Extreme Evil

I won't get into all the gory details, but will note that I received the nastiest email EVER on Monday night. It was from a former friend whom I had put aside differences with to let know about J.R.'s passing. After reading my tribute page to J.R., she sent me a cruel message accusing me of not acting quick enough to help my beloved cat, said I should be ashamed, that my tribute was disgusting and it was my fault J.R. suffered. She even threw in that I did the same thing last year when my cat Alysha passed away. There was MUCH more than that and I posted it on facebook. I received plenty of positive, reassuring replies including this link forwarded to me by Lee Ruberg. 

This tune is just so appropriate and made me laugh and put things back into perspective. I dedicate this one to the insensitive individual who choose to be so cruel and self righteous, without having a clue as to what really transpired over the final few days J.R. was with me. I am so thankful you have shown your true colours and that I will never waste another precious moment with you. This one's for you...

Franken-Storm Fright!

Daryl Damian Delledonne posted this pix on facebook in the midst of Hurricane Sandy's fury.

Daryl accompanied the photo with this explanation "All the power went out in the house and my parents sent me to look for candles...Boy were they jumpy when I came back like this. lol"

OMG Daryl, I would have shit my pants, you are such a stinker...but it sure is funny!

Have a Rockin' Halloween Boys and Girls!

Bobby Rock and Shane get in the Spirit

Creepy!!

Mother Nature might be ready to blast us with some nasty weather, but that won't stop our Scribbles pals from enjoying Halloween. Above, Shriek-Master Angela O'Neill-Whiteley gets a kiss from her daughter despite her gruesome appearance.

Angela's face-painting talents are in high demand this time of year and as the encore video clip below reveals, her Frightful Faces are eerie works of art.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT J.R. TRIBUTE PAGE

CLICK HERE TO VISIT J.R. TRIBUTE PAGE

Scribbles Exclusive: Interview With Shada Black

By day he’s Niagara Falls resident Scott Johnson, but under cover of night as the moon rises, an amazing transformation occurs. With a nip and a tuck, make-up, wigs and wardrobe, mild-mannered Scott morphs into the incomparable female impersonator Ms. Shada Black. And while anyone willing can dress in drag and walk the walk, mega-talented Shada also talks the talk.

With a devote following of fans from Niagara and beyond, it’s guaranteed a show featuring Shada Black will be a success. She makes us laugh and makes us proud to call her a friend and has been a local favourite since the first time she put on heels and graced the stage.

Although she is currently busy campaigning for title of Empress X of the Imperial Court of Niagara, Shada still managed to find the time for an exclusive online interview with Scribbles. Here’s what she told us.

SCRIBBLES: Who or what was your inspiration to perform in drag?

SHADA: When I first came out and started going to the bar in St. Catharines...it was Trios Chance at the time, I saw a couple of Drag Shows. I became friends with Montanna Dale, Vinessa Nite, Chrissy Snow and Rhonda Richards...I thought it was an amazing way to entertain people and have fun....so I guess you could say that they inspired me to join them to entertain the community and raise money for various charities.

SCRIBBLES: What year was it that you first introduced us to Shada Black?

SHADA: I did drag for the first time in 1992. I see pictures from back then...god we were all skinny! LOL! It was at a bar show...I just can't remember what show it was...it was 20 years ago...I actually can't believe that it was that long ago!!!

SCRIBBLES: How long does it usually take to perfect a new routine?

SHADA: It really depends. I am a stickler for lip synch, so I refuse to do a song until I know every breath and note. For a single number, I usually map it out in my head and hope to God people like it! If it's a group or duet, it can take weeks of rehearsal to get it all down. Dedication is key.

SCRIBBLES: Of all the shows you have performed in, what was the most memorable?  

SHADA: I  have three. ‘The Snow Storm’ that Chrissy Snow put together was amazing. So much fun and so creative.

There was also ‘Night At The Movies’ that Michael Poirier put together. We did commercials, filmed all over the city and brought movie music to life on stage. A lot of work but well worth it!

Thirdly, there was an opening number that we did for Montanna Dale's step down as Baroness III. We did ‘Into The Woods’ with sets and amazing choreography by Jonathon Crawford. To this day it is my favourite number ever to be a part of. We have such a talented and creative group of people in this city, that when we all work together we can produce some truly incredible entertainment!

SCRIBBLES: What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you on stage?

SHADA: Oh God! LOL! There are so many!! It's a part of live performing, but I would have to say when I was doing a Janet Jackson number and decided to do...shall we say...darker make-up. The back of my outfit split during the song, and I had a black face and white back....not pretty at all!!! I never messed around with ethnic make-up again!!! :)

SCRIBBLES: What was the most touching experience Shada has ever had while performing?

SHADA: For me it was when I stepped down as Baroness IV. Seeing all of the people that supported me that year. So many great people from all over coming together in one room really validated what friendships and community are all about.

Also, I would have to say another time would be when my sister came to one of my shows. Although I'm out to my family, the drag thing was never shared. When she came up, tipped me and hugged me, it was a defining moment that I felt 100% accepted for me....no one else's opinions mattered after that, I was finally comfortable being myself.

SCRIBBLES: What titles has Shada held over the years?

SHADA: Well....I was Miss Unity with Montanna Dale, I was Baroness IV when our Court was smaller, and was known as The Imperial Barony Of St. Catharines, I was also Miss Werx in Hamilton. With any luck I'll be Empress X this year! :) VOTE YES! lol!

SCRIBBLES: Outside of Niagara, where are some of the most memorable places you’ve performed over the past 20 years?

SHADA: Well...I have performed in New York City, Winnipeg, London (Ontario), as well as our closer cities of Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo. New York was a big one for me..this year I am looking to expand that list with Vancouver, Rhode Island, Connecticut and possibly San Diego.

SCRIBBLES: Have you ever felt like retiring and if so what inspired you not to.

SHADA: Of course! I mean, I love doing what we do, but it is a job at the end of the day. Sometimes you get tired and think that you're too old to do this anymore. Trying to schedule shows and bookings with personal life, relationships and work...it's a tough road sometimes.

However, I look at people like Michelle DuBerry in Toronto who is 80 years old and [still doing it], so me being tired seems so ridiculous. Plus...I love the community, I enjoy entertaining them and being a part of the fundraisers. Giving up isn't an option for me. As long as I can still do good, then I will.

SCRIBBLES: Who are some of your favourite local drag performers and why?

SHADA: They're all bitches! LOL! I'm kidding! Without sounding like I am trying to be politically correct, I do love them all....we have built a bond over 20 years. We may fight and argue, but that is all a part of life and growing together as friends. I have to say I respect Shae. D. Davidson the most because he has really built a place for himself here and abroad. He came in when we didn't really have any Drag Kings, it was tough for him to find a niche but he really proved himself to be a crucial part of not only our group of performers but of the community as well.

SCRIBBLES: You are running for Empress X...what motivated you to do so??

SHADA: I have been a part of the organization for 20 years. I've seen highs and lows. The organization does such good work, which is why I am still involved. As we grew from a Barony to a Court, rules, procedures etc changed. It's a whole new ball game.

I really want to see the fun put back into it, make it interesting and something that people want to be a part of. I want people to be just as proud as I am to do what we do.

The motivation is simply to raise money for charity...to do something good, something that makes a difference. I don't need a position or title to accomplish that really, but it helps to be in that position to promote the changes I'd like to see made.

SCRIBBLES: We’ll end our interview with one more question. If you could change something about Shada’s persona what would that be?

SHADA: LOL! Oh...this is tricky! Without sounding like a Diva (where are my green M&M's by the way?) I wouldn't change anything. I've created a character that I play, the persona has developed from my years of doing drag...so changing anything wouldn't really do that justice. We are all flawed in some way, no one is perfect, so accepting that in reality and on stage is all a part of the game.

SCRIBBLES: I want to sincerely thank you for taking time out of your schedule to do this interview Shada.

SHADA: I do want to take a second to thank you for your support over the years as well. Scribbles has been a part of our community for such a long time, and I commend you on keeping it going for this long.

SCRIBBLES: Where are MY green M&M's? LMAO

CLICK HERE FOR AN ENCORE PRESENTATION OF OUR INTERVIEWS WITH CHRIS SNOW AND SHAE D. DAVIDSON

PART FOUR

 29 - INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS

Yipes! Look at this one! My mother and I joined the rest of our family for a walk along Lake Ontario and as is evident, it was just a bit on the chilly side. We did what anyone else would do when they're cold, zip their jackets, put on their hoods and look absolutely ridiculous. 

 28 - MODERN FAMILY

There is something so touching about this photo of Mikol Zahorchak, his spouse Dave Nelson and their son Kolby. With so much love in one gathering, who says two daddies can't make a family?

 27 - THE BIG ONE THAT GOT AWAY

It is hard to understand why Ricky Holditch was taken from his family and friends last February at the age of only 26. One of the things Ricky loved to do was fishing, as we see in the two photos above. I'd like to think that wherever he is now Ricky gets to enjoy his favourite hobbies whenever he desires and knows how much he touched so many lives and continues to do so even today.

 26 - WASN'T THAT A PARTY

The year was 1978 when I turned 18 and my parents let me have a birthday party with family and friends complete with food, cake and beer...in stubby bottles, no less!  Whenever I see this photo I'm magically transformed to an era of innocence and foolishness. I'm also reminded of how much my family and friends have changed over the years and the fact that our friend Cathy MacNeil [sitting beside me wearing a black sweater and t-shirt] is no longer with us. Time waits for no one, but photo memories do.

 25 - FROGGY FASCINATION

Little Logan Dickie seems truly amazed by the sight of the slimy green frog being held in front of him in this clever photo taken a few years ago. What else do I like about this pix...look how perfect those fingernails are on our frog handler!!  LOL!

 24 - MOJITO MADNESS

Jeanne Prince and her daughter Megan Fox have enjoyed the sun and fun of Cuba a few times now and they have hundreds of photos to prove it...and wouldn't you know it of all them I would pick this one as one of our 66 PERFECT PIX.   LOL!  I'm such a stinker sometimes...but really, isn't this one pretty funky??

 23 - SWEET LITTLE SISTER

Yes that is me on the left, lovingly embracing my baby sister Kim, in this photo taken in 1964. I must admit I don't remember the precise moment this pix was taken but I do recall the location and the era. Kim and I are sitting in Gramma and Poppy Simpson's big backyard in Renfrew. We spent a lot of time at that house on Farewell Street when we were growing up and although all that has changed these days and my grandparents are no longer with us, in Scribbles land it is preserved forever!

 22 - SLIP SLIDIN' AWAY

Yes you HAVE seen this photo in Scribbles more than once before and I make no guarantee that this will be the last time either.  How could I? The expression on my cousin Cathy Dick's face as she prepares to be wisked away on this wild sled, is truly priceless. I make no apologies for once again featuring this funny photo, as our countdown wouldn't be complete without it.

 21 - WET AND WILD

Talk about having the camera ready at the perfect moment. Here we see brothers Jack and Ethan McParland (in matching attire) and the family dog all caught looking at the streaming water from the sprinkler at precisely the same time.  Bet you couldn't capture this moment exactly like this again if you tried!

 20 - WHO'S THAT GIRL?

She's sweet and petite and was the Belle of the Ball when she attended the Moose Lodge's annual Halloween Costume party. The Lodge men bought her drinks and the grand pooba wanted a slow dance (she blushed and declined his offer.)  Our darling damsel was awarded second place in the costume contest but the real prize was seeing the reaction of the Moose members when the clock struck 12, she removed her mask and revealed that she was ME!!!  For some queer reason no more complimentary cocktails were bought for me after that, but it didn't really matter. The thrill of shocking those old Moose gents was intoxicating enough.

 19 - DADDY???

I melt everytime I see this photo of Rob and his nephew Kade (just a wee tyke at the time and now 6 years old) As you may know, Rob has a twin brother, Rodney, who happens to be Kade's dad. Whenever I look at this pix I imagine Kade thinking "Well, you look like daddy, but I'm really not sure".  Too cute!!

 18 - BIG CITY BOY

The story of how Jeff Stewart and I met and the people we had in common is something right out of a TV soap opera and a bit too over-the-top to print here, but it was the beginning of a great friendship. A few years back, Jeff said goodbye to Niagara and moved to the Greater Toronto Area to live with his partner Frankie. This was one of the first photos of Jeff adapting to the big city and I don't know why, but I just find it so awesome.

 17 - SCRIBBLES ON THE BEACH

When I travelled to the East Coast with Doug, Drew and Kevin MacNeil, we saw so many amazing places. One of them was Newfoundland where we stayed with the boys relatives for a few days. Above is your truly on the beach after printing the word "scribbles" in the sand. Soon the tide turned and washed away my efforts from the shore but never from my thoughts.

 16 - MAGICAL MOMENT

All together now....."AAAWWWWW that's so adorable". Taken shortly after he was born, this precious picture of Aietch and his mommy Tammie speaks volumes. There's no need to say much more, the looks on their faces really say it all.

 15 - UP, UP AND AWAY

Here's another pix by photo buff Megan Fox. Catching the moment perfectly, this one makes us wonder just what it is these two folks are looking up at. One thing is certain, whatever it is must be pretty interesting, not unlike Megan's photo itself!

 14 - PUMPKIN PALOOZA

Here's another classic photo you may remember seeing in Scribbles before. It's my nephew Patrick when he was a little kid as he is surrounded by pumpkins at Howell's Pumpkin Farm. He sure seems impressed by the massive selection of pumpkins to choose from, I hope his mom and grandma didn't have to buy them all! 

 13 - PORTING SHOT

This pix was taken by Peter Siegel in 2006 and it captures all that makes Port Dalhousie breathtaking (without the hassle of looking for a parking spot).

 12 - TOE TO TOE

This is the last photo in our collection that was taken by our pal Megan Fox, but certainly NOT the last photo we have of hers in Scribbles archives. I love the composition and black and white makes it pop! More proof that you don't always need to include a person's face to make a big impression.

 11 - RIDE ON!

We really do need the Before and the After to make the complete statement.  Rob and Megan were riding on the back of my cousin Janet's ATV while I rode shot gun. Janet drove over a large rock and the ATV flew...as did Rob and Megan. The pix above were taken just a moment before we hit the rock and immeidately afterwards. I still crack up everytime I see these two shots.

WE'LL FEATURE OUR TOP TEN PHOTOS SOON

CLICK HERE TO REVISIT PART THREE

Ready To Fly

Looks like Rhonda King and Sharon Janzens's grandson Xavier is ready to take to the skies in style, wearing his adorable little aviator jacket. At only 4 1/2 months old, he may have to wait a while to fly solo, but it's never too early to think big. 

Great pix Rhonda and Sharon, thanks for letting Scribbles share it!

Timmi Pays His Respects

During a recent visit at my mom's, she showed Rob the memorial area she has upstairs for her late pets Sensei the cat and Toby the dog. Timmi followed us upstairs and since he's pretty short, I lifted him up so he could see the urns and photos of Sensei and Toby. I couldn't resist taking a pix of him, as it looked like he was paying his respects to them.  So touching. Seems not only people can miss pets when they pass away.

Mini Model

There's many reasons I'd love to steal Alina Dennis away from her parents....she's cute, she's funny, she has a way of making me forget my troubles when I'm around her...well the list goes on and on.  And today we have found yet another! Alina makes a great pint-sized model when you want to see how Halloween costumes might look like while you're strolling through Dollarama. 

It's just not fair. When Alina does it, everyone smiles and thinks it's cute...but if I were to do the same thing, they'd probably call store security.  LOL!

COMMENT FROM STEPHER AFTER SHE MADE HER SCRIBBLES DEBUT WITH BF RICH:

"I love your page Scribbles, it is such a sweet little thing to work on and it looks so fall-timey right now it just makes you want to curl up with a cop of hot-coco and see whats going on with people. Thank you for sharing and using our photos. I look forward to seeing what you will post next."
~ Stepher Noodle Doodle

KEN REPLIES: Stepher I can't tell you how nice it was to receive your message. I have been creating Scribbles in one format or another for 33 years but it always delights me when someone discovers it for the first time and tells me how much they enjoyed it.  I hope you continue to enjoy the unique appeal of Scribbles and all the best to you and Rich.

COMMENTS ABOUT OUR "66 PERFECT PIX" FEATURE:

"Your Scribbles pictures have been putting the smile back on my face."
~ Kim Papple

KEN REPLIES: Scribbles is good medicine and the only side effect is happiness and a desire to want to see more...LOL

"Somewhere Jen's very happy that her baby [Rasmus the reading cat] made Scribbles again"
~ Jackie Hughes

KEN REPLIES: I am certain they get Scribbles in heaven (I think they have wifi). That pix of Rasmus reading a book is priceless Jackie, how could I NOT feature it in our countdown?


"I loved number 46 [Ken and his Enquirer collection] and your starter stache Ken... lol great pics and loving the new layout"
~ Tammie Holditch

KEN REPLIES:  Thanks Tammie, I enjoy Scribbles new look too!  And as for that Enquirer pix, I can't believe I collected that trash, maybe my goofy glasses were squeezing into my brains...LOL!

"I'm starting to question your idea of "PERFECT" lmao Hmm, I wonder whatever happened to 'Danger Ranger' LOL"  
~ Chrissy Snow

KEN REPLIES: Yours is not to question...yours is to simply enjoy....LOL!


"Thanks for choosing that picture of me to be included in Scribbles' 66! I really appreciated your super sweet comment as well....the feeling is mutual! :)"
~ Jenn Young

KEN REPLIES:  I tells it likes I sees it friend!!


COMMENTS ABOUT SCRIBBLES "WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE BLUE" VIDEO:

"The song [Get Rythm] from the video you made was stuck in my head for days (AND nothing is sticking in my head!)"
~ Jackie Hughes 

KEN REPLIES:  I see my mission here has been accomplished : )


  "Sweet Video! It must have taken quite a while to put together, eh? I liked the vintage footage too!"
~ Jane Storie

KEN REPLIES: Would you believe it took a total of about 20 hours to put together that 3 1/2 minute video? Wait a second, you've been around for Scribbles entire 33 years, so you know all about how long it can take for me to put stuff together. Some things never change, eh?

COMMENTS ABOUT OUR TRIBUTE TO VIVIAN CAMPBELL:

"Wow - that was the most amazing tribute ever Ken. I just arrived home from a vacation today and I couldn't stop thinking of my mom from the time I woke today and when I got home to read your tribute it brought tears of both joy and sadness and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. You are very thoughtful and sincere."
~ Karin Campbell-Gadd


"That was such a beautiful tribute, Ken you have a way with words .... words from the heart .... the best kind. Thank you and all the best to you and your mom, I'm sure Vivian is smiling at the tribute and missing all of us greatly."
~ Cindy Campbell  

KEN REPLIES:  Hearing how much you appreciated my tribute to Vivian made me smile. I still think of her (and the entire Campbell family) whenever I am visiting my mother. There's a new family living in that house on Rebecca Street now, but to me it will forever be "the Campbell's place".

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

My "mother-in-law" Merry has a new pet lion!  Well actually it is her cat Cotton, whose long white fur was matted and out of control. Not anymore. He now sports a "lion-cut" and looks so cute! 

Merry said Cotton was quiet in the car on the ride to the groomer's and slept on the way back. He was not too impressed with all the commotion of getting the haircut and it took Merry, Rob and the groomer to hold him down for the ordeal.

Cotton looks very nice "Mom-in-law" and I'm betting he will appreciate not having all those mats anymore!

HUMOUR

After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, British scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 200 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 150 years ago.

Not to be outdone by the Brit's, in the weeks that followed, an American archaeologist dug to a depth of 20 feet, and shortly thereafter, a story published in the New York Times: "American archaeologists, finding traces of 250-year-old copper wire, have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications network 50 years earlier than the British".

One week later, a member of Newfoundland's Dept. of Mines and Resources reported the following: "After digging as deep as 30 feet in Corner Brook, Newfoundland - Jack Lucknow, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Jack has therefore concluded that 250 years ago, Canada had already gone wireless."

Just makes you darn proud to be Canadian, don't it!

Afternoon Delight

While enjoying a "walkie" around Merrit Island with his daddy, Timmi stopped to take a break. OK, the truth is Timmi wanted nothing to do with this bench, I put him on it to snap some pix and as we see below, my little buddy nearly flew away on this blustery afternoon.



BLUE SKY

photo by M. Styles

Birthday Boys

Rob's nephew Kade Dennis celebrated his 6th birthday with family and friends on Oct. 13th. Taking place at his parents home in Welland, there were two bouncy castles and a trampoline for the kids to play in before settling down for pizza, ice cream sundaes and gift opening.

I spent much of my time playing with Kade's little sister Alina and the family dog Jaxx.

Meanwhile in St Catharines, my nephew celebrated the first of two celebrations for his 7th birthday. This one was with some school pals and they all had a blast. Next Sunday Graham will party some more, as my family get together to officially ring in his big day.