Apr 30, 2016
Apr 28, 2016
SCRIBBLES 37th ANNIVERSARY VIDEO |
Labour Day of each year marks the official "anniversary" of when I created the first hand-drawn digest size magazine which eventually became a photocopied magazine, then an email newsletter and now a website offering the most info and archives than ever before.
Here's a salute to our 37th anniversary in a video Ken tells us took hours to get "just right".
WOW! YOU LOVE THIS VIDEO ALMOST AS MUCH AS I DO....LOL! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR COMPLIMENTS. YES, I DID HAVE FUN DOING IT & YES (TIMES INFINITY) IT TOOK A LONG TIME TO PUT TOGETHER.
More Than Meets the Eye
THE MAKING OF THIS VIDEO...
In the scene where I am dancing and singing around the kitchen, all 5 devices are in use. Laptop number 1 was on top of the fridge, tilted downward. Laptop two was on a bar stool. My ipad was in the kitchen window and my iphone was on the kitchen table in a plant. Each of them were set to record as I used the old iphone to play the song and lip sync my way through it (not to mention do many retakes.)
True Freddie Mercury fans will get the significance of the black sleeveless t-shirt and wrist band I am wearing while standing in front of the large wall clock for the lyrics "You can't turn back the clock..." It's my little hommage to Radio Gaga.
There were a lot of additional steps and new lessons learned when putting 'Scribbles 37th Anniversary' video together and we hope you re-watch it as much as we do (ok, THAT'S expecting a bit much...LOL]
Apr 27, 2016
Apr 26, 2016
VIDEO | Standing Strong No Matter What the Bullies Think
You don't need to understand the language to understand the message here.
Apr 25, 2016
IN MEMORIAM |
Purple
Reign...Remembering Prince
He stood
only 5’2” tall, but to millions around the world, Prince was a giant.
His love
of music started when he was just a kid, penning his first song at age 7, but
it would be 1979 before the world first took notice of this rising star, with
the release of singles such as “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad” and “I Wanna Be
Your Lover”. His popularity continued to grow with the release of the albums ‘Dirty
Minds’ (1980) ‘Controversy’ (1981) and ‘1999’ (1982) but it was 1984’s ‘Purple
Rain’ album that would make him a household name.
The movie ‘Purple
Rain’ (loosely based upon his past) spotlighted his acting abilities and won
him an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. The album by the same name
produced such chart-topping hits as ’When Doves Cry’, ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ and of
course the title track, ‘Purple Rain’ which eerily was the last song he
performed live in an Atlanta concert about a week before he died.
Prince’s
talent went far beyond singing. He wrote songs for his own use and for other
artists (including “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O’Connor and the Bangles
mega-hit “Manic Monday”.) He played
multiple instruments including the piano and was considered the best guitarist
on the planet by many in the industry, including Eric Clapton.
His androgynous
sense of style may have had some pondering his sexuality but that didn’t bother
Prince, who was married twice and was romantically linked with several actresses,
models and musicians.
He didn’t
just excel at song writing, singing and playing instruments, he set the stage
ablaze with his mega-energetic dance moves.
Fans got more than their money’s worth when attending a Prince concert.
Although
his fame and wealth meant he could live just about any place his heart desired,
Prince remained in Minneapolis, where he was born and raised. He created
Paisley Park, a massive structure that acted as his home, recording studio and
concert hall. It was the place many fans gathered upon hearing of his sudden
passing on Thurs. April 21 at age 57.
Family and
friends gathered on Sat. April 23 for a private service where they said goodbye
to the artist and a memorial for his fans is being planned.
The top ten songs currently on itunes are all Prince songs, he tops the Billboard chart, Bruce Springstein opened a recent concert with the song 'Purple Rain' and the movie is being played at theatres across the U.S.
Rest in peace Prince and thank you for all you lovingly did for so very many.
The top ten songs currently on itunes are all Prince songs, he tops the Billboard chart, Bruce Springstein opened a recent concert with the song 'Purple Rain' and the movie is being played at theatres across the U.S.
Rest in peace Prince and thank you for all you lovingly did for so very many.
What
Scribbles Friends Said About the Death of Prince
“It touches our mortality it reaches out and
grabs our youth, it takes what we cherish and hold in such high regard and
minimizes it to dust, to a memory. Let that memory be your strength. In times
of sadness, or joy, I find great relief, in reading the works of the poet
Kahlil Gibran. "The Prophet". Feel your feelings. It's a gift that's
been given to us”
~Candace Stern
“i was teaching my music class when i found
out. i just froze with chills for like 3 minutes in front of them. they don't
know who he is and [although i wasn’t a big fan] i KNOW his legacy. OMG. prince. :'( “
~Rene Rowland
“It's awful. The other thing I think about is
how he mentored young musicians. We saw one of his proteges, Sheila E. drum
with Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band and she was absolutely amazing. He was
a brilliant talent. So sad.”
~Judy Wenjina
“He was an incredibly talented man, far even
beyond his own understanding.”
~Candace Stern
“i'm upset that Prince has died”
~Jane Storie
“We are roughly the same weight and height and we share the
same birth date. I was teased relentlessly about being small growing up and I
always looked up to Prince thinking I was OK seeing he seemed so cool and
talented. Sounds silly I know.....really shocked by his passing. So many
legendary artists passing this year. RIP Prince”
~Bobby Rock
“Losing Prince is affecting me too. I just want to watch
YouTube and cry, instead I am making classes watch videos and explaining his
genius to teenagers.”
~Julia Dickson-Eckert
“I'm
shocked!!! Another gone way too soon.”
~Pam
Saltzberry
How Ken Reacted
It shook me to the core and I immediately started to cry,
something I would continue to do throughout the day as Buffalo NY radio station
WBLK played nothing but Prince songs for the entire afternoon.
Always one who is incapable of reacting like “normal” people might,
I of course overreacted. I downloaded his videos and put together a CD of my
favourite Prince hits. I made a Prince fridge magnet and painted “R.I.P. Prince”
on my front window, along with purple raindrops. I made Prince my computer
wallpaper and I continued watching TV coverage and listening to Prince songs
until 3 am, when exhaustion got the best of me and I finally fell asleep.
The next two days weren’t much better. I turned off my
phone, put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on my door (yep, I seriously did), cried
until there were no tears left to shed, refused to eat and couldn’t stop
thinking that sometimes life is truly f’d up.
Yet another example of just how emotionally over-the-top I
can often be and although I have been told to embrace my ability to have such
profound feelings, I will always look at this as one of my many quirky flaws.
Fans React to Prince's Death
Fans React to Prince's Death
 |
| Prince fans at an all night dance tribute to the iconic star. |
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| Fans line the streets to pay tribute to Prince |
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| A fan mourns at one of many Prince memorial sites. |
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| A rainbow is seen above Paisley Park, Prince's home. |
Apr 24, 2016
IN MEMORIAM | Emerson Sauder
 |
| STEVE SAUDER |
Steve, I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for you and your family's tremendous loss. Your statement on facebook was so touching and I thank you for sharing your feelings.
Our friendship began decades ago, when you and your noisy "rowing machine" found their way into my home and into my heart. Sometimes that feels like it was forever ago and other times, like this, it feels like only yesterday.
There has been and always will be a special place in my heart for you and right now that place feels hurt, because I know you hurt and there's nothing I can do to take that pain away.
May your higher power comfort and guide you through the days ahead and please know, I love you.
Kenneth Emerson Leavoy
Emerson Vincent Sauder, age 21, of Mississauga, Ontario, passed away on Wednesday (April 20, 2016) at his home after a courageous battle with Ewings Sarcoma cancer. He was the beloved son of Rosanna Sansalone-Sauder and Steven Guy Sauder and brother Matthew Sauder of Mississauga Ontario.
Emerson was born in Mississauga, Ontario on March 2, 1995 where he grew up. Emerson was a highly successful third year mathematics student at York University in Toronto where he had countless friends before he was forced to suspend his studies due to his illness. Emerson also leaves behind his step father Denis Trottier, beloved girlfriend Mireille Haddad, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
Emerson was an incredible person and loved spending time with Mireille, his family and friends. He also loved to build and paint miniature model figurines and spend time playing games with his friends online.
Optionally, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ewings Cancer Foundation of Canada @ http://ewingscancer.ca
The family wishes to thank the countless doctors, nurses and staff at Mount Sinai hospital in Toronto, also CCAC staff and caregivers and countless friends, who's support made it possible to provide Emerson with comfort and a good quality of life during his last few months with us.
Apr 21, 2016
Apr 20, 2016
FAB PHOTO | We're Hung Up on this Photo
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| CLICK ON KARYN FOR LARGER VIEW |
It was taken at Blumenstudio a flower shop & cafe in Ottawa, the city Karyn calls home. The photo features a wall of glass orbs filled with air plants. They sure are eye-catching, not unlike the awesome girl who snapped the shot.
And how does Karyn fit into our Scribbles gang? She is a good friend of my cousin Megan Fox and any friend of Megan's is indeed a friend of Scribbles.
Thanks for letting us share your photo Karyn.
Visit Blumenstudio's facebook page by CLICKING HERE
YOU | New Feature
INSTALLMENT #1
Her name is Julie Tripp, but to those who know her she’s simply ‘Tripper’. Julie may have grown up in St. Catharines (where she lives today), but over the years she’s resided in much bigger cities including Toronto and San Francisco [insert jealous sigh here.] Scribbles met Julie through mutual friends. Tripper is besties with Heather MacNeil and her husband Doug and often spends time with them at their trailer at a local campground.
Julie, 47, has a 20 year old son Robert and they live with her mother Barb, 69, and their mischievous blue charpe, Lucy.
Recently Julie was diagnosed with cancer.
“My mother...has been an angel throughout this process. She is the strongest lady I know and that’s where I get it”, Julie told Scribbles.
Tripper is determined to beat this insidious disease and wants to share her story with others.
"I think [sharing my story on Scribbles] is an awesome idea to give love, hope and support to others", explained Julie.
“For a year I had a cough that I could not get diagnosed or rid of." said Julie, "Finally a CT scan on March 27 revealed a large mass on right lung and smaller masses on left. I also have fluid around the heart. I have advanced stage 4 palliative cancer. They say no cure but treatable and can't remove tumor. I will be having chemotherapy to reduce the size and keep quality of life with potential 10 yrs.”
“I refuse to believe this and truly believe that I will beat this and end up cancer free. I have had a few brushes with death already including surviving an addiction 15 years ago. I will fight to the bitter end with positive attitude and strong family and friend support. I have the most amazing people in my life.” Julie is also sharing this experience with her facebook friends and has given us permission to reprint her posts on Scribbles...
February 7, 2016
It hurts to breathe...
March 24, 2016
So, I'm sitting at home trying to relax and take deep breaths. Can't over exert myself. The thought of having lung cancer is scary but I am one of the toughest chicks I know. LMAO. I also have the toughest family and friends I know. I will keep everyone posted when I start treatment. So, this is the first stage of the journey...PREPARATION, mind, body and soul.
March 31, 2016
I must say, I have over the years, surrounded myself with obvious good people. I feel truly blessed to have you all around me supporting me. I have the best family and friends a girl could ask for! Xo
April 19, 2016
Ok, Phase 1 done. I am home now feeling energized and pumped. I have completed my first round of Chemotherapy and I am glad the fight has started. Thank you all for the enormous amount of support and strength that you have all shown me. I felt it all while the treatment was running. xoxo
More ‘Julie’s Journal’ when posts are made available for reposting.
Apr 19, 2016
YOU | "I Was Tired of Being Fat"
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| PHOTOS COURTESY HEATHER DENNIS |
When we asked our Welland friend Heather Dennis what motivated her to lose a substantial amount of weight since last October, her answer was quite frank...
“I was tired of being fat” Heather told Scribbles.
Heather is a RPN (nurse) and saw many patients on her floor who were dying due to weight related complications. Determined not to become another statistic, Heather spoke to her doctor about gastric bypass surgery.
“I did the surgery for my kids, to be healthy for them and also for myself” explained Heather.
Many people might think of bypass surgery as an easy out. This is simply not true. Getting yourself ready for the procedure involves weeks of advanced preparation and a limited diet.
“The hardest thing was the two week diet prep. That was hard” Heather said.
When Heather was referred to the gastric bypass surgeon her “referral weight” was 292 lbs. When she had the surgery on October 20, 2015 at the Bariatric Clinic in Hamilton, ON, she weighed 280 lbs.
Bypass surgery is only part of the change involved. “Biggest thing to remember in this process is
surgery [and it] is a tool, it is not a quick fix”, Heather explained.
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| HEATHER 2007 AND APRIL 2016 - PHOTOS COURTESY HEATHER DENNIS |
““I have to eat low carb and high protein” Heather revealed. “Hardest part for me is getting my protein in and eating enough. I am rarely hungry and when I get busy I forget to eat. I have a hard time eating enough now”.
With four kids at home and a fulltime nursing position, keeping active is a given for Heather. Her new look is an inspiration and her attitude is that of a winner. You can see it in her face, Heather seems much happier these days and her husband Rodney and children Kade, Alina, Maia and Kayla must be very proud her.
Asked if she had any advice for others, Heather told Scribbles, “U need to eat healthy and change your relationship with food otherwise there is no point.”
You said a mouthful Heather. Thanks for agreeing to do this article for Scribbles.
Apr 18, 2016
KIDS | The Only Way To Roll
Check these pix our. Sisters Em & Maddie enjoy an outing thanks in part to their means of transportation. It's called a Trike & Stroll and as we see by the various angles pictured above, its got accommodations for big girls and not so big girls
FLASHBACK! Scribbles once created LGBT Magazine for local club
Sometimes what comes out of the office, isn't Scribbles. Back in the day when Scribbles was an actual magazine, we also created Gusto's Grapevine, a free monthly newsletter for patrons of Niagara's then mighty LGBT bar Gusto's. Gusto's Grapevine (or GV as it later became know as) reported on past events, promoted upcoming events and featured interviews with popular members of the local LGBT community.
Remember these??
Remember these??
VOTE for Scribbles!!
There are 10 categories, I'm in the first one. You will need to vote in all categories for the vote to count.
In categories where I wasn't familiar with the nominees, I read the bio beside the name and choose based upon that. I hope you get a chance to vote.
Here's the link to the 3rd Annual Niagara UNITY Awards info including nominees and voting >> CLICK HERE
Apr 14, 2016
NEW SCRIBBLES VIDEO | The Siblings
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| CLICK PIX TO SEE LARGER VERSION |
I'm a bit better in the new video below, 'The Siblings'. Miss Kitty has been with Timmi & I since the end of Nov.her birth date has been estimated as Sept. 30, 2015, meaning my 5 month old girl will be getting spayed soon. [I usually wait until at least 6 months old before spay or neutering.]
It's a bit eerie and bittersweet that I completed The Siblings video on Mar. 13th. It was exactly a year ago TODAY, that my buddy JJ suddenly passed away. He was only a year and a half old and even with Miss Kitty here with me now, I still miss JJ and worry that Miss Kitty's days could also be numbered.
But really, each day you have is numbered, regardless of whether you worry about it or not,
If you wish to rewatch our tribute videos to JJ or any of our friends, please visit our IN MEMORIAM section located at bottom of sidebar.
PETS | Big Dog Thinks 'Little Dog'
Stewie's dad is Bill Barrs who calls Toronto home, but once resided in Niagara -which is where I met him.
Apr 13, 2016
Apr 12, 2016
KIDS | Cozy Canine
When you've got a fever and you're forced to take your clothes off you will get your heat wherever you can.
Another great photo by Jenn Young. It's her son Sam (under the weather) and laying on Fuller.
Apr 11, 2016
NEWS | Springsteen Takes a Stand
I've always loved Bruce Springsteen for his music and sex appeal, now there's an even bigger, more important reason.
Here's Springsteen's statement as featured on his website.
A STATEMENT FROM BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN ON NORTH CAROLINA
As you, my fans, know I’m scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the “bathroom” law.
As you, my fans, know I’m scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the “bathroom” law.
HB2 — known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act — dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use.
Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden. To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress. Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments.
Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters. As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10th. Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.
KUDOS Bruce. By doing this, you are bringing more awareness to what North Carolina & Mississippi's new law really is all about.... discrimination.
KUDOS Bruce. By doing this, you are bringing more awareness to what North Carolina & Mississippi's new law really is all about.... discrimination.
Apr 8, 2016
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