The Oracle's Adventures on Vancouver Island; Supper at the Shipyard

My favorite spots in this world are a beautiful cool forest where I can listen to the music of a waterfall or a warm meadow filled with the scent of wild flowers. Both remind me of the Nether World and I seek them out when I get homesick. Another thing that helps is to seek out someone actually from the Nether World to spend time with.

Do you remember my mermaid friend Odessa? I first met her 10 years ago when I was vacationing in Cuba. She was on the beach collecting sea shells as I was swimming in the ocean.  Something drew me to her but when I got near I accidentally splashed some water on her leg. She immediately became anxious because scales began to appear where the water had touched her skin.  I offered her my beach towel and reassured her by advising that I too was a mystic. She was the first actual mystic I met when I crossed over to this realm. We have been in contact ever since but do not get to see each other as much as we would like.

Odessa is extremely talented. She not only collects sea shells but makes jewellery from these shells and other natural objects she collects on her journeys. She is quite the traveller and never stays put in one place very long.

During my recent holiday on Vancouver Island, we were able to get together because Odessa has moved to Tofino and she made a special effort to come see me.  “The Shipyard” is a little place in the Maple Bay Marina and Odessa suggested we meet there. The restaurant is right on the water and surrounded by ships and boats of all sizes and descriptions.  The menu is a true pescatarian’s dream. Sounds like a good mermaid’s hangout right? It is Odessa’s favorite restaurant and she comes often.

I do want to warn my fellow vegetarians that our choices are limited. I did manage to score a nice pasta with a mixture of herbs and rose sauce that was fresh, rich, and satisfying. Odessa ordered the oysters, shrimp skewers, and double coleslaw. I could tell that she loved it as she ate the whole dinner in about five minutes without stopping to talk or even take breath. We ordered a bottle of white wine that had a fresh crisp citrus flavor and complemented both our meals. The wine was appropriately named “The Beach House”. Good food, good wine, and good friends eventually leads to good conversation.

We caught up on what each of us has been doing. I told Odessa about this blog. Odessa says hello. She told me about the challenges of operating her business. I suggested she consider starting her own website to increase sales and leave more time for the actual production. She was hesitant and thought it would be too much trouble and difficult to manage. I know what you are thinking. All she needs is a picture of herself, a laptop, and an internet connection. But I know Odessa well enough to know that it really isn’t about the amount of work involved. Odessa hates getting her picture taken.  She thinks she has “no good side”. But the truth is she is a little bit afraid of items that cannot get wet. This includes cell phones and lap tops. Odessa is of the siren persuasion and her life revolves around water. It is her favorite place to be and if she can’t make a splash, she is going to dash. I guess we all have our quirks and it is best that we respect all our differences.

I need to be near a forest or a meadow to feel at home. Odessa needs the water. We need each other. What makes you feel at home? Who makes you feel at home?

  

Picnic in the Plaza - Out of this World

Can anyone imagine a better way to spend a beautiful Sunday than being out and about?  Especially when that out and about happens to be in the East Village of Calgary where a lively event, Picnic in the Plaza, is taking place.  What happens there is that many food trucks are spread out by the River Plaza.  These trucks are looking to sell some food and make their presence known. They are similar to the food carts in our world that you see  most in the market town of Merkiva.  There is also a small stage with the "Bass Bus."  Live musicians and deejays played some hot beats and chill melodies.  Sounds like heaven right?  And it's just by the river, so it was paradise.
 

 I came to this event with an old Naga friend that I made in college.   We haven't seen each other for a year and she happened to be in my neck of the realms.  She asked me not to write her name for privacy reasons and I have to respect that.  Many of us know Nagas are half human, half snake creatures from the Hindi/Buddhist regions and are a part of the Siren Clan.  They are similar to mermaids, as they can change their tails into legs. The difference is that they can reside on land and not be affected when water touches their legs.  They still have to be careful because their transformation can happen when they are the most relaxed.  Now being water creatures, they are often the most relaxed when close to water.  We decided that we would go check this thing out and I am really glad that we did.  
 
Our adventure began when we paid our $5.00 at the door and went inside.  The first thing we saw was a small caravan that sold clothing and jewelry. Their clothing was of the more vintage, bohemian, casual type but the jewelry, I lost my heart to it.  It is made locally from recycled material and made to look as if it came from another time.  My friend could not leave without a blue stone necklace that reminded her of home. I don't blame her.  And you know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say these items came straight from the Nether Realm. 

After we had finished admiring the clothing caravan, my friend and I explored and sampled a little of this and a little of that.  I think my favorite was either the mango bruschetta or the triple chocolate cupcake.   Both were so delicious that I could not decide which was better.  I must warn everyone though.  Do not buy the "Love Potion".  My friend and I both agreed that all it would stir up is divorce.  One taste of this would ward off all kinds of human contact.  So naturally, we kept it for protection.  No offense to those who made it but you can't win them all.  



  

But we felt like we won.  The ebb of the river and the eclectic music made the whole event more joyous.  We decided to eat our unusual tacos out by the river since there is an opening at the fence right by it.  My friend, being a Naga and so drawn to water, was very pleased that we did this.  As we ate, we dipped our feet in the river. To me the water was ice cold and damn frigid.  Not so much fun for me but for my friend, she loved it.  To a Naga any water, especially if water is hard to come by, is sacred no matter how cold.  
 
We were listening to the music.  It had some good pulsing beats but it was mellow enough to just enjoy.  The sound of the music seemed to match the look and flow of the water.  I wonder if these musicians and deejays knew this. To be serenaded that way while we chilled out by the water was like we were back in the Nether Realm.  Because she was a little to relaxed, my friend's snake trail showed a bit causing a little concern.  But I covered it with my jacket until her legs came back and luckily no one noticed.  So all is well.

If there is another food truck event like Picnic in the Plaza, I recommend you check it out.  If you have a good friend, good food, good music, water and a warm spring day, you will have a splendid time.


  

Village Ice Cream

 Looking for something that tastes like magic?  Go to the Village Ice Cream shop.   This is the kind of treat that everybody needs when you're out and about while enjoying a beautiful day.  Of course if you are more of a night person such as a shape-shifter for example, this would be a great place to take the one you love on a romantic night out.  Especially since the atmosphere is so natural and comfortable that it is bound to put even the most nervous of daters at ease.  In this lovely little shop, they make all their ice cream right in the store from scratch.  I tell you that is the only way to go.  After all there is something for everybody of every taste.

Here is a list of suggestions for what you my readers might like:

• Fairies - Hibiscus Sorbet or Honey Lavender
• Elves - Guide's Mint
• Mermaids - Salted Caramel
• Sirens - Toasted Coconut
• Dragon Riders - Cardamom
• Shape-Shifters (aka Werewolves) - Phil and Sebastian Coffee
• Enchanters - Two Hills Earl Grey
• Zombies - Rocky Road
• Spirits -Village Vanilla Bean
• Angels - Strawberry
• Aliens - Strawberry with Coconut Milk
• Gods - Maple Walnut
• Everyone - Melted Chocolate
• Vampires - Ask for a suggestion box.  There is nothing in there with blood in it.

Now when I went I was feeling decadent.  So I decided to order a sundae with everything.  When you ask for a sundae with everything that includes; ice cream of your choice, hot fudge sauce, pecans, whipped cream and a cherry on top. 














I followed the sweet-natured store clerk's advice and took the salted caramel ice cream and I tell you, she was right.  It was AWESOME!  I felt myself go into a wonderful euphoria with the tastes of salty, sweet, creamy and chocolaty all rolled into one fabulous bite.  There is only one word to describe it all and that is ...magic.

There are three locations but I went to the one in Britannia Plaza.  Here is the address and phone number.  Go there and enjoy the magic.

Village Ice Cream
820 49 Ave SW
Calgary, AB
(403) 457-9808

The Good Witch

Looking for a little insight on how magic works here in the Earth Realm?  Well a wonderful show called the "Good Witch" which is featured on the Hallmark Channel is a perfect example of what magic is here in the Earth Realm. 

This show it about a mysterious, free-spirited and kind-hearted woman named Cassandra Nightingale (Played by Catherine Bell).  Many people believe her to be a witch and noone truly knows for sure whether she is or not.  But one thing is for sure is that she knows how to work her magic to help others.  It is possible here in this world to have magic.  It is just a little harder.  You need an open and kind heart, a positive attitude, and the strength to persevere even when everything seems to crumble down around you.  That is the key to magic here in this realm. 



Anyway back to the show.  Cassie owns a kurio/botanical shop called the Bell, Book and Candle which contains all kind of oddities that help people in many different ways.  She also owns a Bed and Breakfast called Grey House which is also her home and reputed to be haunted.  Pretty cool yes?  Here's where it gets better, she also has an uncanny knack for knowing what people need and what happens to those around her.  This is how she helps them.  But sometimes this enchanting woman needs help too and that is where her family and friends in the fictional town of Middleton come to play.  With their own gifts or even just their love, they give her what she needs the most.  A family.  She brings out the magic in them and they all become a unified community. 

I'm not ashamed to say that I hope to do what Cassie does for other people.  It is important to help others.  This show inspires me and I hope it will inspire all of you too.  There are many words to describe what this show gives to us.  Some would say hope, others probably say entertainment but I say it gives us magic.  And now who says that we mystics can't do the same thing in this world?

PS.  It's not just a TV series, Check out the movies too.  It's how the magic all begins.