Healing Moment

Vancouver, BC, Canada, September 16, 2007
It's my last full day in Vancouver before I head back to Waterloo. My brother Pete picks me up from Scott and Judy's and takes me to his home in White Rock. This is Pete with two of his daughters; Millie (holding) Sasha. I make a point of spending a bit of time with Millie. She and I have both studied the same Spiritual path and I always enjoy the chance to talk to her since we share many of the same beliefs. As we're outside in Pete's back yard, I am drawn to this statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is mentioned in the Eck Teachings. He reminds me of a blog story Melbah wrote a while back about a Saint who showed up in a tree trunk. While I'm talking with Millie it's like we're in a different world. All these elements make up something greater than the talk we're having. It's a magical meeting and I have a strong sense of healing around us.

Vancouver Boat Tour

Vancouver BC, September 18, 2007
After our visit with Amy, we head out to the lake for a day at Scott and Judy's SECRET SPOT. You can torture me to death, you can tear my fingernails out, you can even tear Scott's finger nails out! We will never divulge the location. NEVER!!! Okay, I give up. Here's where we are.
Scott launches the boat at this man-made lake near 'Golden Ears' Park, where I went hiking with Pete last year. A Hydro-electric dam was built here so now this whole area has been submerged. If you were to swim down you would see the trees still there below our boat. We take the boat along the lake for ten minutes until we arrive at the spot that Scott and Judy have dubbed: 'Rattlesnake Point'. Scott and Peter first found this spot 25 years ago when they came canoeing along here. What a great site. We pull out our portable chairs and our packed lunch of beer and sandwiches and just hang out for the afternoon. Finally, around 3pm Scott declares he is going swimming. Judy, in a fit of insanity, agrees to join him. I see that this has become a matter of honor so I put on my swim suit and get ready to swim. Scott dives in first. I see he hasn't had a heart attack from the cold water so I jump in too. It reminds me of the Pool party we had just a few weeks ago at Melbah's. Mike and I jumped in the pool and I screamed like a little girl from the cold water. This water is even colder. Scott remarks that it seems warmer after a few minutes and I point out that it's just hypothermia setting in. Thanks you two, for letting me share this magical day with you.

Bob & Amy's New Old Home

Vancouver, BC, September 15, 2007
Scott and Judy invite me out for a ride in their boat. We have a nice breakfast together and head out. On the way, we stop off to see Scott's daughter, Amy. It's good to see that Scott and Judy are finally starting to act like mature adults. Amy and her husband Bob have just bought a home in Haney. The house itself is old and a bit rugged, but the lot is fantastic. They are in a neighborhood that is up and coming so they will do very well in the future when they decide to sell. Amy says they expect the house to be torn down by whoever buys it next. In the meantime, they are making it a cosy place to live in. You can see the uneven roof from the two additions that were added over the years. One of their first orders of business will be to seal the leaks in this roof.
Here's the view as you come in the front door. The home is small but it still has a spacious feel to it. Amy says they are going to put hardwood floors throughout the house to give it a cottage feel.The ceilings are low but I like the kitchen. It has lots of counter space and a large window looking out to the backyard. I find that all the rooms in their house seem to be big enough to be comfortable for day to day living. I also like the simplicity of the living room. It's simple and elegant. The window looks out to the front yard. I can see that they have their work cut out for them but when it's all done they're going to have a very nice living space. I wish you guys all the best. I know this house is going to turn out to be a very good investment for the future.

Vancouver Songkran

Vancouver, BC, September 14, 2007
I try to see my whole family at least once a year, which isn't easy when they live on opposite ends of the third largest country in the world. Scott picks me up at the airport and we go to his home in North Van. The ride takes half an hour and we have a great time catching up on what's been going on in our lives since we last met in August, last year. I don't know what hypnosis course Judy sent Scott to, but he constantly tells me how much he adores his wife and how lucky he is. As soon as we arrive at their home, the three of us go to the local pub and have a delicious meal together. This picture reminds me of the one I snapped in Thailand during Songkran, and this celebration of family feels the same.

Vietnam Welcome

Saigon, Vietnam, March 17, 2006

I actually tried 8 different times to get to Vietnam during this trip to Asia.

I really think that I needed to wait until now so that I would be on the right flight with the right person.

I was talking with a Vietnamese man in the seat ahead of me. I was asking for advice for finding a guest house. Bill spoke up and offered to help.

Bill is married to this lovely woman from Saigon.
'Lien' is a very sweet energetic woman. They live in Cranbrook B.C. Canada and travel often to Vietnam.

They found me a place to stay and took me under their wing. First, we went out for a traditional Vietnamese meal of fish and 'Pho' or Soup and other delicacies.

Bill says he's planning to take this Vietnamese 'Snake Whiskey' home as a souvenir but he thinks I should bring it back to my dear sister instead. Wouldn't that look wonderful in your living room, Melbah?

I am very surprised by Saigon. My buddy Ted was just here and he described Saigon as a dirty noisy city. Okay, it kind of is, but it's so friendly. And it's very organized. I thought it would be a place where I would be accosted at every street corner by people wanting my money. What I find instead is a very sincere beautiful people who are genuinely happy to meet me.
Now, this woman was here to sell me something, and I did buy a calculator and some disposable razors, but it was fun. But just for the record, I would put the Vietnamese against any people in the World when it comes to hard negotiating. Just look at her eyes...

Bill and Lien have really made the introduction to Vietnam such a pleasure though. Right from the start they tied me into the culture and helped me get my bearings. Thank you very much you two!