Leamington Day 3

Happy Friday! As our house starts to look and feel like a home I am filled with thankfulness to God and the community which has brought us here to live in Leamington.

The time is flying by but with everyday there is a greater sense that we are here to stay and that we are not on vacation, even though it kinda feels that way.

I wiped out hard on my bicycle yesterday. I was trying to avoid some busted asphalt around a sewer grate and a transport truck barreling up behind me. When I went to go up a driveway my tires were not up to the task of climbing the lip at the driveway's end. I ate it. My knuckles look super tough though.

Leamington Day 2

We pumped up the tires and rode into town fro the first time. We followed a tractor with two wagons full of tomatoes. The smell was unexpected.

Leamington Day 1

I never really considered what it would feel like to live anywhere but my hometown, Guelph, Ontario. But in the last 24 hours, Tina and I have moved to Leamington, Ontario. It's only three hours away from home down highway 401 but it is so different from the place where I grew up.

We've moved here after receiving a call to pastor in a Mennonite church. There are no Mennonite churches in Guelph.
We moved into a farmhouse surrounded by potato fields. There are no potato fields in Guelph.
We also live 15 minutes away from a Great Lake. There are no Great Lakes in Guelph.

It's a strange land we've come to. Yesterday I watched a tractor haul maybe a tonne of tomatoes down the highway that runs past our house. I ave never in my life seen so many tomatoes. I think, maybe, I saw more tomatoes yesterday than I have seen in my last 28 years of life.

But the feeling of being out here is not quite clear. Almost everyone who knew we were moving and starting new jobs asked with wide eyes if I was excited(!) to move, to start my work as a pastor, to join a new community.

I can't say if it's excitement that's got me so introspective or making my eye twitch but it is something. Maybe it's cautious excitement. I'm cautiously excited. Excitement without the recklessness that can accompany it.

I think the best course of action is to take things one day at a time.

Today, I got my church keys and the office wifi password. I'll grab lunch and unpack some boxes, kiss my wife, and read a book. I think that's enough.

In Response

I recently read a post by someone I really dig for their contribution to the arena of decolonization and for their ability to convey information artistically, a skill I have not yet mastered. She made the argument that the Westernized linear way of thinking, that is ultimately detrimental, is a Judeo-Christian construct. I thought this was strange and immediately wondered where that idea came from.

You can find the specific post here. Be sure to check out the main page as well for lots of awesome info graphics and challenging but inspiring ideas. 

Without researching, I thought of a number of biblical "factors" that point to the opposite conclusion and in fact seem to support the indigenous way of thinking. I'm sure there are many more, but here is the list off the top of my head. 

*Please read to the end 

**Or at least skip to my final point

- There was a beginning of time (this is pretty much believed by everyone)

- God exists infinitely (outside of time) but is omnipresent, in all things (Great Spirit style)

- The Creator gave the earth to man and woman to steward and care for

- The Creator revealed himself to many people, one of interest is a man Moses who was told to remove his sandals where he stood because God had deemed it a sacred place

- The Jewish people were invited into relationship with their creator (YHWH) 

- Part of the relationship is the telling of stories to their children for generations to come (the Shema)

- One way of expressing the relationship with their creator was to write songs and poetry and dance expressively (there is an old testament book called Psalms that contains 150 ancient Jewish songs)  - These songs include acknowledgment of nature and animals as markers that point to the creator's work and influence in the everyday life of humans

- The Jewish people observed ceremony and ritual as a way of teaching younger generations of YHWH's promise and love for the people, passover, etc. 

- Art and food were also a part of these rituals as can be observed in YHWH's instruction to the people to build an ark adorned with engravings of animals and other ceremonial pieces adorned with the same

- Death was not seen as an end but as a new beginning, or sleep, or transition into eternity, or an alternative plane of existence

- Death also did not always mean physical death but the end of a season that ushered in a new season

- Future generations were considered as ancestors and in Jewish historical texts there are very accurate genealogical trees tracing male and female ancestors back many many generations even to the first man and woman

- The Jewish people still share a collective history as is demonstrated by their lifting up of such patriarchs as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In fact, they may refer to YHWH as "The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob"

- Israel, or the promised land was the land given to the Jews by their god and is still contested as such delineating a power of place

- In the Old Testament there are distinct sections known as the major and minor prophets. In these sections, people who listened to their creator interpreted dreams and visions and shared these interpretations with the people. Many of those dreams and prophecies are said to be about today.

This is all regarding the Old Testament. The advent of Jesus is the topic of the New Testament and is in effect the fulfillment of a death and rebirth and continuation of the cycle. 

- Dreams and visions experienced in the past about the future are apparently fulfilled in the coming of Israel's Messiah, the one who will bring healing by reuniting them with their creator, Jesus

- Jesus teaches many lessons, perhaps the edgiest being a step above the religious mantra of loving neighbours, Jesus teaches that his disciples should love their enemies

- Jesus also taught that to follow him, his disciples must die to self

- Jesus pointed to death as an equal part to life as life itself

- Jesus taught that there is eternal life and that what we see is not all there is

- Jesus convened with ancestors (Moses and Elijah) on a mountain (power of place) in the presence of three witnesses

- Jesus argued that people should not capitalize on sacred teaching or practices 

- Jesus undertook a pilgrimage in the wilderness for 40 days 

- Jesus taught that to know the creator you must be born again or have a rebirth 

- Jesus attributed sacredness to the elements and used nature as an illustration of God's love for the people

- Jesus also taught sacred wisdom through many stories or parables that often had to do with people's relationship with the land

- It is taught that Jesus died and was buried but was resurrected into his "resurrected state (transformed)"

- Jesus then taught the People of The Way (his followers) to go and teach what he taught them

- He then appointed Peter as a new elder who was to pass on the wisdom given to him

- Others like Paul, Stephen, Peter and John saw visions, signs, and dreams they attributed to the Creator and disseminated that knowledge through letters and public teaching which ultimately saw some of them and many others publicly murdered, marginalized, oppressed, and imprisoned

- Jesus taught that when he was no longer on Earth in bodily form, he would send The Helper to guide his people.

- The Helper has since taken on the name Holy Spirit. Holy means set apart, not like the others, above. The Spirit above all spirits if you will.

- That Spirit is said to dwell in all those who allow it to do so. Or those who allow themselves to die and be born again. 

- The Bible concludes by stating that God will return in the form of Jesus and create a new heaven and a new earth (rebirth)

I do have point I'm trying to make, obviously. Although these are clearly read in the Bible, there are many who have looked at one or two sections of the Bible and proceeded to rape the world including her people, lands, and resources. This is not from Judeo-Christian teaching. It is actually anti-Judeo-Christian teaching. And while the historical majority have gone astray from this teaching they do not represent actual teachings of the Bible or of The Creator and should not be said to. 

My First Time by Kattina Charbonneau

“Blood; it's in you to give.”

I have heard the radio commercial hundreds of times. I know that my blood is type-O, which means that I can help lots of people. However, I couldn't get over the fear of needles and passing out.

Last Saturday everything changed.

There's a family I have known since I was 5. Many of them donate blood on a regular basis. The youngest member just started his first year of university and he applied for a bursary from Canadian Blood Services. He needed at least 20 donors, 5 of which had to be new. I thought that this would be a perfect way for me to help him out and try donating blood!

His family hosted a huge breakfast for those who were going to the clinic. As a precaution, I decided to have french toast, a pancake, 1/4 piece of waffle, a piece of bacon, a few sausages and some fruit. I don't usually get to have all those wonderful breakfast items in one sitting – but I wasn't planning on passing out!

As we arrived and checked in, I was pretty nervous. The finger prick test didn't hurt as much as I thought it would, and my iron levels were good. After filling out the questionnaire and going through the screening process, I was quickly escorted to the donating station. I had some juice and then sat down in the chair. The nurse was so nice and before I knew it the needle was in. It was a little uncomfortable, but it wasn't as terrible as I imagined.

I found out some neat things while the nurse was taking the blood samples. She said that the blood I donated, (provided it passed the necessary screening tests), would be used at a local hospital within 72 hours.

Local hospital.

72 hours.

Wow. Some of the supply is used for pre-booked surgeries, however the rest is in case of emergency. I never considered blood donation to invoke such a sense of community for me.

The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in their body, and each blood donation is approximately 1 pint. Every 8 weeks your body replenishes the lost blood, and you're good to go again. It's a natural process, and it doesn't cost you anything.

In 1 hour you can literally save the life of someone in your community. The actual donation is less than 20 minutes. (I was 10 min. 18 sec...first time donors take a bit longer, which is normal). It takes an average of 5 units, or donations, for a cancer treatment or cardiovascular surgery. For someone who has been in an automobile accident, 50 units are required.

After finishing the donation you get to chill out with a friendly volunteer while enjoying a complimentary drink and snack! Overall the experience was wonderful. I really loved going with a group of friends and family to help others in our community. We had a great time visiting and sharing lots of laughs!

If you would like more information, check out www.blood.ca. To book an appointment you can call 1-888-2-DONATE. I'm going back in October if you would like to join me!

Clothing for a Cause

If you are citizen of Guelph, a Guelphite if you will, you may notice some of the many things around town that Guelph is quite proud of. Not proud in a bad way, but proud for good reason. For example, we have the Guelph Farmer's Market where local farmers and artisans sell their products. We have the new and improved Market Square in front of the newly improved City Hall. The Market Square hosts community events that are fun for the whole family and bring a positive vibe to a downtown night-time experience. We also have a number of beautiful parks and green-spaces that preserve the natural beauty of our fine city.

But now Guelph has the opportunity to be proud of something else. I say opportunity because there is a chance people could take this new addition for granted and fail to take advantage of what it offers. I'm talking about Downtown's second newest tenant, Grey Rock Clothing Co. It's located on Quebec Street, just a few doors down from the Bookshelf.

Why be proud of a clothing store?

Well, Grey Rock Clothing Co., or, Grey Rock, as the kids say, is a completely sweat shop free clothing store. That means all of the clothing sold was made with by the hands of folks who earn a fair wage for the work they do. It also means your new plaid shirt and slim fitting pants won't have the sweat of children unnoticeably infused into the fabric.

Grey Rock operates with the axiom “You can change the world with your everyday purchases”. They let us know the importance of equality among labourers and consumers.

They carry brands like Elroy, Indigenous Designs, PACT, Jedidiah, and Oliberte and each of these brands carries a unique and often inspiring story. You may not have heard of these brands, but it's time you did your research because not only are they globally conscious, they also make some pretty nice clothes.

I would like to stress again that Grey Rock's presence in Guelph is an opportunity for Guelph. If we want it to stick around we need to support the cause. Not the cause of nice clothes and Downtown boutiques, but the cause of equality and the cause of human rights. It's really nice for folks to talk about how great brands are for being fair trade or sweatshop free, but if we as the consumers don't get behind them by choosing their product over another.
Purchasing fair trade, sweatshop and child labour free items may not be the cheapest option for some, but it is always less costly for others. Sweatshop produced clothing comes with a much higher price than what is found on the tag.
So this Saturday (September 6th) get downtown and meet Grey Rock's owner Beth Timlin, she's got a heart of gold and a wicked smile. Grey Rock will be serving cupcakes and there will be special gifts for people who spend $60+ in celebration of their grand opening!

For more information on Grey Rock and what they're doing to make the world a better place, you can check out their website, and even follow Beth on Twitter @GreyRockCo

Ben Doerksen Show and Tell

If you live in Guelph and you are a fan of Guelph's myriad of musically gifted individuals, you may recognize the name Ben Doerksen. Ben has been a member of the now retired but not forgotten, Your Neck of the Woods as well as the frontman and eye-candy for Ben Doerksen and the Rebel Alliance. Ben has now ventured off on a solo journey through the musical galaxy and has recently released a new EP titled Gilding the Lily.

If you have yet to treat your senses to the album, you can find it, and pay what you choose for it right here. 

With a voice that is perhaps bigger than Ben himself, not an easy feat, Ben delivers profoundly written lyrics with themes that bring the listener to fields and prairies and rivers and kitchens and fireside sing alongs. Ben's lyrics penetrate the mind and invite, maybe even pull, the listener into a dreamscape. They are sensual. You can't help but feel the cool summer wind in late August, or the tall grass on your fingertips. 

With what sound like instant classics like Northern Rivers and Skies Like This, Ben is sure to make an even bigger impact than he already has on the Guelph music scene and even the Canadian music scene.

I had the chance to sit down with Ben while he discussed the ins and outs of playing with a band. He even brought a great show and tell item to prove just how cool he really is.

You can see that interview right here.

Also check out...

http://benjamindoerksen.bandcamp.com/

http://yourneckofthewoods.bandcamp.com/track/alberta-burning

www.zdc.4ormat.com

Ben Doerksen hard at work during Hillside 2012

Pic of the Day #15 - Bear

Oliver Vs. The Bear

We spent a week in Killarney's backwoods last month. On day five some kayakers warned us of a bear making his way too our campsite. We quickly prepared by hanging our food and getting our knives...and cameras. We were able to snap a few grainy shots of the bastard while we chased him away from our site. We knew of course it was him or us. 

When Oliver found out about the heartless son of a gun he was shocked! Oliver is a child of a very good friend. One of my old college buddies. We know eachother from back in college. Those were the days, I tell you.

You can read Oliver's thoughts on this near death experience in his blog which can be found here. 

Pic of the Day #14 - The Artist

Jay Inglis

Jay Inglis is a local artist. He works on paper. He uses pencil crayons and ink. The guy makes some pretty psychedelic art. Last night I visited with him and we had a little photo-sesh. Rumour has it he could be featured in a home town rag very soon. Keep your eyes peeled and look around for Mr. Inglis and his colourful work. 

Pic of the Day #13 - Figuring it out

The Ogilvies

So I shot a wedding for the Ogilvie's a while back and I just recently delivered the photos. After looking through them again however, I noticed this picture had a big brown towel sticking out from underneath Cam. I was able to use Photoshop to get rid of that. I'm happy with this end result.

Pic of the Day #12 - Back at it

Berkeley Castle Courtyard

Berkeley Castle is a neat little place nestled away in Toronto. It's a place where a few businesses operate out of including a wine store and a hair salon. One of the stylists invited us in to take a few pictures of the court yard and I nabbed this one just as the windows were reflecting in the grass. Apart from the reflection, I love the orange brick and the absolutely beautiful tree. The photo really doesn't do it justice, but it is an excellent tree.

David Jackson Round 2

So a couple months ago I had a chance to sit down with Guelph musician, David Jackson. We discussed his new album, his take on acting, and his writing process. We were also joined a ridiculously loud air conditioning unit on the back patio of the Red Brick Cafe. Unfortunately, due to the noise generated from said air conditioning unit, the video was pretty terrible. This is our second attempt.

David Jackson, Round 2

There was an attempt to include some very informal banter and all around tomfoolery to the tail end of this video but unfortunately we are still working out the camera's little attitude problem. 

Check out David's music on his Band Camp, and make sure you get out to his CD Release Party at Synn Studios in Downtown Guelph. That is happening on August 3rd. 

Pic of the Day #12 The Yesterday Edition

Kattina and I are on the Guelph Youth for Christ steering committee and last night we went to Erin to check out this excellent Mobile Youth Centre. Not only did the youth centre surpass our expectations but it had this little darling holding the door open for us!

Pic of the Day #11

Kattina and I took a really nice walk today. We noticed the house down the street which had just sold, has some creative new owners!

Pic of the Day #10

When we took possession of our Bagot St. apartment in January, our new found friends and our apartment's previous tenants let us know they had planted garlic in the front garden. They got this garlic from the farm they had their wedding on and they were sad to lose it when they moved. 

For the last 4 months I have watched and watered the garlic as it grew shoots and leaves above ground while the precious bulbs developed beneath. Today it looked as if they were ready to come up; so up they came. 

Kattina tied a pretty little ribbon around the garlic and we gave it to Andrew and Annica with a card. Coincidentally as we were headed over to their new home (which you can read about here!) to drop off the gift, they stopped in front of our current home for a middle of the road conversation! Wow!

Pic of the Day #9

So they did it! They tied the knot! Cam and Sonya Ogilvie are now a real deal of a married couple! It was such an honour and dare I say a blessing to shoot their nuptials. Cam and Sonya are friends from our neigbourhood and Kattina and I can't wait for some double dates!  

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS CAM AND SONYA!!!! 

The New Ugh-Inspiring Bud Light Lime Mojito

So it's a Friday night and we decided before heading to the Anti-Highschool Reunion we would have a couple-a-few beers.
We decided on some Muskoka Brewery offerings and the always refreshing Mill Street Organic when our eyes settled on a delightful green and silver can.
I quickly scooped up two of the "limited edition" beauties. It was the new Bud Light Lime Mojito. I had to call my friend Drew over for this unbelievable taste sensation!!

Side Note: Drew Shannon is a good friend, foodie, roadie, buddy, trucky, trekkie, wine loving beer snob.

As per the side note, it's obvious Drew raced over! I think it's only fair that I kick it over to Drew to let him fill you in on the truly once in a lifetime experience.

Drew here,

So, these delightfully designed cans opened with the refreshing pop of a very functional drink storage container.  You can't help but feel the aroma of chemicals that could be mistaken for lime flavour take hold of your nasal facilities.  You then start to tip this wide mouth wonder towards your lips and are taken to the world of a warm swamp where the company that makes that lime chemical dumps their toxic waste.  Pulling your lips away from the can and thinking that this experience can only get better, you are suddenly hit with the refreshing aftertaste of Colgate mint toothpaste.
 
If this isn't enough to make you run out and purchase this unique product there is more.  It is "light" so that means if you are watching your waist line you can enjoy as much of this product as you would want, and believe me that is not much.  I am also thinking that a toothpaste finish could be useful for activities after the beer is finished.  For instance if you get pulled over, a cop is more likely to think you have brushed your teeth recently rather than you have been drinking.  Your date may also like this feature.  However if she is hanging around with someone who drinks this you may want to re-consider your life.    

Thanks for popping by Drew and sharing what sounds like a magical Ugh-Inspiring moment. If you want to hear more profundity from my pal Drew, you can! Catch him Twitter @therustyshow

Pic Of The Day #8

There's gonna be a wedding. And we are gonna be there. Oh yes. We are.

Rebel Rebel and then Some

Where were you on June 27th?

I was at the EBar with my wife Kattina. We were there to see some of the areas Alt Rock offerings and ended up being somewhat pleased, a little bit confused, and a lot a bit entertained!

The Folk, a Guelph band fronted by one of two twin sisters, with the second of the twins on the guitar. When I heard twins, I thought Tegan and Sara. These guys were not Tegan and Sara. They also were not very folky. Their music is well layered and well put together but personally, I wasn't all that into it. Mind you, The Folk's bass player was definitely a show stealer!
The guy had his moves down. I swear he had a few rockstar kicks which got me going!
Unfortunately, a killer bass player isn't all it takes. I just wasn't drawn in by the music. I found myself trying to figure it out more than I found myself able to just sit and listen and enjoy.
But hey, they've got a new EP out and I would be lying if I said it wasn't worth checking out.

 

Fresh off the heels of playing NXNE, Dutch Toko lost me with their intro. I know it's kind of the norm now to be somewhat self deprecating and all, but when you start out by saying "hey we never practice and we're missing guys so...yeah..." you kinda start weak.

Although I was taken aback by the less than wise honesty, DT won me over by the end. Tight drumming and some excellent use of feedback was what got me. Oh yeah, the frontman had some killer footwork...baby Elvis! 

And then another...*ahem*...interesting announcement, "We have cassettes for sale at the merch table..." For $5 who could pass up a cassette? Oh yeah! I could.

So basically I've gone over the details of this show backwards for one simple reason; I think 

Rebel Rebel is the flippin' bees knees! These guys had me going. The four man one woman band from Toronto had an awesome stage chemistry and brought some killer tracks. I vividly remember standing at the bar and ordering a rye and ginger ale listening to the song Keep It To Yourself, and I was hypnotized. The synth was doing everything right and I was mesmerized by the post-rock sounds that had invaded the space so stealthily. I was sure to talk the group after and I let them know how impressed I was. Even though they were the opener, Rebel Rebel was my favourite act of the night. Oh and they had an accordion...so...

Check out the EBar every Thursday for live entertainment. If you see me around, don't be shy. Have a drink with me! I'd love to meet you. 

Pic of the Day #7

My wonderful wife is a big fan of flowers. And my wonderful wife likes to put her wonderful flowers in our wonderful fridge to keep them wonderfully fresh! Isn't she wonderful?