People always say enjoy your vacation, and while we do take time to chill and go to the beach, it has been just so busy! There's not enough time!!!
We are currently in the middle of two building projects, one is a hot water "pavilion" being built from red cedar, lime plaster and so on... our new friend Anthony is an amazing green artist, and Amy and I are both helping with the building. I am learning more about construction (and how sore my body can get doing it!). I have "ripped" strips of fir from scrap pieces of milled wood to make half inch strips for lath - we're doing a lath and plaster wall in our shower. Contructed the lath wall, then build a compost bin for our new composting toilet which replaces our old outhouse - did that little "reno" as well. Amy is laying the tiles for the shower area. We are also starting to build a new "carport" from logs, cedar and galvanized metal roof to cover the old trailer and our car. So much to do, so little time!
It has been a busy musical time too, with three little gigs this past weekend. Friday night I played in Nanaimo with my west coast band, including son Josh on bass, a couple of Gabriola musicians and a drummer from Nanaimo. Lots of fun! A short set at the Salmon BBQ on Saturday with Tami and a conga player sitting in, then an afternoon couple of hours with Josh and Tami at Razzberry's Jazz Cafe here on the island. I have been writing new tunes as well, so it's been a creative time.
And it is winding down! Too soon, too soon.
I love being here, and want to be here more! We are thinking of extending our time next year if we can manage it, from May to September. That way we can plant a real garden, vegetables and flowers, and be here for the harvest. We may need to return to Toronto during that time for work and other obligations, but we are leaning towards that goal.
I find living in a beautiful place that is filled with nature is healing, creative, and just right for me. I still go through all the mental contortions and ups and downs, but I am generally happy and at peace. So I want more!! Toronto is a wonderful city, with incredible connections and community that I never want to lose, but after a few months, I am burnt out by the busy-ness and lack of quiet natural environment. Parks are nice, but the island is amazing!
