Buoyant blog of Canadian poet and haijin (lifelong haikuist) Chris Faiers/cricket. Poetry, esp. People's Poetry in the tradition of Milton Acorn, haiku/haibun, progressive politikal rants, articles on engaged Buddhism and meditation, updates on the revitalizing of Callaghan's Rapids Conservation Area, memories of ZenRiver Gardens retreat near Marmora and annual Purdy Country LitFests (PurdyFests), events literary and politikal, and pics, amid swirling currents of earth magick and shamanism.
I remember taking some of the still photos in this vid in 1969, esp. the ones of Dave crossing the bridge to Eel Pie Island, one of Lorna with a flower, and many of the hotel. Don't know what happened to my old camera - someone must have nicked it for food.
hi Chris,
Ron has just reposted a slightly edited version of his film and also made it full-size (so too big to attach to an email) -
"THIS VIDEO IS NOT MINE IT WAS PUT TOGETHER BY ME AND MY 12 yr old SON ..It was made by us for THE EEL PIE ISLANDERS and THE GROSVENOR ROAD GROUPS and so it is owned by them for there Historical use ..... Hi every one I have re adjusted the videos ..there was only a couple of hic cups and no complaints what so ever ...the time/locations were not quite right for what was needed ...and just to set the record straight these are not my snap shots and neither is the music lol ..I chose the song by Sandy Denny (born in Kingston) and The Fairport Convention because it seemed to fit so well with those far off days of Joss sticks ..Hair 'n' Hash ....and I tried to get the snap shots to fit to the tune as much as possible ....The second instrumental is a variant of the first song ..I chose that because of the laid back ..slightly chilled but still aware guitar work .. again that seemed to fit with the mood of the times and places that we all once knew and possibly loved . Sadly some of the people in the photos are no longer with us (RIP) but will no doubt always be remembered with love and a smile ...x !"
Solar eclipses are conjunctions of the sun and the moon. They signify a new start and a new beginning. Eclipses gradually and symbolically build up energy which is released dramatically all at once.
The first city to pass under this eclipse was Mazatlan Mexico 10:21 AM PST, as it proceeded to the last continental city in North America — Burlington,Vermont at 3:26 pm EDT.
As an expression of astrology, eclipses come in two flavors; unreliable or awesomely undeniable.
The effect of this eclipse was/is both awesome and undeniable. From the Baltimore bridge collapse, to this week’s exceptional and massive floods in Dubai, escalation of the war in the Gaza Strip, 4.5 earthquake reported to be centered in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, with a 1.0 kilometer (0.62 miles) depth, and jury selection for the Donald Trump trial — it’s been a remarkable ride and the fat lady ain’t done singing yet.
The number 18 is prominent here. While there is no special voodoo in that number, we usually feel the effect of eclipse for about 18 weeks after the event. The North node of the Moon in Aries was/is connected to this event. We can expect this to last about 18 months, or looking at it as a nodal return; 18 years.
I’m going to speak out now about very bad ideas. It is a very bad idea, quite bad indeed, to go through the remainder of this 18 whatever cycle feeling absolutely powerless to change anything.
The movie Civil War written and directed by Alex Garland, has been released in the past seven days. One of the themes embedded in this movie is the idea of the death of ideology — finally distilled down to either shoot me or shoot you, kill me or kill you.
Is civil war absolutely inevitable with this eclipse happening in the warrior soldier Sign of Aries? When we refuse to talk to the other side, that’s when the weapons come out. Silence is complicity and escalation, while talking and listening allows both sides to blow off steam because someone is listening that we didn’t expect to listen. Listening is not yet a threatened endangered species. All Wars so far have always, and I mean always, ended at the negotiating table.
You will also notice that in the developed countries notably the US and Canada, a serious discussion has begun about seriously taxing billionaires. Make the very rich pay. It’s been said that millionaires want luxury and billionaires want control. Getting billionaires to pay their fair share won’t be easy and yes it is doable. Yep, eclipse energy at work along the Aries (Me) to Libra (We) themes.
This earthly cycle unfolding just now can also be connected to the heavenly cycle of the moon blocking out the sun’s light. In astrology the sun is often associated with rational empowerment, while the moon rules over emotions. The exception to this was when the Greek playwrights connected the noon day sun burning the psyche resulting in murderous madness. The Greeks thought of the Sun as Manifestation of the ego’s will. The moon and her bowl also held regret, sorrow, and repentance. These are also emotions associated with her reflected light.
My fellow astrologers know that Neptune signifying collective desire, dreams, and yearning, will soon be in the martial sign of Aries (in 2026). Last time it was there we had the American Civil War. And yes, it will be joined in Aries by the planet Saturn.
Will a cynical shrug make war go away? How about no? Nor will frightened silence or prayers turn the world towards peace. If you think prayers are the WWWIII stopper right now, I will personally arrange for you to have tea with the Taliban.
Is democracy breakable? In the short term the answer is yes. It will reemerge after the body count and the world wide radiation burns, if we allow horrible men without a conscience to break democracy. Many astrologers appear to be surrounding themselves with an eerie silence just now. I don’t think they would like to be buried in that silence.
If you love this planet as I do then speak up. Silence just now is the real World killer, our beloved World.
I'm always happy that you post the videos/photos I send to you. I wish I was a better communicator (more often) but using the internet at the Library has its' limits (time-wise, etc.)
Today I joined Honey and a bunch of other poets to witness Poet Laureate Lillian Allen receive the proclamation of National Poetry Month from Mayor Chow in the Council Chambers. Very inspiring. Here's the link to the video:
You've taken some fantastic photos on your trip to Brock's Spot! You got a great camera for a bargain price! I'm looking forward to seeing your future photos!
On a Saturday Doug and I zipped around Campbellford buying my first digital camera, a nice used Fuji listed on Marketplace for $80. On April first I made my first photo expedition to try out the camera. I parked my old Sube on a dirt road and walked along the snowmobile trail to the bridges over Crowe River. Below is the first pic I took with my new toy, a view north from the bridges. The trail I walked was on the right (east) side running very close to the river bank.
This was only my second walk on this foot trail. It starts on CRCA land and then winds along the river. It's not posted for trespassing and appears little used. I discovered this trail just a few weeks before this visit. I'm sure it'll become one of my favourite walks.
There is a sad memorial or shrine to the memory of Brock, "Brock's Spot". I believe Brock was a young local man who died on the small island in view behind his memorial. That's my maple walking stick leaning against the tree.
The other most interesting feature of this hike is a series of moss covered crystalline rocks and burrows. I suspect this is where local spirits live who keep company with Brock. . .
Celebrating National Poetry Month - The Secret Handshake Art Gallery, To...
It was a fantastic afternoon of poetry and community spirit. The good news is that Honey & bill will be reading on April 20th, same bat channel.
Nothing like poetry to reinvigorate my tired spirit! best, Henry
Hi Chris,
Did Henry let you know that I will be hosting a poetry program at the High Park Library on April 25th next week. It starts at 7:00 My readers are Professor Al Moritz, Daniel Maluka, Patrick Connors, Judith Penfold and Me. Would be an honor to see you there.
I received the follow-up email from Nick Drumbolis with further links to his biblio research stories on Canadian writers. Nick has posted them on the Internet Archive for all to read. I spent hours reading the first link below "Wayward Letters" until my eyes hurt.
Thanks much Chris (on both counts). Not sure if i ever sent earlier studies like Jonesie's but in case i didn't i'm appending the links below (pardon me if i did). What the academic self-proclaimed arbiters of poetry fail to appreciate is that it's a portal into the life of another human being. An art (or an affliction) that certainly has nothing to do with "greatness". In other words, 'the poet' is hardly a category restricted to those who write great poetry (just like artists aren't all in the pantheon). Recently i pulled down an old vol wch has poems by various kings & queens of England & reading one by Henry 8, wch put his pot on a totally different map for me. Currently 1600pp into a similar illustrated study of Can poe back to 1850, Contact in Context, in wch are countless marvels of the art long gone from common memry. I've always detested surveys of art or community (not to mention parties) that leave people out. Glad you're still blogging & chugging along (happily on a better infernal machine). Hang in, n
Wayward Letters [recovery of a 19th C female author who no one realized, started indie publishing in Canada]
Hey Chris, thot you might get a kick out ofmy new Jonesie list(you feature near the end & like every good poetry dog, wherever words matter). Hope you're swell, Nicky
Btw, loved Eel Pie.
LETTERS BOOKSHOP
647 SIMPSON STREET
THUNDER BAY ONTARIO
CANADA P7C 3J9
LITERATURE RAW & RARE : BY APPOINTMENT 807-285-8309 : NO BOOK TOO OLD
"books without bite suck" art
Hi Nicky,
Holy Shit! (to borrow a title). This is a freaking incredible labour of love honouring jones. Of course it also honours/remember/recognizes jones’s large literary circles as well. Pleased to be included ; )- In fact there’s a lot more of Unfinished Monument stuff (and of course mine) than expected. Again, what a thorough labour of love!
I’ve been focusing on blogging in my dotage. Age 75 now and soon to be 76, the gods willing. : )- Lots of bad stuff the past two years - cancer op, vicious dog attack, even a few old friendships imploding. Such is the life of a Canuck poet . . . But much good stuff, too. ; )-
I’ve been sending materials to the Haiku Canada archives for the past couple of years, and often post something when I’m contributing on a particular writer. Here’s a post from last year on jones.
I’ll cc the HC Archives committee for their info.
Nicky, you’re incredible!!!
Peace and poetry power!
Chris
Nick Drumbolis in his Thunder Bay Bookshop (from CBC site, 2014 - check it out)
