EDITORIAL | The Usual Suspects

As even the most casual Scribbles follower will have noticed by now, there haven’t been a lot of new posts on our website since before the holidays.

I’ll blame the usual suspects.

When I spend a lot of time sitting in front of my laptop, my chronic neck & shoulders pain increases and that kinda puts a damper on the fun of creating a special website for my treasured friends.  

I am concocting my own version of a raised desktop, which you would use while standing at your desk...they’re advertised on TV all the time....the real one, not my flimsy beta version.   Maybe this will alleviate the pain a bit and less pain equals more Scribbles.

Next on our countdown of excuses .... My clinical depression and anxiety. Winter is never a good time for these as many of our friends reading this are painfully aware of, and that in turn brings my creative juices to a mere trickle.  

I was visiting with a friend the other day. She got on the topic of depression. She explained how she had depression and was fine now. She felt many people today seem to wear their depression like a badge of honour.  We were only moments from the venue we were going to, so I didn’t have time to debate further on the subject, but her words repeated themselves in my head for hours to come.

Although I have always been open about my depression, anxiety and chronic pain,  I have never done so looking for accolades.  My friend who was depressed but is now fine, should be grateful that her brain is hot-wired to respond “at the proper times and amounts”.  Clinical depression can be much different than that. 

Clinical depression and anxiety are like winning the lottery... you’re at Disney World,  you’ve brought all your family and friends. The park is closed to the public so you can have it all to yourself.  

All this excitement happening all around you and yet in your head you feel down, sad, empty. Or maybe you’re not depressed today but your anxiety level is off the chart.  It doesn’t make sense, you should be happy, yet your brain is sending you a very different message. 

Thanks to medications, treatments and therapy, I manage my depression and anxiety as best I can and try not to beat myself up when I fall off the ‘happy-go-lucky trail’.

So, I’ve had my rant, how about telling you what our future plans for Scribbles are.

One of the things I have usually tried to do with Scribbles is keep it a ‘fun’ alternative to all the gloom and doom of the world and other websites.  

Although your accomplishments & photos will always be the driving force behind Scribbles, I feel it’s time to get a bit edgier. I'd also like to see more short stories, art, photos and poetry from YOU and more posts about health & wellness. 

With that in mind, we have reformatted our layout template and will be making gradual changes in the months ahead.  

Thanks for your continued support.

Ken Leavoy

CEO | EDITOR | PHOTOJOURNALIST  

YOU | Who are You? Who? Who? Who? Who?

"Off With Their Heads"

ENCORE PRESENTATION

SCRIBBLES INTERVIEWS ANGELA

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PETS |

ENTERTAINMENT | BS Live's Bobby & Shane to host 'Music Insider Series'

Our rockin' pals Bobby & Shane are musicians, host an online radio show and maintain a website that lists all the groups performing in Niagara & surrounding areas.

Recently Bobby & Shane made this announcement:

"In 2016 Bobby and Shane and BS LIVE ROCKS is hosting a "MUSIC INSIDER SERIES" which we will talk to local and national music professionals about everything from Gear to Touring to Starting a Band, Imaging, Social Media in Music, Recording, Lights and Staging and so much more.

Our Podcasts will be available on our bsliverocks.com website, also on spreaker.com and shortly on iTunes as well to subscribe too.

In the Coming month we will have the man who holds the beat behind #1 Country Sensation Carrie Underwood....for close to a decade Garrett Goodwin has been touring with Carrie. Currently they are in rehearsals for her world tour starting in February ..We will talk to Garrett about how he got the gig! what it takes to play behind one of the worlds best artists, the pressures, the pleasures and some surprises along the way!

Stay tuned to BSLIVEROCKS.com for more!"

Visit MAX INK online radio Bobby & Shane Show here. 

EN-RICH-MENTS | Epiphany

EVENT | THURS. MAR. 24

YOU |

PHOTOS | by Sarah Toner

We can't help but give Sarah Toner's photos a second look in this encore post. 

INSPIRATION |

KIDS | Future Junior Masterchef?

PHOTOS COURTESY CATHY /ERIN/ ERNIE DICK

Our buddy Dylan who seems to have a knack for making others smile, has been at it once again. 

His Nana tells us, "During the holidays Dylan spent some time at cousin Ethan's. It was there that Dylan mastered the craft of making scrambled eggs, just like his cousin can."

Was Dylan excited with the results of his junior Master Chef challenge? We think the pictures say it all.

CLEVER IDEA | Repurpose a Door

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Turn an old door into an awesome place to display photos and hang coats.  The before and after photos reveal what you need to know when it comes to how to create it.

How Hospice Renfrew Helps People Live with Dignity.

We have many friends who work for, volunteer or have lived their final days at Hospice Renfrew. In the video below -which is courtesy of Hospice Renfrew -we hear from staff and volunteers.

It is such a honour for me to know one of the RNA's of Hospice Renfrew, my amazing cousin Jeanne Prince. I am so happy that she has found a job that not only speaks to her nursing skills but to her loving, caring, bubbly personality as well.

Hospices can now be found in communities across the province and we commend them for all they do as well.

To get involved with Hospice Renfrew and/or make a dontation, please contact:

HOSPICE RENFREW
459 Albert St, Renfrew, ON K7V 1V8
Phone:(613) 433-3993

Visit their website by clicking here > HOSPICE RENFREW

IN MEMORIAM | Glenn Frey | Singer & Songwriter

On Jan. 18, singer, songwriter Glenn Frey of the group The Eagles passed away. He was only 67. I am at a loss for words, primarily cuz so many artists seem to be leaving us these days.

CLICK HERE FOR COVERAGE OF GLENN FREY, His career and how he influenced the rock world.

YOU | I'm a Pepper, She's a Pepper...

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I had a little fun with our friend Robin Whyte when I posted the pix above on her facebook page. I thought of Robin when I saw the bottles of Mrs Whyte's Hot Peppers in the store. I had to buy some and take creative liberties with the product's label.

The "real" Mrs. Whyte is an older Italian looking lady, but I think our new, young, modern Mrs. Whtye might just sell more hot peppers.

Si. Si.

VIDEO | "Dear Kitten"

encore post A MUST SEE for all cat fans....  

CLEVER IDEA | Double Up Closet Space

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Kevin Spiece shared this pic with the text "This has got to go in Scribbles !!!!"

"For every one that's got a parent in a home and is tired of seeing their loved one in mismatched outfits.. or kids that take an hour to dress for school..Hint: use one hanger to put socks, camisole, belt, etc. on so everything is ready to go in the morning."

Very clever indeed and really, who couldn't use a little more closet space? 

Click on the pix if you would like to view it slightly larger.

Thanks for forwarding this to us Kevin. 

KIDS | Twin's Travel

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Rodney Dennis posted this pix on his facebook page with the statement "When you have twins you need too create unique ways to carry then both upstairs at once lol"

CONTEST WINNER REVEALED!

IN MEMORIAM | Caleb was a Good Boy

It is with great sadness that we announce that Terry & Terry Lyons-Schram said goodbye to their dear friend Caleb on Dec. 28, 2015.

Caleb was 13 and over those years was frequently a part of the action at Terry & Terry's homes. Be it a dinner party or Pride festivities, Caleb easily found someone to hang out with (and maybe giving them that sad puppy dog face in attempts of getting a secret snack- a ploy that worked, I must confess)

Even my grumpy old man dog Timmi was once quite cordial. as we visited the Terry's in Toronto. It was really something to see Timmi behaving like a real dog and getting along with Caleb. That was quite the skill Caleb. Timmi's never been as close to another dog ever since.

Several years ago, Terry and Terry adopted a brother for Caleb. Adorable Dane with his spunky personality, was a perfect match for his big brother.  On those occasions when I visited, I would often take Caleb and Dane for a walk.  It was me pretending to be a trendy big-city gay, walking his cute little dogs...well, at least that was MY take on it.

Terry & Terry, I send my most heartfelt condolences to you and little Dane. Gather up all the memories you have of Caleb and remember them fondly as they are yours forever.

R.I.P. Caleb

YOU | Wigglin' & Welcomin' 1975 with the King of Rock

PHOTOS COURTESY CATHY DICK & ONLINE SOURCE

There's just some concerts that are as memorable now as they were when we were actually there. I have a "tops" list that includes The Stones, Aerosmith, GnR, Madonna, Tim McGraw, Cher & Alanis Morissette.

Others I'm sure have checklists of their own are my cousins. Cathy Dick and hubby Ernie have attended many concerts. But on New Year's Eve 1975, it was Cathy and her sister (and our silly pal) Jeanne, who had a moment many of us can only ever dream of.

Cathy posted the photos above on facebook recently and wrote; :"DO YOU REMEMBER WHERE YOU WERE 40 YEARS AGO?? Well, on New Year's Eve 1975, my sister Jeanne & I were at ELVIS PRESLEY'S ROCK BACK THE CLOCK Concert In Pontiac, Michigan."

An excited Cathy then added, "It took me 40 years, but I finally found a recording of that concert for Jeanne, the best sister ever. 

Happy New Year Everyone!"

WOW CATHY, WHAT A WICKED MEMORY, THE KING HIMSELF...AND ON NEW YEAR'S EVE NO LESS.... IT'S HARD TO BEAT THAT (even when  I was once so close to Aerosmith frontman Steve Tyler I could see the jewels in his rings)  

IN MEMORIAM | "Bea"

OBITUARY FOR OUR FRIEND "BEA"

In Memory of
Betty Jean (Cormier) Doucette-Bell

May 16, 1949 - January 7, 2016

Surrounded in deep love and emotion, with her family by her side, Betty peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 in her 67th year.

Not only was Betty a devoted mother, she was a confidant and best friend of James (Lesley), Tracy (Rob) and the late Mark. Her grandchildren became the loves of her life and she will forever be missed by Kyla Bell and Alysha and Kaitlyn Boyer.

She was the cherished daughter of Marguerite and the late Fernand (2015) and she will be extremely missed by her siblings; Rita Cormier, Diane Roussel (Patrick Fitt), and Michael Cormier. 

Betty is survived by her former husband and friend Joseph Bell, her sister in law Barbara Bell and her two best friends for over 40 years; Marlene Stratichuk and Jackie Joseph. She will also be lovingly remembered by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends were received on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Monday, January 11, 2016 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the HETHERINGTON & DEANS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5176 Victoria Ave. (905-354-5614). A service was held in the Chapel on Monday at 1 p.m. Cremation will follow with interment at Fairview Cemetery on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. (North gate). 

If desired, memorial donations made to Queenchester Terrace would be appreciated by the family. Online tributes and condolences may be made atwww.hetheringtonanddeans.com

OBITUARY & PIX COURTESY HETHERINGTON & DEANS

IN MEMORIAM | David Bowie

David Bowie

Jan. 8, 1947 - Jan. 10, 2015


WOW! I am in complete shock. 

Bowie was right up there with the Stones, Elton John & the Beatles.  

I remember what I was doing when Elvis died and John Lennon, and Freddie Mercury. And Michael Jackson, yes I know exactly where I was when I heard of his death. 

Each of these stars marched to the beat of their own drum and no one demonstrated that like Bowie. 

David Bowie's passing came only a few days AFTER his birthday on Jan. 8, and following the news that his new album was a growing success.

CLICK HERE to read more and see video coverage from CTV News.

YOU | Ho! Ho! Ho! Cottage Life?

INSPIRATION |

YOU | Cheers!

KIDS | Little Ladies in Red

ART | Christine's Very "Sketchy"

IMAGINE |

It was 35 years ago on Dec. 8th that John Lennon was murdered, a loss that is still hard to believe.

YOU | Tatt's Awesome

Our Ottawa pal Megan Fox appropriately dubbed this wicked photo "Shadow Tattoos" and we loved it so much we immediately stole it for your viewing pleasure.

PETS | Superstar!

JOE FRIDAY | ENCORE

PHOTOS & CAPTIONS BY JIM STEEL - LAYOUT BY SCRIBBLES

More Joe Friday Coming Soon