Li's Blog: January 2009

January 30, 2009.

Salt Spring Woodworks annual sale starts today, and runs through to Feb. 28th. It's 20 to 40% off everything, and there are some truly beautiful options on display, here. At the corner of Churchill and Upper Ganges Roads, this studio which showcases the incredible talent on Island and in B.C., re woodworking options, is not to be missed.

Hot Latin Sounds can be enjoyed at Cafe El Zocalo, tomorrow, at 7 p.m. It's a rhythm guaranteed to chase away those grey January blues! Call 250-537-9911 for reservations (Susana Abreu and Zapato Negro play for your pleasure).

Mark your calendars for the next Salt Spring Folk Club presentation. It's on February 9th, at the Fulford Hall, doors open a 6:45 and show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15, available at Acoustic Planet, Salt Spring Books, and Stuff and Nonsense. Outlaw Social plays, with opening act: Peter Prince. Enjoy! (soups, suppers, & sweets by Fiddlehead Catering).

Don't miss Scott Hyland's presentation of Waiting for Godot! Performances start at 8 p.m., at ArtSpring, on Feb 6, 7, 14th, with matinees (2:30 p.m.) on 8th and 15th. A play with universal themes, especially relevant today. A classic!

Remember, one performance only, on Feb. 1st, at 2 p.m., of Ballet Jorgen Canada's presentation of Romeo & Juliet. At ArtSpring (call 250-537-2102) for further details/ticket info.

The Salt Spring Painter's Guild is presenting a retrospective of Jack Avison's work, at ArtSpring, from Feb. 1st to 10th. There's an opening reception on the 1st, from 5 to 7 p.m. Don't miss this important exhibit.

The Music and Munch series begins on Feb. 4th, at All Saints by the Sea, with the Stubbs family of musicians, and special guest, Carolyn Hatch. This popular series of recitals is held monthly, on Wednesdays, through the noon hour. If you haven't attended, before, give yourself a treat!

Calvin's reopens in early Feb., Rendezvous Cafe offers great pastries/coffee, plus quiche (for a quick lunch), Bocados Bistro awaits your pleasure, the Tuesday Afternoon Tea continues at Salt Spring Inn, Cafe Talia reopens in Feb., check out the new menu choices at Harbour House Hotel's restaurant, Piccolo's offers that special dining pleasure, and Rock Salt Cafe continues its creative menu choices down at Fulford. Treat yourself to dinner out, in these lengthening days of impending Spring.

A quieter season...those longer days and lighter mornings, earlier, promise the feathering out of Winter-into-Spring. Enjoy!

For excellence in real estate service, on Salt Spring Island & on the Southern Gulf Islands, call me:  Li Read.   Email:  liread33@gmail.com

Here's a terrific holding property on special Salt Spring Island! 40 + acres, a mix of coastal forest (cedar, fir, maple, alder) and arbutus/garry oak groves, and natural meadow areas, with panoramic ocean and mountain vistas (can see the Olympics from here!), with all day/year round sun (sunsets, here!), and very private. Off the grid lifestyle, with drilled well in place. Seasonal creek. On the doorstep of wonderful park reserves, and hiking/walking trails. Just minutes to the gov't dock at Musgrave Landing -- keep your boat, here! Better than cash in the bank! Call me, and bring your architect, and let's walk this beauty soon.

January 26, 2008.

So, today is the beginning of the Year of the Ox, in the Chinese Lunar New Year calendar. Have you checked out what your animal sign is, and found out how it will fare in this year, characterized by authentic diligence and focus? Slow and steady wins the race might be a characteristic of the Ox year. Always fun to figure out the astrological implications, and to meld the Western and Asian descriptions. Doesn't mean we can ignore our own part in our personal destinies, though!

All Scots have been celebrating the poet Robert Burns, and it's interesting that this remembrance of a poet, recalled as the voice of the common man, should be in synch with the Chinese New Year celebrations! We all sing Auld Lang Syne, at the turn of the western calendar from one year to another. Many people probably don't realize that this was written by Robert Burns in the 18th Century. His A Man's A Man for A That is recognized as a plea to have character be the value of a man, and not one's station in life. Revolutionary, in his day, and still a model description of democracy and the power of the individual worth.

We are crawling along to the end of January, when the grey skies and bare trees and pewter light of winter, on the Pacific Northwest Coast, can seem a bit endless. Remember the daffodil, and crocus, and snowdrop bulbs are all poking up, and in wind free corners of the gardens there are already fluffing cherry blossoms on the ornamental trees, and the forsythia is in bloom, and the snowdrops are totally out. Spring is on its way.......

January 25, 2009.

Mark your calendars for Scott Hyland's production of Waiting for Godot -- it plays at ArtSpring, for five performances, beginning on Feb. 6th (call ArtSpring for ticket info. / other dates & times. Don't miss this!

One performance only, on Feb 1st, 2 p.m. at ArtSpring -- Romeo and Juliet, presented by Ballet Jorgen Canada. Enjoy!

The curious case of Benjamin Button is playing at The Fritz. See you there!

Wontanara Drum & Dance is offering a six week introductory class on African Dance. Starts on Feb. 6th, at All Saints by the Sea. Call Deanna for cost/info/registration at: 250-653-2431.

Here's something not to miss -- on January 31st, drama lovers, aspiring playwrights, actors, directors can attend Playing with the Play -- it's an intereactive exploration of the challenges and rewards if writing for the stage, and Jane Petch, an island writer who is passionate about theatre, will read from her new script. Call Patricia at 250-537-1116, to attend.

Amarah Gabriel is offering her art class based on the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain -- call her at: 250-537-0051 for more info/and to register.

Registration for the 6th Annual Salt Spring Island Folk Dance Festival, to be held at Fulford Hall on May 1 to 3, is now open. Islanders need to register for this event now, to make sure they can attend.

There are so many talented people on our lovely Island...remember to get out and support their efforts, and remember that the audience is a part of the total equation of the artistic process.

Here's a gem of a townhome opportunity on beautiful Salt Spring Island! A quiet location, very sunny (e/s/w exposures, here, with two balconies that follow the sun), with the plus of one level living (an elevator shaft was built into the structure, at point of construction, so one just has to drop in the equipment, for a full elevator service, if not wishing to use stair access to this upper level unit). Vaulted ceiling, many unique finishes/upgrades (this was the show home unit, and was created by a noted Vancouver designer, for the developer), with master bedroom and exceptional ensuite, plus two further bedrooms/full bathroom (current owner uses one bedroom as an office with daybed), plus open plan living/dining, and wonderful "cook's dream" kitchen, with Ultraline appliances. Appliances, custom window coverings, custom dining furniture all remains, for the list price. An indoor pool, clubhouse facility with guest bedrooms, plus forest/meadow mix, and a lovely sense of a "village atmosphere". Walk to both the upper and the seaside villages, and close to golf, marinas, and all amenities. This is truly a "best buy" opportunity to be a part of the Salt Spring lifestyle. Call Li for your appointment to view.

January 17, 2009.

Mark your calendars for this one...Gary Fjellgaard, with Saskia and Darrel, will appear on February 14th, at Mahon Hall, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22.50, and more details can be found at: 250-537-4196. See you there!

Tonight, at Cafe El Zocalo, starting at 6:30 p.m., there's the first Jazz Jam of the year. Be there! (250-537-9911, for more info).

MusicMakers continues at All Saints by the Sea, at 11:10 a.m., on January 21st (light refreshments follow, for suggested donation of $2). If you've not enjoyed this musical presentation, don't miss this event on the 21st.

Tonight, at 8 p.m., and tomorrow at 2 p.m., there's the one woman show by Toronto actor and playwright, Maja Ardal...at ArtSpring!

Local Trustee, George Erhing, continues his music appreciation "course" at ArtSpring. This season's title is: Milestones in Music. It begins on Jan 21st and runs through to March 4th, once weekly, for cost of $50. Call ArtSpring's ticket centre (250-537-2102) for more info.

On Jan. 24 & 25, the very talented artist, Michael O'Toole, presents "A Passion for Atmosphere in Painting", at the Lions Hall, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call Carolyn Withers at 250-537-5114 for more details/registration info.

Looking for supplies for your business needs? Local residents, Frank and Connie Ledger, of Tierneys Wholesale, are available to help you out, at cost effective pricings. Give therm a call (250-538-0111).

Don't forget Rona Robbins and the Upstairs Bears location on the upper level of Grace Point Square. Hours: Wed to Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rona is your purveyor of fine teddies.

Writing...a powerful tool with the potential to transform both the writer and the reader. A new series of women's journal writing and memoir workshops begins on Feb. 2 to 23. For more information, or to register, call: 250-653-4286.

Yes, it's winter, and the fields are fallow, but underneath the life force is bubbling...a good time to get out there and to soak up some different experiences. Enter Spring with some new knowledge.

Your thoughts? Always welcome.

Wow! Here is an exceptional oceanview home, ready to just move into and enjoy. Many unique features, here! Custom designed and built for the current owners, the open plan living and dining, with a cook's dream kitchen off, awaits your pleasure. Feature stone fireplace in entertainment size living, custom doors that open completely to the deck, off the dining, to expand those summer living pleasures. Spacious deck, outdoor fireplace, incredible outdoor kitchen (a barbecue afficianado's delight!), plus hot tub are waiting for you to enjoy. A true panoramic view, here, of ocean, islands, mountains -- sunsets forever! Library/den, custom dedicated office, full bath, guest powder room, super laundry room, pantry and wine storage, completes the main level. Master "suite", with superb master bath and his and hers walk-in closets in its own "wing" on upper level. Separate guest/sitting, with ensuite, private laundry, sunny decking, access from main home and from exterior decking, and those same superlative views. Lots of storage, here, plus garage for that classic car, and an exercise room. Wood burning and gas fireplaces, for cosy off season moments (living, librrary, master, and guest). Perfect for a professional couple, working from home. A Toronto visitor was heard to exclaim that this home could be featured in Architectural Digest. It is a gem! Enjoy!

January 15, 2009.

Well, here we are, at the half-way point in a month that is considered, by many, to be the grey/lost month of the year, in our Pacific Northwest Coast area. It's true that a lot of "locals" do choose to visit Hawaii, or Mexico, or Southern California, or Arizona at such a time. Sun seeking is a serious affair! Still, winter is on its way to its inevitable end, and already daffodil bulbs and crocus bulbs and snowdrop bulbs are poking up in local gardens. A fuzz of budding is occurring on the bushes that line the roadways, and pussywillows are beckoning. Bird song is noisy in the bare trees, early in the morning, and was that a robin I saw the other day? Some people clip forsythia branches, and bring them inside, to "force" them into bloom, right this minute. Every day is just that little bit "longer", before darkness falls.

It's a good idea, to remember to feed one's mind at this time of year. There's a digital photography class being offered at the Continuing Education evening courses, plus French conversation, and some dance classes, too. There's an exercise thought! Remember to spoil yourself a little, too, and try some quick treats -- what about a madeleine and a cappucino at Cafe Talia? An apricot tart and an espresso at Rendezvous Cafe? If it's Tuesday, then it's traditional tea at the Salt Spring Inn. A browse around the book stores? A wander through the art galleries, to inspire one? Light the woodstove, catch a favourite DVD, or curl up with a new novel.

It's ok to take it a little easier, and remember how energetic bears are, after the hibernation time. A little bit of work, a little bit of pleasure, a little bit of energy, a little bit of calm...not a bad recipe for a winter month, a softer time in a Gulf Island experience....

Looking for a best buy "holding property", on lovely Salt Spring Island? Here is a gem! Just a short stroll to a lovely bay, perfect for swimming/kayaking, and one can keep a boat on a mooring buoy here, too. The property is undeveloped, and with some tree clearing or limbing/trimming of branches, it may be possible to get an oceanview. A sturdy one room cabin is in place (like a hard tent, for camping out!), accessed by a trail from the roadway. This is definitely a diamond in the rough, and has a lot of uptick...motivated sellers llive out of country, and welcome all serious offers. Phone for directions, or, meet me at the site, and we'll wander the pathway to the cabin. Just minutes from shopping and all services/amenities, yet in a tranquil area of fine homes. Sunny, private, close to golf. Truly the "best buy oppportunity" on Salt Spring, right now.

I notice a lot of price reductions coming in on almost all listings, from all companies. I've also noticed some realtors are hanging up their licences, and deciding not to continue in the business.

It is very expensive to be a realtor. The general public doesn't always recognize the business expenses involved in being a realtor. Yes, there is a gross commission paid by a seller to a listing realtor. Often, a buyer's agent is also involved in a transaction, and so that gross commission is immediately split between the two agents involved. The company that the agent works for also takes a portion of the commission.

There are also Board/MLS fees, there are company fees if a realtor works for a franchise company, there are also the print ad publication costs in local venues, the costs of internet advertising, plus any extra print media marketing (other magazines, aside from predictable local ones, brochures/flyers, professional photography, etc.), and the individual realtor pays for all of this -- companies pass along all costs to their realtors, plus take a portion of the commission.

If someone made 1000 gross commission, then, they might only net 100. I once heard of a realtor who made a 17,000 commission, gross, and retained (net) 1000 (after all expenses were paid, the realtor got paid). I don't think the public understands this.

I remember a realtor of many years duration saying that the U.B.C. Sauder School of Business, which maintains the real estate course materials/testing, in B.C., should alert all people wanting to go into the business that they need at least 100,000 in the bank, to carry themselves, while they get started. An interesting perspective! One can see, though, in a downmarket moment, with all of the costs involved to generate a livelihood income stream, that some realtors would decide to hang up their licence, and to look for work with a steady paycheck.

The last time B.C. experienced a downturn in the market (between Fall 1994 and Spring 2000, with 1995 and 1996 being the two "worst" years), there were 9 real estate companies and 89 realtors in my small area, at the end of 1994. By the end of 1999, we had shrunk to 3 companies and 34 realtors. Sellers and realtors, then, in a downmarket scenario, do suffer. It is a cyclical business, however. We now have eight companies and approx. 65 realtors. We may be experiencing the beginning of attrition in the business.

In the last downturn, there had been an increase in prices, between 1992 and 1994 of approx. 60%. By 1999, prices had gone down 30%. They had not suppressed, though, to the original pre-rise level. Subsequently, between 2003 and 2005, another 60% increase in pricing was experienced. Some feel that we have lost 30%, to date. It is an up and down business, it does follow cyclical models, it never returns to the original low...a good way to imagine it is a lurch/fall back/spring forward momentum. Important, though, to be able to ride out the low periods, somehow still intact, and that's the trick, indeed.