May 11, 2016

PETS | A Memorable Day


YOU | The Crew Walk Once Again for Hospice Renfrew


"Even the rain couldn't stop the 35 members of "Connie's Crew" from participating in the Hike for Hospice!!" said Cathy Dick, of this year's fundraising event which her extended family participated in for the second year in a row. 

They're called 'Connie's Crew' after my aunt who passed away July 21,2014. Connie was the mother of 5, who grew up, got married, had kids and are now grandparents. Connie spent her final months at Hospice Renfrew and her family was so impressed by the level of care and compassion she received, that they are now involved in many of the hospice's fundraisers. 

Cathy added, "We sure missed Amy [Farquharson], who is teaching in Korea". Amy was present in the form of a photo with a handle to carry her along the way. 

"Over $93,000 was raised for Hospice Renfrew. Incredible!", Cathy proudly announced on her facebook page. 

That's awesome Cathy. I admire the way the former "Farquaharson kids" have remained close and how that family continues to grow from generation to generation. 

Below are some photos from Cathy Dick and Megan Fox's facebook page of 'Connie's Crew' having fun at the hike. 


YOU | Exploring the Ground Beneath the East China Sea


PETS | "Palmolive?" "You're Soaking in It"


Check out our pal Judy Wenjina's cat! We love this photo and asked Judy for more details, which she was happy to do.

Judy told Scribbles, "Her name is Digger and she was given to me by a good friend Wendy N Eric Eales who rescued her when she was just a little baby.

We have had her for 13 years now and she is the Queen of the house!

She has always loved lying in sinks and she can also flush the toilet! But she won't go in it!"

Wow, I'm impressed with that toilet flushing, if you ever do get her to both use and flush the toilet, we'll give Digger top billing on Scribbles.

Oh.... and as for the title for this Pets post, if you're of a certain age group, it will have made perfect sense.

INSPIRING |


PETS | "What Are You Lookin' At?"


May 10, 2016

KIDS | A Dandy Photo


NEW SCRIBBLES VIDEO | The Dandelion Song REMIX




“A weed is but an unloved flower.” 

― Ella Wheeler Wilcox

EVENTS | Back on Max

From Shane Christopher Neal:

"Bobby and Shane RADIO is back this Thursday on Max Ink Radio...8 till 10pm Eastern ....

Some new indie music out of Montreal and here in Ontario to play, live event discussions....

We were away at Canadian Music Week last Thursday so we will share our discussions with some of the top record executives, broadcasters, managers, booking agents

TUNE IN Radio app or you can log on at www.bsliverocks.com  LISTEN LIVE ! THIS THURSDAY ! Have a great week !"

Bobby Rocks also sent notifications indicating there's over 50 club listings for the Niagara /Hamilton region currently featured on www.bsliverocks.com 


May 8, 2016

KIDS | Love Letter for Mother's Day

Our pal Dylan's back in Scribbles again. This time around, we're showing his special message he made for his mom Erin, just in time for Mother's Day. The first letter of each sentence spells out the word "Mother" and Dylan's descriptions are cute and amusing.


May 5, 2016

PETS |



June 5 marks one year since our buddy Joe Friday made his big Scribbles debut. In the month ahead, we will include an encore Joe Friday photo whenever we  add a NEW Joe Friday pix.

Below is one of our favourite photos of Joe. There's no caption on this one, but really, does it need one?


May 3, 2016

VIDEO | She Really, REALLY Loves Cats

The original video of this squeaky-voiced girl was her first atttempt at online dating, but once she mentioned cats, well she lost it.  Someone "songified" her words to come up with this "cat-chy" tune.

I'm not sure if she ever got a date out of this, but I'm betting she got a few more cats.
 

VIDEO | Dedos Ludicos Artesanatos

This guy is wicked. He has a You Tube page, just type Dedos Ludicos Artesanatos into You Tube search area and you'll find him creating little masterpieces using some very interesting methods.

If the music playing in the background isn't quite your cup of tea, mute the sound, but please watch Dedos and others in action on this 2 minute clip.

May 2, 2016

ME | Enjoying a Spring Walk

Timmi and I took advantage of Saturday afternoon's warmer weather and sunshine, with a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood. There were blooms on trees and blossoms on the ground, birds singing and the smell of fresh cut grass in the air (another outdoor activity I took care of on this bright, invigorating day.)

I have a thing for rocks, I collect them practically everywhere I go. 
This house replaced grass with rock piles. No more mowing the lawn, that sounds like a good idea to me.

Even the flowerbed in front of the house I share with our friend Deanna Gilligan, was looking good. 

May 1, 2016

Spooky Houses Go Bye Bye


Hey! Where Is This?

Some of you contacted me wondering where this is located.  It is on Russell Ave not far from the Geneva/Russell intersection.  The buildings (soon to be rubble) are several blocks away from where I live and Timmi & I only pass by it when we are on our "big block" walk...LOL.

What's creepy is that there's curtains on some of the second floor windows. Other windows are boarded over and there's still a few random pieces of that 'crime scene' yellow tape floating around.  I will not be walking past there this coming Friday the 13th, that's for sure.

Apr 28, 2016

SCRIBBLES 37th ANNIVERSARY VIDEO |

It's hard to believe, but 2016 marks Scribbles 37th anniversary. Yep 37 years, longer than many of our readers have been alive...that long man!

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...

OK, my videos aren't exactly big buck, high tech affairs, But in the video for our 37th anniversary, I wanted to step it up a bit. As luck would have it, I have a laptop and a back-up laptop, used for Scribbles archives. Last year I received an ipad as a gift, I have an iphone 6 (on a contract) and my old iphone with wifi service.

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 26, 2016

VIDEO | Standing Strong No Matter What the Bullies Think

You don't need to understand the language to understand the message here.
 

YOU | Goodbye City Life


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.


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

This is one of those “what were you doing when you heard the news” moments.  I was channel surfing, stopping briefly to catch a poorly acted scene on a soap opera, when they interrupted the show with a news bulletin announcing that Prince had died.

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
Prince fans at an all night dance tribute to the iconic star. 
Fans line the streets to pay tribute to Prince
A fan mourns at one of many Prince memorial sites. 
A rainbow is seen above Paisley Park, Prince's home.

PETS |


INSPIRING |


VIDEO | You are NOT a Label

Apr 24, 2016

IN MEMORIAM | Emerson Sauder

STEVE SAUDER
My deepest, heartfelt condolences go to my friend Steve Sauder [left] on the loss of his son Emerson, who passed away from cancer on Apr. 20th. He was only 21.

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
OBITUARY 

EMERSON VINCENT SAUDER, 21

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 20, 2016

FAB PHOTO | We're Hung Up on this Photo


CLICK ON KARYN  FOR LARGER VIEW
We couldn't help but take a second glance at this most interesting photo taken by our friend Karyn McKinnon.

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

Mind, BODY, and Soul! 

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.