When Camping, Eat Donuts

Sunscreen – check.
Insect repellent – check.
Fishing rods and worms – check.
Toilet paper – check.

We packed up the truck, camping gear and supplies secure, and set out on the five-hour trip to our annual family vacation in the woods. Missezula Lake, 30km in the bush in Princeton, BC, was our destination. The Okanagan heat would be a killer; deodorant, near useless. We had one goal in mind, and it wasn’t only for the fishing and the great outdoors.

But let me go back before I go forward.

Off highway 3 in the Similkameen region of British Columbia, the town of Princeton was established in the 1860’s, originally a mining town. As with all things mined or harvested resources ran out, and the cozy little town almost faded into nothing. But with a resurgence things picked up for the historic town, and it’s still going strong.

Bridge Street runs through the town leading you to a one-lane bridge crossing the Tulameen River, taking you to highway 5a. About 15 minutes down the highway is Summers Creek Road, a forestry road leading to Missezula Lake.

And yes the lake was our destination, but the great outdoors wasn’t the only thing on our minds. Before heading to the lake, we always stop in town. ‘Princeton’s Loonie Bin and Dollar Store’ at the corner of Bridge Street and Harold Avenue has something more precious to us rugged campers than copper or gold – or toilet paper, for that matter. What sits behind glass among the rows of camping gear, household supplies and greeting cards are Princeton’s most prized commodities.

The holiday long weekend during which we arrived found many stores closed, including our favourite discount store. We knew we would head back to town at some point during our week-long stay – a tradition for us - but the gluttons we are couldn’t wait and we stopped at the ‘mine.’ The ‘closed’ sign on the door teased shoppers and tested our patience. We would all have to wait yet another day for fresh baked DONUTS.

We wait all year for our camping trip, the hours and miles travelled well worth the object of our stomachs. Anticipation for the typical camper is usually the escape to the wilderness and all things camping. For us, it’s the sugar.

Starving and with heads hung low we carried on to the lake. Over the gravel road we wound through hills and valleys to eventually enjoy all things camping - in a cabin minus hot water, no less. I arranged my hairspray and eyelash curler in anticipation for the trip into town. Looking good, even while camping, is imperative, especially when dining on the sweet delicacies.

Finally the day came; our trip into town for ‘supplies’ couldn’t come soon enough. The 45-minute drive to and from town was worth it. Over the dusty forestry road we raced as fast as the potholes, ground squirrels and deer would allow us. Cows from nearby ranches mooed at us to slow down, and finally at highway 5a, we sped to town.

The store was open - our camping trip would be ruined if it wasn’t - and we raced inside.

Sales clerk Sam (‘no pictures of me, please!’), patiently waited while we drooled on the glass case protecting the treats, her patience further tested with our incoherent demands for Boston Cream and raspberry filled donuts. As I peppered her with questions about the store, the men-folk raced outside eager to shove as many flour and oil concoctions in their mouths as they could.

While my share of donuts were inhaled outside, Sam (‘no pictures of me, please!’), patiently told me that Dawn, owner of the bakery/discount store for 27 years, makes the donuts onsite in the bakery at the back of the store. I didn’t have the fortune of meeting Dawn, but if given the chance I would have told her that her donuts put any chain-donut-shop to shame. Fresh, moist, and lovingly made, they deserve to sit behind glass.

This is not your typical discount store, and obviously we are not your typical campers.

Sure the camping trip fosters memories for a lifetime. Tall fish tales are shared around the campfire while we fight off mosquitoes and roast marshmallows. Motor boat trips from one end of the almost 3 square km lake and back add to the fun of later nursing sunburns of my three men. The typical ‘family camping vacation’ stories abound, but it’s what donut baker Dawn gives us is what’s most memorable.

With the truck no longer smelling of sweat and campfire smoke but of donuts, we headed back to the wilderness, our sugar-high making the 45-minute trek back to the cabin, oblivious.

Oh, for the love of camping – and donuts.

Thank you, Dawn.

Goin' for the Gold

As I write this, the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England is in full swing. Coordinating event schedules with their time zones, folks around the world crowd around televisions cheering for their nation’s athlete. The lucky of us can record events to watch the next day, fast-forwarding through commercials about nail clippers for pet lizards. The diehard fans stay up throughout the night (depending on their time-zone, of course) to watch events in real time. No fast-forwarding through commercials for them.

But one thing I have heard time and again during the Olympics is the phrase ‘not expected to medal.’ I hear it in the media, and even the athletes say it – about themselves! The phrase can be heard in the days of hype leading up to the games – even before the athlete’s plane has landed. Can’t everyone show a bit of positivity?

Many sports’ final outcomes are based on stats, finishing times, previous competition standings, and so forth. Having a healthy perspective on competition is important, though, and not mentally preparing for a loss can be detrimental to the athlete. Being mature, sportsmanlike and level-headed about competition is important – no one likes a sore loser.

But it’s a fine line between setting oneself up for disappointment, being realistic, and speaking negatively.

If there was ever a writing contest where the grand prize was a date with Rick Springfield (our respective spouses aside, of course), and other entrants were the likes of Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, and Stephen King, would I look at the other entrants and not bother entering? Not on your life. Now, maybe in this imaginary contest, Stephen King would be hoping to win the prize for his wife who is maybe a big fan of Rick Springfield herself, I don’t know. But Stephen aside, you can be sure I would be polishing every word I wrote and sending in my entry, tout de suite. I wouldn’t be thinking about the other entrants, giving up hope and moaning ‘I’m never gonna win,’ much the same as ‘not expected to medal.’ With a healthy dose of rationale in my pocket I would think positive, plan my outfit for my date, and brush my hair most enthusiastically – just in case.

You just never know.

Realistic, rational thinking is important – preparing for a loss is necessary. But waking up thinking negative thoughts in the days leading to the contest results would get me nowhere. Doing nothing else but pacing and waiting would eventually turn me into Rick-stalker; an unhealthy and unproductive (and illegal) way of being.

The armchair athlete I am may not know everything about the psychology of sports. And maybe there is more to the phrase ‘not expected to medal.’ But if you ask me, it doesn’t sound very positive. In this age of promoting positive thinking and well-being with books, tapes, motivational speakers and framed positive sayings for your living room wall, you would think everyone, especially the athletes with their coaches paid to motivate them, would know better.

If I walked around all day saying I am ‘not expected to publish,’ or I am ‘not expected to write anything anyone likes,’ well then – I never will. If you don’t give yourself half a chance at something – and it doesn’t necessarily have to be entering contests - why bother doing what you love in the first place? Do it because you love it.

No matter what you do, expect to medal – go for the gold. Give yourself a chance to improve and surpass your own standards. Think and speak positively. And while you’re doing that, I will keep writing and dreaming of a date with Rick Springfield – because, you just never know.

Thanks for reading,
Lisa

The Write Life Newsletter - Spotlight

Tracy Crump and Marylane Wade Koch produce an e-newsletter, The Write Life. Full of inspiration for writers and readers, this newsletter has a little bit of everything. For those writers out there, subscribe to the newsletter and also receive updates about their webinar, Stirring the Pot: Writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Every issue has a column, Subscriber Spotlight, and August's issue features me and my journey towards publication with Chicken Soup for the Soul.

See attached link and enjoy the newsletter!

Thanks for Reading,

Lisa

The Write Life Newsletter

Gettin' Back on Track

A personal crisis knocked my legs out from under me, and I struggled to get up and back on track. I was rattled but with time was able to cope and move on. Life happens - it keeps moving and changing - and so must I. And I did.

It was hard to keep writing, but writers are supposed to write no matter what – if they’re serious about it. After a small hiatus I was determined to get writing again, despite feeling the aftershocks from the crisis. I was proud of myself for the gumption to keep going, but I was stumbling and tripping around my written words, and it showed. My mind was elsewhere, and slowly my self-confidence began to suffer. But I kept going, despite days of no ideas and garbled words.

And just when I thought I had moved past all that circle-of-life stuff, just when I thought I got my groove on and was truly back on track (despite my writing still a little off-kilter), two little blips on the radar challenged me, again. Although they were relatively minor in the great scheme of things, they still attempted to knock me back.

I received rejections for my writing two days in a row. The first rejection was hard to take, but I didn’t let it completely bring me down. I pouted for an hour or two, then got over it. Even though this particular market I am aiming for is a tough one to break into, my determination keeps me writing and submitting.

The other rejection was for a project I held near and dear to my heart. A preliminary ‘yes’ had me so close to publication with them, but alas, a final ‘no’ was to be my fate. But along with it came words of ‘fantastic story, always great writing - but the piece just doesn’t work for our publication.’ Those words helped cushion the blow – a bit.

As the saying goes, ‘It’s not personal, it’s just business.’

Given this was my second rejection in two days with the shadow of the previous crisis still looming, I was starting to waver a bit, and I struggled to shake it off as easily. I realized I was still a little fragile and my self-esteem and confidence were in a delicate state. But still, I continued. Along with perseverance, I tapped into every self-help resource I could muster: self-talk, exercise, and eating chocolate by the truckload (which only gave me the shakes) (and a pimple). I kept telling myself that confidence comes from within. I belong to a writing group, but I didn’t reach out to anyone from the group. I kept pushing myself, but what writing did come out of me was often disjointed and convoluted – my ideas almost non-existent. I sometimes had moments of panic where I thought ‘I am no longer a writer.’

And then one day out of the blue I had a moment of clarity! I came up with a topic for an article, and after some thinking and planning I started writing. It was full steam ahead; I was excited and I was doing great. But then halfway through I floundered and started second-guessing my idea and my writing. I ran it by my writing friend (you know who you are) to see if it was a good idea, if it was worthy of writing, and if it made sense. She knew of my recent personal challenges, but didn’t know I was struggling with my writing. She came back with words of encouragement, complimenting my writing and expressing her confidence in my ‘way with words.’

She gave me the boost I needed. Maybe it was coincidental – her kind words at the right time when I was ‘moving on’ – I don’t know. But what I do know is where I was previously stumbling along, her support was what I needed to kick myself back into high gear.

I returned to my article and everything flowed. And with that my writing improved.

Through it all I learned that time heals and to allow for that time. Everyone – every writer – has good days and bad days, and perseverance and determination do pay off. Writing does not have to be a solitary existence. I learned why writers have writer friends. Bouncing the idea off her was what I needed, and keeping myself focused on trying to write, even if it was crap (and no matter how frustrating), was what saw me through a troubled writing time.

Even though it was business, it was also personal – thanks go to her for unknowingly getting me back on track.

July 21st - A Good Day to Get Mooned - UPDATE!

I humbly admit I had a few things wrong - blame it on my exhaustion, my excitement, or....I don't know. Blame it on something - blame it on the moon.

Poor Elisabeth gladly and happily read my story, July 21st - A Good Day to get Mooned, and corrected/clarified a few things. She says it was her fault for the confusion, and apologized. I daresay, Elisabeth, you have nothing to apologize for!!!!

And like I said before, I doubt NASA will be sending the likes of ME to the moon anytime soon (or maybe I would be better off...?)

To save me getting all starry-eyed again (the saying seemed appropriate) and messing up the moon, I figured I better quote the gal herself....

"Since the new moon (meaning no visible moon in the sky) was yesterday, July 19th 2012, that means that it is actually today, July 20th, when the moon will be at its "skinniest" at about 2% moon disk visibility. It will be slightly thicker (about 6%) on July 21st 2012. A crescent moon (either waning or waxing) in general, however, is still the phase when we see the least amount of the moon's disk. Sorry about that confusion! That's my fault." (Elisabeth Giffin, The Center of the Universe Observatory)

See what I mean? She apologized to me! Not necessary, Poor Elisabeth, no necessary at all.

Furthermore...

"Our most powerful research telescope most often looks at deep space objects including: nebulas, star clusters and galaxies. Objects within our own solar system like planets and moons are often too bright for the powerful telescope to observe. However, our smaller telescopes are used for viewing of planets and moons, and these are available for public viewing as well on clear nights." (Elisabeth Giffin, The Center of the Universe Observatory)

Well, I can say that I am better off sticking with writing (and getting my facts right). All this stuff is a bit too much for little old me - it just makes me spacey.

Thank you again to Elisabeth for her patience and help - and for getting the facts straight.

Like I said - blame it on the moon.

July 21st - A Good Day to Get Mooned

July 21st is the 202nd day of the year. Have we really been in this year for a whole 202 days? No wonder I’m so exhausted!

While out one evening watering the plants with the moon in full force above me, I wondered about that vast place called ‘space.’ Despite my exhaustion I was curious, and started digging up a few space facts. I soon realized I really shouldn’t complain about being so exhausted, comparatively speaking. July 21st is a big day in the world of space science.

First there was Jean-Félix Picard, a French astronomer to first measure the approximate size of the earth. He was born on July 21, 1620 (d. July 12, 1682),

Then there was Milan Rastislav Štefánik who was a highly regarded Hungarian politician and astronomer. He made many trips up Mount Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, to study the Moon and Mars, and was the first to record a whole eclipse of the sun. He, too, was born on July 21, 1880 (d. May 4, 1919).

On July 21st, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the moon, with Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin hot on his heels. Michael Collins stayed in the ship to supervise their busy lunar adventures; securing the American Flag on the dusty surface and collecting all those rocks! Trying to get 6 – 9 hours sleep here and there during their 195-hour trip proved difficult. Who could sleep during that exciting trip?

As my research continued, my curiosity piqued with every found fact. The moon would be ‘waxing crescent’ on July 21st – but what did that mean? I excitedly called the one place that would know more - The Center of the Universe, Astronomy Interpretive Center on Observatory Hill in Victoria, BC.

But poor Elisabeth Giffin didn’t know what she was getting herself into when she answered the phone, only to have me on the other end.

I reassured Poor Elisabeth I was not a weirdo/stalker but a silly layperson who just wanted to know stuff about the moon. I don’t blame her if she wondered if I was a little ‘spaced out’ from staring at the sun too long.

She confirmed it would be waxing crescent on its right side on July 21st, and patiently agreed with my highly scientific assessment; it would be at its ‘skinniest’ on that day.

But then I had to know more:

Me (with my super-scientific voice): “So when the moon is scheduled to ‘rise’ at 8:42 am, and then ‘set’ at 9:59pm, what does that mean, exactly?”

Poor Elisabeth: “That is when you would see the moon in the day. You know how you can sometimes see it in the day?”

Me: “Oh right, yes, I have seen it in the day.”

Poor Elisabeth: “You would see it in the morning – rising at 8:42. And then you wouldn’t see it after 9:59 pm.”

Oh. That’s it? I was hoping for something a little more…dramatic.

I guess they won’t be sending me to the moon for research any time soon.

Well, Poor Elisabeth was most kind and patient. I assured her again I was not a weirdo/stalker, and I begged for more facts in order to write about the moon. It was to be, after all, the anniversary of the Apollo 11/Armstrong/Aldrin moon walkabout, and all that.

She went on to say the best time to see the moon with an amateur telescope is not when it’s full as it’s too bright, but when it’s in crescent form.

Did I mention she was patient and kind?

Poor Elisabeth also patiently and kindly mentioned that on Tuesdays through Saturdays, from July 24th onwards, the centre is open from 3:30 – 11:30, with their telescopes in full force (providing there are no clouds, of course). Their super powered telescopes can capture craters, nebulas and stars, and are able to project images of planets and moons on the walls of the observatory.

I bade Poor Elisabeth farewell, and mentally assured her I would not be coming to work at the observatory any time soon. As exciting as all the space stuff is, I just don’t think I’m up for any more research. It’s too exhausting.

Thank you, Elisabeth!

To find out more about the vast place called space, visit The Center of the Universe, Astronomy Interpretive Center on Observatory Hill in Victoria, BC.


Phone: 250-363-8262
Fax: 250-363-8290
Email: cu@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

5071 West Saanich Road
Victoria, British Columbia, V9E 2E7
Canada


For Facts about the moon, visit Lunaf.com

What Smells Like Summer?

What smell reminds you of summer? For many, the smell of popcorn and greasy food at summer festivals and hotdogs and onions at baseball parks signifies that summer is in full swing – Coppertone aside.

When I’m at home, freshly cut grass, good old fashioned briquette barbeques and, of course, the constant smell of fabric softener from my clothes dryer means summer has arrived. Yes, the clothes dryer. The endless loads of towels, shorts and bathing suits needed laundering is never-ending. Yes, line-drying is where it’s at in today’s environmentally conscious world, but the sun doesn’t shine in the middle of the night, and clothes are always needed the next day.

But for many folks who spend a better part of their day toiling away at their cherished places of employment, summer-smell association means something different.

I spend most of my days in downtown Victoria, BC where I work. The historic city a magnet for tourists alighting from cruise ships, ferry’s, and planes. As I impatiently dodge tourists strolling along the sidewalks taking in the sights, I am often overcome by sunscreen and expensive perfume trailing in their wake. Foreign languages mingle with just as foreign cigarettes and cigars, and the hot dog vendors vie for their currency – Canadian or US preferred. But not to worry – there’s a currency exchange booth on every block.

But it’s not the tourists’ sunscreen, their foreign cigarettes or hot dogs cooking on the vendors’ grill that remind me of summer.

Historic Government Street flanked by cobblestone sidewalks cuts through the downtown core, Belleville Street separates the Legislative Building from the inner harbour, and Wharf Street takes you to the seaplanes where their airplane-fuel exhaust competes with the smell of the ocean – and all three streets bear something representative of summer.

But it’s what adorns these main streets is what reminds me of summer every year. If I’m lucky I might see the occasional one in the winter, but the warm weather brings everyone out of their stalls. The hot cement is a frying pan which permeates the smell, and every year I savour the scent. Despite living on Vancouver Island for over thirteen years, and seeing them all the time, I never tire of the sights, sounds and smell of this one attraction.

The horses, their carriages, and what they leave ‘behind.’

Yes, I’m talking about manure.

A picture is not necessary – you know what I mean. But I do have countless pictures of the horses I have saved over the years. In the winter, weather permitting, they make the occasional trek from their warm barns to provide Christmas carriage rides of ambiance, sporting tiny Santa hats tucked over one ear. In the summer they need neither hats nor sunscreen, but buckets of water to drink and a hose to cool them down.

Sure, some of the carriages are rigged with a ‘catch all’ contraption behind the horses, but sometimes things…fall through the cracks. And heck, what difference does it make? With the seagulls dive-bombing overhead, I scurry to avoid their ‘bombs.’ I don’t exactly see a ‘catch all’ contraption behind them.

Summer’s heat heightens all smells, and as soon as I emerge from the bus and make my way through the streets, even though the horses I love are all tucked away in their stalls trying to catch some shut-eye before heading into town for work, the smell of their ‘you know what’ still lingers from the day before. It gives me a thrill knowing that later that day I will hear their clop, clop, clop of their giant hooves down the streets. What with the draft horses’ hooves bigger than a dinner plate, you can hear them coming from blocks away.

In the middle of the day when I don my sunglasses and hustle through the tourist laden streets, I know the horses have already made their way down the hot streets – without even have had hearing them. As I occasionally jaywalk - um, I mean cross the street at the appointed, marked, designated area - I happily skip over the droppings flattened by cars. I know the next horse will be by soon to grace the street with fresh…

I love summer.

To capture the sights, sounds, and smells of summer, next time you visit downtown Victoria, BC, be sure to take a carriage ride...

Tally Ho Tours http://www.tallyhotours.com/

Victoria Carriage http://www.victoriacarriage.com/

Black Beauty Carriage http://www.blackbeautycarriage.com/