Art and Soul Gallery to Host Grand Opening

June 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The outside of the Art and Soul Gallery

 Art and Soul Gallery 120-6 ave SW, High River

 

High River has such a vibrant history and culture of art that it’s no doubt the Art and Soul Gallery will be a big hit among residents and tourists alike.

The gallery is having their grand opening this weekend, June 7-9 to celebrate its new location. Previously, the gallery was called Gallery 109, but since its move, has been renamed.

Part-owner Annie Froese says that the gallery is extremely unique compared to other galleries because it’s run collectively with all the artists instead of commercially, with one sole owner. “This means that we’re all individual owners in once place,” Froese says.

In order for the artists to be collective owners, they each pay a fee that allows them to have 10 feet of wall space to showcase their work. On top of this, they must also come work at the gallery two days a week, which Froese says allows the customers to interact with the artists.

“Quite often with commercial galleries, they’ll have work hanging on a wall, but you’ll never get to know anything about the artists and why they were moved to paint it,” Froese says. “But here, we love getting the chance to teach people about the whole process.”

Artist Tyrrell Clarke stands next to her beautiful paintings.

Artist Tyrrell Clarke with her recent work of summer florals.

Running Art and Soul Gallery this way also greatly benefits the artists because they are able to keep 100 per cent of their profits. “Commercial art galleries are the opposite of this,” Froese says. “Those galleries decide what commission they’re going to take and it’s usually anywhere between 50 and 70 per cent.”

Not only are there artists at the gallery, Routes Media Inc. has also relocated its office to be on the top floor of the gallery.

“Routes has always been a supporter of the art community and it is an honour and a pleasure to work amidst of all this talent, it’s really inspiring,” says Sandra Wiebe, owner of Routes Media.

The location is the perfect place, says Froese, because it’s got a big backyard, perfect for holding events such as the opening this weekend. Froese encourages everyone to come down this weekend to meet the artists and listen to live music.

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Artist Brian Clute touches up the edges of his abstract painting.

The artists that will be represented are Tyrrell Clarke, Brian Clute, Annie Froese, Don Hamm, Larissa McLean, Jacqueline Mulyk, Krystyna Laycraft, Sue Weston and Sharon Lynn Williams, with more to come.

The celebrations will take place Friday from 6-9pm, Saturday from 12-5pm and Sunday from 1-4pm.

To find out more information on the event go to http://www.artandsoulstudiogallery.com

Visit the website for more great events to come!

Filed Under: Art & Music, Cover Story, Lead Story Tagged With: , , , , ,

Alyshia Grace Hobday Gets Lead Role in Hairspray at Storybook Theatre Society, Calgary

May 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment 
collage_hobday

High River’s own Alyshia Grace Hobday (23) has busted out into a more professional theatre scene with her role as Penny in Hairspray  at Storybook Theatre Society, Calgary.

By Lisa Taylor  
Photos by Lawrence Eisler, Eisler Design

Ever since Hobday was a little girl she has been actively involved in singing and theatre. After graduating from Highwood High School, she went on to study at the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria where she grew and advanced her passion.

When she returned from Victoria, back to her small town routes in High River, she decided she wanted to do a lot of auditioning but was doubtful of getting any opportunities due to the fact that the business is so cut-throat.

“I’m hoping to have some people see me so that I can continue on and take that step into the professional theatre community in Calgary,” Hobday says.

Back in January, when Hobday auditioned, she says she didn’t even think she stood a chance at getting the part. “I was actually super shocked when I got the part because they didn’t even know who I was,” she says. “I was just this nobody girl to them.”

Now Hobday has been having the time of her life playing the main character’s best friend, Penny, a nerdy girl who is all decked out in pigtails and glasses.

The sold-out show has been met with an overwhelming response. So much so that it had to open up for an extra day.

Although Storybook Theatre is a community theatre, Hobday says it’s very close to being professional.  “I’m extremely grateful to this role because it’s allowed me be noticed.”

During the May 21 show, Hobday says 20 theatre reviewers were there to take notice.  “Reviewers don’t usually come to community theatres, there’s other professional theatre shows to go to in Calgary,” Hobday says. “But because of word of mouth they’re all coming which is really exciting.”

Hairspray runs from May 10 to 26

http://www.storybooktheatre.org/hairspray

Filed Under: Art & Music, Lead Story

CONTEST DETAILS

May 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

FBvoucher

CRAZY PHOTO CONTEST

WIN a 5-NIGHT STAY… VALUED AT $2400

Enter on facebook: CLICK HERE TO GO TO FACEBOOK

 

One of the highlights of Routes magazine has been getting the chance to do some crazy staff photoshoots. Now we would like to give YOU the opportunity to do the same! We are giving away a 5-night stay for you and 7 friends at the exquisite Fairmont Ridge Townhome valued at $2400!

In order to win this amazing prize, we’re leaving it up to you to send us an original, crazy, fun photo of you and your friends or family. Deadline for photo submission is July 1.

You will need to have your friends and family vote/LIKE your image on our Facebook page – most LIKES is the winner! Voting and contest ends August 31.

Good luck!

Contest banner

 

Filed Under: Contest Details, Lead Story

Life as 2013 Calgary Stampede Royalty

May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Calgary Stampede Queen Jessica Williams, Princess Danielle Kakoschke and Princess Catherine Morneau share their insights on their reign so far

By Lisa Taylor

Little kids love pretty girls and the Grade 1 students at Percy Pegler Elementary School in Okotoks were no exception. On May 5, the 2013 Calgary Stampede Queen and princesses looked especially like royalty with their long, curly hair, leather dresses and silver belt buckles as they were met with smiles and admiration by the children. Although they looked like they’d walked straight out of a magazine, they were there for a purpose – to teach the kids about western heritage while reading stories and answering probing questions such as, “Why are you dressed like that?” or “How old are you?”

From left to right is Princess Catherine Morneau, Queen Jessica Williams and Princess Danielle Kakoschke. Photo by Ted Dawson.

From left to right is Princess Catherine Morneau, Queen Jessica Williams and Princess Danielle Kakoschke. Photo by Ted Dawson.

 

Living the dream

Back in October, Jessica Williams (22), Danielle Kakoschke (22) and Catherine Morneau (23) had their wildest dreams come true when they were crowned the 2013 Calgary Stampede Queen and princesses respectively.

For Queen Williams, she had already tried out the year before, which she says made her want it even more. “I had a taste of what the competition was like, so the fact that I became Queen was definitely amazing for me.”

All three ladies were extremely happy and surprised when their names were called; however, Princess Morneau says that because she is originally from Quebec, she was definitely astonished when she won.

“The fact that I wasn’t from Calgary and I was still kind of struggling with my English sometimes made me think that it was something that they wouldn’t like,” Morneau says. But looking back on it now she says that being able to speak French probably gave her an advantage in the competition. “I think they are really excited about the bilingual side of me,” she says adding that it comes in handy for events such as today when she read a book in French to a class at Percy Pegler School.

A balancing act

Williams currently lives in High River and juggles her time between working as a dental assistant at Signature Smiles and living the busy life as Queen.

“Everyone at work has been extremely generous with giving me time off,” Williams says. “I’ll be working less and less as it gets closer to Stampede, but it’s definitely doable.”

Similar to Williams, Princess Kakoschke, who is originally from Okotoks, also has a lot on the go as she works towards obtaining her Human Resources Management certificate with a major in Law and Society at the University of Calgary.

“I did end up balancing both school and being a Princess, but in retrospect, I would probably tell someone not to worry about the school part or even a certain job that they have,” Kakoschke says. “School will always be there, but this is only a one-year commitment.”

Princess Morneau also has a job working as an esthetician at a spa in Canmore; however, when everything started getting too busy, she cut down her hours there to just work part-time.

The girls on the grounds of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where they got to participate in their first Grand Entry. L-R Princess Catherine, Queen Jessica and Princess Danielle.

The girls on the grounds of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where they got to participate in their first Grand Entry. L-R Princess Catherine, Queen Jessica and Princess Danielle.

Highlights

All three girls agree that some of the best times they’ve spent together have been during their many travel adventures. It’s so great to get the chance to go places you’ve never been and to do things you’ve never done,” Morneau says.

The royalty were given the opportunity to travel to Houston, Texas where they promoted the Calgary Stampede at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. However, being at the rodeo was not the only adventure they went on. They also got to ride camels in their spare time, which Morneau wrote on her blog that they absolutely loved, but added that they much prefer their trusty steeds.

Right after travelling to Houston, the girls were flown off to Las Angeles to promote Calgary’s western heritage at an L.A. Kings hockey game, which all agree was a night to remember. One of the highlights of the game was when Williams got to ride on the Zamboni in front of thousands of hockey fans while practicing her Queen wave.

“The L.A. game was really special,” Morneau says. “People didn’t understand who we were. They thought we were ice girls or dancers or the Dixie Chicks!” But she says that that’s exactly why they travel – to make people more aware about who they are and to try and get people to come to Calgary for the Stampede.

The Royalty strike a pose at the Calgary Flames at LA Kings game this year in LA with Travel Alberta. L-R Queen Jessica, Princess Catherine and Princess Danielle.

The Royalty strike a pose at the Calgary Flames at LA Kings game this year in LA with Travel Alberta. L-R Queen Jessica, Princess Catherine and Princess Danielle.

Advice for the 2014 contestants

Applications for next year’s contestants will open up in June, and although the current royalty are sad to talk about the day when they must pass along their crowns, they were more than happy to give some advice to the future contestants.

“When you sign up for the competition, it’s a youth development competition, so they’re not looking for girls who are perfect, thank goodness!” Williams says as all the girls laugh and nod in agreement. “So if you’re debating whether or not to do it, just go for it!”

Morneau adds that the competition might seem like a personal competition at first, but she states that it is really all about being a team player. “If they think that it will be all about themselves, then it is really not the completion for them,” she says.

In fact the title of being either a Queen or a Princess doesn’t really make a difference at all. Williams says that the only real difference is that sometimes she has to wear a different coloured outfit and apart from that, they really consider themselves to be one strong team.

Looking forward

Right after the crowning, the girls went through intense public speaking training and were educated on all the things they needed to know in order to promote the Calgary Stampede properly. Although all of that was great, Willams says she is really looking forward to the summer when they will get to become more involved with their horses and says they have been riding at least twice a week in order to prepare.

“I’m so excited for rodeo season to start when we get to do parades and grand entries and just do more with the horses,” Willams says, adding that she can’t wait for the Calgary Stampede to do the grand entry.

Filed Under: Detours, Lead Story Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SUSHI: Fast, Fresh and Gluten Free!

May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment 
sushisquare

Dining in the foothills now offers two options to satisfy the sushi lover’s palette.

By Sandra Wiebe    
Photos by Neville Palmer

If you are looking for that dine-in experience with a creative flair, Yokozuna in Okotoks is your place. Owner Sun Jo opened Yokozuna in 2009 at 200 Southridge Drive. Always busy and getting rave reviews, the bright restaurant features a delicious assortment of beautifully presented dishes, including a sushi roll called Town of Okotoks.

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In High River, Liane and Franky Li may be new to town but they are not new to sushi. This young couple moved from Shanghai to Canada, and after a decade of working in sushi restaurants in Calgary, they wanted a place of their own. With some encouragement and support from friends, the couple opened EdoYaki Sushi in High River last December. Visit this friendly new hotspot for a healthy, fresh and fast addition to the food options in High River, 1204 – 16 St. SE, High River.

Making sushi at home can feed your creative side and offer an appetizer or meal alternative. Remember sushi is all about fresh, be choosey with your ingredients.

 

Tips for Making SUSHI at HOME

The Rice

Use Japanese rice (japonica), a short grain, sticky rice. Using jas- mine, basmati or other rices will not give you the desired results. Always rinse the rice well to clean and release extra starches. Let the rice cook completely. Do not refrigerate your rice, serve at room temperature.

The Vegetables

Finely slice or julienne cut veg- etables such as Japanese cucum- bers (they have a thinner skin than English or hothouse cucumbers and are less watery), radishes, car- rots, sprouts, Shiso leaves (from the mint family but nicknamed Japanese basil for its similarities in taste), avocada, ginger and Wasabi root.

But it’s your roll – make it your way: hot or cold, vegetarian or with cooked or raw fish.

The Fish

Bluefin tuna includes these cuts: Akami (red meat), Chu-toro (rich and buttery belly meat) and O-toro (fatty, delicate and melt-in-your- mouth belly of the tuna). Big-eye tuna is milder-tasting than the Bluefin. Yellowfin/Ahi tuna offer a mild flavour with firm texture. Red snapper (Tai) is mild with some tex- ture. Japanese yellowtail (Hamachi) is an oily fish with a bold flavour and salmon is rich and flavourful.

The Wrap

Place Nori seaweed (or soy or rice wrappers) on top of plastic wrap to keep the paper and rice from sticking. Use a bamboo mat to roll and press firmly. When slicing your pieces wet your knife to keep rice from sticking.

*Gluten free only refers to the rice, fish and vegetables. Tempura and soy sauce contain wheat gluten.

Filed Under: Food, Lead Story Tagged With: , , , , ,

Canine Angels

May 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment
dogweb

Thomas at ease with Thistle.

Dogs are something else. They are professional comforters ushered into Intensive Care Units to nurture victims with serious illness. They are silent therapists enlisted in personal missions to accompany war veterans on their treacherous journeys back from unspeakable hell. Recently, they served as grief guardians on scene just hours after the Newtown School shooting; their mere presence a healing balm coaxing children back to the realm of sweet innocence.

In the foothills there is plenty of enlightenment when it comes to the profound effects of canine therapy. There are dogs everywhere, and everywhere there are stories of hope and healing with dogs in the wings.

By Pat Fream      Photos by Neville Palmer

Resident Therapist

Thistle is a remarkably well-trained 15-month-old black lab whose very reason for being is a tender, dimpled, five-year-old boy named Thomas. When Thomas was four he was diagnosed with Autism, a disorder he shares in varying degrees with his brother who is older by one year. Just before Christmas, Thomas found himself with a new best friend – a dog of his own – a buffer against his jittery world.

“With Benjamin and Thomas both having Autism, things have been quite 13 challenging for us,” said Leanne McPher-
son, indicating that their third child Zoe,
is a normal four-year-old. “You can’t believe the difference in our house since Thistle has come to live with us.”

Leanne shares a picture of life with three young children, two affected with different spectrums of Autism, both stricken with anxiety, restricted commu- nication, impaired social skills and sleeplessness. She tells their story softly and with no apparent regret or bitterness.

“You just love them no matter what,” she says smiling at her son, downplaying the toll sleep deprivation takes on the average human being.

When the Black Diamond family learned of Dog Guides Autism Assistance Program in Ontario, they went through the rigorous process of applying for a dog guide for their older son Benjamin, who, after intense therapy still suffers with pervasive symptoms. In the end, they qualified for two dogs, one for each of their boys. But the dog guides come one at a time and Thomas was a perfect match for Thistle, his dog came first.

Steve, devoted dad and strong advocate for the special needs of his family, 14 took the required 10-day training course in Ontario to learn how to manage and utilize the dog’s astonishing skills. “The team at Dog Guides was amazing,” Steve commented. “I learned about this and dogs in general and we went to public places to learn how to handle the dogs in real life settings.”

After the training, Steve brought home a new family member – an incredibly affectionate four-legged therapist. The first test was a shopping trip with the dog and both boys – an outing normally fraught with anxiety and stress for everyone. “I cannot express what a huge difference the dog made,” said Steve. “Everyone was relaxed. Thomas and Thistle just walked together without issue or complaint. It was totally different from two weeks before.”

Thistle sleeps with Thomas, his role to provide comfort during Thomas’ restless nights. He plays hide-and-seek with him, lays on a mat near him at meal times and accompanies him pretty much everywhere he goes, including school when and if it’s required. In his working dog vest, Thistle is allowed in grocery stores and restaurants and most other public places, and being tethered to the small boy, he has put a stop to Thomas’ dangerous propensity to bolt and run away.

“Thistle’s job is to love and be a con- stant companion to Thomas. She gives him unconditional acceptance and makes him feel secure and confident,” said Leanne gratefully. “Thomas is so much more comfortable with himself with the dog around.”

The McPhersons eagerly await the arrival of their next family member – Benjamin’s dog guide.

Perhaps then the family can enjoy regular outings, unbroken sleep and a semblance of peace in a home teeming with kids and dogs.

“Thistle has brought incredible calm to our home and we are so lucky to be getting a dog guide for Benjamin as well,” said Leanne. “With the dogs we have hope that our boys will grow up healthy and have a chance at a happy life.”

Tutors with Tails

Eight-year-old Owen found reading a challenge until his mom stumbled upon a new literacy concept that pairs young readers with attentive furry tutors.

Dog Tales unites struggling or reluctant readers with screened dogs and their owners for weekly reading sessions at libraries in Okotoks, High River and Turner Valley. The kids choose a book, pick a dog and read with the dog on a mat for 30 minutes. The dogs nestle close and offer steadfast attention, silent affirmation and the occasional lick.

“Families who have participated say their children have an increased desire to read and they also notice improved reading skills and self-confidence when they read out loud,” says Olone McDonald, High River literacy facilitator, adding that the dogs are calm, gentle, non-judg- ing reading buddies.

Owen reads with his buddy 'Dirty Rascal' at the High River Library.

Owen reads with his buddy ‘Dirty Rascal’ at the High River Library.

These days Owen can’t wait to crack a book. In the delightful company of one of his reading buddies (Dirty Rascal, Duff, Bold Girl or Red Boy), he is focused, relaxed and able to practise reading with ease.

“It has really helped him a lot,” says his mom Amy, looking pleased as her son eagerly selects his books and his dog. “Reading with the dogs gives him con- fidence; he doesn’t have to worry about what they think.” Amy adds that the family recently lost their own dog and the program is also helping to mitigate the grief for Owen.

The program, an initiative of Literacy for Life, is free of charge and has been operating in the foothills for three years. “It’s very fulfilling to see the bonds that form between the children and the dogs and the enjoyment they get from reading to their new friends,” said McDonald. “I have seen tears in some parents’ eyes – it’s really quite an amazing experience.”

End-of-Life Mates

Roxy is a seven-year-old yellow lab with firsthand experience in death and grief. When she was two, her owners found her curled up next to her mother who had passed away silently and unexpectedly in the night after complications from a routine spaying. For weeks Roxy would not enter the kennel where she last enjoyed the comfort of her mother. For months she was despondent, suffering deeply from her loss.

Roxy with her new sibling, Kelsey.

Roxy with her new sibling, Kelsey.

Today, Roxy is strong and vibrant and enjoying life on the farm with her loving owners and a new lab sibling. But her tragic past has given her a higher purpose. With wordless compassion and an instinct for end-of-life care, she has a twice-weekly job nurturing patients and their loved ones at Foothills Country Hospice. Her owners drop her off at the home-like setting where a volunteer trails her as she wanders around the building poking her nose into patients’ rooms. When invited in, she lies at their bedsides or climbs up next to them, delivering gentle love and warm tenderness.

“She hasn’t had any formal training but she has a quiet, caring spirit and she is very in tune with people’s feelings,” said Irene Bastian, Roxy’s owner. “We feel we have to share her love with others.”

Lacey is another gifted consoler at Foothills Country Hospice. The seven- year-old Bichon Frisé is a fluffy ball of tenacious love and boundless affection. With a nod of encouragement from her watchful owner Mary, she clambers into the laps of delighted dog lovers and wiggles into the weak embrace of patients who sometimes weep with joy.

“She’s a sight to behold,” said one patient as she cuddled with Lacey. “Just seeing her gives me such a lift.”

Be it silent counsellors or inspiring guides, no doubt some dogs are here to serve. With unreserved acceptance and unconditional love they mend wounds, undo harm and evoke unexpected joy – four-legged champions of the human spirit.

 

Filed Under: Features, Lead Story Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Changing Life of a True Horsewoman

May 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

 

Shannon Lawlor_printweb

Photo processed to resemble a favourite printing technique of Shannon’s called Tintype.

Photo processed to resemble a favourite printing technique of Shannon’s called Tintype.

Shannon Lawlor knows horses. “I’ve never not been around them,” she said.

“If I wasn’t riding them I was drawing them.” From an early age, Lawlor found her path in life. While she may not have known it as a child, looking back it’s apparent that she would make her way with horses.
She grew up in a Manitoba town barely big enough to fill in the dot on the map. The small farming town of Kenton shaped her early years. Horses featured strongly during her girlhood with most of her time spent at a small barn on the outskirts of town.

“As a kid I was always painting and drawing them,” reminisced Lawlor. “All I wanted to do was be around them.”

As time passed, Lawlor’s girlish crush grew deeper still. By high school she knew her life’s work was to be with horses, be it as a trainer or somewhere in the equine industry. What she didn’t know was that she was to become an artist.

After years of western competitions, equine companions loved and lost, and working in the equine industry, Lawlor found herself in Alberta (currently Nanton). She continued to live and breathe horses until 2005 when everything changed.

“I worked so hard for so many years I became exhausted, physically burnt out,” she said. “I rode so many horses I wasn’t enjoying it anymore and I was mortified because I never thought I’d feel that way.”

So she quit riding, sold all her horses and sat down for some hard thinking.

Her horse paintings are exquisite, more like photographs than brush- strokes. They capture the true essence of the animal from each hair and contour to their spirits. And in her art, the stories unfold, both of bridle horses and Lawlor’s life.

“I never took the art seriously. I never thought I could make a living at this, ever,” said Lawlor. “I had no other source of income besides art and no idea what I was doing but somehow I made it stick.”

Clichés best detail what happened next for Lawlor: One door closes, another opens. It’s always the darkest hour before the dawn. The people and things you need most somehow materialize right when you need them. Enter Lawlor’s mentor, friend, teacher and confidant David Kitler. They met in 1998 and in 2005 when Lawlor changed horses mid-stream so to speak, she began taking art lessons from Kitler.

Fifteen years on and the lessons have worked well. Lawlor’s talent, obvious from the get go, has grown into a type of mas- tery. The fine details she sees and coaxes off her canvas are intense. You have to take a break from looking at her work or your eyes will become lost in the precision.

AMBER WINDwebBIG MEDICINEweb
Amber Wind                             Big Medicine

 “I’m obsessed,” she joked. “I close my eyes and there’s a horse. It’s like breathing, I know them so well.”

Her bond with the horse is apparent in her work. It’s not just her comfort with the anatomy and conformation that makes her paintings mesmerizing. Lawlor can capture a feeling of being in their presence and share it on canvas.

Two of her most acclaimed works are Cholo, a close-up study of a flea bitten grey in a tooled silver bridle and bosal, and Casey, a portrait of a beautiful bay with a mane and forelock to die for. Both paintings won the Ex Arte Equinus International Equine Art Competition in 2007 and 2011 respectively. To date Lawlor is the only artist to have received this award twice.

Cholo also won the People’s Choice Award at the Phip- pen Museum Wild Horse Exhibit in Prescott, Arizona. Lawlor considers Cholo her signature piece and one of her most recognizable works.

NEW Piaffweb

Piaff
48” x 60” acrylic on board

It wasn’t always so. When she first broke into the west- ern art scene, naturally no one had heard of her. She recalls bringing her own lunches to weeklong shows in the United States and watching longingly as other exhibitors walked by with fancy coffees she couldn’t afford.

“I hope that phase is over,” Lawlor said. “I did the starving artist thing for the first five or six years. It took a long time, but a couple of years ago it started to change.”

Her next big show will be this July at the Calgary Stampede where she plans to unveil the next phase of her art, something she’s been working on for some time and something that will bring her full circle.

“The work is changing and it’s a little exciting and a little scary,” she said.

Shannon Lawlor knows horses. She can ride them, train them and capture their very spirit in paint, but perhaps her greatest gift is recognizing her dreams from the past when they play out in real life.

Check out more of Shannon’s work www.shannonlawlor.com

By Pat Fream
Photos by Neville Palmer
Filed Under: Cover Story, In Profile, Lead Story Tagged With: , , , , ,

One Big Fish

April 27, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Photo by Neville Palmer

Photo by Neville Palmer

The first time I went fishing I caught a trout. Not just any trout, it was the biggest trout I’ve ever seen!

It was bigger than me and must have weighted 80 pounds. I found an old wheelbarrow to carry it home in.

When I got home my dad was surprised by how big a fish I caught. He took a picture of the fish and me to hang on the wall. He had no idea how to cook this massive fish on our little stove so he built a huge fire in the backyard with a flat surface to cook it on.

We all got really excited to eat this fish for dinner but there was so much! No way would we be able to eat it all by ourselves. My stepmom suggested I invite a couple of friends over to help us eat all this fish. So I called my two best friends Mark and Floe. As my friends got closer to the house all they could smell was my delicious fish…YUM.

While we were eating dinner there was knocking at the door… knock… knock… knock. When I opened the door I couldn’t believe my eyes, the whole neighbourhood was at the door! Mark and Floe were late because they got lost in the crowd of people. Luckily there was enough fish for everyone in the neighbourhood to enjoy.

More and more people kept on arriving but soon the fish was almost gone so I grabbed my fishing supplies and ran to the lake were I caught that last fish. I put on the bait I used last time and threw the line in the water. A minute later I caught three Pikes, two minnows, seven Trout and someone’s pet angelfish.

I took my wheelbarrow and ran home. Dad got the fire going again. The guests finished the original fish just as dad brought out the new fish. Those fish were gone in a blink of an eye!

The guest eventually got full and soon enough the house cleared out. “We didn’t eat anything! I’m going to make some Kraft dinner,” my stepmom said as she rushed into the kitchen.

My dad and I flopped down on the couch. “Never let me cook a fish again because I do not 
want that many guest in our house,” he said and I agreed. My stepmom came out of the kitchen with three steaming hot bowls of Kraft dinner.

I looked inside of my bowl and saw a fried angelfish.

By Anastasia Curtis (age 10)
, High River

***

Thank you to all our writers who submitted stories for the Fish Tales flash fiction writing contest with the Okotoks Art Gallery. The above was submitted by a rising star of a writer, and at Routes we felt Anastasia deserved an honorable mention! Read the winning submissions in the May June 2013 issue.

 

Filed Under: Coming up..., In Profile, Lead Story Tagged With: , , , , ,

Consumer Cloak and Dagger at CES

April 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment
PANO_CES13_G3-08

Photo by Zac Bolan

“We meet again Mr. Bond.”

The nondescript man in the impeccable khaki London Fog trench coat spun around and stared menacingly into my eyes.

“Zac, my good friend, you know better than to sneak up on me,” he replied. He then relaxed and a smile crept across his worn face.

I was surprised to see an undercover operative wandering the halls of the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show* (CES).

But why was Bond at CES? Undoubtedly he cared little about the latest in home theatre technology such as Samsung’s bendable OLED HD Screen or the new Blackberry 10 smartphone.

“James, what brings you to CES 2013? Surely Q provides you with the latest gadgetry,” I inquired.

Bond grinned and replied, “You wouldn’t believe what the consumer has access to these days, old friend. Watch me put together a kit for my next assignment.”

Emphasizing the point, a small quadricopter drone buzzed overhead and we followed it, jostling our way through the crowds to the Parrot AR booth in the South Hall. There we saw the latest in WiFi and HD Video-equipped aerial drones. The Parrot AR quadricopter can be piloted with any iOS or Android smartphone while streaming and recording live 720p HD video. The Parrot AR retails for about $329 and is currently available from most big box electronics retailers.

“Perfect for reconnaissance and short range flyovers,” James remarked.

Surprisingly our next acquisition was the SpareOne Plus – an inexpensive GSM emergency mobile phone that can get up to 10 hours of talk time from a single AA battery. The phone can keep its charge for up to 15 years and operates in extreme temperature ranges. The SpareOne Plus also incorporates an LED torchlight that can burn for 24 hours and a one-touch emergency services button for 911 calls, no SIM required. Targeting kids, the SpareOne Plus has built-in GPS tracking and will broadcast the phone’s location to a parent’s smartphone or website.

“All I have to do is activate the phone, plant it on my target and voila – instant tail with real-time tracking!” said James, winking.

Next we visited the KJB Security Products booth, a veritable supermarket of surveillance and espionage gadgets. The first product we viewed was the iTrail, a small passive GPS logger about the size of a matchbox. The user simply conceals the iTrail in a child’s backpack, or magnetically attaches it to a teenager’s car to track and record location, speed and time, which can later be displayed in Google Maps. While designed for families, at about $190 the iTrail is a cost-effective addition to any secret agent’s toolbox.

KJB also specializes in concealed and wearable cameras with many featuring 720p HD recording capabilities hidden in eyeglasses, pens, light switches, wall outlets and alarm clocks – all surprisingly inexpensive.

However, James was here for something else… RecoverIt 2.0. Plug this unassuming USB dongle into any Windows computer to recover forensic quality data from your target’s attached smartphone – even if the phone is locked or the data has been deleted! Once connected you can recover text messages and/or see deleted emails, videos, pictures and chat logs on any iPhone, Android or Blackberry without entering a password.

“And they won’t even know I’ve accessed their files!” James smirked.

At our next stop we examined a pricy long-range rifle designed for extreme distance game hunting. I turned to ask Mr. Bond what he thought of the rifle, but he had disappeared – just another Brit melding namelessly into the throngs of tech aficionados at CES 2013.

Standing alone, I contemplated how consumer technology has evolved beyond pixels, Apps and iPads. Inquisitive consumers can now choose from a staggering array of personally invasive technologies including aerial drones, tracking devices, concealed cameras and data readers.

Suddenly feeling exposed, I glanced nervously over my left shoulder.

Was somebody watching me?

zacBy Bolan, Zac Bolan

*CES is globally regarded as a key showcase for new and emerging consumer technologies. This year’s show in Vegas broke all records with more than 1.92 million sq ft of exhibit space, over 150,000 attendees and 3,250 exhibitors unleashing some 20,000 new products.

 












		

		
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Highwood Farms Fruit Crisp and Muffins
 
		
		
April 8, 2013  By  Leave a Comment 
		

			
Photo by Neville Palmer
Photo by Neville Palmer


Recipes by Penny and Tony Marshall


PRINT PDF: Highwood Crossing Farms Raspberry Muffin and Crisp


Crunchy Fruit Crisp


Ingredients


5 – 6 cups fruit cut into pieces: fresh or frozen berries or sliced apples, peaches, pears

⅔ cup Highwood Crossing Oat Flakes

⅓ cup Highwood Crossing Flaxseed Muffin and Pancake Mix or whole wheat flour

½ – ¾ cup brown sugar, depending on desired sweetness

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ cup Highwood Crossing Canola Oil or butter


Method


Place fruit in an 8” square baking dish, pie plate or cast iron pan.


Mix together remaining ingredients until crumbly.


Sprinkle over fruit.


Bake at 375ºF for 40 – 45 minutes.


Serve warm, with ice cream or yogurt.


 


Photo by Neville Palmer
Photo by Neville Palmer


Lemon Raspberry Muffins


Makes 12 large muffins


Ingredients


1 lemon (juice and grated rind)

1 ½ cups raspberries or blueberries (fresh or frozen)


½ cup sugar

2 cups Highwood Crossing Flaxseed Muffin and Pancake Mix

1 cup milk, soymilk or yogurt

⅓ cup Highwood Crossing Canola Oil

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla


 


Method


Grate the lemon rind and set aside in a medium bowl. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into the measuring cup. Add sugar to rind along with Highwood Crossing Muffin and Pancake Mix.


Combine milk, canola oil, egg, lemon juice and vanilla, then mix well.


Toss raspberries with the dry mixture and slowly add the liquid mixture.


Mix gently and spoon into greased or papered muffin tins, filling two thirds full.


Sandy Topping


Mix together 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp flour and 2 tsp oil. Sprinkle on muffins before baking.


Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes.


 


Highwood Crossing is a family-owned organic grain farm situated next to the Highwood River near Aldersyde. When owners Penny and Tony Marshall switched to organic farming in 1989, they were returning to agricultural practices that were similar to those used on the same land by Tony's great-grandfather nearly 100 years earlier. The name "Highwood Crossing" refers to a shallow portion of the river on the farm where early travelers crossed before there were bridges or roads.


Today, Highwood Crossing farm grows only 100 per cent certified organic crops that include wheat, rye, flax, oats, barley, hay and sweet clover. The Marshalls also own and operate Highwood Crossing Foods, an organic processing facility in High River, where they make, package and distribute food products from the crops they grow as well as from other organic farmers. Their line of organic items includes cold pressed flax and canola oil, granola and cereals, baking mixes, stone-ground flours, whole grains and gluten-free mixes.


Highwood Crossing was presented with an “Innovation in Agriculture Award” that recognized the Marshall’s efforts in developing value-added food products and for marketing these items on a national level. Highwood Crossing products can be found in fine stores and restaurants across Canada.


 


 










		

		
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