On the Third Day of Christmas ~ Nostalgia

 Nostalgia definition, a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends ...

My connection with trees and the association of sacred memories I have with them, goes back to my time spent in the forest as a young girl. I found solace trudging through masses of woodlands where for a part of my life, I grew up. In amongst a cache of birch trees, I whispered my darkest secrets to the sprawling timberland and in return they offered me a secure place to hide. 

Later in my writing career, my first novel that I have devoted a great amount of time to features the prominent formation of a magical Sitka spruce. Years earlier, I was told that this is my “Spirit Tree.”

When I attended the Memorial bench dedication to my daughter, I sat in the early dawn amongst the towering pine trees that are on either side. Pines are the symbol of remembrance and protection.  It also is Shayla’s “Spirit Tree.” 

When stepping back into the holiday season, I found myself purchasing two Christmas trees. I could not accept to have lives ones, so mine are the non-watering kind. I bought a mini tree for the sole purpose of displaying the hand-painted and crafted ornaments that my babygirl had made, while growing up. There is a little clothes pin soldier, two metallic dipped eggs to honour the Ukrainian heritage, a Popsicle moose and endless angels. When she was older, she made a sign language adornment. One of my personal favourites is a piece of wood she carved and painted, then added the word “Mom.” 

The other tree stands just 4ft, but is embellished with many sentimental décor that we bought throughout the years. To honour Shayla’s passion for dance, I gave her a mother and daughter twirling together. As a collector of numerous sock monkey’s I have two of them, a girl and a boy, hanging off my tree.

 

I have a special key from 2010, a beautifully hand-crafted native art bulb, along with an exceptional Mickey and Minnie Disney ornament. It was bought for my daughter in 2011 but she never had a chance to receive it.

This year, I purchased a Betty Boop angel as Shayla was an avid collector. 

 I added a daughter heart...

 ...a feather decoration for her Aboriginal roots and a snowflake. Draping the tree is a special hand-made ornament with proceeds going to African AIDS Angels. I took my time in picking out the one I felt was special for my tree. It had been given a traditional African name in honour of a child who has been affected by AIDS. Her name is GZIFA (One is at peace). 

On a branch is a glittery white dove, from my friends, TJ and Dean who I house and pet sat for last winter. The prominent figurines of angels echo the love for my child. On a lower bough is a glass angel that pulsates with a kaleidoscope of colours, when the switch is on. I brought her back from a lovely quaint shop in London and was elated to see it arrived safely in one piece. My Hawaiian Anela I purchased along the road to Hana. In amongst the brimming boughs is a white cross I decorated for this year. It reads, “Remember when…”  This symbolizes all of the years I was blessed with creating extraordinary holiday memories together. 

Since I am unable to wrap my arms around my babygirl- the poignant adornments reflect the nostalgia of Christmas’s past- and consist of the spirit of reminiscing. Every time I sit in the solitude of my cozy home and gaze upon the twinkles casting a glow over my trees; there is significance of the memories they display.   

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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