Dragonboat Season Begins

This weekend marks the beginning of season for dragonboat competitions. Each boat is comprised of twenty two people who race a straight 400 meter course . The objective is to paddle in unison with short, deep, precise strokes. A typical race takes about two minutes but by the end of those two minutes you're winded and sore. I like this sport because it brings out the best in people- generosity, fun, cooperation and friendly competitiveness.

How would you react?

>I discovered this youtube clip of Jason Mraz walking down a street in Paris just singing (yes, I'm on a Jason Mraz kick right now) His singing isn't 'in your face pay attention' kind of singing. It's almost 'talkin to yourself' kind of singing. What is curious is the reaction of the people he walks by. No one seems to pay attention, except for a child and someone near the end of the song. If Jason walked down the street here singing like that even if no one knew of his notoriety people would likely show some connection- a nod, a swagger. Is this lack of attention just a Parisian thing?

Comforting Camas

My favourite time of Spring is when the camas bloom. When I walk amid a blanket of these violet blooms I feel surrounded by my Dad. He loved these flowers and cherished his trips to Victoria just to see camas flourishing on the hillside of Beacon Hill Park.

Victoria Day Parade Slideshow

The Victoria Day Parade marks the beginning of the summer tourist season in Victoria. Victoria Day commemorates the birthday of Queen Victoria of England and Canada has celebrated this occasion since 1834. Today the rain patiently waited until the afternoon to ensure that the morning march was a success. I love watching the parade. It's fun connecting with the nostalgic quirky energy of the community. Did anyone else attend the parade?

Tulip Wonder

I took this photo in my Mom's front yard. This is the first year she has tulips in her front yard and they produced quite the show. Tulips actually originated in Turkey and Persia. The word, 'tulip' means turban. Their popularity spread throughout Europe in the 17th century. Everywhere I travel I think of tulips as an expression of gratitude since the Netherlands send tulips to various Allies as a gesture of appreciation. Come to think of it, I think I have seen more tulips outside of the Netherlands than within that country.

See The Beauty In Ugly

Ahh...the pressure of the 50th post. I didn't want to post just anything I was looking for something special, exotic, unique, an 'aha' moment. And like a lot of things in life I trip over the extraordinary and consider it a nuisance. So here's my homage to the "hideous" ~ the humble dandelion. What a phenomenal declaration of beauty. May those who happen to read this post discover beauty in the humble places. If you need perspective today listen to Jason Mraz's song, Beauty In Ugly and remember you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139).

Beauty In Ugly

she's so big hearted,
but not so remarkable
just an ordinary humble girl
expecting nothing as we're made to think
its a pretty person's world

but you are beautiful and you better go show it
go look again, you gotta be true to your own
if you really wanna go to the top
do you really wanna win?
don't believe in living normal, just to satisfy demand

well if you wanna get free
and if you wanna do the passionate thing
and if you wanna get smart for the sake of your heart
you should own your name and stand up tall
and get real and see the beauty in ugly

well you are fresh, you're face is fabulous
don't forget you're one of a kind
when nobody is checking the deeds you've done
and nobody is hearing your cries
you make all of the fashion statements
just by dressing up your mind

well if you wanna get free
and if you wanna do the passionate thing
and if you wanna get smart for the sake of your heart
you should own your name and stand up tall
and get real and see the beauty in ugly
and see the beauty in ugly

well if you wanna get free
and if you wanna do the passionate thing
and if you wanna get smart for the sake of your heart and oh
you should own your name and stand up tall
and get real and see the beauty in ugly
see the beauty in a ugly

Frantic, Chillin' New York

I agree V,
New York is a 'go go go' place.
Yet it is also a difficult place to 'nail down' definitively. It is frantic in some areas but step into a square or a park and the mood changes to a laid back 'chillin' atmosphere like the photo above taken in Greenwich Village. The people are challenging to understand too. I was reprimanded at least two or three times a day by someone who felt it necessary to tell me what I was doing wrong but I met just as many friendly, courteous, patient locals as well. Maybe the best description for me is intense. People live and communicate with a lot more intensity than I experience. That's intriguing, entertaining and exhausting.