Henry is always eager to help around the shop. Although he’s only five years old, he’s been around long enough to know the difference between being kept busy and doing meaningful work. As we prepared the driveway at the Hazelnut Inn there was plenty for Henry to do. He has his own Henry-sized shovel and wheelbarrow to move the gravel. Raking and helping build the sidewalk forms are also tasks he can assist with. When it came time to tamp the gravel into place Henry was first in line to steer the heavy packing machine. Watching Henry work so diligently this afternoon reminded me of when his father was young and helped me at every turn. Peter was my constant companion as I worked and often my dad was there as well. Projects sometimes took a little longer when young Peter was on hand but having him there and helping was well worth the effort. It is a family tradition.
Historical mural
I designed and painted my first historical mural in Chemainus back in 1983 and we moved there less than a year later. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world came to the little town to see them and it wasn’t long until I was travelling far and wide doing murals in some of their towns and cities. (almost like I had planned it that way) I also painted more murals in Chemainus, seven in all. One of these murals is among my favourite subject matter - a geared steam-powered logging train. This one was painted on the wall of our studio/house in 1991. Because the mural faces north and is in the shelter of the roof eaves it is still in great shape more than thirty-two years later. Time sure flies!
Official endorsement
This afternoon I was back in the little town of Chemainus on Vancouver Island where we had lived for about eighteen years. In that time I was involved with many fun community projects including many signs for the downtown businesses. I saw this relic peeking out from the trees and it brought back fond memories. In those days when we saw something that needed doing we just did it, often without official blessing from the authorities. In this case, the parking was down a one-way street and ‘official’ signage wasn’t doing the job. We dreamed up this little sandblasted sign to do the job with style. About that time, Brian Mulroney, the prime minister of Canada was visiting our town and I was offered the chance to meet him. I happily accepted and was told to be in our art gallery where the official entourage was to do a walkabout. On the selected morning I was ready but not in our gallery, but instead hiding behind a planter up the street. I saw the group go into our gallery and Janis greeted them there. Then they came out and just as they crossed the street I stepped out from my hiding place with a trowel in my hand. As they came to me, I dusted off my dirty hand and stuck it out to greet the prime minister, smiled my best smile and asked him if he would do me the honour of laying the cornerstone block on the sign stand. The other dignitaries and security were somewhat taken aback for nothing had been formally arranged. But Mr. Mulroney eagerly accepted the opportunity, much to the delight of the press who were also present. It of course made front-page news. Later, when I talked to our mayor, I jokingly commented about how we no longer needed a permit for the project as it had been endorsed by the highest authority in the land. He didn’t think I was very funny but thirty-six years later that sign is still there and looking fine.
