Mom’s Book Shelf – A Discussion on All That Matters

I have to say that I now have a whole new appreciation for Vancouver and its evolution as a city, as well as the unbelievable conditions under which people come to this country and endure with the hopes of a better life thanks to Wayson Choy.
His novel, All That Matters, was February’s book of the [...]

Mom’s Book Shelf – Wayson Choy’s All That Matters

I am so excited to announce February’s featured author and book of the month – mostly because I can’t wait to get started on a new novel and sink my teeth into a book that’s been on my shelf for ages.
As Chinese New Year nears, I wanted to take the time to examine Chinese-Canadian culture. [...]

SHIFT News – The Yellowcake Trail, Uranium Mining In Canada

Editor’s Note: This series of articles, “The Yellowcake Trail,” tracks all aspects of uranium in Canada from the mining and milling, to processing and use, throughout its eighty-year history. The series begins with the history of uranium in Canada, from its initial discovery to the rapid development of mines that placed Canada as the prominent [...]

Sunday Morning Walks – Winter Museum Walking

You have to admit that, some days this time of year, heading outside for an adventure in the perpetual downpour is not on the list of things to do. But, needing to get out of the house is going to be the one thing that keeps everyone from going off of their rockers in the [...]

Nature Journal – History of Holiday Greenery

Editor’s Note: Good Afternoon. If you missed out on Esther Kane’s morning post about how to beat Seasonal Affective Disorder, you can read it HERE.  Now, naturalist Jocie Ingram is here giving us the scoop on some lovely holiday greenery that you’ll be able to find in the woods, around your neighborhood or even in the [...]

Regional Growth (Part 2) – What Affects One Affects The Whole

Editor’s Note: If you missed it this morning, jump on over HERE and catch Sarah’s Winter comfort foods. They all sound delicious.
Comox Valley journalist Colleen Dane is back this afternoon with Part 2 of the SHIFT News series on the Comox Valley Regional Growth Strategy (RGS). Read Part 1 HERE. Today, she takes a look [...]

A Time To Remember

Good Morning. May we all take a moment today and remember those who have gone before us and lost their lives in service to Canada. May this solemn day remind us all to cherish our lives and honor them. We remember.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between [...]

Gather for a Family Heritage Experience

Editor’s Note: If you missed this morning’s AMAZING nature journal, you’ve got to go check out Jocie’s fantastic post on identifying slugs HERE. It’s fantastic. This afternoon, we’d like to extend an invitation to families of all ages to join Our Big Earth and The Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park for the Family Heritage Experience. [...]

Haunting History – Cumberland’s Bickle House

Editor’s Note: Happy Halloween. We’re launching a great new occasional feature here on OBE and what better way to dig into the stories and places that make up the history of the Comox Valley than with a tale of our own local haunted house. Valley newcomer and seasoned writer Matthew Wright kicks our history feature [...]

Discovering Iconic Canada In A Guitar

A nation that defines itself through music is one that can connect on so many levels. It can honor and sound off clearly about the tragedies, admire the drive and determination of individuals and communities and tell the stories of each of its citizens.
That is what Jowi Taylor set out to do when he envisioned his [...]

Connect Kids to Grandparents-Living Legacy

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

As my great-Aunt Adelaide would say, “My cup runneth over”.   It was an honour and a privilege to read your comments and stories about your own grandparents last month.  Thank you for [...]

Family Craft – Your Animal Family Genealogy

As my belly gets bigger, there are TONS of questions about how families are made and our ongoing “Family Tree” project expands, I found myself a little stumped recently when working out age-appropriate ways to talk with our 3.5 year old about families and who goes where.
Traditional genealogy – packed full of research and hunts [...]

Blog Book Tour – This Is The Feast

When I first got the invitation to join in the blog book tour for This Is The Feast by Diane Z. Shore, illustrated by Megan Lloyd, I wasn’t entirely confident as we here in Canada have long passed our Thanksgiving holiday.
But, all it took was opening the package, personally sent from Shore, with a handwritten [...]

Union Bay’s Coal Hills & Flower Chains

There are some places that need to be seen in the name of historical reference.
You may not be catching said locale in its heyday. But, the remnants of a past long gone are amazing clues to recreating the scene for yourself.
The Coal Hills in Union Bay is one of those places.
Ken is my reference, as [...]

Arctic Tales

I don’t want to be a part of the generation who has to some day explain why Canada’s amazing north vanished in our lifetime. How the mighty creatures of the Arctic and the intensely rugged Inuit culture literally melted away.
Never in our history have we as a society been more aware of our direct impact [...]

Mack Laing Nature Park

I‘d heard a whole lot of people talk about how lovely and relaxing a stroll through Mack Laing Nature Park is on a lovely day. But, wow was it ever tough to find something that actually showed me how to get there. Like many of the wonderful slices of nature around these parts, Mack Laing [...]