PETS | Introducing Hendrix

Awake or asleep, our Dunnville pal Nancy Erskine's new addition is dog gone adorable.

"We had quite a long list of names for him on his first day, Ken", Nancy told us; "Hendrix won out because of his laid back style followed by theatrical attitude. He's pretty cool like that."

"Hendrix Mum is a pure-bred Samoyd and Dad is a pure-bred Yellow Lab", exclaimed Nancy, "[His] Dad is 110 pounds, but pups take after Mum more, she's 65 pounds. Either way, he'll be a pretty big boy."

 
He sure will Nancy, and something tells us we'll be seeing lots of amusing photos of him as he grows and grows and grows.

KIDS | Cray Cray

No Kayla Whiteley isn't making a new fashion statement with her wild do....it was Crazy Hair Day at our Nova Scotia pal's school, when her mom Angela took this photo.

FUNNY PHOTO | GQ DJ

Rob Kalmar is best known for being the driving force behind Ignite Entertainment, his renown Niagara DJ service.

But we just couldn't help join in on the fun, when his facebook friends created various remastered versions of Rob dressed in style. We were somewhat kinder than others, by placing him on the cover of GQ Magazine, as one of their Men of the Year.

The cover pix may be fake, but the guy in the pix is definitely Man of the Year when it comes to providing the best DJ service around!

ME | Still in Welland??

Keeping track of where I live is getting harder all the time. I moved to my current address on March 29th but will soon be moving AGAIN, thanks to the unbearably loud banging pipes in this building -which were literally driving me insane.

May 31st, my pets and I will be moving a few blocks away to an upper unit apartment in a house on St.Patrick St. in St.Catharines.

But no matter where we actually are, you can always find Timmi and I walking along East Main St. in Welland, thanks to the pix found on Google Maps Street view. Yep, that's us out for a walk, in a shot that was taken in 2013.

YOU | We All Scream for Ice Cream

Megan Fox (left) is seen with her mom Jeanne Prince (right) as they visit Jeanne's mom Connie Farquharson at the hospice in Renfrew.  Connie is eating and sleeping better since moving to the hospice a few weeks ago.  In fact, the day this pix was taken, the three generations shared a common craving....a tasty treat from Dairy Queen.

PETS | My Bedtime Companions

JJ and Timmi only sit like this when it is bedtime. They are usually sleeping in the living room - Timmi on the couch, JJ on the chair. 

When I am ready to go to bed, I go in and pick them up and place them on the end of the bed. That's when we get this type of moment. They look so cute when they are like this.

Usually a few minutes later, once I get settled in to bed, they curl up beside or on me....but it's always THIS moment just before I tuck in, that I look at the two of them and get all emotional....I my precious babies

YOU | Winner

The sign says it all. Winnipeg pal Rebekah Eckert (who's looking brilliant in blonde) was Athlete of the Week at her school. Way to go Bekah!

YOU | Appreciation

A heartfelt thank you to Francesca Mackie for her kindness. 

You are a shining gem in my crown of supportive friends.  

I can hardly wait to celebrate your birthday with you and "the gang" on Sun. May 18th!!

INSPIRATION

KIDS | Double Delight

Day or night, twin sisters Maia and Kayla Dennis are out of sight! The girls are seen here enjoying a long awaited bright, sunny day and then side by side in their cribs at bedtime. 

Since last August, the young cuties have appeared in two TV programs, Seven (the short-lived ABC series) and on an episode of Global TV's Remedy. Looks like that's a wrap for now, according to the girls mommy Heather, who told Scribbles they haven't received any recent offers.

Don't worry Heather, whether Maia or Kayla ever appear on TV again, they (and their siblings) will always be stars on Scribbles! 

PETS | "Oh Bother"

It appears that kids aren't the only ones who enjoy cuddling with Winnie the Pooh. Our Ottawa Valley puppy pal Louie is seen here taking a nap, while his plush Pooh pal keeps a watchful eye over him.

KIDS | Cracking Up

Graham Clark (foreground) and Thomas Papple share a good laugh as they watch animated antics on Treehouse TV. 

This amusing photo was taken at Thomas' grandparent's home when our family gathered for a late Easter/early Mother's Day dinner.  The boys searched for Easter goodies in the backyard before everyone hopped indoors for a delicious dinner.

Graham's Uncle Kenny (that would be me) was feeling sad and sore that day, but did attend the event and had a good time, despite having to leave a bit early. 

CLICK PIX TO VIEW LARGER VERSIONS

ME | Feeling "Wonder-faux"

Maybe it was the sunshine. Maybe it was the fact I was going to see my therapist or maybe it was the way I faux-hawked my hair. Whatever it was, I was feeling quite happy the day I snapped these selfies. It was a welcomed change over the gloom and doom feelings I had in the past few weeks.

Even my music choice changed on this day. Usually my radio is set to a classic rock station at home and in my car. But on this bright day, I wanted to hear something peppy and new and changed my station choices accordingly.

Could this be the return of the happy go lucky Kenny of days (years) gone by? Let hope so.

IDEA | You're Soaking In It

YOU | Celebration

YOU | Hike for Hospice in the Valley

Megan Fox posted this collage on facebook.  The photos were taken on May 4th in Renfrew, where Megan joined her mother Jeanne, Aunt Cathy and other enthusiasts for Hike for Hospice event raising over $63,000.00....which can I just say, is frackin' awesome.

Megan titled her photo collection "A very cold and rainy but super fun day for the Hike for Hospice!" 

Yes, it most certainly does seem to feature all of those elements, Megan and given the timing of the event, I am incredibly touched and proud that you all participated. 

PETS

KITTY SEE, KITTY DO... I have two wooden cat knick knacks in my bathroom. Both cats are curiously looking downward and JJ is joining in on the act.

Here is a scratching post I made for JJ. I used a big old speaker I found at trash bin. Removed the speakers and wires and then attached a piece of carpet from Dollarama to the front. On the side where holes are I have put some of his cat toys inside. The speaker is quite heavy which is good because he can really grab his claws into the carpet and there is no fear of the whole thing falling down. I would love to say this is an original idea but that would be a lie. Someone I once knew did something similar.

FAB PHOTOS

NEWS | Envy Lounge Closing

As featured on ENVY Lounge facebook page:

"On behalf of everyone at Envy Lounge we would like to say THANK YOU!!! Thank you to all our dedicated and supportive guests, friends and extended family.

Many of you have helped shape and create Envy’s spirit, style and personality and we hope we contributed to yours.

As we reach our five year lease, it has unfortunately become painfully clear that St. Catharines and the Niagara area is not capable of successful supporting a LGBT bar.

With this being said, Envy Lounge will regrettably be officially closing its doors the end of May.

MUCH RESPECT, THANKS AND OVERWHELMING PRAISE to all the hard working, loyal and dedicated teams from day of Envy Lounge.

THANK YOU Anthony,  THANK YOU Tyler THANK YOU  Dan,  THANK YOU Steven,  THANK YOU Rhonda, THANK YOU Brit,THANK YOU Nash THANK YOU Mathew D, THANK YOU Charles, THANK YOU DJ Robin, THANKYOU Judge Judy,  THANK YOU Darryl, THANK YOU Bronson, THANK YOU Matt, THANK YOU “The Chad”. THANK YOU “A Chad”, THANK YOU Shaun , THANK YOU Shannon, THANK YOU Adam, THANK YOU Andrew.

Envy will be open...

• Friday May 9th and Saturday May 10th ·         
• Friday May 16th and Saturday May 17th 

• Friday May 23th and Saturday May 124th
• Friday May 30 For the Pride Niagara Official Pride Niagara Kick Off Party... 
• OUR FINAL NIGHT Saturday May 31st for the 5th Annual Mr. /Miss Pride Niagara Pageant

In the future Envy (seven 2 hospitalities) has potential plans to host annual LGBT events. We definitely will continue our partnership and support with Pride Niagara and all their events. So please keep us on facebook, keep our friendships and keep developing your PRIDE!

 Sincerely
 Enzo De Divitiis /The De Divitiis Family

EDITORIAL

YOU

He Loved Them, Ya, Ya, Ya!

Our friend Lorenzo Cromwell of Niagara Falls, got to enjoy a "Really big shoe", at Beatlemania: 50th Anniversary Show at the Roselawn Theatre in Port Colborne.

The show featured popular Beatles tribute band, the Caverners and even included "Ed Sullivan" as he introduced the Fab Four just like he had done 50 years ago on his U.S. variety show. 

Lorenzo told his facebook pals "I was able to ask Michael Wainwright (John ) if any of the band have met any of the Beatles. He said they hadn't but they all would love to. He said he has a friend that has met Paul McCartney."

Sounds like you had a great time Lorenzo. They may not be "the real thing" but as anyone who has seen the Caverners before knows, they sure come close.

KIDS

It's always special to see adorable sisters Molli and Morghyn Quinlan, but this time around the pair are even more picture perfect. That's because their mom Jodi [right] is taking a photography course and if this shot is an example of her work, the classes are really paying off.

When I first saw this pix on Jodi's facebook page, I asked if we could put it in Scribbles and inquired as to what photographer had taken the pix. I was pleasantly surprised when Jodi informed me it was her.

Great job Jodi, I can hardly wait to see what future master shots you post on facebook for us to share.

NEW! Scribbles Video: Introducing Maria

My New Neighbour Truly Takes the Cake

Given what I've shared about the banging pipes at my new home, you'd be forgiven if you got the impression there isn't anything good about the place. Fortunately, when the noise subsides, there's plenty to get happy about and at the top of that list is my new neighbour Maria.

MARIA POSES WITH ONE OF HER CREATIONS

Maria lives on the main floor of this building and is very talented.

For example, check out this sampling of some of Maria's astonishing cakes. From the baking to making her own tasty homemade fondone [a special decorative icing used by bakers, which when not done properly, looks nice but isn't very edible] Maria's cakes are understandably in great demand.  One look at Maria's creations and you quickly see that a lot of love and pride goes into every detail.

Maria also loves to sing and play guitar and even writes her very own songs.

CHECK OUT LARGE VERSION OF THESE CAKE -CLICK ON PIX

I love when Maria invites me up for a cup of tea and a visit.

Below is a very special, exclusive video of Maria, performing her original song "I'm in Love". Our unique recording studio with its excellent acoustics, is our little secret, but I can say that neither of us have far to travel to get there.

NEW! Scribbles Video: Easter 2014

The Easter Bunny made his rounds at reader's homes in Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, St Catharines, Renfrew, Ottawa, Nova Scotia and all points in between.  He scattered colourful Easter eggs for little ones to search for and gave us all a great reason to get together with loved ones and eat far too much delicious chocolate.

Here's a sampling of photos Scribbles sought out on your facebook pages as we prepared to put together a short video of Easter 2014.

Hop right up and enjoy!

PETS

Growing Up Fast

What a difference a few months can make, as the photos above prove.  To the left we see me at my Welland apartment, with then "new" kitten JJ, who was only a few months old and weighed about 4 lbs.

Fast forward to the pix on the right, taken within the last month at my new apartment in St. Catharines. JJ is much larger (definitely no longer 4 lbs) and I look a bit frantic. This was taken during the peak of "bang bang" ceiling season and I was not dealing with the issue all that well. Thank goodness for my little buddies JJ and Timmi, who have forced me to stay grounded when I thought I was losing my mind.

NEW! Scribbles Video: HOPE- Bylynnda's Fight Against Lyme Disease

Misdiagnosed at the age of 12, it would be several years later before Bylynnda Turvey would discover what her family had already concluded, she has Lyme Disease.

Now 24, Bylynnda is confined to a wheelchair and in constant pain. Treatment for Lyme Disease is virtually unheard of in Canada, something Bylynnda and others who have the disease would like to see changed. In the meantime, her family struggles to come up with the $50,000 - $100,000 needed for treatment in the U.S.

There was a fundraiser at Cool Hand Luke's in Niagara Falls on April 19th and friends have also taken the "Triple Three" challenge, eating an entire lime in 3 minutes before donating $3 and nominating 3 others to do the same.

T-shirts, wristbands and keychains are also available and donations can be made online or at any Meridian Credit Union.

In this new Scribbles video, we check out the fundraiser at Cool Hand Luke's as well as take a look at the brave souls who gobbled up limes for the cause.


DONATE ONLINE CLICK HERE

Donate at any Meridian Credit Union....In trust of Bylynnda Lynn Turvey Account # 2968923

NEW! Video: "Rain Oh Rain"

TONY ST. LOUIS

I never cease to be amazed by the many talents our close Scribbles gang have. We have artists, actors and drag sensations. There's award-winning designers and rock climbers, dancers and poets. Truly the list goes on and on.

One area that always fascinates me are those who can sing. I chalk this up to the fact that I am definitely NOT a singer. I can create videos, I can write and make you smile with Scribbles website, but the last thing you'd want to hear would be me singing.

Fortunately we have lots of others who are great singers, including our buddy Tony St. Louis. Tony is our pal Ginny Eckert's step dad, Ginny and I once worked together and were also roommates, so that's how we all met.  These days, Tony and his wife Bev, Ginny and her wife Michelle (aka Mickey) and their kids, all reside in Manitoba.

I miss them all dearly, but thanks to this folksy tune by Tony, it's like having a little bit of the old gang back again.  I really like this song Tony, thanks for letting me share it on Scribbles.

PETS | She Loves Life

When she's not playing with her cat brother or frolicking around her home, Ottawa kitty Olive can now be found playing the classic board game Life. It was actually Olive's "people parents" Megan and Andy who decided to dust off the old game and give it a go, but Ms. Olive decided it looked like something she too should check out.

Oh, Olive, you certainly have turned out to be quite the character.

SUPPORT

Wheels for Van Driels

by Scott and Sonya Van Driel

We want to share our story of Dylan to create awareness of his life and his needs. We cannot provide for Dylan without an extended community of support.

We are Scott and Sonya Van Driel, and Dylan is our beautiful son and the amazing brother to our four year old daughter Marika. Dylan has Vein of Galen Malformation (VOGM), a rare and life-threatening disease. Though our life has dramatically changed with Dylan’s limitations and diagnosis, we have not lost hope; we believe that Dylan will continue to surprise us with small but precious accomplishments.

We did not have any concerns at Dylan’s birth, but within a few weeks of his life, we sensed something was wrong. After a series of appointments, tests, and an overnight stay in McMaster Children’s Hospital, we were given results of an MRI that would change our lives forever. We were told that Dylan has a huge pouch of blood in his head, taking up at least a third of the space in his skull. The doctor who shared the results with us was emotional and uncertain; we were directed to The Hospital for Sick Children where there was the possibility of learning more about Dylan’s condition.

At SickKids, Dylan was given the diagnosis of VOGM, and we were also told that Dylan has the largest and most complex diagnosis of VOGM globally known. This diagnosis is associated with serious potential complications such as strokes, brain bleeds, cerebral sinus thrombosis, hydrocephalus, congestive heart failure – and failure to thrive. Initially, we were in shock and then experienced a range of emotions that included fear, sorrow, and anger.

"Wheels For Van Driels". Craft ,Bake And Plant Sale

Saturday at 9:00am

1040 Balfour Rd Fenwick Ontario


"Wheels for Van Driels" Pig Roast
Sat. Aug. 9 4pm-10pm
Dave & Kathy Van Driel's, 214 Chantler Road

YOU | Celebrate

EVENT | Unity Awards

1st Annual Niagara Unity Awards Entertainment: Miss Conception! Female Delusionist "Extra-Ordinaire"

1st Annual Niagara Unity Awards, a formal gala showcasing the important successes of individuals and groups that have made an impact for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community here in the Niagara Region.

Pride Niagara is thrilled to announce our featured entertainment for the evening, Female Delusionist "Extra-Ordinaire" Miss Conception!

ABOUT MISS CONCEPTION...

In 2012, Miss Conception aka Kevin completed a four month tour, where he launched his first Live Singing show at the Palm Cabaret in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He continues to perform all over North America, and will return to Mexico for the 2014 season at a brand new venue “Stages”.

Kevin will be featured Monday and Thursday of every week between January and May.

From very humble beginnings in Mississauga, Ontario to entertaining his parents with a living room rendition of “Beauty and the Beast”, Kevin Levesque couldn’t stop moving. Ironically enough, it wasn’t until Kevin was 6 years old that he joined a hockey team and realized sports wasn’t his love. He was meant to be a performer and yearned for the stage.

Years later, Kevin joined the Mississauga Youth Theatre and landed his first role as Bobby Shaftoe in the production “Babes in Toyland”. His entire family came to see it, and Kevin recalls, “I was fabulous!” Kevin went on to study drama at the Cawthra Park School for the Arts.

In grade ten Kevin was presented with an overdose of Shakespeare and was not interested in the tragic bard, Kevin then switched his focus to dance. After high school, he frequently visited Toronto’s gay village where he saw his first drag show at the age of 19.

 After a dare to try drag from a friend, Kevin gave it a shot. His first performance went off without a hitch and Miss Conception was born! To date, Kevin has won countless titles,including the first Zelda’s Drag Idol, Miss Canada Continental, Smirnoff Twisted, Coors Lite Queen of Halloween, Ontario’s Next Top Drag Queen, Miss Gay Universe, Miss Gay Toronto, and Entertainer of the Year. He’s also appeared in “Queer as Folk,” “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” and the first ever contestant in drag on “Wipeout Canada.” (which can be seen on youtube under “beauties vs geeks)

YOU | Alter Bound

photo courtesy Phenomenon Photography

If ever there was a couple who were meant to be together, it's Laura DeGraaf and Ryan Haanappel. They share a wild sense of adventure, they enjoy riding their motorcycles, they love horses, they're travel bugs and they look so damn good together.

Happily engaged for a while now, the super soul mates will make it official, when they tie the knot on June 13th.

I remember hen we first met Laura. Things were quite different in those days. Then Ryan entered your life and your heart and the rest, as they say, has been history. I could not be happier for you both -and even a bit green with envy. I can hardly wait to see your wedding pix, which you just know I'm going to splash all over Scribbles.

May your love continue to grow as you travel life's roads together.

IN MEMORIAM

Elphy
Feb.6, 2008 - Apr. 24, 2014

Our condolences are sent to our friend Sam Martin on the recent loss of his beloved dog Elphy. There is little that I could add to what Sam homself posted on facebook...

"This will always be a very sad day for me. My little Elphy has passed on and gone over the rainbow bridge....

Just this side of heaven is a place called rainbow bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to rainbow bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our pets are warm and comfortable.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to their vigor; those who were hurt and maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and time gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your dog, so long gone from you life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross rainbow bridge together.   -Author unknown.

Till that day, I love you my baby girl. RIP My beautiful Elphy. February 6, 2008 - April 24, 2014. You really brought out the best in everyone that ever knew you. I love you so so much. We will miss you forever. XOXOXO!!"

ENCORE SCRIBBLES VIDEO | Em Gets Happy

Although I've worn a frown far more than a smile throughout most of the past month, even this sad sack couldn't help but smile when I saw the following video. Our little Ottawa Valley pal Emerson Rose (aka "Em") shows us not only can she now stand, she's also an amazing tiny dance, in this Scribbles re-edited version of her routine to the hit song "Happy".

Em has been spending lots of time with mommy and her relatives these days, and that indeed has all of us doing a Happy Dance.

INSPIRING

NEW! Scribbles Comic

SCRIBBLES VIDEO | Bright Idea #1

Being on a tight budget can often be pretty frustrating, but if you get creative, there are many ways of stretching your dollars.

Here's the first in a series of short clips. Today we learn of a tasty (and inexpensive way) to "Wake Up Your Water".

Check out how Ken gives his drinking water a real punch!

We'll have more Scribbles Bright Ideas in April.

PETS | Talkin' Back

How cute is this??

HUMOUR