We arrived back to Vancouver from California mid-April, in anticipation of Summer.Summer seemed to appear early, but we were fooled into Juneuary; that convoluted blend of “June” and “January,” where elements of both months combine into a single unpredictable weather pattern and the layering of clothes begin. It’s a transition where it’s sunny one minute, then it’s cloudy, then rainy, then sunny again. All over the map. But at least it’s not winter. Plus, we were already spoiled being in sunshine for several months prior.
Summer also means that my posts will become more sparse over the following months; save for some upcoming theatre reviews. Taking a break during summer from writing is a rejuvenating choice, which allows me to recharge my creativity and/or choices and gain a fresh perspective. By embracing this break, it provides me the opportunity to return to writing with renewed energy and inspiration.
Enjoy your summer and I’ll meet you back here on occasion and more so by September.
Here on the West Coast we’re very lucky to have an abundance of scenic places to visit.
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities and things to do. However, there’s always something special about immersing oneself in nature. You immediately experience a calming peacefulness that no city can match. It’s the ultimate stress reliever. You can feel the difference right away, then once you’re out of the woods you really notice the contrast.
Having lived in Vancouver for many years, I now call myself a Vancouverite. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting diverse places in British Columbia such as Whistler (skiing), Tofino (whale watching), the Kootenays (back country, mineral hot springs, unique small towns), the Okanagan (wining/dining) and some of the Gulf Islands (boating, hiking, nature).
This was my first time on Pender Island; one of the Southern Gulf Islands situated between Vancouver Island and the mainland. The last stop on an approx. two hour ferry ride from Tsawwassen terminal (with stops at Galiano + Mayne Island beforehand). On Fridays they have a ferry that goes directly to Pender. There’s a North and a South Pender Island, but I’ll elaborate more about that at the end of this post. We stayed on North Pender Island.
Pender Island is a hidden gem known for its perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, serene atmosphere, and outdoor activities like boating, hiking, golf and swimming.
I visited an old friend on his milestone birthday (no name or photos of said person by request). My dogs and I enjoyed the gorgeous property surrounded by nature and being greeted by deer….but also a pig, a donkey, sheep ,llamas and goats. All photos were taken on Pender Island.
Poets Cove LobbyOutside Poets Cove Resort and Spa after lunch at Syrens Bistro.
Currents at Otter Bay Property
Woods on Pender. One of the 8 Airstream staycations. I will consider this for another time.
Overall, this was probably the nicest Gulf Island I’ve come across. They’re all special in their own way but this one boasts more lush forests, rugged coastlines, and beautiful beaches. We enjoyed hiking through trails with scenic views of the surrounding ocean and landscapes with our local guide who took time to show us around. Much appreciated – there was so much more to take in than meets the eye.
Sea Star Winery
My Wine Flight with a View.
There’s also a really nice winery called SeaStar (and yes, I did), another place where cider is made, good pubs and places to eat; everything from cozy cafés to upscale restaurants. Then there’s the local art galleries, places that make yummy home baked goods and lots of other handmade items like soap, perfume, knits and chocolates. Oh; those chocolates were to die for and the birthday cake from Vanilla Leaf Caféwas the best by far.
Plenty of goldfish in the lake.Art Gallery
Delectable Handmade Chocolates
We visited a few other stunning properties where one can stay at, or at least visit for a spa treatment or meal: namely, Poet’s Cove, Otter Bay and an airstream glamping RV resort called “Woods on Pender.”
An artistic rendering (if I may say so) of a photo I took.
What’s the Difference between North and South?
North Pender Island and South Pender Island are two halves of a single island, separated by a narrow canal called the Port Browning Narrows. While they share many similarities, there are some notable differences between the two. South Pender Island is slightly larger than North Pender Island.
The majority of Pender’s population resides on North Pender, where the largest amount of services and amenities are located. South Pender is more rural with the exception of Bedwell Harbour, where there is a resort & marina.
North Pender Island is characterized by rugged coastline, dense forests, and rolling hills, while South Pender Island has more flat areas and farmland.
Both North and South Pender Islands offer outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. However, South Pender is host to the renowned and luxurious Poets Cove Resort.
Overall, while North and South Pender Island share many characteristics, the differences in population density, geography, and amenities give each part its own distinct character.
It has been some while since I’ve been to an actual Broadway show, so watching this last night was almost like being back in New York. Meaning it was that good.
Daniel Curalli and Tenaj Williams in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Take a leap back in time to 194o’s New York City where gambling was rampant, night club performers were raunchy and attractive but empty-headed women were referred to as “Dolls” in the hit Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” – now playing until June 30th at the Arts Club Stanley Alliance Stage in Vancouver. Now celebrating their diamond anniversary – shining bright for 60 years.
The last musical I saw on this stage was “Beautiful” – the Carole King Story and it was excellent. Of course I knew all the songs from having listened to “Tapestry” over and over again back in the day.
I must admit that I really enjoy a good musical with talented singers/dancers/actors, so this performance of “Guys and Dolls” hit all the right notes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the familiarity of songs I’ve heard in the past such as “Sue Me” and “If I were a Bell.”
Yasmin D’Oshun, Madeleine Suddaby, Shannon Hanbury in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon, “Guys and Dolls” first premiered in 1950 with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows. Set in the bustling streets of New York City, the show follows the intertwining stories of gamblers, nightclub performers, and missionaries.
At its heart, “Guys and Dolls” is a romantic comedy, featuring colorful characters such as Nathan Detroit, a lovable but perpetually broke gambler; Miss Adelaide, his long-suffering fiancée of 14 years who is desperate to get him to the altar; Sky Masterson, a suave and high-rolling gambler; and Sarah Brown, a devout missionary trying to save souls in the midst of the city’s chaos.
Cast of Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The plot revolves around Nathan’s attempts to find a venue for his infamous floating craps game while simultaneously trying to avoid commitment to Adelaide. Meanwhile, Sky makes a bet that he can take Sarah on a date to Havana, Cuba, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.
Filled with catchy tunes like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Guys and Dolls” is known for its vibrant characters, witty dialogue, and toe-tapping music. It’s a delightful blend of humor, romance, and old-school charm that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal.
Yasmin D’Oshun, Madeleine Suddaby, Shannon Hanbury in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Header image: Cast of Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
I was thinking about the wide-ranging group of friends and acquaintances in my life. Many are professionals in business, finance or the arts. Some are four-legged and some have wings.
Photo: d. king
This past season in Palm Springs I can add among the list of people I’ve met a professional opera singer, a designer/hotelier, a dating expert, a nightclub owner who moonlights as a female impersonator, an energy healer, a 93-year-old book author and two younger ones, the protégé of a famous deceased person, a big pharma whistleblower who was awarded an historic settlement and a few more accomplished artists, entertainers, philanthropists and local legends. It all makes for an eclectic bunch.
But then there’s the fascinating hummingbird whisperer. His name is Steve; a musician and former long standing jeopardy contestant who prefers to see the lighter side of life. Steve has a special ability to attract, interact with, and understand his fine feathered friends. He has a deep appreciation for these tiny birds and knows their behavior, habits, and preferences.
Steve with my friend Shawn. Photo: d. kingSteve with long time Jeopardy host Alex Trebek.
Steve is fondly known as the Hummingbird Whisperer of Palm Springs by a select lucky few (although the numbers seem to be growing), for a good reason. Steve is a trove of information on all things hummingbirds. He sets up tons of feeders outside his home including swings they love to perch on and knows them individually. He also has a YouTube channel (Palm Springs Hummingbirds) where he sets up a camera each night at feeding time to film the activities. It’s a remarkable sight to witness so many of them all in one area. Plus they seem to know him. The dedication he has for them is astounding. And you can ask him pretty much any question about hummingbirds and he knows the answer.
I first found out about this delightfully knowledgeable man after seeing a Facebook post of a friend showing a video of her feeding hummingbirds with some of them perched on her hand. I contacted her to find out where this place was because I wanted to go. She could not give out the address (which makes sense; it is after all, his home) but she told me to meet her somewhere and she’d take me there. Now that I know where it is, I’ve since taken others there myself. As it so happens, it’s within walking distance from my place. It’s always best to go at sunset. That’s when the swarm starts.
Photo: d. king
If you’ve ever had an experience with a hummingbird up close and personal, you know how precious it feels. You don’t know why exactly, it just is. These little light feathered beings are resilient and can teach us a lot.
To some people, these tiny fliers are an inspiring sign of hope and good luck. Hummingbirds also can have a spiritual significance and mean the spirit of a loved one is near. But whatever the meaning, it’s always special to see one. Imagine seeing hundreds all at once! Everyone loves the experience, especially when the hummingbirds feel comfortable enough with trust to come and eat out of your hands. A sight to behold...literally.
Here are some fun facts which Steve knows:
1. Incredible metabolism: Hummingbirds have an incredibly high metabolism. They need to consume about half their body weight in sugar each day just to maintain their energy levels.
2. Hovering prowess: Unlike most birds, hummingbirds can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings in a figure-eight pattern, allowing them to feed from flowers while remaining stationary.
3. Migration marvels: Some species of hummingbirds are migratory and undertake remarkable journeys. For instance, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird can fly non-stop for up to 18 hours during its 500-mile migration across the Gulf of Mexico.
4. Remarkable memory: Hummingbirds have exceptional memory skills. They can remember every flower they have visited, how long it takes for flowers to refill with nectar, and the specific location of each flower.
5. Color perception: Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, particularly red and orange. This is because these colors often indicate the presence of nectar-rich flowers.
6. Extraordinary tongues: Hummingbirds have long, extendable tongues that allow them to reach deep into flowers to extract nectar. Their tongues can extend up to twice the length of their beaks.
7. Tiny nests: Hummingbirds build the smallest nests of any bird species. They often use materials like spider silk to construct their nests, which allows them to expand as the chicks grow.
8. Aggressive behavior: Despite their small size, hummingbirds can be fiercely territorial and will aggressively defend their feeding and nesting territories from other birds, including much larger species.
9. Exceptional flight skills: Hummingbirds are incredibly agile flyers, capable of flying forwards, backward, sideways, and even upside down. They can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
10. Longevity: While the lifespan of most hummingbird species is relatively short, ranging from 3 to 5 years, some individuals have been known to live for more than a decade in captivity.
These are just a few of the many remarkable aspects of hummingbirds that make them some of the most fascinating birds in the world!
And isn’t it wonderful that someone takes the time, energy and love to set up and clean so many feeders each day? I look forward to going back again and again.
Saturday was the opening night of a sold-out performance to one of the most popular operas of all time; CARMEN.
Sarah Mesco (Carmen) & Alok Kumar (Don Jose). Emily Cooper Photography
Congratulations to Vancouver Opera for celebrating 65 years with an awesome 2024-2025 lineup.
Once again, with my friend Rosa, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver to enjoy an evening of revered arias sung in French with projected English subtitles, interesting colourful characters, spectacular costumes and set design. My first time seeing it and her third time; once at the Met in New York. Of course I’d heard about it but didn’t really know the story until now.
The good thing about going with an opera buff friend (as opposed to opera buffa or buffoon) is that they already know about the story, the composer and the arias. They can tell you which ones are “must-sees.” This was one of them. Like everything else, some are much better than others.
In the lobby of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Photo Credit: a Stranger
It was probably the most enjoyable opera I’ve seen in a long time, if even a bit too long as it has four acts with a 25 minute intermission after the second act. I can’t believe how much detail goes into the making of a production of this scale. No small feat for the choreographer (Cydney Uffindell-Phillips). The actors suited their respective roles and gave magnificent performances. With so many actors on the stage all at once in several scenes, it makes you wonder how they all manage to get it together backstage. It must be organized chaos. It’s a grand undertaking that went seemingly seamless.
Emily Cooper Photography courtesy of Vancouver Opera.
The short synopsis tells the story of a hopeless soldier, Don José, who is seduced by Carmen, a fiery gypsy woman with an appetite for smuggling. As operas tend to go it’s full of infatuation, passion, jealousy, class conflict and gender inequality. Carmen; the dominant force here uses her beauty to get what she wants. Men fall in love with her at first glance and she knows it and uses it to manoeuvre her way in and out of situations. Oh; to have that much power in beauty alone. But she’s also cunning and a little dangerous. Men be warned! Blinded by her charm, they ignore the signals.
Nathan Keoughan (Escamillo the Toreador) at finale. Photo: d. king
The Acts are too long to describe here, but I suggest if you adore opera or want to learn more, check out the link below for tickets.
Finale. Photo: d. king
If you’re new to opera and want a brief description of popular opera terms check this out:
You’re at the opera house. You open the program book or you’re listening to the opera snobs talk, and you can’t understand a word — or at least some words. To get a handle on what they all mean, here’s a chart:
aria: An emotion-expressing song in an opera; the big number.
opera buffa: Funny opera, especially from the 18th century. Think Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.”
bel canto: A style of sweet singing, taught to singers even today, that emphasizes breath control, a beautiful tone, and great flexibility in dynamics (going from loud to soft, for example).
opera seria: Formal, serious opera, especially from the 18th century.
cadenza: A moment near the end of an aria for the singer alone, with lots of fast, high, difficult notes, designed for showing off.
prima donna: The singer who plays the heroine, the main female character in an opera; or anyone who believes that the world revolves around her.
coloratura: A singer (usually soprano) with an extremely agile, light, pure-sounding voice, capable of easily singing fast, high notes.
recitative (“ress-it-uh-TEEV”): Speech-singing, in which the singer semi-chants the words, imitating the free rhythms of speech.
dynamics: The loudness or softness of a musical composition, or the markings in the sheet music that indicate volume.
Singspiel (“SING-shpeel”): A German opera with spoken dialogue (instead of recitative) between arias.
Leitmotif (“LIGHT-mo-teef”): A little melody that plays every time a certain character or object appears; invented by Richard Wagner.
trouser role: A man’s part played by a woman.
libretto: The script of an opera.
verismo: A realistic, “documentary” style of opera that depicts the seamy underbelly of life.
Lossen Chambers and Cavan Cunningham in Sexy Laundry, 2024; set design by Amir Ofek; costume design by Alaia Hamer; lighting design by Kyla Gardiner; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The hit play SEXY LAUNDRY, by acclaimed playwright Michele Rimi, first premiered at the Arts Club 20 years ago. Since then, it has gone on to national and international success, boasting 15 language translations and performances from Vancouver to many other countries such as Mexico and Germany. I went to opening night with my friend Tammy.
I’m sure that part of the reason for its success is that it strikes a chord for many couples; especially the ones who’ve been married for 25 years or thereabouts. Trying to put more passion into a lacklustre relationship is a relatable subject for most people. So when Alice and Henry check into a hotel for a naughty evening to rekindle their relationship, along with a copy of “sex for dummies” you get to see what a change of location, clothing and fantasy brings to the bedroom.
Photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Along with some laughs comes a bit of empathy for a couple trying very hard to bring sexy back.
When life gets in the way, sex goes out the window.
The play brings both humour and compassion to an understandable and undesirable situation. However, there is a bit of a bright light, realizing that relationships can be complicated, and there’s so much more to them than only sex.
Photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre CompanyTammy and I had a drink at Sandbar after the play. Lots of good places to go before or after the Arts Club at Granville Island.
Lindsey Angell and Quincy Armorer in Red Velvet, 2024: set design by Amir Ofek; costume design by CS Fergusson-Vaux; lighting design by Jonathan Kim; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The following review was written by Kelly Johnson. Thank you Kelly for your contribution.
This captivating play within a play is about the little-known but true story of a ground breaking performer.
Red Velvet is the history making story of Ira Aldridge, the first black actor to appear as Shakespeare’s Othello on the London Stage in 1833. At a time when the public and parliament were debating the abolition of slavery, he replaced a much loved white actor named Edmund Kean who apparently took ill and couldn’t fulfill his role. So in steps Aldridge, at London’s Theatre Royal no less, in the title role. Othello was originally written about a black general in a white world.
Quincy Armorer in Red Velvet, 2024: set design by Amir Ofek; costume design by CS Fergusson-Vaux; lighting design by Jonathan Kim; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The irony of ironies is that Kean’s son was part of the theatre company, and very opposed to having this replacement, mostly for racial reasons. Racism is a central theme and runs through the company in various intensities and with various excuses.
Story:
The intense play opens up later in Aldridge’s life, in Poland before he takes the stage in a different show. His room is invaded in his absence by a young, inexperienced and ambitious female reporter for a local paper, enabled by one of the hotel’s servants. For the first several minutes of the play we get to watch these two frolic around the stage speaking German, and for some reason we are not treated to a translation of what they’re saying. However, the rest of the show is done in English.
So we start late in Aldridge’s career when he is asked by the ambitious small-town and small-time reporter who has ambushed him why he never went back to Covent Garden, where he made his name as the first Black Othello. He doesn’t answer directly, but it’s clear from his cranky demeanour that it’s not a fond memory for him. Then we switch to the past and that show in Covent Garden. We go through what happens with the company of actors in it, the reaction of audiences to the show and the reaction of the critics. When that is all laid out, we return to Poland in his later life and to a very powerful scene.
The cast was excellent. Quincy Armorer, who plays Aldridge, did a wonderful job of portraying an ambitious, cocky, optimistic and determined actor getting a big break in difficult circumstances and of the bitter, angry, disappointed and in many ways. beaten older man he becomes in the play.
Photo by Moonrider Productions.
Lindsay Angell, who plays his leading lady in the play-within-the-play, Othello, was nuanced in her portrayal of someone caught in the prejudices of the time, but open to changing her mind and perhaps more than a little turned on by Aldridge. She also happens to be the girlfriend/fiancee of Charles Kean, who is the son of Edmund Kean, a pompous ass, racist and stuck in his prejudice and jealousy.
John Emmet Tracy plays Pierre Laporte, who is the person responsible for bringing Aldridge into the company. He did a wonderful job in his portrayal of someone experiencing the intense conflict of someone who supports Aldridge completely (except when the cumulative societal condemnation threatens the staging of the play and his reputation). Interesting tie-in at the end, by the way, with the young Polish reporter outlining the kind of sexist barriers she was facing with the paper she was working for – to the barriers faced by Aldridge , and them finding some common ground. Not necessarily acknowledged by the cranky Aldridge, but still.
Kyla Ward and Quincy Armorer in Red Velvet, 2024: set design by Amir Ofek; costume design by CS Fergusson-Vaux; lighting design by Jonathan Kim; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The cast for the play is rounded out by Tess Degenstein, who plays several roles;Anthony F. ingram, who plays two different characters; Nathan Kay, again a couple roles; and Kayla Ward, who is our only other Black person on stage, a servant to the theatre company and a mostly silent witness to and judge of the behaviour of the company.
A good dollop of comedy made for a satisfying night at the theatre. The rest of the audience loved it, too – on their feet and cheering.
The play is on until April 21, 2024 at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.
The 2023 – 2024 season marks the 10th Anniversary of the Purple Room reopening.
In all the years I’ve been coming to Palm Springs, this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing “THE JUDY SHOW” – Purple Room owner Michael Holmes’ talented tribute to Judy Garland; along with guest star legends (you never know who’s going to show up – Bette Davis, Carol Channing, Talullah Bankhead, Liza Minnelli….). It’s a fun, entertaining show with Holmes (considered a true icon of Palm Springs) singing and morphing into all the different characters. Truly an experience not to be forgotten.
I’ve heard other people say how fantastic the show is, and now I can say so myself. My friend Mini and I had not only an incredible dinner and bottle of wine, but we enjoyed many laughs throughout the evening. The show is tops and we love an old-school supper club – a rare venue these days.
Once inside, the sophistication and glamour of the Rat Pack era comes alive. The club is tucked away in the unassuming Club Trinidad Hotel (named after Trini Lopez; who Frank Sinatra discovered and who used to play here). The Purple Room is where Frank, Sammy, Dean, and their pals cavorted on and off the stage in the swinging 60’s.
The room’s swanky retro vibe hosts music & comedy shows accompanied by a menu with world class cuisine and extensive wine/cocktail list.
Bartenders mix up classic concoctions with a modern twist and everyone is transported back to the elegance of a bygone era inside the intimate and inviting room. On other nights the club hosts well recognized Jazz & Broadway talent – six nights a week!
Although space is limited at Purple Room, it offers the opportunity to see major headliners up close and personal. The audience and the entertainers alike repeatedly talk about how they love the exquisite energy that is shared here.
Michael Holmes
Since variety is the spice of life, Holmes believes that having an appealing mix works best to bring people in. The room showcases a terrific variety of talent to appeal to almost everyone. From jazz greats like Grammy winner Diane Schuur to film and Broadway stars like Marilu Henner, Lucie Arnaz and comedy stars like Lady Bunny. It’s great on any given night, however, The Judy Show is comical and unique.
Max Mara was the opening night of Fashion Week on El Paseo
I can explain later on
The appearingly modest Italian fashion giant is not something we usually equate with fashion week shows, where color and splendour are more the norm. However, Max Mara (most famous for its camel coats, of which it is considered to be the expert) is renowned for executing the art of simplicity. And as much as I love a glittery fashion show, the clothing here exudes quiet luxury – low key, unassuming, but incredibly well made, and designed to last a lifetime. That’s the best.
For me personally, I see myself wearing any (or all) of these outfits on a regular day-to-day (or day to night) as opposed to the clothes in most of the other fashion shows. Give me well-made timeless classics anytime. Something you can just pull out of your closet at a moments notice.
The charity for this event was Safehouse of the Desert. (providing emergency shelter, intervention and outreach services to runaway, homeless or other youth in crisis.)
Safehouse held a special tented pre-show event with a “Breakfast at Tiffany” theme. For this we obtained the tickets directly from Safehouse.
Why we’re still fascinated with Audrey:
The Belgian actress starred in 28 films over the course of her career, but none of her roles was more famous than Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The 1961 Truman Capote adaptation turned eating a pastry while window-shopping into a whimsical rite of passage and is forever synonymous with the generously browed actress.
Did you know?…..that Truman Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe to play the role of Holly Golightly?
According to Vogue Magazine: “She was Truman Capote’s first choice,” Sam Wasson, author of Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ has said “Another thing you may not know: Marilyn didn’t take the part in part because Paula Strasberg, her advisor and acting coach, said she should not be playing a lady of the evening.” Capote, author of the 1958 novella, was reportedly very, very disappointed that the studio went with Hepburn, saying, “Paramount double-crossed me in every way and cast Audrey.”
We cannot imagine a better actress to play that role.
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