Yesterday I attended a Masters Professional Project presentation by a sparkling young woman who I’ve been working with for the last couple of years. As she delivered her brilliant, articulate, entertaining project summary on neighbourhood food justice networks, I just felt so honoured to be in that room, to have […] Read More
When I registered for the Paul Hawken talk here in Vancouver a couple weeks ago, I didn’t really know much about him. But for some reason I was compelled to go. I’m glad I did. Turns out he was the Hawken half of Smith and Hawken, the famed chain of […] Read More
I walk on this pathway at the corner of Burrard and Pacific in Vancouver each time I go for a swim at the Aquatic Centre. For a long time it was just a gravel path and not so curvy. Whenever I walk there, I am reminded of a story I […] Read More
I just got back from voting in my municipal election. Every time I vote I get choked up. I guess it’s that “rush of democracy” as one Facebook friend described it this morning. I remember when I was growing up, my parents would always get dressed up to go vote. […] Read More
When I moved into this apartment nearly eight years ago, I had just split up with a boyfriend. I was heartbroken and had even lost the desire to garden. The balcony was barren for a couple of years. Instead, I used the space to refinish some furniture I’d inherited from […] Read More
I went to the all candidates meeting on Saturday at Kits House. Thirteen candidates showed up – impressive. There was a lot of concern expressed, both by citizens and candidates, about how Vancouver is becoming a city for the rich. I was able to ask two of my burning questions. […] Read More
When I was writing the chapter on genetically modified foods for my latest book, I came across this great quote from Dr. David Suzuki, Canadian geneticist, broadcaster and local hero. “Any scientist who tells you [GM foods are] safe is either very stupid or deliberately lying.” (Common Ground Magazine, December, […] Read More
I played Scrabble Saturday night with some of the women who live in my building. It’s become a regular event. On my way downstairs, with bowl of popcorn in hand, I was thinking how wonderful it was, that this little community had formed without any effort. It all started a […] Read More
I used to take my coffee grinder to a repair shop on Dunsmuir Street in Vancouver to have the blades sharpened. I think it was called Sunspot. It’s long gone. I remember watching a man ahead of me in line once. He had brought in his electric razor, just to […] Read More
One from the archives. This essay first appeared in the Globe and Mail, Facts & Arguments page (October 30, 2001) with a beautiful illustration from Steve Murray. A slightly longer version then appeared in my book, the Diary. Happy Halloween! This Halloween story begins in a late summer garden; City Farmer’s […] Read More