Renewal of Our Presence

We have to try to get rid of the notion of time. And when you have an intense contact of love with nature or another human being, like a spark, then you understand that there is no time and that everything is eternal.~ Paulo Coelho

I have walked along the seawall hundreds of times in English Bay; my invisible footsteps intermingled with a thousand other souls. Depending on my mood, I am always drawn to a particular object- sometimes it is the Inuksuk sculpture that captures my attention, other times it is the simple layers of ocean waves, licking at my toes. Last weekend, it was a man that is a local metaphysical wizard of rock balancing.

John Shaver has enthralled people with his mind-boggling ability to stagger, balance and suspend rocks along the beach front. The eye-catching images that are sprinkled along the ocean, have delighted throngs of those who attempt to figure out how he does it? 

I was fortunate to speak with John and soon we discovered a common thread between us- for him, his beloved mother who had passed away and me, my daughter, Shayla. I told him of The Heart Pebble Movement and he shared a special memory of a passage from the bible, connected to his mother in a unique story.

From the onset of our relating to one another, I found John to have a calming presence to him. In speaking about the rocks he balances, John explained how everyone can interpret what he does, to their own lives. As the forces of nature smash against each one in the continual waves, it can represent our losses and tragedies. Yet the beauty is that with the beginning of another day we have the opportunity to write a brand new, happier ending. 

As Shayla’s mother, I embrace the notion of nature being smoothed through the ripples of water, tumbling along in constant energy. Uniformly, it is much like my grief that knows how to come in levels of crushing emotions.

Regardless of the demands of my anguish, the formation of joyfulness takes a rock-solid shape… with every pebble placed in the world.

What I value the most about what John does is that he reminds us to remember our place amongst nature. To welcome the mystery his creations stir- while in search of life’s effortless bliss- to see ourselves in fragments of ocean rock. 

By T.L. Alton

Celebrating the Legacy

Who takes the child by the hand takes the mother by the heart. - Danish Proverb

In taking part of last weekend’s gathering to commemorate Stanley Park’s 125^th, I also released several polished pebbles and stones out into the world. 

I gave a very special one to the band, The Matinee, who had met Shayla years earlier on her 18^th birthday, while they were performing at a bungee jump charity event. After speaking with the lead singer, Matt, I was confident they will find a grand spot to release the pebble I gave them. 

Strolling past the flourishing road gardens, I was drawn into the forests to a bench, near a graceful stream. It was a peaceful area, offering shade and relief from the bustling crowds. As I sat on a memorial bench, I turned to read who it was dedicated to. Even before I lost my daughter, I always paid respect to whoever the bench was named after.

Sitting in the quietness of the woods, I closed my eyes and let the rays of daylight peeking through the sprawling trees, comfort me. Then I released another small pebble. I always cherish the ripples of every pebble, gemstone and rock I send out into the world. Capturing the very moment of its release is something I anticipate with fulfilment. 

 Within a few minutes, I followed the trickling water below to find a beautiful passage on a memorial to those who passed away in the war. After a few moments of silence, I gathered myself and dropped a tiny white stone…the ripples ever so slight. 

 On my way back, I discovered a magnificent cascading pond area. Standing with her mother, was a little girl, around the age of three who was fascinated with the water. In a moment of spontaneity, I asked her mother-Carrie, if I could give her daughter, Brielle the pebble in my hand to toss. I told her what it was for and Carrie liked the idea. I was fortunate to snap a picture before Brielle eagerly threw it into the pond. It was the first time I had felt at ease with giving a pebble to another child. The joy this mother and daughter brought me is something I hold dear. 

People have asked me how many I have let go in Shayla’s memory and to be honest, I have lost count. That is why I try to photograph every one, in hopes I can keep track. Yet, I do not feel that is what I should be focussed on. For me- it is about seizing the moment- letting the pebble decide where it should be placed. Just as my daughter was a care free spirit in this world, I know in my heart as her mother, that she continues to live on in many ways…in many places…in the ripples that carry on her brilliant legacy.

By T.L. Alton

Where Feasting = A Serving of Passion ~ Part 1

A few weeks ago, I attended the 2013 Honda Celebration of Light fireworks, where Team Canada proudly won! Afterwards, amongst the throngs of thousands, a small group of us dropped into Basil's Sub for the first time.

What impressed me from the beginning, was the prompt, friendly greeting we received. In a world lacking superb customer service, the owner- Dan, ensured we both were looked after and served the best foods. With a selection of Lebanese menu items and the best pulled pork voted No. 1, it made any choice we had, a fantastic one! I vowed to be back…

This past weekend’s celebration of Stanley Park saw a terrific array of food vendors. However, my heart was set on eating at Basil’s Sub. Stepping into this diverse, quaint restaurant is an experience itself, as you are met with the aroma’s of chicken, pulled pork, lamb, sauces and of course, basil. The décor includes a wavy table top, permeated with sparkle and flair. As I settled into my seat, Dan explains with pride how he built the table I rest my arms upon. He smiles and adds the interior design was created with his own hands and I marvel at his craftsmanship.

Making a decision as to what to eat at Basil’s Sub is to have fortitude to settle on just one item. For Dan’s portions are well known for their enormous size and his generous heaps of sides on the entrees, leaves customers time and again, more than satisfied.

Another benefit of eating here is that the pictures of food depicted on his menu, look like what a person is served. Dan asserts: its feel good food that comes to you looking what it should be like!

As I sit, watching him create a feast for all of my senses to be delighted, he engages me in conversation. The ambiance is bravura ... with mirrors encompassing the area, the open layout concept makes me feel like I am at Dan’s home with his family, while he makes my Basil salad with spicy Lebanese chicken. The sauce is a signature recipe, with slight hints of spice that dance off the taste buds and mingle with the flavours of my dish.

At one point, I mention how my friend would be envious of me, knowing I was about to eat at Basil’s Sub. To my amusement, Dan suggests I take a picture and send it to her. I do this promptly and later receive the response I was expecting… “Omg! Yummmmmm!”

I promise to take her back in September, where we will be treated with some of the most exceptional service I have ever seen!

Later, after Dan has closed and I am still there, he whips out his cell phone and proudly shares the other part of his life; contracting work. Impressive workmanship is something he values, while offering people showmanship in his designs.

I also noticed the heart of the man serving my meal. While eating, a lady came in looking for bottles and Dan handed her a bunch. His rapport with her was one of kindness and I was moved by how he handles everyone with the same grace and ease as his paying customers.

I needed to split this blog into two parts, as this one focuses solely on Dan and Basil’s Sub, the next part includes two of his customers, I met while eating there.

For those wanting to be fulfilled with their food, while enjoying the marvellous service of this establishment, I recommend beyond five stars…as this place shoots for the moon!  

  

By T.L. Alton

Location: BaSil’s Sub  296 Pemberton Avenue in North Vancouver, BC 

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