Culture Crawling In Fifteen Photos

We picked up a couple of kids and went on the East Side Culture Crawl yesterday.  We hadn't been for years.  The sun was shining.  We strolled the streets of Strathcona.  My, how that neighbourhood has changed.  And not changed.

Two of my favourite Ukrainian words are 'Perogy Lunch'.  As much as I love poking into artist's homes to view their works of art, I am also a huge fan of perogies!  Even better when they're eaten in the basement of the Ukrainian Hall on tables covered with red and white checkered oilcloths amidst happy strangers who are also like-minded gourmands.

The wait was long but totally worth it.

This photo does not do the meal any justice.  Believe me when I say it was DELICIOUS!

Understandably, the artists were not keen on people taking photos of their work.  What I found equally as interesting as their art were their living spaces.

The outdoor spaces rivalled the interiors of the art studios.  What a beautiful day to wander around East Vancouver.

Gifts From A Funeral

I attended a funeral yesterday.

A beautiful funeral.

A funeral that any of us would love to happen on our behalf when we die.

It was sad, it was poignant, it was profound.

The eulogies were delivered with grace and love.

In amongst the sadness and tears there were smiles and laughter.

And as is often the case, it took a funeral to reconnect us.

To remind us of what is important.

With people we shared shared big chunks of our lives with years ago.

Brackendale Elementary School days, Sparks, Brownies, Girl Guides, mountain biking.

Playdates, sleepovers, swimming in Granny and Grampy's backyard pool.

We recaptured that yesterday.

A reunion is planned for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

When all the birdies fly back to the nest.

All eleven of us together.  At our place.  With Joe's pizza taking centre stage.

These are the gifts from a funeral.