the words is the easy part!


Seagulls playing after stealing lunch


“Will these chicks never be full!”
says the neron parent.


Geese filling up for the golf course
to do what geese do best



Canny crows planning their next move

An early anniversary gift...

Elaine sent these wonderful goodies for our anniversary which is Monday (47 years).  They arrived Wednesday,  the day of Jim's first SFU class.   He was so sick with this cold that I felt we needed a treat to opened the package early (well,  Elaine,  that's my excuse this year…).

Elaine,  you do always spoil us,  dear friend!


Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Jim's first class in SFU's 55+ program

Well,  he has had this terrible cold but you just have to turn up for your first class of a course in a program you've never taught in before.  He did it and things went very well and he feels it's a really great group.  Some came up afterward to show their appreciation and tell him it was a wonderful lecture.  But,  he did get an incredible nose bleed towards the end.  I picked him up and it looked like he had been in a fight with all the blood.  The class reacted well and he made a joke of it….he reflected "You can see I'm committed to teaching this course….I bleed for you." That got a good laugh.

Louise Penny writing the new Gamache in Jamaica

Her office today….I see she is using a MacBook Air just like mine!


Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Another great sunset tonight….


Great to have lunch with Kerry today...

We had a long chat and enjoyed the view from the Sylvia.  We're were seated by the pond and had quite a laugh to see the "alligators"….don't think I've sat there before.  Great view of the ocean on one side and the pond on the other.






Monday, May 11, 2015

Looking forward to my SFU course today

The course sounds interesting but I'm also hoping it will motivate me to finally finish writing up our living in France experiences and get the writing along with photos and paintings into e-book form to share with friends and family.



Every Picture Tells a Story: The Art of Narrative Photography (55+)

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then what is the narrative value of a series of photographs? We will take a journey from the photo-essays ofLIFE and Look magazines of the 1940s, 50s and 60s, to today’s visual storytellers, who use new technology to tell stories with the still image.
On the way we will explore the potential of photography as a narrative tool for telling our own stories. We will consider not only what makes an exceptional photograph but also how to build a series of photographs to create a story. Each week we will look at another aspect of narrative photography. Through a series of short photographic exercises we will further our inquiry into using photography for storytelling.

Every picture


The morning greeted us with a rainbow

I enhance the first one and left the second one as is.  I would say that what I actually saw was in between.



Sunday, May 10, 2015

Mother's Day

Dick sent me this today with Mother's Day greetings.  I found it very poignant.  I guess Gypsy Rose Lee was into micro living before it became trendy….

Gypsy Rose Lee holding her son, Eric, outside her trailer after a show in Memphis, 1949




Richard called and we had a nice chat.  He is taking us out for Dim Sum but not today.  We try to avoid Mother's Day for going out since it's such a zoo.  Also,  Jim and Richard both have colds.  Ah well,  Jim hasn't had a cold for over a year so not so bad.  

Sunset in Palm Springs last night

I quite like the composition and colour of this photo Eric Norland took and posted.  I just may have to paint it.




Wednesday, May 06, 2015

River Rock Casino

We can't seem to get interested in the casino scene but there certainly are a lot of people who are.  We couldn't believe how big and busy this casino was.  We met Derek on Monday at The Curve bar for dinner at the River Rock to get some materials he very kindly retrieved for Jim from his office in Victoria.  River Rock is right at the Skytrain station and you can park for 24 hours for $2.50 so a great deal for commuters.  Derek uses it all the time for that purpose.

A different world for sure.





A great addition to Vancouver….Vancouver Public Library's "Inspiration Lab"

We look forward to using this great new facility and the online training.

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Vancouver+Public+Library+Inspiration+bridges+digital+divide/11031410/story.html

Sunday, May 03, 2015

Life as usual around here….tightrope walkers, morning rowers, sunsets, another run

The BMO Marathon is today and isn't as bad as usual for noise.  They don't have a brass band right outside our window at least this year. …just a sax and drum.   And it's actually over….wow,  that was quick.  I just saw the car that follows the race go by.

One hour later update….spoke too soon.  Now they're coming back on the seawall and there is a cheering section in front.  I knew this was too good to be true.  We remember the BMO as particularly annoying.

 Our new pet.  We call him the "shirker heron" because he like to hang out on this street lamp.  The other herons we see are fishing and bringing food back to the nest.


 The tight ropers seem to be a fixture now.

And of course some sunset photos.



Morning rowers.


The BMO runners.

Saturday, May 02, 2015

Douglas Todd hits the nail on the head….again.

He always has an interesting viewpoint.

Douglas Todd: Don’t divide; find common ground

 

Walking a middle path: Pontiff has shifted focus on the environment, poverty and other important issues that tie all of humanity together


http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/Douglas+Todd+divide+find+common+ground/11022322/story.html

Friday, May 01, 2015

Strider bikes….who knew?

Well,  every parent and grandparent of young children but news to me.  Kerry, Katie, and Zion dropped over the other day and Zion (who is so big these days…wow!) had his strider bike.  What a wonderful concept.   There are no pedals and kids learn to balance gradually so make the move to real bikes easily.

It was great to see them all (Harmony was in kindergarten) and Zion had great fun pushing a cushion around…so much better than playing with any of the toys Katie brought for him.