Monday Morning Musings

Posted on July 13, 2015 under Monday Morning Musings with no comments yet

“I’m picking up good vibrations”

( Beach Boys )

 

 

How does one describe “vibe?”

According to one source that I checked out, vibe is a “distinct emotional quality or atmosphere that is sensed or experienced by someone.”

Last week was an incredibly busy one in and around Antigonish with the Highland Games and a rash of other activities taking place. It seemed like everywhere I went, there were warm, appreciative crowds of people. Of course, having ideal weather makes all the difference in the world.

There was the Kilted Golf Tournament which has a vibe all of its own. The Street Fair on Thursday was terrific with lots of thing to see, do and buy. I decided that conducting some quality control was important and sampled the delicious strawberry shortcake dished up by the good folks at Bergengren Credit Union. The parade on Saturday was awesome. All three of our granddaughters were home for the Games and we were able to experience the parade through their eyes. I also went to Columbus Field and enjoyed the dancing, piping and drumming and of course the heavy events. Having a bad back, watching the “Farmer’s Walk” made me cringe.

There were all kinds of concerts and dinners spread throughout the community including a major music festival, Evolve. I decided that at the age of 63, catching that vibe wasn`t in the cards!

I must claim a bit of bias here when I say that the highlight for me was the Antigonish Art Fair held last Friday at Chisholm Park. The fact that I happened to be the emcee at the gazebo had nothing to do with “the vibe.” The unofficial attendance was in the neighborhood of 1400 people,  who enjoyed an evening of art, music, culture, an incredible kid’s corner and an amazing display of ethnic food. It was one of those perfect, soft , warm summer evenings. No one was in a hurry. It seemed like everyone had a smile on their face.

Beth Latwaitis and David Miller deserve kudos for their vision in putting this whole thing together. It is working beautifully and the multicultural aspect of the fair is one of the key reasons. I think that Antigonishers are realizing the importance of embracing different cultures. We are extremely fortunate that people from other countries have chosen us as their place to call home.

One more thing. It dawned on me once again the importance of volunteers. None of these events would happen without volunteers. It is staggering to think of the number of “person hours” that went into making these events successful.

I received a lot of feedback on the Frank McGibbon story. Someone put it succinctly. They said that my story was “a thoughtful look at a man who was more complicated than his community may have imagined.”

I have some new stories coming your way. I hope to shine a light on a local business that has done so much good work for the community. Also, I am finishing up a story about the perils of cleaning a teenager’s bedroom at the end of a school year. I think the story is going to be called “Wreck Room.” Seems appropriate, wouldn’t you say?!

I am hoping to go to Sydney later in the week to meet an amazing woman who was involved in a terrible accident and is profoundly handicapped. I am told that her approach to life is inspiring. I can’t wait to meet her and share her story with you.

Be grateful. I truly believe that this is the key to happiness.

Have a great week.

P.S. I had finished writing my “musings” before I attended the closing service of the Highland Games at St. James United Church. Let me add one final vibe to the list: the spirit of ecumenism. There were so many wow moments for me this week and this service was truly the “icing on the cake.” It would take me an entire page to say what I saw and felt. Many religions were under one roof celebrating culture, community and Christianity. Once again, I feel blessed to live here.

P.P.S. Please don’t forget about Maud ( Jim and Sarah Mulcahy’s granddaughter ) who is gravely ill. You can donate on line at http://www.gofundme.com/yfdqjc or contact me directly. Thanks.