Born out of the times of COVID here is a project that brings a smile to those who discover what it does. Words spelt so many ways can evoke that. Cheeky turns, a hint of wry humour and the result is eye and ear catching; Ryes and Shine is definitely that.

Kelly Darwin offers more than a just a great collection of made-on-site (and with local Island and BC ingredients) spirits. There is a cocktail lounge with sharables and even oysters.

Yes, you can discover them at farmers' markets too!

You can bet I will return when the sign says "OPEN"!

Acupuncture? Have you tried it? Would you? What if it improved your Quality of Life?

Meet Alexandra (Alex) Henneberry. She is a graduate of Pacific Rim College and is a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac).

We take time to talk about the philosophy, treatment, and impact. Alex kindly shares her vision of what it can do for you... and me.

This episode starts back at the Viewfield Food Distribution Centre where Chris Hammer speaks about fruit rescue. The next conversation is about preparing food for the Queens Street site... and so of course we transfer there to see where individuals and families can find the nourishment they need.

Executive Director of the Mustard Seed Treska Watson continues the tour with us throughout the entire building with a specific focus on the actual interaction where need meets food possibilities.

Viewfield Road is a little off most people's maps, but beside the many warehouses and businesses there is a key player in the regional food system.

Executive Director Treska Watson takes us for a walk from the loading bays through all the spaces that ensure so much food is directed and redirected. From farmers' abundance to over-stock, and naturally best-before dates, there is everything from programs for school programs to food and fruit rescue (120,000 pounds per week) .

It is here too we meet Chris Hammer and his team who prepare much of the food of the Mustard Seed's Queens Street site.

She has been elected 5 times! Definitely doing something right.

Mayor Bard Desjardins has been influential in shaping this township: its mix of housing, its recreational and retail spaces, plus the relationship with the Canadian Navy are part of what makes it work.

Mayor Barb reflects on the intentions matched with the natural beauty of the shoreline, waterways, and spectacular views across the Straits of Juan de Fuca.

Parks, walkability, even breweries and patios are all amenities that enhance quality of life.

I recall participating in retreats here. In this episode we are inside the hand sculpted cob building that is the Healing Sanctuary. Brand Gallagher and I talk more about the Ecovillage and how it came to be. She shares the history of almost 3 decades of learning how to be a community and also a showcase of what is possible.

This is Part Two of my visit to the O.U.R. Ecovillage. Brandy Gallagher shares more about the philosophy of the place, offers a tour of the buildings and systems that make it a showcase of the possible. Come along for a walk and talk.

This is part one of a four episode series.

It didn't start that way; it sort of just happened. When opportunity presents itself, you should run with it. Brandy Gallagher gave me two of the greatest gifts: she shared her time and enthusiasm.

It has been more than 17 years since my last visit to this intentional community. Located in the hills above Shawnigan Lake (north of Victoria) this place is definitely worth exploring if you are searching for deeper understanding... about so many things.

Brandy outlines the purpose, history, and even the physical nature of the project.

Tea & Toast ?

The name of Amy Friesen's company caught my attention... maybe yours too?

It is a launch pad for conversations about the future. Your future, your loved one's future. Aging does not necessarily mean a diminishment, but if we don't talk about stairs, vision, cognition, then decision-making might just fall from your hands to another. It can rapidly go from "what if" to "must" in just one fall.

Amy in in Ottawa, but I am certain she knows about all the retirement, assisted living, and memory-care properties across the National Capital region. She helps individuals and families find the best match for their needs and expectations.

Have a listen; it is really a pan-Canadian conversation about how abilities change and how we can maximize the pluses of where we live.

Who doesn't love a market? A farmers' market is a real community event. In Esquimalt Mel was kind enough to share the history and current progress of the local market. We have a conversation about merchants, music, and shoppers. Sitting right in the same park where the Thursday evening weekly event brings hundreds of individuals, couples, kids, and families we also acknowledge the seasonal start of the Monday Market at Gorge Park.

Markets are not just about connecting food to people, but also are community building happenings... an encouragement to meet neighbours and share experiences.