So, I went cold-turkey off of Morphine. Was on it for chronic pain, and had some $$ problems.   A few days into the detox, I realized exactly what it was doing to me, so I went all the way.  Sure I could have found the money, sure, I could have relapsed…  but I didn’t.

What I did was for me, my loved ones, and all my friends.  My mind was a muddled mess, a horrible cesspool of chemical doping and poison. 
I was not me.

Throughout this process, my Love and amazing person, TotalLunar Eclipse, put up with seeing me strung out, and near death, barely able to move.  For staying with me throughout, I will forever be in debt.  Also, during this process, multitudes of friends, strangers, even competitors, all joined together to help us in our time of need, both emotionally and more.  This… floored me.  Thank you Everyone.

You have thoroughly touched my heart, and forever set me to tears every time I even think about it.  Truly, the people of The Steamlands and beyond, you are a good group of people.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought that people who know me only through an avatar would even care, let alone, truly, deeply, want to help.  Thank you.

I have been through the darkest part of my life, and I see now, the light that is true human nature.  It is not a dark, sadistic place that many would want you to believe, it is a wonderful, amazing place, filled with love.  I struggle to type through blurred vision, not by chemical, but by tears of adoration for all.

Thank you.

Internal/External Posting: Driver, Stores Program

Position type: Part Time 22.5 hours/week

Location: Caledon

Application deadline: November 23, 2009

Job Contact Information: stravica@ccs4u.org

 Background

Caledon Community Services (CCS) is a multi-service, community-based organization that addresses needs of residents in the Municipality of Caledon .  Its vision is “helping people help themselves”.  CCS’ services help all residents of the community pursue their growth, health and independence while seeking solutions to those barriers that interfere with any aspect of their well-being.  The success of CCS is based on client-focused services program innovation, volunteerism and a myriad of partnerships, as well as on strong support from all sectors of the Caledon community.

 Purpose

Reporting to and in close collaboration with the Stores Coordinator, the Driver works in an integrated way with the Stores Team to facilitate strong revenue-generating performances and reduce operating expenses within the Stores while constantly promoting a positive agency profile through effective service to community residents who donate and shop in the CCS Stores.  This position is located in Bolton .  The Driver is responsible for the daily pick up of donations, collecting and maintaining accurate statistics and data, ensuring strict health and safety standards are practiced and coordinating some volunteer activities as they relate to accepting donations.  The Driver is to be familiar with store plans and work as a teammate with all staff and volunteers.  When the truck is not on the road, the Driver will work in the Stores providing assistance as required.

Responsibilities

• Safe and efficient operation and daily maintenance of CCS Stores truck.
• Complete pick-ups and deliveries of furniture, household goods and clothing for CCS’ Stores Program.
• Administrative efficiency and effectiveness in handling required transportation documentation.
• Excellent working relations with other agency staff, community partners and clients.
• Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations, Ontario Traffic Safety Act, MTO regulations and CCS Transportation Policies and Procedures.
• Participate in team meetings as required and work with Stores Coordinator to develop program goals and strategies for problem-solving.
• Assist in scheduling of truck pick ups and deliveries ensuring the most efficient routes are taken.
• Ensure all log information is accurately maintained and provided to the Coordinator as required (daily, weekly, monthly logs).
• Exchange information with other transportation drivers in CCS to maintain effective communication, scheduling, and consistent continuity of care for the clients. 
• Participate in CCS or community committees/events as appropriate and develop good working relationships with other service providers.
• Represent CCS by maintaining a positive image and promoting CCS services positively within the community.
• Other duties as required.

 Qualifications

• G license with a good driving record.
• Minimum of two years commercial fleet or truck driving experience.
• Ability to manoeuvre and handle heavy objects; up to 70 lbs
• Understanding the role of a non-profit agency within the community.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal skills; previous experience with high demand customer service jobs an asset
• Ability to speak a second language an asset.

 We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Compensation Type: Hourly                             

Contact by: Email, Fax

Job Contact Information

Sonia Travica

Operations Assistant

Fax: 905-951-2303

Email: stravica@ccs4u.org

For more information visit: http://www.ccs4u.org

Internal/External Posting: Facilities and Assets Administrator

Position type: Part-time, 2-3 days per week

Location: Caledon

Application deadline: December 4, 2009

Job Contact Information: mhermann@ccs4u.org

 Caledon Community Services (CCS) is a multi-service community-impact organization that addresses the health and social service needs of residents in the Municipality of Caledon and surrounding communities. Its mandate of “helping people help themselves” is reflected in all of its programs across a broad array of human services.

 We are currently seeking a Facilities and Assets Administrator to be responsible for all functions relating to CCS facilities and assets, work closely with a variety of agency business service providers and provide support to the Finance & Business Operations team in an administrative capacity. 

Accountabilities

•  Oversee all matters relating to property, equipment and all other asset management, including, but not limited to, liaison with landlord, tenants, space, janitorial and insurance issues, phone, computer and equipment requirements and overall day-to-day issues relating to office space.
•   Rental space to partner agencies coordinated effectively, with optimum use of office space and enhancements to the CCS budget
•   Other administrative duties as required to support the Finance & Business Operations Division.

 Qualifications

•  3 years related experience and a proven track record in all areas of Accountabilities
• Attention to detail
• Excellent problem solving abilities
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Experience within the not-for-profit sector an asset        

  Please apply with cover letter and resume in strict confidence to mhermann@ccs4u.org no later than Friday December 4, 2009.   Any queries may also be directed to this address.  We thank all who apply but will only contact those selected for an interview.

When Denyse and Andy got married back in the Summer it rained, so they decided to do a trash the dress with me. Although these images were taken at the beginning of November, we really got lucky as the weather was beautiful!

Quest for the Golden Prim: Episode 2

Episode 2 of The Quest for the Golden Prim is now online, and you can enjoy the full episode through the wonders of Calameo – or read the pdf here!

In this episode you’ll meet our hero, Ralph Montcalm, a dashing pilot with the Royal Caledonian Air Force, and our heroine Annabella (Nan) Scott, living quietly in Caledon Cay with her strict governess, Miss Primm and her dog, Lola.

Both Ralph and Nan receive a mysterious summons from the Librarian – and wonder what it can mean.

But the Librarian isn’t the only person interested in Annabella Scott …

Downey’s Farm is a fantastic way to spend a day, throughout the whole year they have activities for kids and pick up a yummy homemade pie for the famuily. Right now they have a gorgeous pumpkin patch at the front which kids just love to get lost in. When Stacey contacted me and said she would like a farm backdrop for her kids pictures this year i instantly thought of this place. Downey’s Farm is located in Caledon on Heartlake road south of King rd.

CALEDON NETWORK  MEETING

   Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Town of Caledon Administration Centre

6311 Old Church Rd, Caledon East 
Downstairs in the Palgrave Room

 9:30-11:00 am

 GUEST SPEAKERS: Grace Gyles and Julie Hope, Region of Peel Ontario Works

Topic: OW Financial Supports and Programs

 Future Meetings

 Nov 24/09 – Family Services of Peel – Ready Willing and Able Program

 December – No Meeting

Beth Early-Rea 
Coordinator, Information Services and Knowledge Management 
905.951.2300 ext 206
www.ccs4u.org 

Tattoo Kits [ $260 ] contact inkcrazysupply@gmail.com  :

For sale in Toronto and Durham Region.

★★ complete Tattoo Kit Set-Up ★★  
 
(1) 1 black colored briefcase with lock & keys.

I visited the Forks of the Credit and was able to capture a few shots before the sunset.

The Centre of Unity Thru Diversity

has had ten acres donated on which to grow vegetables.

Coordinator Robert Karsseboom asks for help in preparing the land this Fall for Spring planting.
Anybody with farmer contacts in the Caledon, Gore Road, Mayfield areas should phone Robert at 416 903-1729.
Check the website

Maggie saw some images that i took at the Caledon Red Clay Hills and wanted to use them as a backdrop for her Engagement Session. I jumped at the chance as i love photographing in my area of Caledon, so beautiful and lots of hidden gems! They are not from they area so i decided to show them as much of Caledon as i could in one session!

The Primgraph Summer Garden Party

Here is your invitation to the Primgraph Summer Garden Party!

It will take place from 2 – 4pm on Saturday 29th August, at The Primgraph Press, Caledon Glengarry, and music will be supplied by the velvet-toned Mr Elrik Merlin.

In addition to music and dancing, there will be a chance to meet members of the cast of the web comic – The Quest for the Golden Prim – and discover some interesting information about the story!

This event also marks the opening of The Primgraph Press itself – and our offices will be open for you to explore!

Finally, we will be announcing the results of the First Annual Caledon Rose-Growing Competition, sponsored by the Primgraph – so don’t miss it!

And remember – there is still time to vote in the competition before tomorrow.

Rose Competition Voting Boards

As you may have seen, The Primgraph is sponsoring The Caledon Rose-Growing Competition. To celebrate the launch of our summer issue, we are holding the competition in the grounds of The Primgraph Press in Caledon Glengarry.

This competition (we hope the first of an annual event) is being staged in order to find the best roses in the Steamlands and beyond – and we have some superb entrants!

There are two categories:
Single Roses (no more than 35 prims per rose)
Rosebushes (no more than 15 prims per bush)

Rose Competition Voting

The roses in competition are on display in the courtyard at The Primgraph Press in Caledon Glengarry – four rose bushes and six individual roses.

Now it is your turn! There are voting boards above the either side of the gate. To vote for your favourite rose on display, click on the name of the entrant. The PINK board is for the single rose competition; the BLUE board is for the rosebush competition.

Voting is now open, and will conclude at 2pm on Saturday 29th August – so make sure that you visit Caledon Glengarry and vote soon!

Caledon Rose-Growing Competition

The Primgraph, sister magazine to Prim Prim Perfect, are proud to announce their sponsorship of The Caledon Rose-Growing Competition!

To celebrate the launch of our summer issue, we are holding the competition in the grounds of The Primgraph Press in Caledon Glengarry.

This competition (we hope the first of an annual event) is being staged in order to find the best roses in the Steamlands and beyond!  In other words, it is open to ALL merchants, residents and rose growers everywhere.

Categories*:
Single Roses (no more than 35 prims per rose)
Rosebushes (no more than 15 prims per bush)

How to enter:
To enter, please place your rose in one of the compartments of the flowerbed (if a bush) or in a vase on one of the tables (if a single rose) in the grounds of The Primgraph Press in Caledon G;lengarry. Kindly enter your name into the titler (available in the information box at the Press) and place it behind your entry.

Then register for voting by clicking on one of the two voting boards (located above the front wall of the Press).
PINK BOARD for the SINGLE rose category
BLUE BOARD for the ROSEBUSH category

Rose Bowl Prizes, designed by Dellybean North

Voting will take place between 1am SLT Wednesday 26th and 1pm SLT Saturday 29th August

Results announced at The Primgraph Summer Garden Party 2:00 – 4:00 pm SLT, Saturday 29 August – in the grounds of the Primgraph Press, Caledon Glengarry: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Glengarry/59/141/24

*A third category will be part of the Primgraph’s web comic, The Quest for the Golden Prim. This category is not open to the public.

Any queries, IM Saffia Widdershins OR Aisling Sinclair OR Ceejay Writer

Pues bien, esta vez he decidido tirarme más por la película de James Cameron, y trataré esta entrada para todas las curiosidades interesantes que se han encontrado acerca de la mayor película de todos los tiempos. Si os digo la verdad recomiendo que todos las leáis ya que aclaran muchas cosas sobre la película y resuelven algunas dudas y cosas interesantes que unos se pueden preguntar, sobre la película de Titanic y sobre la realidad del buque, y no os olvidéis de comentar lo que os parecen porque éste tema me gusta mucho y nunca está mal tratar un poco sobre la historia del Titanic y la historia de la mejor película de la historia. No te pierdas la recopilación de cincuenta curiosidades:

1. Las alfombras que salen en la película, fueron hechas por la misma compañía de alfombras que las había hecho en el año 1912 para el transatlántico.
2. Existe una escena, mientras Jack se cuela a la cubierta de la primera clase en la que aparece un niño, jugando con su padre con un trompo. Esta imagen está basada en una fotografía que un sacerdote hizo dentro del barco. Este sacerdote tuvo la suerte de bajarse en el último puerto donde amarró el Titanic, el de Queenstown, y así pudo salvar las fotos que hizo.
3. En la película todas las escenas se rodaron a través de espejos para ahorrar dinero, por ejemplo sólo había dos calderas mientras en la película se ven cuatro, por éste motivo todos los carteles que se ven en la película están impresos al revés para que luego al filmarles a través de espejos se lean correctamente.
4. Las cartas del menú son copias totalmente fieles de las que había en el Titanic, y hasta los platillos eran del mismo estilo.
5. La temperatura del agua durante el rodaje era de unos diez grados, en ninguna escena pudo calentarse para que no salieran vapores, y Kate Winslet tuvo que aguantar las duras escenas, aunque quizá fuese mejor así porque así la actriz podría hacer más fieles los gestos de frío y dolor.
6. La escena en la que Rose escupe a Cal en la cara necesitó unas 11 tomas, hasta que Cameron quedó contento.
7. Había tanta cantidad de extras que optaron por dividir las diferentes reacciones a la tragedia según los signos del zodiaco. Así todos los aries reaccionarían de una manera (por ejemplo corriendo enloquecidamente hacia proa), los tauro de otra forma, etc. En total, doce reacciones diferentes.
8. La banda sonora de la película de Titanic, realizada por James Horner estaba compuesta por un tema de amor, pero Cameron no quería ninguna canción cantada. Cuando Horner presentó la canción con la increíble voz de Celine Dion, cameron se emocionó y no dudó en aceptarla. Según él era la cacnción más maravillosa de amor. También comentó que solamente Dion podía interpretar tan maravillosamente aquella canción.
9. Kate Winslet quedó tan encantada con la actuación de galán de DiCaprio en “Romero y Julieta” que le maravilló poder trabajar con él en la película.
10. Cuando Kate Winslet le contó a Emma Thompson que le habían dado el papel de Rose, ésta le hizo prometer que no adelgazaría ni un gramo antes del rodaje. Argumentó que la habían elegido sin ser flaca como heroína romántica de una película que haría historia en el cine, lo que suponía (y supone), una transgresión rebelde de los cánones actuales de belleza, debía defender sus curvas.
11. La familia del Primer Oficial Murdoch demandó a la productora porque en la película su personaje se suicida. En la realidad no existen datos suficientes como para confirmarlo. La productora tuvo que indemnizar a los familiares de Murdoch.
12. James Cameron (director) tenía principalmente como referencia el parecido de los actores con el personaje del barco al que interpretaban (si el personaje era real) en el casting.
13. En la jerga náutica de principios de siglo se usaba dar órdenes inversas a las correctas con respecto a la dirección del barco, ya que antes durante el apogeo de los barcos de vela se usaba una pala para dirigir el barco, asi es que si alguien decía todo estribor, la pala se movería a estribor, pero inversamente a la dirección del barco que sería hacia babor. Por lo tanto es correcto como se ve en la película. Hoy en día, ese tipo de vocabulario se ha vuelto obsoleto desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Muchos que se creían entendidos en navegación mandaron cartas a James Cameron tras la película, quien les contestó con esta sabia aclaración.
14. El actor Bernard Hill, que interpreta al desdichado capitán Smith, no era la primera vez que participaba en una tragedia marina: era uno de los oficiales de la “Bounty” en la versión que sobre el célebre motín rodó Roger Donaldson en 1984, con Anthony Hopkins y unos jovenzuelos Mel Gibson y Daniel Day-Lewis.
15. La película estaba presupuestada en 125 millones de dólares (unos 19.000 millones de pesetas), pero acabó costando 200 millones de dólares (31.000 millones de pesetas). Tan sólo en taquilla ha recaudado 1.700 millones de dólares (unos 265.000 millones de pesetas).
16. Cuando James Cameron ofreció a Robert de Niro el papel de Capitan Smith, este le dijo que no, porque en ese momento tenía una infección gastrointestinal.
17. Existen fotos de la tripulación y de diversos pasajeros del Titanic que inspiraron las caracterizaciones de los personajes de la película. Esas fotos fueron tomadas por un sacerdote irlandés que abandonó el barco en el último puerto en el que el Titanic hacía escala antes de dirigirse a Nueva York. Aparte también hay fotos oficiales del barco y de reporteros.
18. Las escenas del agua fueron filmadas en la playa de Rosarito, Baja California, México.
19. La historia del Titanic es real en todo lo relacionado con el hundimiento del barco, hasta tal extremo que el director James Cameron cuando escribía la historia se ayudaba de diagramas, planos y maquetas para continuar la historia según la cantidad de agua que se iba introduciendo en las diversas secciones y en consecuencia lo que iba pasando, así como el tiempo que tardó en partirse el barco y en hundirse. Lo único que conscientemente fue inventando es la historia de amor entre Jack y Rose.
20. La iluminación del Titanic, junto a las medidas de seguridad, se comieron gran parte del presupuesto.
21. En la película sólo se habla de primera y tercera clase, pero jamás se menciona la segunda clase, que en la realidad si existió.
22. Al final, cuando Rose regresa al barco, Jack la espera frente a un reloj, que marca la hora exacta cuando el Titanic se hundió.
23. Cuando Jack está dibujando a Rose, se ve como la dibuja con carboncillos, si en realidad hubiera sido así, el dibujo no se hubiera mantenido en ese estado (parece que lo acaban de dibujar) durante tanto tiempo.
24. En el hundimiento del barco y aprovechando que los espectadores centran su atención en los sucesos de los personajes principales, se observa claramente que por detrás de éstos principales o en ocasiones en tomas aéreas, pasa varias veces el mismo doble en una secuencia.
25. James Cameron rompió con su pareja Linda Hamilton ya que en el rodaje de Titanic, Cameron inició una relación con la que interpreta el papel de la nieta de la anciana Rose.
26. James Cameron se pinchaba en las piernas una especie de anticongelante para aguantar las largas horas de rodaje en el agua.
27. Cuentan que todo el equipo se intoxicó a principios del rodaje al ingerir una sopa en mal estado.
28. Bruce Ismay, presidente de la “White Star Line”, declaró ante el tribunal que el barco se hundió sin partirse para dar la sensación de que era robusto; por ello en los hundimientos de las anteriores películas el Titanic se hunde de una pieza.
29. Parte del barco fue construido por las mismas empresas que construyeron el Titanic original.
30. La mujer que aparace tras la mesa donde Bruce Ismay, presidente de la “White Star Line” le dice al capitán que aumente la velocidad del barco, existió en realidad y fue la que declaró ante el tribunal la existencia de dicha conversación.
31. En el hundimiento, el hombre que cae del barco y “rebota” en el aspa, es un rollo de papel higiénico.
32. El decorado del Titanic no tenía una escala del 90%. Era escala 100%, pero sólo se construyó un 90% de su totalidad.
33. Cameron hizo todos los bocetos de Jack usados en la película. Las manos que se ven haciendo el retrato de Rose eran de Cameron.
34. El nombre del personaje Caledon Hockley proviene de dos pequeños pueblos (Caledon y Hockley) cercanos a Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, donde viven los tíos de Cameron.
35. Los salvavidas llevaban escrito “S.S. Titanic” en ellos. Esto es historicamente preciso.
36. Kate Winslet no lució la réplica del “Corazón del mar” en la entrega de los Oscars porque rechazó hacerlo.
37. Cameron rechazó los 8 millones de dólares de su salario como director y su porcentaje de la recaudación cuando el estudio empezó a preocuparse por cuanto se estaba disparando el presupuesto.
38. Después de decidir los nombres de los protagonistas, Cameron descubrió que un miembro de la tripulación del Titanic que murió en el naufragio fue “J. Dawson”. (James) Dawson fue un estibador, alguién que empaca el cargamento y el carbón a bordo.
39. Antes de que se hiciese público el desarrollo de la película, el director James Cameron filmó metraje de icebergs en Nueva Escocia bajo el pretexto de realizar una película llamada “Planet Ice”.
40. Anatoly Milkailavich, el piloto ruso del submarino Mir, está basado en el Dr. Anatoly Sagalevitch, director del programa del Instituto Shirshov de Oceanología y propietario del Keldysh y de los dos submarinos Mir. Además es el propio Anatoly Sagalevitch quien interpreta el papel.
41. Los estudios querían a Matthew McConaughey, pero Cameron insistió en Leonardo DiCaprio.
42. Christina Ricci optó por el papel que finalmente se llevaría Kate Winslet.
43. Molly Brown tenía un hijo unos pocos años mayor que Jack, de ahí su comentario sobre que Jack y su hijo eran casi de la misma estatura.
44. El equipaje que Molly Brown estaba acarreando eran de la marca Louis Vuitton. Supuestamente una gran cantidad de bolsos y maletas Louis Vuitton se fueron abajo con el Titanic.
45. James Cameron es el hombre cuya barba estaba siendo limpiada de piojos en el muelle de Southampton.
46. Los actores tenían que llevar ropas del revés (con los botones en el otro lado), pero si miras las instantaneas cuidadosamente, verás que sus pantalones no están del revés. Esto no es apreciable puesto que en la película todo el mundo se mueve muy rápido.
47. Manejar un robot como el que deambula al principio por los restos del Titanic es muy difícil. Aunque en el montaje quedó precioso y preciso, el robot no paraba de estrellarse contra las paredes.
48. Esta película tuvo muchísimos problemas en el rodaje, y continuos retrasos, hasta llegar el punto de que la misma mañana del estreno estaban montando aún la película.
49. Solo tres de las cuatro chimeneas eran operativas en el Titanic. En la película da la impresión de que el humo sale de las cuatro, pero esto es solo a causa del ángulo de cámara y del viento. De las tres primeras salía humo negro, y de la última solo salía vapor blanco. Esto es históricamente exacto, ya que la última chimenea era usada para la ventilación de la cocina y de otras áreas de la nave. Durante esas escenas aéreas podemos ver que la última chimenea se ve diferente desde arriba (tapada).
50. Las escenas de la Sala de máquinas fueron parcialmente rodadas a bordo del barco de la Segunda Guerra Mundial SS Jeremiah O’Brien. Se instalaron pasamanos y pasarelas más pequeñas para que las máquinas pareciesen más grandes.

Además, pincha aquí para leer las otras 10 curiosidades de la película.

The Lady dances alone in the grove, a sad little waltz with a thick sheaf of papers held out in lieu of a proper partner.  Her lips smile gently, but her eyes are sad. A few pages fall, and you can just glimpse that they are public letters, signed “Doctor Darien Mason, in exile”, before they blow away.

She sits down on the grass, the dark skirts of her nightdress billowing around her, produces quill and inkpot from nowhere, and begins to write rather ramblingly on the back of the partner-pages:

I dreamt of waltzing with Darien and with Bloodwing… dreamt we were at the party yesterday bidding goodbye to the Caledon Regency Hospital that the good Doctor created, sharing secret smiles that they’d been allowed back into SLife.  Dreamt that Qlippothic was there dancing too, flirtingly steam-scalding some dapper gentleman.  In truth, none of us could attend: I because I was required elsewhere, and they because they’ve been banished from this world.

Darien and Bloodwing and Qlippothic inspired me with fun and kindness, years ago, when I was so low in spirit, waiting for Death to just come and take me.  In thanks to their loving attention, I found new life and even found the courage to walk in the light of the sun.  A metaphorical injection of reanimation serum, passed through friends’ hands, and smiles, and kind words.  And now they’re gone.  I wish so much I’d made more time to spend time with them when they were still inworld.  Now it’s too late, and I find myself actually missing the stinks of reanimation fluid and engine oil and sulfur.

I can still smile for them, at hope for their happiness in other worlds, at the opportunity to read of their adventures… but at this moment, it’s not quite enough, not the same as seeing the smile in my friends’ eyes.

The Lady makes a gesture towards what must be the phonographe… and the music shifts from a mournful waltz to a passionate tekno paeon.  She starts dancing hard, furiously tearing up the grass and moss beneath her feet.  She screams along with the music, and you can see why they also call her The Banshee.  You wisely back away.

I booked Miray and Sam about a year and a half ago so I’ve really been anticipating this wedding.  The video crew today was Me, Prashanna and we brought Claude along with us for the first time.  Photo was done by Paul; a photographer from Montreal (which is where Miray lives).

The video portion of this amazing event started back in early June with an engagement shoot in Belfountain, Caledon, Forks of the Credit and the Badlands.  The footage that was shot there was edited and ready for the presentation that we were doing at the reception.  This video was accompanied by a SDE (Same Day Edit) that was also played for Miray, Sam and all of the 380 guests later in the evening.

We started with an early morning production meeting because we wanted to give Claude a final rundown of the day, and then we headed out.  Prashanna and Claude left for Sam’s, and I went to Miray’s.  After about 2 hours of shooting at the  bride and groom’s places, we went to the church.  3 video cameras and 2 photographers must have had Miray and Sam feeling like they were going to be on the 6:00 news, but it didn’t phase them at all.  They were stellar!

From the church, we headed to the “park”, which ended up being the Mississauga Civic Center because of the rain storm.  Well, rain or no rain we had a great time at the Civic Center and got a bunch of really cool footage.  The bridal party was really good to work with and they looked phenomenal!  I was shooting very strategically all day for the SDE and as soon as we were done at the Civic Center, I rushed off with Prashanna to the hall so that we could prepare for it.  Prashanna is one of my most trusted and able videographers.  When he said to me, “Joe, you worry about the SDE and I’ll take care of everything else.”, I knew that I had nothing to worry about at all…so I got to the editing.

The time came for the presentation and we set it up.  I was pleasantly surprised to see a pretty large group of family and friends filling up the dance floor and sitting cross-legged to watch the video.  We started with the engagement video and ended with the SDE.  It was a hit! And it was pulled off with the help of my amazing team!

Thanks Miray and Sam for letting us be with you guys on your special day.  Thanks to my team for your awesome work!

CALL FOR INTEREST
THURSDAY, 15 OCTOBER, 2009
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm
Brampton Fall Fair Grounds
12924 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon, ON L7C 2J3
Presented by:
Early Learning Services, Region of Peel
Peel Aboriginal Steering Committee

Join us on Thursday October 15th, 2009 for an Aboriginal Awareness Training day at the Brampton Fall Fair Grounds. The day will focus on raising awareness of the three Aboriginal Nations: First Nations, Inuit and Metis as well as the Legacy of Residential Schools. This training will raise your awareness and provide you with an understanding of Aboriginal people to help you to achieve goals of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in the delivery of community services and programs.

Training Highlights: terminology, cultural norms, history of the Three Nations, and urban and rural Aboriginal communities.

Preliminary Training Schedule:
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Presentations, displays
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Presentations, panel discussion

Keynote Speakers:
Cindy Blackstock M.M., PhD (candidate)
Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada – A member of the Gitksan Nation
Peter T. Irniq
Inuit Cultural Teacher, Consultant, and an accomplished Speaker
Scott Carpenter
Regional Employment and Training Coordinator – Region 7
Métis Nation of Ontario Training Initiatives
Jackie Miller
Public Relations Officer, Aboriginal Healing Foundation

To attend, please email your name, organization, and phone number (with a note on any dietary restrictions) Kirsten Barnes
(905) 791-7800 ext 7265.
Last day to indicate your interest in attending is August 26, 2009.
Space is limited!
Once we receive all registrations forms we will confirm attendance details.
We look forward to seeing you at the training session!

She is curled up on an old faded rug by the fire, sipping a cup of steaming tea.  There are no walls to this place, so the chill early morning breeze saunters through, stirring the dark curls framing her pale face, rustling the pages of the book.  Once, twice, the wind snatches the feather quill from her hand, which takes to the wind as if remembering the thrill of flight– but each time she need only reach out her hand, and the quill flits obediently back.

She smiles softly as you enter and says not a word… but turns the book to you, so you can see what she has written…

A young miss once owned a parcel of land in Caledon, on the seaside.  It was a pretty parcel, but a little one.  There was a great old oak tree, gnarled and comfy as a grandpa.  There were wildflowers, bright blooms in blue and red and yellow.  And there was just enough room for her little cottage, with a little pot-belly stove to boil the water for her tea.

The young miss had tried to coax the garden into what she thought a garden should be, which was of respectable roses and violets, all in rows.  But the earth was dry, and the wildflowers brambly, and each time she thought she had some cleared away, those behind her would start to swallow her roses.  Some days she felt it took all her effort just to keep the sea from eating away at the land.

Wearied of working so hard, she took to sitting on the little porch with her tea, and gazing out over the water.  There was an island out there, an island several times larger than her little parcel.  It had great grand trees that scraped the sky, rolling hills of green grass and moss, and a little pond filled by the rain.

The young miss spent less and less time on her garden, and more and more time looking out at this island, and daydreaming how much nicer it would be to live there.

Slowly, the wildflowers began again to encroach on her rows of roses and violets.

After many days of watching the island and seeing no one on it, she borrowed a little boat from her neighbor, and traveled over the water to it.  As she walked across it, she fancied the air was sweeter here, the sun brighter.  The earth was rich and dark, and everything that grew here (seemingly wild) was lush and healthy.

The young miss knew that the island was owned by a strange Lady, but she never saw her, or any evidence of her passing.  After several days passed, she became sure the Lady must not ever visit the island, indeed must be so rich she might not even remember it was hers.

So the young miss began spending most of her time on the island; she would brew a large flask of tea on her own little stove in her own little cottage, then take the neighbor’s boat out to the island.  There she would spend most of the day, strolling about and enjoying how much better the island was than her own land.  At first, when she got hungry she would take the boat back to her cottage and get a little food, then come back.  In later days, she would bring a basket with her bread and cheese and tea for her all-day trips.

Eventually, she grew so confident that the island was neglected by the Lady, that she took her meals from the isle itself; the plump fruit that hung so heavily in the trees, the numerous berries and nuts, and even the quick silver fish swimming in the lagoon.

The young miss thought, That Lady does not need or even want this land; I, whose parcel is so tiny and poor, should have this island.  Perhaps I will apply to the Guvnah to sell my parcel and buy this one.  I have a little money saved, she thought, and thereby I might trade up, and be happier here.

And so her days from that point were happy, mostly, because she could never quite shake the feeling that some day the Lady might indeed land on the beach and demand what she thought she was doing there.  So she would always take care to look as if she were only visiting, with her basket lunch, and hid the weeds that she pulled and branches she trimmed inside.

Well, as so often happens, when we worry about a thing, eventually it comes to pass.  One day, the young miss stayed later than usual, and was just walking through the blue twilight to her, er the neighbor’s boat, when a strange sound made her turn.  There stood the Lady of the isle, dressed and tressed in rich dark velvet.  The young miss held her breath in fright, for the Lady was stranger even than the stories had told, having arrived without boat or airship, with bright tiny stars caught up in her hair and eyes.

The young miss froze in fear as the Lady walked towards her, smiling.  But rather than words of condemnation, the Lady made a warm greeting to her, and said what a lovely night it was going to be.  She stammered an agreement, then an awkward compliment on what a pretty island it was.

The Lady smiled warmly and thanked the miss for her compliment, and made a light lament that she could not spend more time there.

“But so very fond of this place, oh, I am indeed,” smiled the Lady.  “When I am done with a long day, tis here that I know I will find my rest.  Shall we go down to the beach?  The silver fish are less plentiful than they once were, so it will take some time to catch my dinner.”

But the young miss, mortified, stumbled through an apology and a curtsey, and said that she really should be getting back home.

As she pulled the neighbor’s boat onto the beach, she looked at her little parcel in the moonlight, and tried to remember how safe she’d once felt under that grandfatherly tree’s branches.  Her cottage was cold, and it took three attempts with shaking hands to get the fire lit.  As she curled up on her narrow bed, she resolved never to go back to the island, at least not until her own garden was just right.

But in the morning, when the young miss stepped out onto the porch, she saw that her neat little rows had been engulfed by thorny wildflowers, and that much of the garden had slid into the sea!  Now her little parcel was even littler, and she had a great deal of work ahead of her.

…

Now, I do not write this parable because you have come to my island, for you are very welcome here.  No, I write this because I once coveted something seemingly grand that was not mine, and neglected the fine thing I had, not seeing it through the work that it required.

I hope to remember this, and never make the same mistake again.  For now, I have a beautiful garden, made even more precious for the work put into it.

Couples sessions are a lot of fun and i really love capturing the personalities of those i photograph. Couples sessions are usually 2 hours long at the location/s of choice and include the DVD with all the images on as well as 5 8×10 prints all for just $250! They are they perfect gift for your loved one as we can create beautiful gift certificates for you to give them. Not only is the session fun but you also have photo-art of yourselves that you will cherish forever. A great add on to any package is a gallery wrap print for the perfect accent piece for you living room.

In a couples session i like to bring out what makes you.. you! We can incorporate your hobbies from fishing, canoing, motorbikes, classic cars to rock climbing. Or perhaps a favorite place where you like to visit or you had your first date. This makes the shoot a lot more personal and you can really have some fun allowing me to capture some candid moments as well as some great posed shots!

… then something falls into place, and this inner alignment just clicks.  Love and chemistry, heart and spirit and mind.  Click.  And so the path is opened…

Looking up into the great old spiderwebbed tree, you can see that the house lights are ablaze.  Every gas lamp pulses with flame, and every window shows candles dancing to music you cannot hear, not from down here.  The great wooden treehouse might seem in peril of burning, were it not so thoroughly soaked by the rain.

The Lady of the house and of this land has moved from room to room sparking this light.  A shift of the wind brings you the purifying scent of burning sage.

She is alone now, but something indescribable in her bearing makes it seem she expects not to remain so for long.

If you climbed the steps up to the door and looked inside, you would see her dressed in a simple flowing white gown, and smiling to herself in clear-eyed contentment.  But something silent tells you not to, so you don’t.

After some time, she steps out to the balcony holding a dark glass bowl.  Leaning out a little over the edge, she takes silk thread and a needle, and a bowl full of smooth white pearls: freshwater moonlight, each gleaming and unique.  With a careful knot between each one, she threads the pearls into a precious string: delicate but strong, silk of spinner and pearl of nurturer.

The great swollen moon glides across the dark sky… stately, effortless.

The Lady’s long string of pearls trembles all the way from her fingers to just over the waters of the firth, a long way below, as she ties more and more gleaming gems of nacre onto it.

Another twitch and twist, and the end of the thread drops down and touches the water, which rushes up it, as if longing to reclaim the oysters’ treasure. Then the leading pearl drops in as another is added to the top… and the long string now links the Lady to the waters.

She goes on threading, tying, spinning, for much of the night. Her deft fingers only ever pause to brush strands of twilight hair from her eyes, and once, across the silver locket at her throat.

The bowl at her side is deep with pearls. She will not be finished creating this for some time…

Your hand, holding the postcard, twitches in just the right way, and three photographes (surprisingly sharp, and colorized!) fall out from between the…

But wait. a postcard has only one page.  How were these inside it?

In any case, they are all captioned on the back, in violet ink…

Here I am about to step off of my 19th(ish)century timeship and into the 23rd century.

Here I am bidding a sad adieu to Caledon.

Here I am looking at the airship I am to step onto and wondering… is that designed for ramming?!

I’ve been in SL for two and a half years now, man & gazelle, but I’ve never really had a home. Even my currnt home point is the Eleanor Theatre in Phobos because that means I can beam back there if I crash out during a show.

Best I can recall is:
I was born in Braunsworth I think – I can no longer remember as I never stayed there but went wandering.
I ended up in Nova Albion but only to camp.
I moved to an abandoned infohub in Murray.
I bought a small plot on a private island called Gembong East.
I finally made my home point the theatre when the show quickly became the most important thing in my SL.

Apart from Murray I have never been part of a fixed community, and even that was just standing around chatting and booting griefers. I don’t count the show as although the troupe are my friends, it’s not a fixed community and, with only a small number of exceptions, there is no interaction outside the show. I have wonderful friends in SL, but timezones mean I rarely see them beyond the show. I need a purpose to come in-world and outside of the show I’m struggling.

I guess what I’m suffering from is loneliness.

I’m willing to bet that when Darien Mason contacted me about writing with him in The Lost Journal he had no idea what he would set in motion; I certainly didn’t. I want to be part of a wider comminty of roleplayers and writers. I want to feel the energy of creation I get from writing and taking photos. I want to have adventures and fun outside the show, and not just on my own all the time.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been exploring, on this blog and others, what it means to roleplay in SL and I’ve moved from a place where I wanted the perfect sim/RP experience served on a plater, to wanting to get in with a far more open and looser system. But where?

Caledon has always scared me because of its size – too easy to simply get lost I think and my views on it have been coloured by an earlier attempt to find a sort of home there. New Babbage is amazing but I don’t have the skills needed to be there – it’s a big boys place. Nova Albion/Bay City are places I have lots of love for but Bay City more about city life there and Nova Albion’s roleplaying days seem long behind it. Cowell/Kahruvel are places I simply adore but nothing goes on there. Outside of that it’s all film and book roleplaying and outside of a 1940s noir setting I’m not that interested (1).

But one name keeps coming up. One name that seems to involve community and lightness of touch that appears to allow a hell of a lot of creative roleplay to spring up despite not being a roleplay sim. It’s a place that takes in strays, a category I think I fall smack bang into. That place is called Steelhead.

I think this is it. I’m almost certain I’m going to move, abandon my beloved old HBA Island forever and find a new home with new stories to tell, ones where I’m not the only voice and player.

*******************

(1) Especially in frigging vampires.

Invitation to the Grand Tour

The Grand Tour of the Vintage and Associated sims is back! And it is happening this weekend – starting with a traditional German celebration in Neufreistadt, starting at 11:30 AM SLT on Saturday 20th June.

Saturday 20th June – 11:30am SLT: A Taste of Oktoberfest!
The Confederation of Democratic sims starts the party with A Taste of Oktoberfest! The Tiroler Eck Show Band Music will bring its mixture of Bavarian and Austrian schlager and traditional music. The band consists of 11 live musicians all playing together. Wear your lederhosen, dirndls or whatever you wish, but be ready to smile! You may find yourself dancing polka in the streets!

Neufreistadt “New Free State” is a typical medieval Bavarian village in a cloudy mountaintop. If the “fog” bothers you, touch ctrl, alt, shift and the minus sign, all together, and it will be turned off.

CDS celebrates its 5th year of Democracy in Sl this year and is proud to participate in the Grand Tour III.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Neufreistadt/187/191/173

Ascot Ball in Victoriana

Saturday 20th June – 1:30pm SLT: Ascot Ball in Victoriana
After the Germanic Oktoberfest, we move across the Channel for the event of the Grand Tour – the Ascot Ball in Victoriana!

Orchestra leader Benton Wunderlich was playing tunes from “My Fair Lady” on the piano; female guests were attired in the finest gowns and the most glorious hats, and everyone was nibbling on cucumber sandwiches and smoked salmon and sipping champagne.

No, it wasn’t a garden party in the country in merry old England. It was the Ascot Ball in Victoriana!

Held this year on Saturday June 20, at 1:30pm SLT, it is certain to be the social event of the season, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.

The Annual Victoriana Ascot Race will be held beginning at 2pm, so enter your favourite horse & jockey before the race.Entry fees are donated to RFL.

In addition, there will be fabulous auctions and the art exhibition Victoriana Views by Callipygian Christensen in the Town Hall.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Victoriana%20Square/128/87/33

Miss Serra, Senechelf of Winterfell invites you to join her and her residents for a traditional bonfire dance in the heart of WInterfell, Taure En Lor at 3pm SLT.

Winterfell is a dream fantasy region inspired by the magnificence of medieval castles and the romantic elegance of Victorian manors basking in the splendor of twilight, designed and inspired by stories, dreams and creative interpretations of reality.

This event will be medieval casual but you are invited to come as you are to enjoy some lively music and friendly company!
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell/128/99/24

There will be dances in the garden, for the enjoyment of the warm summer night and gifts of summer flowers for the ladies’ hair and boutonnieres for the gentlemen.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Magellan%20Kinvara/128/128/2

The Illusions - White Theme Ball in Babbage

Saturday 20th June – 6:00pm SLT: The Illusions – White Theme Ball
The Illusions White Themed Ball at Piermont Landing, Wheatstone Waterways will bring glitter and dazzle, beauty and illusion to New Babbage and the steamlands, beginning at 6pm on June 20.

But the main event will also (for two lucky bidders) mean the joy of victory and (for the rest of us) the agony of defeat as two one-of-a-kind items go up for auction to benefit Relay For Life.

Silent bidding began June 12 on both Ms. Kembri Thompson’s stunning Shepherdess Gown and Ms Canolli Capalini’s amazing Resignation Music Box and bidding will continue through Saturday at 9pm SLT, when the winners are announced.

We’ve got magic to do… just for you
Hearts to warm, as we go along our way.

Music by the Amazing Mister DJ BATS

Sponsored by House of Rfyre, Capalini Fine Furnishings, Black Opal Designs, and Hatpins.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Wheatstone%20Waterways/54/49/109

Robots, Mecha, Jaegers, Clanks, and all other creations are invited to come and Celebrate the Wonders of Science!

And as a special treat, the winner of the Duchess Sandwich Auction will be announced and will be treated to the attentions of two of Caledon’s Naughty Duchesses….

So shine up your Brass, oil your Gears, and come Relay for Life!
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Steam%20SkyCity/108/216/2

Ole! for Life Party with Joaquin Gustav!in Al-Andalus

Saturday 20th June – 10:30pm SLT: Ole! for Life Party with Joaquin Gustav!
Al Andalus invites you to continue this special evening with Flamenco and other Latin music and dance to the fabulous spanish guitar of Joaquin Gustav, Second Life’s best latin musician.

The Al Andalus Sims recreate the beauty of the Moor Alhambra and 13th century Granada, Spain. Spanish and Arabic costumes are appropriate and look especially wonderful with the many latin dances, but all manners of dress and costume are welcome. Al Andalus is pleased to announce its upcoming merger with the Confederation of Democratic Sims, the oldest democracy in Second Life, celebrating 5 years this year!
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Al%20Andalus%20Generalife/207/126/40

The event theme may be trance, but the Steeltopia sims are anything but trance-like! This is a 19th to early 20th century themed area with a emphasis on steampunk and tesla electric power.

Come as you are, no pressure, but bring your neon and sparklers! (no nudity or bdsm wear please!) Don’t forget to see the train station!
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steeltopia/34/221/27

Join us for music, a demonstration of our special powers, a tour of the Adventurers’ Club facility, and a Q&A session.

Music by Edward Pearse of Radio Riel
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead%20Port%20Harbor/212/49/26

Visit the Fairytale sim of Fauve where we realize our dreams in SL at an interactive playground, sea, land and sky, art and nature and lots of fun! Mirrors are Teleporters around the sim points, feel free to explore and enjoy.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Fauve/192/192/2

In New Toulouse of the 1920s, they say, some still gather on the shortest night of the year, down by the river. They come up from the bayous and down from the fancy houses because they know: on this night, the spirits are with them.

Join us, Grand Tourists. Come in the bright colors that please the spirits. Come with an open mind: come to watch, come to dance, come to remember how it was, back in the day…
http://slurl.com/secondlife/New%20Toulouse/144/174/23

V is for Victory in Caledon Rothesay

Sunday 21st June – 7:30am SLT: V is for Victory!
In the fight against cancer,and that is what we’re hoping to have. Welcome to the USO dance stop on the RFL Grand Tour!!

Come dance with us while listening to Big Band, Swing, and a smattering of jazz spun by the Caledon RFL Captain, Kiralette Kelley.
We will be gathering high above Caledon Rothesay on a specially created dance floor.

We will have liberty bonds for sale, and the dj will play anything you wish, for a small donation to RFL!

Come dressed in your best 1940’s duds, bring your best guy, gal, or pal, and dance those feet off while helping a great cause!
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Rothesay/155/128/22

Roman classical dress preferred, any formal dress welcome

To be held in the beautiful Imperial Throne Room, ROMA

http://slurl.com/secondlife/ROMA/215/25/22

Farmers' Market in Giverny

Sunday 21st June – 10:30am SLT: Farmer’s Market in Giverny
Soliel Snook and Kaye Robbiani will be hosting an old-fashioned Farmer’s Market with music, face painting, typical market fare, dancing if you like, and more.

In addition, feel free to explore the village and Monet’s gardens, or take a boat ride down the Seine River, visit the musee d’art Americain, browse the art galleries, or just sit and sip wine, and visit with friends.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Giverny/205/129/26

Music provided by Radio Riel presenter Otenth Paderborn.

Steelhead CIty is a Steampunk/VIctorian Town set in the late 1800’s in the Pacific Northwest, Washington Oregon territories.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead%20Harborside/236/164/2

Dresscode: Ladies, gown; gentlemen, tuxedo
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Oneiros/159/123/63

The Prim Minister of Edison Gabrielle Riel cordially invites all lovers of fine ladies’ fashions to The Duchess’ Closet Dance and Gown Sale.

All proceeds go to Relay for Life Team Caledon

(get ready for Grand Tour IV!)