Blog Review & The Temporary Bachelor

Welcome to all the recent visitors from around the world in the countries of Costa Rica, Guam, France, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, as well as the readers from the US and Canada. "Welcome back" to all the regulars too. It is great to have so many who stop in to check out my blog. Thank you all so much! I have recently registered on "blogged", and my blog is now open for independent reviews by my readers. If you wish, you can go to the review site, click on "review" and set the rating you think is appropriate. If you're up for it, it will just take a few seconds but if you wish, you can also add a review.

As for my upcoming book, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume I"; it is still in the cover-design phase. I am anxious and excited but I'm working on Volume II while I wait. I sure enjoy writing! I also look forward to resuming the creation of my fiction novel, "In Ravenscrag's Shadow". It is 100% outlined and about 25% written. This summer I plan to create a few photographs for it. In November, if I can wait that long, I plan to finish it. (You can read a "first draft" excerpt from the novel at the above link.)

A week ago, my sweetheart left me for some much needed time with her parents. Diana's mom has been fighting lymphomatic cancer for about three years now, and the doctors are amazed that she is still alive. The disease is progressing, but thankfully it is slow and Mom can still do much. She suffers from serious heart problems and kidney failure too - as if the cancer were not enough. It seems that sad times overtake us all! Two summers ago, we all met for a giant family reunion to celebrate Diana's parent's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a great time for family memories and I'm grateful we could all make it. It is an 1800km+ drive from our house to theirs, so the trips are not as frequent as we would like, but we keep in touch often by phone. I am blessed with a great mother & father-in-law - and I'm grateful.

I miss Diana like the taste of fresh air, but I'm glad she could go anyway. These next two weeks will pass - hopefully quickly, and Diana and I will be reunited again. Then, our three weeks apart will be but a fleeting, painful memory and Diana's precious memories with her parents will linger on and an. The loneliness of bachelorhood is not at all a welcome companion, but I'll make it. When I think about the thousands who are off in some war-time pursuit, at school or work - all for extended periods of time that make my three weeks seem minuscule, I feel a new respect for them and wonder what right I have to whine. Sacrifice of one kind or another is just part of life. Perhaps I need to take the advice Wesley gave to Indigo (The movie: Princess Bride), "Get used to disappointment!"

General MacArthur's Address - Duty, Honor, Country

By way of preface, I just visited a website and read General MacArthur's 1962 address, (posted May 26, 2008). I have heard some of this address before, but today I read it all for the first time. I posted the following comment in response (in Canadian English, of course), but thought I would also post it in my blog. Oh, and for those who are concerned for political correctness, my use of "he" and "mankind" is non-gender-specific. (Historically speaking however, it is usually men who cause the most trouble anyway. Aside from the obvious problems of wage disparity and sexual discrimination, I feel that for most women to be equal with men would require them to take a step down. I don't really know how often any given woman wishes she could be more like a man, or at least have his same opportunities, but in my case, when it comes to strength of character, I am often amazed at the good examples most women set. I look at my wife, and often wish I could achieve the same degree of goodness in my life as she does in hers. She makes it look easy - and I don't think it ever is for me. OK, OK enough philosophy! Sorry! This post is supposed to be "drips of ink from my mind", not an overturn of the inkwell!)


Thank you for posting "Duty, Honor, Country". I have long admired General MacArthur and it felt rather nostalgic to read his address. General MacArthur was eloquent and insightful and a man who loved his country. As I consider those who have purchased freedom with their precious blood, I deeply appreciate their sacrifices. Recently, I have been reminded and your post has reminded me again today, that a single individual can do much good if they try. Of course, the opposite is also true - a single individual can do much harm if he chooses. Ours seems to be the task to choose what we will be, whom we will influence and whether the force of our lives will exert good or ill on the rest of mankind. And I don't believe that we have to be on the front line of war to do our work. Perhaps the toughest front line we face is within our own hearts? Do we fulfil our duty to both man and God? Do we honour the noble things of life? Do we honour the sacrifices of those who pioneered our present ease? Do we protect our country from moral erosion as well as physical bondage? I, for one, struggle to do these things. Today, I suppose it is good to be reminded that others have struggled too - and because many have succeeded, perhaps we can too. Perhaps I can…

Stolen Artwork of Bill Reid

It is with great sadness that I compose this post. Unfortunately, sad things happen and while sometimes we can do something about them, there are other times when we can only watch in helpless horror.
This past Friday night or early Saturday morning (May 23/24), eleven pieces of art, created by the skilled hands of Haida artist, Bill Reid, were stolen from the museum at the University of British Columbia. In my opinion, Bill Reid was one of the greatest west coast artists of all time, and his works are priceless! As the years of my life have passed and my own interpretation of west coast art has been expressed, the work of Bill Reid has continued to inspire me. In fact, in my home, I proudly display three pieces of Bill Reid art. How tragic that the legacy he left has been stained by greed! Perhpas the pieces will be recovered without incurring any damage.

Kadie & Miya – Flower Girls at Joe & Heather's Wedding

It’s not every day that you get to go to a wedding, and an even rarer event when it’s a family member. On May 10th my niece, Heather, tied the knot and it was my pleasure to photograph her and her husband Joe – as well as the rest of the wedding party. Of course, that included the flower girls, Kadie and Miya. All the pictures tired us all out, but lets face it, looking beautiful in front of a host of cameras is hard work! (Just look at the covers of tabloids for unflattering photos of exhausted celebs.) The endless grins and poses, the flashing lights and crowds of spectators – they all took their toll – especially on the young!
Now the bride and groom were tough and smiled for each and every photo, but not Kadie and Miya. They made me laugh though. What Miya had in shyness, Kadie had in exuberance! But the flower girls, sisters as well as nieces to the groom, began to fade as time wore on. I was actually surprised that neither of them curled up on their mother’s lap for a snooze! When the flashes were finally finished blinking, the food eaten and the well-wishes extended, Kadie and Miya were still going strong, but as the still smiling bride and groom made their getaway, a serious nap was well on its way to overtake us all! I expect it caught the young first!


PS. The wedding was May 10th. I've been trying to get this post finished for a while now, but what can I say? My life's a whirlwind! For the photo of Heather & Joe, I used photoshop to turn it into a watercolour. The original looked good too, and I think they make a sweet couple - in any medium. May you live happily ever after Heather & Joe!
Oh, & Kadie & Miya; you were awesome flower girls!
And to all who attended the wedding - thank you for making it a great day!
Finally, thanks to all those who didn't get to enjoy the wedding first hand. I'm glad you stopped by for a visit to my blog anyway.

Lighthouse Slide Show 1983

Hi again fellow Internet travellers. A big welcome to all the new readers from the countries of Finland, Islamic Republic Of Iran, Lithuania, Mexico, Monaco, Scotland, Switzerland, as well as readers from three more Provinces of Canada and eight more States in the US. Thank you all for your interest!! In my April 6th post I mentioned some slides that my mother created in 1983. I just got them back from the lab and am anxious to share them with you all. Here is the first one: This first one and all the rest can be viewed by going to My Slide Show Links (in the sidebar) and clicking on Pointer Island Lighthouse - Early 1983. Enjoy!!!!

Raven' For The Birds

On Friday, April 11, 2008 I witnessed a scene that I never expected to see in two lifetimes! The day began in an ordinary way – I arose wickedly early and headed to pick up a load of Urea fertilizer in Medicine Hat, Alberta. I arrived there at 6am and had no line-up to endure. By 11am, I rolled into Camrose, Alberta (near the capital of Edmonton) and met Ron. As I was unloading, he mentioned that a raven had nested at the top to the elevator platform and that I was welcome to climb up for a gander. He pointed it out and I spotted the nest. It must have been at least a hundred feet up!

Having had adventure in my blood since before I can remember, I strapped on my camera and located the ladder. “Watch out for the mother!” Ron said as I began. “She has about a four inch beak and is quite protective!” I nodded, but never slowed. About two thirds of the way up the complex of ladders I was feeling the burn. Sitting in my semi for the previous 4 ¼ hours hadn’t helped my aerobic capacity any! I pushed onward, upward until suddenly, a chilling cry sounded overhead.

A huge raven launched herself out of the nest. She was polished ebony against the deep blue sky; so perfectly preened that she appeared to be an animated argillite carving. I felt an unbidden chill shoot through me. She had a wingspan of at least 40 inches and an intimidating black beak glinting in the brilliant sunshine. As the giant bird hung in the warm air the burnished beak parted to expel a threatening cry. It was not a cry of fear, but of anger. I glanced happily at the cage behind me, put there to protect the climber from falling off the exposed ladder. I had no fear of falling, but the steel strapping was protecting me from a worse fate.

I peered upward at the massive nest. It was at least thirty inches across and constructed of sticks as thick as my fingers. I had barely focussed on it when a second raven swooped towards me; screaming wildly. My wide eyes darted from bird to bird. Still, I held my position within the ladder cage. The pair of angry fowl circled and wheeled. They perched for fleeting moments on bits of steel out-rigging before taking to the air again. “Ron never warned me about a second bird” I thought as their screeches and screams shattered the silence. I watched a moment and then pulled out my camera. At least for the moment I was safe.

I snapped several shots of the magnificent birds. Then, with my wits on edge, I began to climb the last ladder below the nest. The cries increased, but I was so close. Upward I moved, slowly but surely. Finally, the top of my head came level with the massive nest. It was a work of art! I stared in awe! I listened, but between the angry cries, I could hear nothing to betray the sounds of hatchlings. Perhaps there were just eggs inside? I glanced apprehensively at the distraught parents. They were above me, and seemed to be maintaining the same distance from me as before. I poked my head above the protective ladder cage, dying with curiosity to see into the nest. Without the cage for comfort, I feared. My legs stopped pushing me upwards, and instead, I raised my camera. Holding it high above my head, I aimed the lens at the nest and carefully squeezed off a shot. Grateful for a digital camera, I examined the photo on the display. It was not a very good shot. The nest was deeper than I had anticipated.

Slowly I pushed up one more rung. Now my entire heard and shoulders were exposed. Quickly I raised the camera again. The shutter fired and I hastily descended to the safety of the cage to inspect the shot. It was perfect! Lying on the bottom of the giant, feather-lined nest were four pink baby ravens and two unhatched eggs. I stared in awe at the sight. I never expected the hatchlings to be so pink!
I tore my eyes away from the photograph; my attention returning to the anxious parents of the little miracles. I could not in good conscience climb up for a second look. Reluctantly, I began my decent. Perhaps I shouldn’t have disturbed them at all, but I was glad I had. And if I hadn’t brought my camera, perhaps I wouldn’t even have gotten a look into that wondrous nest.

PS: I later learned that the Corvus corax, or common raven, is also known in French as, Grand corbeau, and in Spanish as, Cuervo grande. My Internet searches for newborn ravens turned up nothing, making these photos a very special rarity to rave about!

Poetry Games

A couple of weeks ago, a friend, Cam, invited my wife and I to a party - a party featuring a lot of music. We agreed, but my schedule wouldn't allow any musical preparation. Cam suggested that I write a poem instead. A cool idea, so I did. In fact, I wrote two - dedicated to Cam and his wife, Judy: (As always, you may only copy these poems for non-commercial fun - unless you obtain written permission from me, Davis L. Bigelow.)

The Limerick of Cam

There once was a man name of Cam,
Who was filled with a whole ton of spam.
Cam asked marriage of Judy,
Who felt none to prudy,
And ran off with the man and his spam!

By Davis L. Bigelow

April 7, 2008

Once I got warmed up, I wrote this one:

Ode to Cam & Judy

Here’s a poem for you,
Mister Cam Lamoureux.
And it’s not just for you,
But your wife, Judy, too!

It’s a quick-witted rhyme,
Prompting laughter like chime.
It’s not rude, lewd or crude,
But not pretty - like Jude.

Cam’s the king of his house.
Though he’s short – like a mouse.
If it weren’t for his bride,
He’d be doomed to his pride.

With the name Lamoureux,
Cam can’t help but be true.
And when she yells, “Hey you!”
He’s a wild kangaroo!

Leaping right to her side,
Taking life in its stride.
Cuz its all about love;
Both for now and above.

So Cam still courts his Judy.
She’s forever his beauty.
And Jude’s love through and through,
Is for Cam Lamoureux.

By Davis L. Bigelow
April 8, 2008

Mighty Keystrokes, Pastel Paint and Soft Wood

Hi everyone!! A big welcome to all my visitors, especially the new ones from Cote D'ivoire (Ivory Cost - Africa), Argentina, Romania and Sweden. It has been a long time since I posted, but I’m still here. I hope you are all doing well and enjoying my blog. My editing is coming along and I’m over half way to the end of 3 Seconds On, 3 Seconds Off – Volume I. The Copy Editor’s suggested changes are often unexpected and even though I agree with the vast majority of them, a few seem to jump out and demand careful consideration. All in all, I’m having a great time reading through the manuscript and tossing my two cents worth in here and there. Once I am done, my publisher will do a final read-through. If he likes it all, then the manuscript goes to final layout for printing! Yes!!
My website is also progressing, but I’m still not sure of when it will come on line. (No pun intended.) Writing On Stone Press just asked for a list of page ideas for the site. I created the list and sent it off this past week.
My picture editing is still ongoing. I happily found a set of ten medium format slides (film about 3x bigger than ordinary 35 mm film). My mother created the collection in 1983 – all looking at Pointer Island Light, from various spots along the shores of Hunter Island. By the look of structural development of the lighthouse, the pictures were taken over a year after I left and just before Mom & Dad retired. The images are perfectly exposed and preserved! I’m trying to get them digitized so I can show them to you. Unfortunately, I don’t have the equipment to process them myself, or you’d already be enjoying them.
In addition to my book work, and, of course, my job, my wife, Diana, and I are repainting one of our bathrooms. The room is small, but there are numerous angles and tiny alcoves to dab paint on. To further complicate the project we have employed two shades of blue – one very light and the other a touch darker. The effect is beautiful, and we are nearly finished. I can’t believe how much masking tape was used! This is the first time we have painted this room since we moved here nearly 20 years ago! I think it’s due!
My carving is also progressing. I created, laid out and traced the design onto the wood. Then, I swallowed hard and put blade to wood on my grand son’s birthday sign. So far, it is going well. I’m trying not to rush, and so far, my pace seems to have saved me from any slips. I like the way the project is going. It is so magical to be able to transform an ordinary, plain piece of wood into a work of art! And I haven’t even cut myself – yet!

My Virtual Visit To Sweden

Hi everyone,
I just returned from a fifteen minute visit to Sweden, courtesy of Anita. I thought some of you might like to visit too. Her pictures are great. (To view some of them, you use the space bar and arrow keys.) Enjoy...

As for my book, I got very good news. When I returned my changes from the first edit, the editor liked them all and forwarded the manuscript to the copy editor. The manuscript just came back for the second time - this time it is formatted to publish. Awesome! I am now going through it for perhaps the last time!!!! Yes!!! Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not excited - ecstatic, thrilled and electrified perhaps, but not excited.

I'll keep you posted, but right now I am on page 65 of about 500. (The font size may change, but right now, the book is huge in its 6x8 inch format.) I've also been working on front cover designs and finalizing my photos and photo captions for this first volume. Thank you for your interest. I appreciate your many visits. I'll put editing progress updates in the side bar.

Answers to "Semi" Poll Questions

Thank you to those who took the poll as well as to those who just had a look but refrained from indicating their opinions. I hope you all enjoyed it nonetheless. Here are the answers.

From 110KPH/68MPH, on level ground, when I prepare to stop my loaded Super B Grain Truck, I let off the fuel: 2000 M before a stop sign

From 68MPH / 110KPH, a loaded Super B Grain Truck and its 2 Trailers, on level ground, can coast: 3000 M before rolling to a stop

A Super B Grain Truck & its 2 Trailers have: 30 tires

In Alberta, Canada, a legally loaded Super B Grain Truck & its 2 Trailers weigh: As much as 40 mini-vans

A Handful Of Stars Came Down

A lone spotlight burst upon the stage, revealing a shiny stand that held a unique looking microphone. Instantly, a profound hush settled over the sold out seats of the auditorium. Hundred of bodies silently breathed in expectation. There were so many people sitting around me, yet I could have heard a pin drop. An unfamiliar figure strode out of the darkness and up to the illuminated microphone. He began to speak. The sound was clear, but my eyes were still adjusting to the light. The familiar radio voice, I knew so well, reached out to me and I smiled with a mixture of surprise and delight. No preamble, no introductory act to warm up the audience, the tall, slender figure was the man I had come to see. He was live and in person and I had a forth row centre seat! Sound filled the theatre as he spoke, “Hello everyone,” the grey-harried man greeted, “I’m Stuart McLean and this is the Vinyl Café.” The first of countless cheers spontaneously thundered into life, filling the confines of the curved theatre with approval. The show had begun!

For over two hours, Stuart entertained us. He read three Dave & Morley stories, two of them brand new. I especially enjoyed his tale about the lottery ticket. In the story, an old man claimed to have a million dollar lottery ticket, yet he finally died without ever having scratched it to be sure. During the ten years the aged man had owned the ticket, he often asked his visitors what they would do with a million dollars. To his last breath, the old grandfather claimed that having a dream was more important that the money he would win, but he insisted that the unscratched ticket was a winner. The tale made me think – and those who know me, even a little, know that I like that sort of thing.

Intermingled with the wonderful stories, Stuart also presented a mini concert. Original and unique musical numbers were performed by Sheila & Amanda of the group called Dala, as well as a soloist, Danny Michel. The delightful musical score was rounded out by a brilliant piano piece performed by John Sheard. All in all, the evening was wonderfully refreshing. Following the grand events, I was privileged to meet all the performers. Greetings were exchanged and autographs obtained. Are we having fun yet? Oh yeah! I smiled all the way home!

Walking On Water

Hey everyone,
On March 1, 2008, Decon and I took our daughters, Tara and Amberle, as well as friends, Greg and Adam, on another snowshoeing adventure. This time, we went to Chinook Lake in the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. The day was perfect! This was Decon's and my third snowshoe trip (I haven't posted photos for the second one yet, but plan to.) Our group of six ended up tramping out about a 6 KM trail (about 4 miles) and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. At the far west end of the lake, after we all walked on water (OK, it was frozen but it was actual water), we boiled up some savory, sweet, hot chocolate. The snow was beginning to get soft, and this trip looked to be the last for this season. However, there is always next year. It was totally awesome!!! Here's the slide show.

Poems, Knives & Soft Wood

Hi everyone,

Sorry I have not posted for so long. (Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated.) I have been my usual busy self, but I have occupied my spare time in pursuit of art. In the month of February, besides writing a cool poem called, "Feeling Froggy" for a local party, I have already completed two more pieces of my West Coast Art - and have loved every minute of the creation process. (I'll post the art soon.) Something that has been swirling through my "want to do" list is wood carving, and as of Feb 23, I tried it. In bygone years I have taken out my pocket knife and whittled, but prior to the day before yesterday, I have never tried any actual carving. I must tell you that the procedure is awesome!!! I want to push my style of West Coast Art to the next level and use wood as well as paper. The whole thing went something like this:

Early Saturday morning, while the house was quiet, I rummaged through some old things and laid my hands on a couple of ancient woodworking tools (that I had no idea what to do with). I located my x-acto knife and then procured a small chunk of scrap 3/4 inch thick cedar from my garage. Taking a deep breath, I drew a simple design with a pencil and began to cut. As the seconds passed, and the x-acto knife sliced along my pencil lines, I took courage. It actually looked pretty good! One of the old tools was a miniature version of a chisel and it effectively worked to clean out areas between the lines. In under an hour, I had a finished design!

A mid-day trip to the local House of Tools found me the proud owner of a new tool, and before I retired for the night, I had carved a second design in a scrap piece of 3/4 inch poplar! Are we having fun yet? Oh yeah!!

PS. I also put a set of multiple choice questions along the right edge. Don't forget to vote!

An Awesome Sailboat Adventure - In Progress!!!

Several years ago, Glenn Wakefield had a dream. He wanted to circumnavigate the planet earth in a small sailboat - alone! His dream would set him on a steady course to set a world record - well at least it is in progress. (But I think He will do it!)
According to Glenn, "The record I wish to set is to be the first person from North America to sail single-handed nonstop, west about, for which there is no speed record."
Any of you who read my blog and enjoy adventure, will want to check out Glenn's website. He is just about half way around the globe and I expect that he will complete his epic journey as planned. Glenn plans to arrive back at his home port of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada in July 2008. Go Glenn!!!

Remembering President Gordon B. Hinckley

Virginia H. Pierce, daughter of Gordon B. Hinckley, made this sweet comment at his February 2nd funeral: (The first few minutes of the funeral service is music, and the entire broadcast is about 90 minutes in length. You can also visit the church's website for more info - ie. press releases, about the church, etc.)

Virginia H. Pierce said this about those who worked closely with her father: "There is nothing so touching to the human soul as to see men and women of great power extend private, thoughtful and quiet kindness."

In my life, President Gordon B. Hinckley has been a profound influence, leading me by example as well as inspiring me with the spoken word to try to stand a little taller and be a little kinder. While I have sometimes forgotten his wise council, I have also sometimes succeeded in practicing it. My small successes continue to give me hope.

Several years ago, when President Hinckley last visited our area, he took a few moments of his precious time to shake the hands of my son and a few of my son's friends. Over the years, I have observed Pres. Hinckley and greatly appreciate that kindness to my son as well as his many other influences on my life and the lives of my wife and children. I knew Gordon B. Hinckley as Prophet of God - a man to listen to and a man to believe. I will greatly miss him. In my own life, I wish I was half the man he was, yet because of his stellar example, I have hope to do better. I think that if I stand a little taller and be a little kinder, for a long enough period of time, perhaps I will get there too. Here's hoping! Now its time to go to work - one step at a time.