A splattering of photos from our joie de vivre trip in Montreal.
Pre-wedding celebration at the home of the bride and groom – Shanny & Pete.
My siblings and I attended the weddings (plural because our gorgeous Irish/Italian cousin Shanny married a very nice Indian man named Puneet (or Pete as we call him) so there was first a modern Indian style wedding at the Hilton followed by a more traditional wedding at Jardin Royalmount the following day. Jardin is a sophisticated outdoor/indoor venue for hosting private events and special occasions for hundreds of guests. The whole setup is quite beautiful. Prior to these two weddings there was a private party at their lovely home situated across from a lake for close friends and family members.
After these celebratory events we spent a couple nights in the Laurentians at my cousin John’s house in Estérel on the lake. It was amazing. I loved re-visiting the quaint little village of Saint-Sauveur for all the shops and bakeries. I got to also re connect with an old friend at her country home and lastly, my childhood bestie over dinner on my last night there at the Rib ‘n Reef; a Montreal favourite steakhouse. We reminisced about the past, caught up on the present and talked about what the future may hold. I can’t describe how wonderful it was seeing her after so many years. All I can say is that if you’re truly connected with someone, the time and distance doesn’t matter when you meet up again. You just pick up where you last left off. But back to the reason we went to Montreal in the first place….
The catered event had various food tables with all kinds of seafood including lobster rolls, a pizza bar and bartenders hired from the Ritz Carlton no less (the iconic hotel where Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton) serving up any kind of cocktail you can imagine. Also a DJ. So so much fun.
Sisters Hayley + Gail. Photo: d. kingLisa getting henna on her hand. I did the same. Photo: d. king
Shanny & Pete with her dad John and his Fiancée Stephanie. Photo: d. king3 sisters with their mother.Stephanie + Tyaa (Shanny’s sister). Photo: d. kingIndian Buffet (one of several tables with amazing delicious delicacies). Photo: d. kingwith LisaLisa and Brad; my sister & brotherBridesmaids. Photo: d. king
With Lisa, Stephanie, cousin Liz + Lucia (who married our uncle Chuck and now lives in Florida)
Cousin Adan + Brad. Photo: d. kingStephanie + John (Lucia + cousin Frankie behind them) Photo: d. kingLisa in the Garden. Photo: d. kingThe celebrated couple Pete and Shanny. Photo: d. king
More photos and stories to follow including Old Montreal, Barbie Expo and Canada’s most luxurious day spa.
Summer doesn’t last forever so we soak up the remaining sunshine while we can. Ideally with no pressure and no major plans.
My appetite for movies is like my appetite for food – a little bit of this; a little bit of that but with variety. This summer I’ve watched more movies in theatres than any other I can remember in recent history. All the films I’ve seen were good for different reasons. However they all have one thing in common; they’re all about impossible missions achieved by an action hero and a supporting team.
Mission Impossible (part one) for sheer edge of yourseatactionentertainment, special effects and because Tom Cruise is so good in it. I like his message at the start of the film. He appears genuine in wanting to get people back to big screen movie houses. I can see why. This one is definitely meant to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
Sound of Freedom, based on a true story, is an excellent film with a powerful message. It’s been sweeping the box office. It’s unfortunately a real life under the radar drama about ruthless child traffickers and a dangerous mission to save a child in the Colombian jungle with time running out. It is not without controversy but then again; what movie isn’t these days? If Barbie has endured some controversy, you can only imagine what this can mean. Anyway, this film sheds a light on a delicate subject most of us don’t give much or any thought to.
An interesting fact is that this film was finished in early 2018, was bought by Fox, but then when Disney acquired Fox it immediately shelved the film. Right away, that gave the movie a kind of forbidden, subversive appeal. Eventually, the distribution rights were sold to Angel Studios, a company in Utah that produced the historical drama The Chosen. Since Sound of Freedom started showing in theaters, some viewers have alleged instances of sabotage intended to prevent them from seeing the film. Good luck with that! Before the end of this month Sound of Freedom broke $100 million in revenue. It’s not as graphic as one might think given the story line as the film maker took careful precaution so as not to incite pedophiles – thank goodness for that. We got the gist of it anyway and it’s not a feel-good movie but it brings awareness to what went on and what’s been going on behind closed doors and open borders for a long time. It’s nothing new but this movie brings attention to an uncomfortable matter.
The real Mission Impossible was to get the atom bomb before the Germans did. My only complaint about Oppenheimer is that it could have been shorter in length. I didn’t expect to like this historical movie as much as I did; but I did – especially in 70mm. It’s not so much about the making of the atom bomb as it is about the man behind the movie title himself. Everything about this film is well executed; the story (the book was about 800 pages long – no wonder the movie is 3 hours!), the directing, the acting, the cinematography, sound and editing. I think it covered all Oscar worthy bases. I suspect it will win at least one award.
Last but not least (okay, maybe least) is Barbie. No; I was not going to miss this movie especially after seeing the trailer. Of course I went with a few like-minded ex Barbie playing women friends and not all of us were wearing pink and yes; it was all women in the audience. There might’ve been a few Kens but if so I didn’t notice any. All I can say is that it was just sheer guilty-pleasure entertaining fun. I think the casting was spot-on – I mean how can you go wrong with Margot Robbie playing Barbie and Ryan Gosling (with a six-pack that didn’t go unnoticed) playing Ken. I’m over everyone making such a big deal about this movie and the messages it represents. Take it for what it is everyone – just a very cute movie with awesome sets and a message that by now should not be something new. Yawn!
As for the rest of the summer, I’m off to Montreal for a family wedding (more on that later) and for my siblings and me – somewhat of a family/friends reunion. It will be a bittersweet trip as the last time we were all there was along with my late husband to celebrate our auntie Ada (our mom’s only sister) with a surprise 80th on a Tiki boat in the Laurentians. She’s since passed as has our uncle Chuck (our mom’s only brother) from a shockingly unexpected heart attack last year. His wife will join us. Instead of being told we should “move on” after a tragedy or death, I prefer to instead move forward because moving on just doesn’t seem appropriate.
Other things I’ve started this summer was a book club over breakfast with a close friend (we’re starting our second book), getting another dog and heading up a monthly cocktail club to explore some new and old Vancouver establishments. Simple pleasures at this time is what I like best. No apologies.
How about you? I hope your summer is going well and I’ll be back here sometime soon. Enjoy! XO
These people will make your catering dreams come true!
The Rooted Table is a one stop bespoke personal chef service in Vancouver, BC. A small but happy team of chefs, nutritionists and food artists who help their clients feel their best through the creation of beautifully plated, healthy, delicious food.
this pic taken from Rooted Table website
One of the recent wine tastings I attended hired “The Rooted Table” to cater their event. I have never before at any casual wine tasting seen such a wide variety of scrumptious looking platters with attentive detail to design, healthy ingredients and taste. Everything was super delicious and as soon as one platter was empty they came back with more.
seared shrimp on cucumber, with grilled corn slaw, chimmichurri, edible flower.grilled sirloin on focaccia, whipped herby ricotta, balsamic pearl onion _ jammy tomato.Crispy sesame rice balls with spicy ahi tuna, pickled jalapeno + cucumber.
I was there to blog about a certain region of Portugal known mostly for white and sparkling wines but these special caterers deserved a separate shout out for their hard work which I found out is really a “labour of love.”
super green falafal on maple beet puree with crushed pistachio (vegan).
“Our team takes the stress of cooking off of our clients plates so that they can spend more time doing the things that light them up. At Rooted, we offer a wide range of services that help transform our clients’ lives including a personalized approach to custom meal prep, colourful catering for events and gatherings and gorgeous graze experiences.” – Hilary, Magnus and Paige – aka the team.
Hilary launched The Rooted Table after graduating from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition.
Magnus is a holistic nutritionist with a passion for food. He began his journey with an apprenticeship at a Michelin Restaurant in Germany.
harissa pulled chicken sliders, pineapple relish. cabbage slaw & lime aioli. Next to mini avocado toasts with tomato, radish, cucumber, pickled shallot + feta.
Paige turned her love of throwing fancy dinner parties into a full fledged catering business. Paige moved to Vancouver to attend Northwest Culinary Academy.
Art Downtown is an outdoor summer art festival where both new and established artists are encouraged to create and sell their work in an open setting that will inspire others and change the way quality art is circulated.
While galleries will always be a mainstay, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while appreciating art in the heart of downtown Vancouver while listening to live music.
This initiative encourages artists of all backgrounds in their quest for self-expression with various incentives in an inclusive space to share their creations with the public.
From now until September, artists will be presenting their work Wednesdays & Fridays at Lot 19, 855 West Hastings from 11 AM till 5 PM.
Brought to you in partnership with the Downtown Van (formerly Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association).
“Always make time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive.”
Heads up for a blissful one day celebration taking place in Desert Hot Springs this November – something to nourish your soul and rejuvenate your spirit.
Why Desert Hot Springs? Desert Hot Springs is a healing oasis to some of the purest hot and cold mineral springs in the world thanks to an underground aquifer beneath the city. At the festival you can participate in body and mind wellness while immersing yourself in a one-day celebration of nature, wellness, art, and sustainable fashion.
The Feel Good Festival was born from the hearts and minds of 3 desert locals who saw an opportunity to share all the things that they love about Desert Hot Springs. The rich natural beauty, the vibrant and rare wildlife, the sacred hot water, and the beautiful fresh air that abounds here in this secret hidden nook of the Coachella Valley… it truly is the perfect backdrop for people to get together and celebrate all things feeling good.
Jenn Kubat
Founded by Kathy Murphy (of Hampton Flea & Very Vintage, Palm Desert) and Jenn Kubat (Muse, the shop), and led by Angelina Padron (House of Energy), The Feel Good Festival is proud to present their debut show celebrating wellness and sustainability in Desert Hot Springs happening on Saturday November 11th, 2023.
Kathy Murphy
“We welcome you to take a step back from the daily grind of modern life and join us at the beautiful Cabot’s Pueblo Museum for a day of healing, wellness and community, and experience what it means to Feel Good in Desert Hot Springs!”
Introducing Adele; our newest little family member.
Sunday July 2nd will mark two weeks since we picked up Layla’s sister in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine valley.
she’s the one in the back
What’s extra special about this is that Adele happens to be Layla’s real sister – as in her litter mate from 7 years ago. What are the chances? A beautiful, healthy, well-mannered little delight who follows me around everywhere. And a perfect companion for Layla.
My male sheltie Jia Jia (who I’ll always miss) passed away 3 years ago in May, and I considered getting another companion for Layla about a year after that. We heard about an adult male sheltie up for adoption on Vancouver Island so we went there and when Layla didn’t approve we later checked out a puppy – which she didn’t approve of either.
Suffice to say she was okay as an only child. So that was that and we went on our merry way. Until about two weekends ago when we met Adele through word of mouth and brought her back to Vancouver.
Layla and I are very happy with the decision and we hope Adele feels the same way. Judging by these photos we think she does!
“If you can look at a dog and not feel vicarious excitement and affection, you must be a cat.” – Author Unknown
but you can drink it even if you don’t have a pool
I went to my first Vinho Verde wine tasting recently. I didn’t really know what to expect from these wines which come from the Northwest part of Portugal. The name translates to “green wine” although the wine I’m happy to report, is not green; it’s the area where it originates that is green and there’s green fruit notes on the nose.
These reps and wine makers traveled to Vancouver from Portugal to showcase their distinctive wines that are made primarily from six Portuguese grapes of which the vast majority are white. Their names are Alvarinho, Arinto, Azal, Avesso, Loureiro and Trajudura (see below for their individual descriptions). Vinho Verde wines range slightly in style, but most are a touch fizzy and mostly dry.
The wines are easy drinking, fresh tasting with a higher acidity and lower alcohol content than what we’re normally used to. The wines are usually not allowed to mature as they’re commonly consumed soon after bottling. Now I can see why!
The mostly all white, sparkling and some rare rosé wines are great to pair with most food but especially summer dishes.
Azal: This is the highest-acid grape of them all. Lemonade flavors abound!
Arinto: Also called “Pederna,” it is arguably Portugal’s finest white grape. Expect juicy melon and citrus with some bitter notes on the finish. Great examples can age 7+ years!
Alvarinho: The same grape as Spain’s Albariño and produces wines with grapefruit and floral notes. This is another serious grape to watch.
Avesso: Similar to Alvarinho in its flavors of grapefruit and peach, but with a subtle green almond bitter note there is added complexity.
Loureiro: If there were such a thing as “The Riesling of Portugal” this would be it. Look up winemaker Anselmo Mendes for shocking single-varietal wines from the coastal regions.
Trajadura: This grape is a popular blender with Alvarinho. It adds richness and aromas of pear and citrus blossom.
Photos (including header): d. king
Illustration + Grape Descriptions taken from winefolly.com
Jennifer Lines as Mark Antony (Julius Caesar, 2023) | Photo & Image Design: Emily Cooper
Julius Caesar is perhaps the most famous Roman ruler in history. His life was full of conquest, lust and betrayal.
Attending the opening night of Bard on the Beach’s first-rate production of Julius Caesar was ruthless. I mean that in the cold blooded meaning of the word, as it was during that particular era. The actors in this production did a superb job in their respective roles.
Granted this is not one of Shakespeare’s feel-good plays, which is understandable since those Romans were pretty violent. But few can argue that this renowned historical story about the lust for power, sold under the pretext of defending virtuous aspirations, is as relevant today as it was in the days of ancient Rome. Historically, Julius Caesar’s assassination transpired at a time when Rome itself was at a turning point, teetering between its achievements as a Republic and its less constrained nascent imperial ambitions.
Gaining Power and influence is a double-edged sword – quite literally.
Andrew Wheeler as Julius Caesar – Photo by Tim Matheson
Most people have heard the name Julius Caesar but may not know the story behind the man. Shakespeare’s historical rendering is about the military genius who overthrew Rome’s decaying political order and replaced it with a dictatorship. Cut to the chase: He triumphed in the Roman Civil War (nothing civil about it) only to be assassinated (no spoiler alert here) by those who believed he was becoming too powerful. Even his closest ally, Mark Antony (played by a woman here), is unable to stop his murder from those he most trusted.
The greatest enemy will hide in the last place you will ever look – Julius Caesar. Does this have anything to do with the phrase “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer?”
*This timeless story, in a modern-day setting, is about the human drive to get and hold on to power – and how order and good government can turn to chaos when personal ambition is unchecked. Julius Caesar is powerfully connected to our world’s political landscape, with its fractured integrity, and it raises profound questions for us all.
Emma Slipp as Cassius and Andrew McNee as Brutus – Photo by Tim Matheson
A few fun and gruesome facts from the past that remain today, thanks to Caesar:
Caesar created the Julian calendar, which is the basis for the calendar we use today!
The term “Caesarian Section” supposedly comes from Caesar’s family; one of his ancestors was reportedly born via this method, which was probably a really gruesome way to come into the Ancient world.
The handsome Caesar was something of a lothario, and his ravenous appetite once got him into deep trouble. (Okay to be fair, this is regarding Caesar but in today’s landscape infidelity still stands).
Caesar frequently engaged in steamy affairs—and one led to an incredibly dark secret. During his youth, he took the beautiful and well-connected Servilia as his mistress. When she later had a child, Marcus Junius Brutus, Caesar reportedly believed the boy was his illegitimate son. If that’s the case, it may be one of the greatest tragedies in history. As we know now, Brutus was the one who helped lead the assassination against Caesar. That’s right, he may have killed his own father.
When it came to affairs, Caesar didn’t stop at Servilia. His infamous tryst with Cleopatra the Queen of Egypt, has gone down in history as a legendary love affair. They lived together for 14 years, and many believed that if Caesar were ever permitted to marry someone who wasn’t a Roman citizen, he would have chosen her.
There are other dark secrets but think we’ll leave it at this for now.
To purchase tickets to Julius Caesar and other “Bard on the Beach” shows please visit:
I saw this (previously On Broadway) Musical the other night and really, really enjoyed it. Fabulous songs we all know (or should) performed by talented actors/singers/musicians. How can anyone not love Carole King?
Unveiling the Tapestry of her life…the good, the bad, the incredible…
There’s comfort in the familiar. This is one of the least pretentious album covers of all time.
“All I needed to do was sing with conviction, speaking my truth from the heart, honestly and straightforwardly, and to offer my words, ideas and music to the audience as if it were one collective friend that I’d known for a very long time.” – Carole King
Kaylee Harwood did a superb job as Carole King. Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Carole King started out her humble beginnings as Carole Klein (she’s claimed it would take her five decades to appreciate her surname and the history that came with it) living in a Brooklyn apartment with her separated piano teacher mother, but ended up living her dream of becoming a master song writer and as we all now know; a music legend.
The pianist/song writer had a strong conviction in her ability to write great songs and enough chutzpah to walk into a music producer’s office in Manhattan with her sheet music and no appointment and ask for an audition. She was lucky. The producer happened to be there and she left getting hired on the spot to write music at the age of 15. Having already skipped two grades, she was a smart cookie and her determination paid off. She signed her first contract with ABC-Paramount that same year.
From there she grew up pretty fast.
Kirk Smith, Kaylee Harwood, Kamyar Pazandeh, and Daniela Fernandez. Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.
She met lyricist Gerry Goffin while still a teenager and by the age of 20 she was a married mother of two. Together they co-wrote many singles that made it to top charts for stars like The Shirelles “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” and Aretha Franklin’s (you make me feel like a) “Natural Woman.” Hope they don’t ban that song or change the words – don’t get me started! “You’ve Got a Friend” became a No. 1 hit for James Taylor and he was apparently too nervous to speak to her on the first night they met.
It was these pop standards that led John Lennon to remark that, when he and Paul McCartney first got together, they wanted to be “the Goffin-King of England.” It was those songs that were given to Randy Newman in demo form as examples of perfect writing (he has called King his hero).
“I only wanted to be a songwriter. I never wanted to be a singer. And I never wanted to be famous.” – Carole King
Ivy Charles, Dawn Pemberton, Maria Fernandes, and Ali Watson as “The Shirelles.” Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.
For the purpose of this post I prefer to focus on King’s musical accomplishments and not so much on her personal life, however I should point out that she suffered some emotional abuse when Goffin couldn’t stop his cheating heart with women they knew and worked with. King tried to stick it out chalking the infidelities up to the fact that they got married so young. But there was only so much she could take and she ended up moving on.
And move on she did…
The day before Tapestry came out Carole King turned 28, by which time she had been in the music business for more than a decade. The only thing she wasn’t confident about was her own singing voice, but since the album was very personal and she wasn’t sure who she could get to sing it, she decided to do so.
Tapestry was one of my all time favourite albums and of course I’m not alone. like so many others, I knew all the words to every song . Tapestry has been certified 14× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in the US, and has sold an estimated 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Shaquan Lewis, Hal Wesley Rogers, Andrew J. Hampton, and Tenaj Williams Lynch as “The Drifters.” Photo: Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.
One of her proudest accomplishments was playing Carnegie Hall in 1971.
It was the first time she played in front of a live audience with a roster that formerly included Tchaikovsky, George Gershwin, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland and The Beatles. A music-making honour roll of artists representing the finest of every genre has filled Carnegie Hall throughout the years. Carole King was now among them. It was moving when Goffin showed up and surprised her and said “I’m Sorry.”
King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2021.
I highly recommend this production showcasing unforgettable classics by King and her contemporaries—“The Locomotion,” “One Fine Day,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman,” and many more.
Some cast members. Photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Where is she now? Inquiring minds want to know
After moving to Los Angeles and living in Laurel Canyon for a spell, she relocated to Idaho after retiring from actively making music in 2012. Although she still attends various events and award shows, in recent years, King has focused on her personal life and philanthropic endeavors. She is a strong advocate for environmental and political causes, and has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for various organizations. She has 4 children and is now 81 years old and still looking good.
You’ve got to get up every morning With a smile on your face And show the world all the love in your heart Then people gonna treat you better You’re gonna find, yes you will That you’re beautiful, as you feel – lyrics from “Beautiful” by Carole King.
Playing until August 6th at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage – An Arts Club Production.
You know when you’re on the fence about going to a Shakespearean play after a long days drive coming back from the Okanagan?
We’re so lucky to be within 5 minutes walking distance. Photo: d. king
But you already have tickets for opening night and you know there’s something different about this show but you’re not completely sure if it will be hit or miss? And you don’t even realize that the Okanagan will play a big part in this production?
Well…don’t miss this presentation of “As You Like It” if you live in Vancouver or you just happen to be visiting. Get thee to the Bard on the Beach to see something unique, uplifting, professionally done and so much fun. I haven’t enjoyed a show this much since I saw Cirque de Soleil’s “Love” in Las Vegas.
Photo & Image Design: Emily Cooper
If you’re a Beatles fan it will be especially fun because this is a twist on the original. This adaptation features the music of the Beatles – performed by professional musicians who are also actors in the play. And they’re very good.
The Company of As You Like It (2023) – Photo by Tim Matheson
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” – Shakespeare
The Story (taken from the program):
Wrestling for Power
It’s the 1960s in Vancouver. Dame Frances, a powerful business owner, has taken control of the family firm and forced her sister, Dame Senior, to leave town. She permits her sister’s daughter, Rosalind, to stay because of Rosalind’s close friendship with her own daughter Celia.
The action begins at a wrestling match. Oliver de Boys, who manages a champion wrestler named Charles, argues with his younger brother Orlando. Orlando is angry that Oliver has mistreated him and held back his inheritance since their father died. Orlando decides to wrestle for his fortune. At the match, he meets Rosalind and they fall instantly in love.
The Great Escape
Dame Frances orders Rosalind to leave Vancouver, as she no longer trusts her. Rosalind and Celia decide to run away to the Okanagan forest. Rosalind disguises herself as a young man, Ganymede, and Celia becomes Aliena, his sister. Touchstone, a family employee, goes with them. Meanwhile, Adam, a longtime de Boys employee, warns Orlando that Oliver plans to have him killed. They also escape to the Okanagan. In the forest, Ganymede (Rosalind) and Aliena (Celia) meet Silvius and Corin, two local farmers, and arrange to buy a farm. Nearby, Orlando and Adam stumble upon Dame Senior, the exiled sister of Dame Frances, and her companions, who take them in.
Love Blooms in the Woods
Orlando leaves love notes about Rosalind throughout the forest. He meets Ganymede (Rosalind), who proposes that Orlando treat “him” as Rosalind, so he can practice his wooing. Elsewhere, Silvius pines for another farmer, Phoebe, while Touchstone meets Audrey and they pair up. In Vancouver, Dame Frances is furious that the girls and Orlando have disappeared. She demands that Oliver bring his brother back or else she will ruin him. But when Oliver shows up at the young women’s farm, he announces he has reconciled with his brother after Orlando saved him from a mountain lion. Oliver and Aliena fall in love.
Help!
Orlando grows tired of Ganymede’s game and believes his love for Rosalind is hopeless. Other relationships are also complicated: Silvius is still in love with Phoebe, but she’s smitten with Ganymede. Claiming “he” can work magic, Ganymede invites everyone to gather the next morning, when all will be resolved. Could it be true that “all you need is love”?
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
You must be logged in to post a comment.