Farewell 2011. 2010 was a difficult year, and 2011 resulted in a lot of changes. However, when I think back to the changes in my life this past year, I’m overwhelmed by all the incredible people in my life. A mixture of new friends, old friends and family, and returning friends makes me feel truly blessed with the relationships in my life.

So, whether I’ve known you six months or 11 years, or somewhere in between…. whether I know you only online, mostly via Facebook, or in real life…. whether we talk often, occasionally, or rarely…. thank you for being my friend.

Now, let’s make these next 12 months count until the end of the world!

I really should be sleeping—I’m going to need it—so here is an update in point form:

• This weekend is The Word On The Street book and magazine festival. It happens simultaneously in cities across Canada and although I had a decreased role this year, I’ve still been involved. Not to mention the festival programming has been expanded to three days. I will be at Library Square in the Info Tent / Merchandise Booth near the Mainstage. Come say hello (and bring me coffee)!
• Academie Duello is having an Open Barn to promote their Cavaliere program (swordplay on horses!) and a fundraiser for the Richmond Pony Club. I’ve been debating getting involved in that aspect, since I already love to ride. I’ll be at Red Colt on Saturday afternoon to help with the demos and our display booth. Duello is also having a member only party to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Princess Bride. So that’s also on the agenda for this weekend.
• School is going well. Lots of readings to keep track of, tutorials to engage in, and lectures to attend. Handed in a literary analysis today for The Night Wanderer by Drew Hayden Taylor, so you can expect a review on the blog shortly. We also had our first Gender Debate earlier this week. So things are picking up and before long it will be midterm time (mid-October).
• I’ve begun contributing to SFU’s student newspaper, The Peak. I’m really excited in this opportunity and looking forward to expanding the literary coverage in the Arts section.
• Last night I went to the book launch for Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery by Leanne Prain (published by Arsenal Pulp Press). Leanne is the co-author of Yarn Bombing: Knit and Crochet Graffiti and so I was really excited for Hoopla. I made sure to head down to Spool of Thread sewing lounge and get my copy signed!
• Somehow I seem to be confirming more freelance design clients now that I’m back in school. This is an odd turn of events but I’m just trying to juggle everything. Watch me go nuts in about 3 weeks.

What have YOU been up to?

At the end of August, we took an incredible and slightly impromptu roadtrip to Banff, Alberta and back. I’ve been wanting to explore more of British Columbia as I only remember bits and pieces from our roadtrips as a kid. My friend Evan and I took 5 nights and 6 days to do a round trip. Here is our journey in photo format.

Read the rest of this entry »

Last-last weekend I made the snap decision to go to Cascadia North Accolade Tournament. I’ve been learning to swordfight and this annual event is a swordplay retreat organized by a group of volunteers from the Western Martial Arts school I attend. I am so glad I managed to attend; it was fun, educational and just a really good atmosphere.

On the ferry leaving Deep Cove

On Friday afternoon, we arrived at Camp Jubilee on Indian Arm by ferry from Deep Cove in West Vancouver. Devon Boorman and Randy Packer started the retreat in 2007 with 40-odd attendees. It has since grown to an event with 80+ attendees and an organizing committee of 8-10 people.

Friendly sparring, violent duelling and general practising happened all weekend long

Read the rest of this entry »

I had the good fortune to respond to a request for knitting teachers and ended up as a Core Staff member for the Girl Guides’ Spirit of Adventure Rendezvous (SOAR) 2011 last week. The position was volunteer and it wasn’t knitting, but I was thrilled nonetheless. I’ve missed working at camp with kids since getting a “career”.

Sunset on Mt.Cheam during the Closing Ceremonies

I learned that SOAR happens every 3 years, but skipped a year (2010) for the 100th anniversary of guiding in Canada while they had a country-wide celebration. Resuming for 2011, the 6th annual SOAR was taking place in Agassiz, BC — a small town in the Fraser Valley near Harrison Hot Springs, approximately a two-hour drive from Vancouver.

The opening parade through Agassiz, BC. Pink shirts are all the girls, blue are Core Staff.

SOAR is organized by the BC council for Girl Guides, but is an international event with nearly 2,000 Girls, Guiders, and Staff gathering for a week-long adventure camp.

Read the rest of this entry »