Boulevard Magazine Okanagan, Sep/Oct 2021

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

OKANAGAN LIFE AT ITS FINEST

STEP INTO FALL GONE TO THE DOGS Pet friendly in the Okanagan

SKYWALK

Colours of dry earth, organic prints and textures above the tree line

À VOTRE SANTÉ!

Raise a glass with one of these tasty cocktails

Pssst... … homecooks, designers, chefs and foodies … something new is coming to LAKEHOUSE … corner of Bernard and Ellis …

Floor 2 … 10,000 square feet …

LAKEHOUSE ON BERNARD

lakehousehomestore.com

100, 510 Bernard Ave., Kelowna, BC (250) 763-9500 info@lakehousehomestore.com

LAKEHOUSE CANNERY LANE 1264 Ellis St., Kelowna, BC (250) 763-9520 decor@lakehousehomestore.com

… it’s going to be

BIG … you read it here first in Boulevard

Magazine … don’t tell a soul …

Sign up to our insider at lakehousehomestore.com/10thanniversary or follow us on social to learn more.

Come journey through our store and be inspired to define your own distinct style. Our passion is all about exploring the four corners of the world, and bringing back to our customers quality furniture and accessories that will enhance their lives and make dream homes become a reality.

Visit one of our 5 locations or browse our website and discover everything we have to offer.

Escape the ordinary with Muse & Merchant.

COQUITLAM

1400 United Blvd 604.524.3443

LANGLEY

20429 Langley Bypass 604.530.9458

KELOWNA

1912 Spall Rd 250.860.7603

NANAIMO

1711 Bowen Rd 250.753.8900

VICTORIA

661 McCallum Rd 250.474.3433

MUSEANDMERCHANT.COM | FOLLOW US @MUSEANDMERCHANT

fi

CONTENTS 56

42 FEATURES

On the Cover Photo by Lia Crowe Model Bridget Boldy photographed on location at Malahat SkyWalk.

Styling by Jen Evans, makeup by Jen Clark.

FASHION

42

34 INSPIRED BY

MOTHER NATURE

52

HAS YOUR LIFE GONE TO THE DOGS?

This home was designed to mimic the land

Pet-friendly Okanagan

By Jane Zatylny

By Valaura Jones

56

À VOTRE SANTÉ!

42 SKYWALK

Colours of dry earth, organic prints and textures—above the tree line

By Jen Evans & Lia Crowe

Raise your glass to making

it through a challenging time

66

PEDALLING PORTUGAL

On the last of Europe’s wild coasts

By Suzanne Morphet

6

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

By Ellie Shortt

34

32

12

DEPARTMENTS

8

CONTRIBUTORS

10

EDITOR’S LETTER

Living the ‘life of Riley’

By Susan Lundy

20

GOOD TASTE

Chef Scott Geiring

By Susan Lundy

24

IN STUDIO

12 LIFE.STYLE.ETC.

Art of discovery: David Wilson Sookinakin

Ryan Messer

By David Wylie

By Lia Crowe

14

DESIGN NOTES

A vacation oasis at home

By Cayley Belair

28 WEEKENDER

A work of art: Nelson

By Susan Lundy

48

BUSINESS CLASS

Hearts of gold: Lynn Archibald, Marilyn Scott

By Lauren Kramer

70 SECRETS AND LIVES

Kate Harris

By Angela Cowan

72

NARRATIVE

Hiraeth

By Marie-France Boissonneault

74 BEHIND THE STORY

32 SIDETRIP

16 WELL & GOOD

Majestic & serene: Halcyon Hot Springs

Separate but together

By Kaisha Scofield

By Lia Crowe

By Lia Crowe

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

7

contributors “The act of writing has always been

MARIE-FRANCE BOISSONNEAULT

a restorative escape for me. ‘Hiraeth’ was a brief window into my appreciation for the slower pace of life that was initiated by the pandemic. It allowed me to externalize my frustrations whilst also revisiting some of my more cherished memories. As a former multimedia artist, then professor and academic author, my interdisciplinary adventures have greatly inspired my creativity in writing. I am currently finishing the edits for my first novel, and working on a creative nonfiction humane education series for young readers.”

WRITER HIRAETH

PAGE 42

BLACK PRESS MEDIA Penny Sakamoto GROUP PUBLISHER

BOULEVARD Mario Gedicke

GROUP PUBLISHER 250.891.5627

info@blvdmag.ca

MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan

DESIGN Michelle Gjerde Tammy Robinson Kelsey Boorman

“The SkyWalk takes you around

MAKEUP ARTIST SKYWALK

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2 021

PAGE 72

JENNY CLARK

O K A N A G A N L I F E AT I T S F I N E S T

and around and around, soaring to unknown heights. Each new level is jawdropping, breathtaking! For this story I wanted the makeup to feel unfamiliar and slightly otherworldly, as this is how I felt at the Malahat SkyWalk. Inspired by my surroundings, I created sharp lines and the use of voided space on model Bridget’s eyes.

I applied Golden Amber Perfume Glitter Balm from Nezza Naturals to Bridget’s skin to reflect back the sun.” Jenny Clark is a freelance makeup artist, based out of Victoria. She has worked with Boulevard for over nine years.

“I take my dog Baylee with me

everywhere I can—partly because she can’t be trusted on her own—but mostly because I really enjoy her company. When I was writing this story, I learned that BC is even more dog-friendly than I thought, as long as you’re sensitive to your dog’s needs, and those of other people around you.” Jane is a communications specialist, editor, writer and regular contributor to Boulevard.

JANE ZATYLNY

WRITER HAS YOUR WORLD GONE TO THE DOGS?

PAGE 52

ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke Vicki Clark

CONTRIBUTING Marie-France Boissonneault WRITERS Cayley Belair

Angela Cowan

Jenny Clark

Lia Crowe

Jen Evans

Valaura Jones Lauren Kramer Suzanne Morphet Kaisha Scofield Ellie Shortt David Wylie Jane Zatylny

CONTRIBUTING Lora Cassell

PHOTOGRAPHERS Lia Crowe Don Denton Darren Hull

ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy

CIRCULATION & Brian Gold

DISTRIBUTION 250.763.7575

Victoria Boulevard® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. Printed in Canada. Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca boulevardmagazines.com

8

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

5 COLOUR OPTIONS

7 COLOUR OPTIONS

OSLO MED. LEATHER POWER RECLINER $1598

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

Q U A L I T Y

H O M E

F U R N I S H I N G S

DOVRE LEATHER POWER RECLINER $1999

SCANDESIGNS.COM

NORDIC 21S $1099 / NORDIC 21L $1199 LEATHER RECLINERS 11 COLOUR OPTIONS

Coquitlam

1400 United Blvd 604.524.3444

Richmond

12551 Bridgeport Rd 604.273.2971

SCANDESIGNS.COM

|

Nanaimo

1711 Bowen Rd 250.753.6361

Langley

20429 Langley Bypass

604.530.8248

SCANDESIGNSFURNITURE

f

Kelowna

1912 Spall Rd 250.860.7603

Victoria

661 McCallum Rd 250.475.2233

SCANDESIGNS_FURNITURE

i

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

living the ‘life of Riley’

In the first few minutes of life with Zorro, we wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. And that was before he peed on the Christmas tree.

A rescue pup from Chile, Zorro arrived last December at the Vancouver airport with nine other dogs, all flown from Santiago by Homeless Pets Canada Society, which rescues street dogs and re-homes them, both in Canada and in Chile.

The precious cargo landed at 8:30 pm, but two hours later the 10 crates were still stuck in customs. Ten groups of new parents waited in a semicircle in the area where the crates would appear. Each group, mostly pairs, sat behind bowls of water and dog food. Our little group included Bruce and me—the expectant parents—my mom, grandma-to-be, and my daughter Sierra, along to meet her new brother.

Two hours into the wait and the initial excitement and joviality had turned to a quiet contemplation. Every once in a while a passenger from another flight wandered into the centre of the semicircle and suddenly stopped, confused and alarmed by the sight of two dozen people sitting behind bowls staring at them.

Like Bruce and me, all the expectant parents were prepared for the first meeting with their new pup. “Hola, Zorro!” we planned to say, hoping he’d understand the greeting despite our thick English accents.

The dogs’ names had been drawn in the order they would—one at a time—be brought to us. We’d meet our new dog, let him eat and drink, then slip on a harness, leash up and head outside the terminal building so he could pee. It all sounded very calm and very orderly. Zorro’s name was one of the last to be called, so we settled in for an even longer wait.

Suddenly the doors swished open and 10 crates came rolling to a halt in front of the semicircle. There he was! Our new baby boy!

The dogs’ lengthy wait in customs—after flying all the way from Mexico City and before that from Santiago—had a few pups panicked. In fact, Zorro was barking so frantically, the volunteers brought him out first. (What a Good Boy!) He was a whirling dervish, springing first to his bowl of kibble, vacuuming it up in seconds, and then, before we could refill it, launching himself onto a neighbouring bowl. He was wiggly and yippy and frantic, and trying to get the harness on was like trying to saddle a greased pig.

As we tried to contain the wriggling mass, I met my daughter’s eyes.

“Yikes,” was the silent word that passed between us. It’s hard to know what you’re getting when you adopt a dog you’ve never met before and, I confess, in that moment I was a little frightened.

We later discovered the dogs hadn’t eaten in 40 hours. It seems unlikely Zorro had drank much water either. We took him back to our hotel in Richmond and walked him up and down the mostly deserted streets for the next two hours, hoping he’d pee before we turned in for the night. In fact, he didn’t pee until about 5:30 am.

The next morning, December 21, brought a freak snowstorm, activating an adrenalin-laced drive home. We arrived to a tree across the driveway and so Zorro’s first introduction to his new life outside of summertime in Santiago was a walk to the front door that involved climbing over a tree and through a blizzard.

But no matter! His new home had a cheerfully decorated tree planted inside just for him! He lifted his leg and peed.

From that rollicking start, Zorro has settled into his new “life of Riley” and he has provided us with barrels-full of laughter and joy. At a year and a half old, he has experienced his share of trauma, from being left in a box under a bridge as a puppy to living at a rescue facility, and then enduring more than a dozen hours in the cargo department of two airplanes.

But he has landed in a place of love and adapted well—despite the fact we took down the Christmas tree.

In this issue of Boulevard, we look at what it means for the many people who, like us, became new-dog parents during the pandemic and now hope to find a pet-friendly world. Read on!

Susan Lundy Editor

10

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

NEW FALL ARRIVALS DAILY

landmarkclothiers.com

life.style.etc.

RYAN MESSER, REAL ESTATE ADVISOR WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

12

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

“G

STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE

ood style to me is whatever makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. Once you accomplish that, nobody can tell you differently,” says Ryan, asked for his opinion on style.

And his own personal style?

“Outside of work, I like to keep things casual: fitted jeans, nice sneakers, black T-shirts, a nice timepiece and always my Tom Ford sunglasses.”

Ryan grew up in the Okanagan and played provincialand premiership-level rugby throughout high school and years afterwards.

“I got into real estate because I have the personality for sales and a passion for helping people,” Ryan says. “I also wanted a career that would allow me time to do the things I love, which are hiking, mountain biking, road biking and travelling.”

Ryan’s work ethic of “do not quit until the job is done or let my foot off the gas in the process,” coupled with a strong problem-solving ability has led to his success.

Asked what are the biggest life lessons he has recently learned, Ryan says: “Be yourself and get comfortable being alone now and then. The things you can accomplish and enjoy in your own time are immensely empowering.

Outside of that, surround yourself with people of a similar mindset and interests, and especially people you consider to be more successful than you. Doing this has driven me to work harder, adopt new skills and keep positive energy throughout life.”

Style icon: David Beckham.

Favourite artist: Zach Langer (local/Vernon).

Favourite fashion designer or brand: Tom Ford.

Favourite musician: J. Cole.

Favourite local restaurant: Central for casual, Waterfront Wines for formal.

Favourite cocktail or wine: Negroni/ Tignanello Super Tuscan.

Album on current rotation: J. Cole’s The Off-Season.

Favourite city to visit: Calgary.

Favourite hotel: Fairmont Pacific Rim. Favourite App: Spotify.

Favourite place in the whole world: Victoria, BC.

CLOTHES/GROOMING Uniform: Jeans, good sneakers, T-shirt, blazer.

Favourite denim, brand and cut: 34 Heritage “cool” cut. Tapered up of course.

Current go-to clothing item: Desoto short sleeve button-up.

Favourite pair of shoes: Dior highlighter green low tops.

Best new purchase: Strellson sport coat (cooler in the summer).

Favourite day-bag: Herschel Messenger bag.

Accessory you spend the most money on: Watches.

Favourite work tool: Passion Planner.

Sunglasses: Tom Ford.

Scent: Dior Sauvage.

Necessary indulgence: Marcoliani Italian wool socks.

Favourite hair product: Layrite Matte Cream.

READING MATERIAL Fave style blog: Men’s Fashion Post.

Coffee table book/ photography book: Boulevard Magazine.

Last great read: Ali: A Life

by Jonathan Eig. Book currently reading: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.

Favourite book of all time: Can’t Hurt Me:Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins.

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

13

design notes

oas s at home A vacation

BY CAYLEY BELAIR, HANNAH KATEY INTERIOR DESIGN INC.

Here’s a stunning modern coastal bedroom set that will make you feel like you’re on vacation every day. Pair this beautiful bedroom set with accented wallpaper and muted colour on the walls for extra pop. You can also add a pair of unique table lamps or mini pendants to complement the beautiful wood of this set.

Lighting fixtures are from Currey & Company through Robinson Lighting. Paint and wallpaper selections are from Benjamin Moore. Find bedroom furniture at Muse & Merchant.

Please call for pricing.

14

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

Okanagan’s only

boutique flower & plant shop

13-1515 Westgate Rd, W. Kelowna | 250.808.1282 www.passionateblooms.ca @passionateblooms | info@passionateblooms.ca

IMMERSE YOURSELF

in nature IMMERSE YOURSELF

in wellness

halcyon-hotsprings.com boulevardmagazines.com |

1-888-689-4699

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

15

well and good

Separate but together Navigating the pandemic roller coaster WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD

16

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

This pandemic has been scary—scary like a slowmoving but never-ending roller coaster that suddenly whips around, turns, but then lingers in the loop-de-loop, leaving us upside down and holding on for weeks on end.

Do we even know what’s around the corner, or if there’s a splash zone? Unless you are over 100 years old and lived through the Spanish Flu, it’s likely that until recently you have successfully avoided the seemingly endless and undulating fear that comes from experiencing a global pandemic.

One of the most difficult emotions we have had to grapple with is fear. We have carried the weight of this pandemic with our fingers tightly crossed, hoping that those five minutes in the elevator with a stranger won’t lead to infection. With every announcement and restriction, our fear rises and falls until it settles deep into our core.

Navigating the world in such a scary and unpredictable state can have profound and confusing effects on our mental and physical health. Mental health reactions can show up as heightened anxiety or depression, mental fatigue, unpredictable irritability and lack of motivation toward tasks that were previously routine. Physically, we can experience digestive irregularities, unusual cravings, appetite suppression, increased appetite, hormonal irregularities and fatigue.

What we have experienced is a collective trauma, a global trauma, and this can show up in our lives in unexpected ways. A common treatment for sufferers of traumatic and emotional events is to form and connect with a supportive community, and the unexpected silver lining of living through a truly global pandemic during the age of connectivity is that the communities we can connect with are more expansive than ever before. We may be going through traumatic life events, but at least we are all going through them together.

We face this pandemic collectively: even in isolation, we are “separate but together.” Our remote connectivity has, for many, been a saviour in this otherwise dark time.

The first Zoom Christmas may have been bleak but it was far better than nothing. All of this extra time spent in physical isolation has led us to spend much more time on digital connections. As our physical connectivity contracted, our global connectivity exploded, and this new connectivity might be what pulls us through or even propels us forward.

For many, the depth of the pandemic-induced connectedness was first realized when the Harvard Business Review published an interview with grief expert and celebrated author David Kessler. He suggested that this dull sadness were all feeling was grief. The response was nearly universal. We immediately recognized our own familiarity with grief and knew that he was onto something. We then took to the internet and shared our experiences and the world opened up. Collectively we grieved, still separate but together.

Soon after we settled into our shared grieving, we learned a new word: languishing. A brilliant New York Times piece introduced us to this new concept of not quite depressed but not quite flourishing, describing it as the “neglected middle child of mental health.” Languishing is essentially a more concrete word for “meh.” This too resonated with the masses and we spent weeks discussing

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

17

It’s as if surviving this pandemic and watching the community of support blossom around us has provided a shift in perspective, igniting our bravery and solidifying our resolve. our shared feelings of malaise. Our collective yet dispersed global support group solidified and that sense of camaraderie expanded.

Experiencing such big feelings collectively can diminish their hold on us. Grief, anxiety and fear can produce huge emotions, but it is often the isolation in which we experience these feelings that causes the real damage to our mental health. Because we have the ability to share this grief and fear with billions of other people, we may have a greater ability to learn and heal more completely.

We have an army of support behind us, and this may provide us with the ability to lean into the emotions and release the power they have had over us during the pandemic and beyond.

Maybe this brutal world event has taught us something about our own tenacity and that if we can weather this storm, previous life events or big steps that felt so overwhelming pre-pandemic suddenly seem manageable. You may have noticed people around you taking chances, making moves and going after their dreams.

It’s as if surviving this pandemic and watching the community of support blossom around us has provided a shift in perspective, igniting our bravery and solidifying our resolve.

There is no doubt that this pandemic has been unimaginably difficult and we are not out of the woods yet. Our steadfast leader through these pandemic times, Dr. Henry, has hopes that we will be back to normal in a matter of months, and while this certainly provides a degree of relief, we are only just glimpsing the light at the end of that tunnel.

In the meantime, as this roller coaster slides into the dock, we can tentatively peek at the world and catch a glimpse of the profound changes all around us. We can continue this incredible emotional revolution of connectivity by sharing and supporting each other close to home and across the globe—something which may ultimately lead to a brighter future for mental health and a more compassionate social community.

If you are in need of additional support with mental health and/or trauma please reach out to: The BC Mental Health Support Line, 310-6789, heretohelp.bc.ca/get-help or, Indigenous-specific BC Wide: KUU-US Crisis Line, 1-800-588-8717, kuu-uscrisisline.com

Showhome Open Daily 12 - 4pm, Closed Mondays 9854 Beacon Hill Drive, Lake Country

Lakestone Preferred Builder | homesbydestination.com 18

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

2341 Bering Rd., West Kelowna • cityfurniturecanada.com • 250-768-2224

good taste

The demand for climateconscious menus has become so great that it is a necessity—as it should be.

Scott Geiring Chef de cuisine at O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars 20

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

WORDS SUSAN LUNDY

X

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Why did you decide to become a chef ?

Mine is actually a very common story. I started as a dishwasher at the age of 15 and very quickly discovered my love for food, people and numbers through the service industry. I was always so enamoured with the fact that people would sit around a table with friends and family for so many special occasions, and in the industry we get to be a small part of those memories and help make them as special as we can.

What’s the one ingredient you can’t live without?

This might sound a little cliché, but happiness. I truly believe that food tastes better when coming from a happy kitchen. When a kitchen team is smiling, humming to

music, chatting about food and just connecting through common stories and experiences, I feel that this is reflected in the taste of the food as well as the actual vibe of the establishment itself.

What is your go-to meal when you’re low on time?

I actually share this one with [celebrity chef] Anthony Bourdain: cacio e pepe. There is just something so soulfully and simply gratifying about a nice hot plate of fresh pasta with nothing more than olive oil, garlic, sea salt, fresh cracked pepper and the umami of some good Parmesan cheese.

What would your last meal be?

Any meal surrounded by loved ones and of course…some good wine.

What is the best recent food trend?

QUICK FACTS: • Born and raised in Montreal • Chef de cuisine at O’Rourke since October 2020 • Before that: “I owned a restaurant for 16 years just outside of Montreal. I was also the executive chef for the Montreal headquarters of the Airbnb corporation before moving to Kelowna.”

Commitment To Excellence

We are proud to craft homes that are at the forefront of eco-sustainability

In my opinion, the best recent food trend is awareness and responsibility for the ingredients we not only choose to consume but also support as consumers, diners and chefs. The demand for climate-conscious menus has become so great that it is a necessity—as it should be. We as chefs should cook dishes that we are proud of, not only for their taste and presentation, but for the longterm impact they may have as well. And in these days of setting trends via social media, trend-setting happens so quickly that chefs must collectively set the right ones.

All Elements has always been committed to creating beautiful homes while keeping the environment in mind. Our High Performance homes are built with the highest level of building science technology and with materials chosen that utilize embodied carbon. This is why All Elements has partnered with Tree Canada to plan: 500 trees for every house we build. A testament to our commitment to change and improve our environment for future generations.

allelements.ca boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

21

What is a good simple piece of advice for pairing wine and food?

Ask! Never be too shy to ask, either in a restaurant or when planning a wine-paired meal at home. Even those who are very knowledgeable on food-wine pairings might be surprised and even find a new favourite when they ask for a second opinion.

What is your favourite cuisine to cook?

My favourite style/cuisine is to simply create on the spot for a client. When someone trusts us to create an experience on the spot, it is both extremely flattering and fun. This is the time when chefs can be at their most creative and really play with ideas and ingredients.

When are you happiest at work?

When the dining room is hopping and full of the sounds of laughter, stories being told and the clinking of wine glasses, you look over at your team and they have smiles and pride on their faces, and the dishes are just flying out of the kitchen perfectly prepared. It makes me happy knowing that they will go home having loved what they do for yet another day.

When are you happiest outside of work?

When I’m with my family. It could be in an ocean, on a mountaintop or simply sitting at the kitchen table playing Mexican train dominoes and snacking on pistachios. As long as we are together, I am the happiest man in the world.

22

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

BUILDING COMMUNITY ONE NEIGHBOURHOOD AT A TIME MEZZO LIVING SEMI-DETACHED TOWNHOMES

Starting in the mid-$600k’s

110-SLIP MARINA

WATERFRONT LOTS FOR CUSTOM HOMES

1KM OF BEACH

NEW NEIGHBOURHOODS NOW AVAILABLE

PICKLEBALL/TENNIS COURTS COMING THIS YEAR

VISIT OUR SHOW HOME 3375 LAVENDER LANE MCKINLEYBEACH.CA | 250-980-5555

This is not an offering for sale. Such an offering can only be made with a disclosure statement. E. & O.E.

in studio …

WITH DAVID WILSON SOOKINAKIN

Art of discovery 24

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

The works of David Wilson Sookinakin WORDS DAVID WYLIE

X

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Are you working hard?

Making a decent living?

Worrying about the future?

Let us help Primerica Financial Services is proud to offer the complimentary FINANCIAL NEEDS ANALYSIS (FNA). Based on information you have provide, the FNA helps you organize and prioritize your financial goals so you can explore all your options for achieving them.

How to: Save money with term life insurance // Debt solutions Retirement savings // Education savings

For a free consultation: Primerica Financial Services D Farrell Region David Gartshore: Representative 202-460 Trans-Canada Hwy, Duncan 250-746-6660 | Cell 250-896-7375

Primerica.com/DavidGartshore

15-MINUTE FULL BODY STRENGTH TRAINING

Be Strong, Healthy, and Confident.

LOVE YOUR LIFE. David Wilson Sookinakin’s search for meaningful art began in elementary school.

As member of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, he wanted to find works that represented his own cultural identity.

“I remember wondering where our art was,” said David.

“I just wanted to find art that I could identify with.”

He searched libraries for Indigenous artwork, and found only totem poles and Inuit art. He eventually

CONTACT US TO BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY PRIVATE SESSIONS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

101-1447 Ellis St. Kelowna

250 870 1634

boulevardmagazines.com |

evolvedstrength.ca

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

25

“When I go back to the schools, I find that I was once the child looking for art but now I’m the teacher. For me, it’s like coming full circle.” explored the Vernon Museum’s archives and found roots of his Interior Salish culture in centuries-old pictographs documented in anthropology books.

“That was the art of my ancestors,” he said.

David returned to the archives to view the pictures until he was about 18. Wanting to bring the images out of the archives and into the art world, he went to Langara College in the 1990s to study business, while learning from Coast Salish and Haida artists in his free time.

A decade after leaving for the Lower Mainland, he returned to Vernon.

“I didn’t feel comfortable continuing the West Coast totem pole art because I’m not from there,” he said. “So I went back to the museum and found the pictographs that were still in the archives.

I photocopied them and I used the skills that I learned from the West Coast art and transferred them to the pictographs.”

Indigenous elders didn’t want pictographs copied exactly, preferring artists be inspired by them.

David’s interpretation is a colourful, clean, crisp and modern style. His work draws on the symbols and stories of Okanagan First Nations heritage and culture. He was inspired locally by Barry Brewer, creator of the Okanagan Indian Band’s porcupine logo.

David uses vibrant acrylic colours with a surreal graphic style, making use of geometric and organic shapes.

Contact us for a FREE consultation at

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!

info@innov8.ca

Copy Print Scan

Managed IT Services Made Simple Stop fighting withifemail dropped It doesn’t matter yourissues, business has 5 internet, and cyber attacks get back team to what you do best... employees or 100,and your entire requires office equipment that is suited for purpose, Running your business! efficiency, and trouble free.

We’reDigital more than just a printeritprovider; offers With Transformation is criticalinnov8 to comprehensive Managed IT Services tailored to each partner with a company that understands digitizing your documents and creating client’s specific needs, from email software to setting up workflows to improve business process. secure networks and multifunction copiers.

Innov8 your business today!

innov8.ca || 800.663.3923 800.663.3923 innov8.ca 26

boulevardmagazines.com |

Kelowna

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

•

• Nanaimo • Courtenay • Campbell • Nelson • Courtenay • Campbell • Port Kamloops River Victoria •• Victoria Nanaimo River Hardy

“If we just copy them, they’re not evolving; they’re exactly what they were 200 years ago. We need to take it farther, evolving the art from an anthropology book item to a piece of art,” he said. “I’m trying to bring the style out.”

David has created nearly 50 four-legged-animal pictographs in his unique style, which has evolved over the years from simple pictographs to ones that include complex background scenes, which tell their own stories and motifs.

“It’s taken me quite a while to start to understand what I want to do,” he said.

His works cover various surfaces and mediums, including canoes, drums, canvas and wood, as his art explores traditional ways of Interior Salish People, often captured within traditional circle forms.

“It’s part of the native spirituality, everything is a circle—a belief that in a circle there’s no beginning and no end,” he said.

David’s paintings often portray familiar Okanagan landscapes and wildlife. He’s incorporated Okanagan Lake’s mythical sea monster, Ogopogo, based on his family’s own experiences. His mother and sister have had sightings of the creature while sitting at their family cabin along the west side of Okanagan Lake, he says.

They described the creature as brown with green dots, and with a horse-like head—and that’s how David has portrayed it.

His painting Spotted Lake is one that resonates deeply with the Okanagan People. Located near Osoyoos, the lake is said to be medicinal. There are about 365 circles in the lake, and each one represents a day of the year.

“A long time ago, people used to go there for healing. They would camp by the lake. During the night they’d receive a dream and be instructed or directed to a certain hole. The person would take some mud and it would be like a salve. They’d apply it as part of the healing,” he said.

At one time, the lake was privately owned. The Okanagan People lobbied the government, which purchased the lake and gave it back to the People.

David tries to give back what he himself missed. He works regularly in Okanagan schools, including Beairsto Elementary in Vernon (which he attended years ago), to teach and inspire children.

David has painted murals in nearly every school in Vernon, and he is designing logos for BX Elementary School sports teams. There is also a painted 26-foot cottonwood canoe on display at Clarence Fulton Secondary School—a project completed by David and two of his relatives.

“Any time that I go back into schools, I remember that I was at one time looking for art that I could find identities through,” he said. “When I go back to the schools, I find that I was once the child looking for art but now I’m the teacher. For me, it’s like coming full circle.

“I remember as a youth how much I wanted to identify through art. It’s an art form that they can call their own. Now they have it.

Hopefully they will make it their own.”

David’s work is published and exhibited in various galleries and public spaces throughout the Okanagan Valley and the Lower Mainland. It’s also been displayed at Kelowna International Airport.

David is about to be featured for the first time on the international stage. His works have been chosen to be featured in Transform LA, a group exhibit to be held in November—which is Native American Heritage Month—at the Official Residence of Canada in Los Angeles. It’s a showcase for Indigenous artists local to Canada and southern California for an audience of business leaders, artists and agents of change.

3207 30th Ave mainstreet_sk1nandlaser. ma1nstreetskinandlaser. ser.vices@mainstreetskinandl

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

27

weekender

A WORK OF ART

Nelson and Kaslo are rich in art, culture and year-round amenities WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN LUNDY

28

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

T

he view of Nelson from Pulpit Rock is

spectacular: the town lies cradled in the valley below us, ringed by mountains and hugging the shoreline of Kootenay Lake’s west arm. Once described as the “prettiest small town in Canada” by the New York Times, the scene before us is as lovely as a painting. And, indeed, this community is a haven of artistic expression.

Originally a resource-based town—Nelson was incorporated in the early 1900s after the discovery of silver in 1886—it has morphed into a centre rich in arts and culture.

Even the architecture presents as art, and with some 350 restored heritage buildings, there is something to gape at around every corner. Nelson is a place to park the car and explore on foot (although prepare to climb a roller coaster of hills).

Our stay in Nelson started in a historic building, The Hume Hotel, which first opened in 1898. The hotel changed hands several times in the early 1900s, underwent a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired restoration in 1929, fell into disrepair, reemerged as the Heritage Inn and eventually, in 2005, saw a massive restoration that returned it to its original glory. All the rooms, each named with a nod to the hotel’s history, speak to the past but have modern amenities. We stayed in the Barrister’s Suite, a spacious corner room that includes a king bed, sofa bed, electric fireplace, hardwood floors and soaker tub. It pays homage to the many lawyers who, with the hotel’s close proximity to the courthouse, have requested this room over the decades.

The hotel offers several places to dine, and we enjoyed our first meal in Nelson sitting fireside in The Hume’s intimate Library Lounge. Also inside the hotel, you’ll find Mike’s Place Pub, Spiritbar and The General Store Restaurant, where we grabbed a complimentary breakfast the next morning.

There’s also a liquor outlet and spa, so you hardly need to leave…

But leave you must because located near The Hume is Nelson’s popular Baker Street, with its funky retailers and restaurants, many of which are located in storybook heritage buildings. And from here—keep going! The downtown is packed with good restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, breweries, local shops, small art galleries, the restored Capitol Theatre (a regional hub for the performing arts) and impromptu theatre venues. Or, take a walking tour of mural-art created by artists from around the world.

Nelson is a year-round destination with activities that range from sitting in hot springs, to kayaking and other lake activities, golfing, fishing, snow sports and mountain biking.

But if you want to see more art, hop into a vehicle and head to the sweet town of Kaslo, located one hour north along scenic Highway 31.

Another history-rich town, Kaslo also has beautifully renovated buildings to enjoy, including The Langham, a

You Expect More and So You Should

NEW 3550 Boxwood Residence at McKinley Beach 3,300 SF, 3 bed plus office/ 4 bath of perfection. Designer white kitchen complete with Fisher Paykel, Wolf etc, and the perfect butler’s pantry with Lakeview. Elegant living room, temperature control wine wall, natural stone accent interior walls, home theatre, smart home by Control 4 system… too many high end features to list.

Skillfully built by Authentech.

Quality and Attention to detail are evident.

A masterpiece by Vancouver Designer, Sarah Gallop.

You will feel as if you were living at a 5-star waterfront resort.

LUXURY HOMES REALTY INC. 302-3275 Lakeshore Road Kelowna BC V1W 3S9 michel@LHRcompany.com LHRcompany.com | 250.575.8787 boulevardmagazines.com |

Michel Tremblay BCom

Managing Broker & President

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

29

PHOTO BY PHIL BEST, COURTESY KOOTENAY ROCKIE TOURISM

former grand hotel built in the mid-1890s, and which now houses the Langham Cultural Society, a charitable public arts heritage centre, and the Japanese Canadian Museum. Beautiful parks with pristine beaches surround the downtown, and you can also explore the restored S.S. Moyie, the world’s oldest intact stern-wheeler.

But just above the town is the pièce de résistance for art lovers: the Hide and Seek art installation on the Kaslo River Trail. Combining

a beautiful forested hike with larger-than-life sculptures that emerge from the forest floor, this installation seems to be the epitome of creativity.

My visit to Nelson ended with a Stone & Spice Massage at The Hume’s Aura Spa. Let me tell you, this “rebalancing” treatment, which combined hot stones, deep tissue massage and a sweetly scented Indian spice serum, is not to be missed. It is a work of art.

403-560-0283 | lakevalleyhomes.ca @lakevalleyhomes

30

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

PHOTO COURTESY KOOTENAY ROCKIE TOURISM

do.

see.

eat.

Hike to Pulpit Rock. This classic Nelson hike is a fairly steep trail, offering fantastic views of Nelson and Kootenay Lake from the top. Locals, it turns out, use the hike as an outdoor gym, many of them running by us as we huffed and puffed our way up.

Those with energy left after reaching Pulpit Rock (elevation 338 metres) can hike up to a second outlook called Flagpole (elevation 655 metres). Round-trip distance is 3.6 kilometres to Pulpit Rock and 5.8 kilometres to Flagpole. After this rather rigorous hike, you’ll want to explore Nelson’s thriving brewery scene, which includes Torchlight Brewing, Nelson Brewing Company and Backroads Brewing Company. Nelson, once renowned for its illegal marijuana production, is now home to several legal cannabis distributors, as well.

The Hide and Seek art installation at Kaslo River Trail is the latest installation of a “Discover the Koots” series of sculptures, and the creation of a trio of artists from nearby Argenta— Yvonne Boyd, Christopher Petersen and Spring Shine. Poking out from behind rocks and under trees are eight large reinforced-concrete sculptures, depicting seven children playing hide-and-seek and one adult watching over them. To get there, find the pullout off Highway 31A as you leave Kaslo, heading towards New Denver. From here, hike down to the Trailblazers Bridge. When you cross the bridge to get to the south side of the river, look up see two faces looking back at you. As you continue downstream on the Kaslo River South Trail, the rest of the sculptures emerge. And even without the art, this is a beautiful walk.

Don’t miss Yum Son in Nelson or Bluebelle Bistro in Kaslo. Yum Son is Nelson’s very first Viet-modern restaurant—and the food is divine. They also charge for wine by the ounce, an option that makes so much sense, it should be universal. Yum Son brings the flavours of southeast Asia into each of its cocktails and culinary dishes, and it’s all served up in a lively setting. Over in Kaslo, food at the Bluebell Bistro is extraordinary. This historic bistro showcases local organic products amid excellent menu options. Other recommended spots in Nelson include: Oso Negro Cafe, Nelson’s informal meeting house; Marzano, a modern Italian restaurant; Broken Hill, with an extensive whiskey library and cocktail program plus a Texas-barbecue-inspired menu; Cantina Del Centro, authentic and unique Mexican street food; and Red Light Ramen, soul food, apothecary cocktails, fresh ingredients and rich umami flavours. Yum.

At CI Assante AssanteWealth WealthManagement, Management, we understand that your At CI we understand that your AtAt CI CI Assante Assante Wealth Wealth Management, Management, wewe understand understand that that your your questions about money are really questions about your future. questions about money are really questions about your future. questions questions about about money money areare really really questions questions about about your your future. future.

This iswhy why we’re here. is why we’re here.

This This isiswhy we’re we’re here. here. assante.com assante.com assante.com assante.com

Dale Lamb Dale Lamb DaleDale Lamb Lamb Financial Advisor Financial Advisor Financial Financial Advisor Advisor Assante Financial Management Ltd Assante Financial Management Assante Assante Financial Financial Management Management Ltd Ltd Ltd 216-3477 Lakeshore Road 216-3477 Lakeshore 216-3477 216-3477 Lakeshore Lakeshore RoadRoadRoad Kelowna, BC V1W 0A7 Kelowna, Kelowna, BC V1W BC V1W 0A7 0A7 0A7 Kelowna, BC V1W dale.lamb@assante.com 778-940-3607 dale.lamb@assante.com 778-940-3607 dale.lamb@assante.com 778-940-3607 dale.lamb@assante.com 778-940-3607 boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

31

sidetrip

majestic & serene The healing waters of Halcyon Hot Springs Resort calm the whole system in a landscape that inspires awe WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Over the resplendent peaks of distant mountains, dark clouds tinged with purple and orange spill towards Arrow Lake like an avalanche full with the threat of rain and electricity.

I’m simultaneously charged by the powerful storm unfolding in front of us—and completely at peace, thanks to the warm waters of the hot springs in which my partner and I are currently soaking.

Deep in the Slocan Valley, nestled between the great Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, lies Halcyon Hot Springs Resort, which is steeped in history and situated in the pristine postcard-worthy wilderness of BC. It taps into healing waters that are unique in their naturally occurring high lithia content and flow from deep within the mountains.

Arriving at Halcyon, we immediately drop into a different frequency. Everything from the aromatherapy candle to the mindful reading material and chilled white wine in our cabin indicates

32

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

we have entered a space where wellbeing is at the forefront. We rejoice at the bliss of having no cell service—although wifi is available throughout if needed—and settle in for a few days of connection and self-care to the soundtrack of wild birdsong.

Delightfully “nerding out” on the history of Halcyon—a word used to reference times of calm and tranquility—I discover that the first hotel was built on the property in 1890, when visitors came to soak in the lithium-laden mineral waters, believed to aid in a variety of ailments from rheumatism to strokes. As we tour the property with marketing manager Patrick Spencer, its history is palpable and I easily envision guests arriving by steamship to experience the restorative nature of the healing waters.

Halcyon has been through many transformations since the 1890s, partly due to a devastating fire in 1955 and a rebuild in 1998. Today, as one tours the 33-acre property there are remnants

Halcyon Hot Springs Resort is steeped in history and situated in the pristine postcard-worthy wilderness of BC. It taps into healing waters that are unique in their naturally occurring high lithium content and flow from deep within the mountains. of the past—such as a beautiful preserved chapel, dating back to the 1950s—juxtaposed against areas of new growth, such as the luxurious accommodations, a gorgeous outdoor sanctuary that will be used as an event space and the site of a future food garden and greenhouse.

Under new ownership now, the resort continues to evolve with a distinct vision as a unique, world-class, luxury experience. Part of that vision is to add to the relaxation component offered by the hot springs and full-service spa by partnering with local adventure tourism companies. The goal is to support local businesses and, at the same time, expand the guest experience to include activities such as whitewater rafting, fishing charters, yoga retreats, artisan workshops and helicopter tours in summer and winter.

“We want guests to enjoy the slow life and, if they want, have something else to do. It’s important to us that we take care of our local community as well,” says Patrick.

The resort recently brought in Chef Darryl Crumb to head up the Alcedo restaurant, and his experience ranges from being on Top Chef Canada to cooking in high-end restaurants in Paris, France.

Chef Darryl Crumb.

Darryl says he’s all about simple, high-quality, farm-to-table food reminiscent of the cuisine of the French alps, and he believes in making everything from scratch.

“I grew up on a farm in Manitoba, which is where my love of food started, and it has always been a dream of mine to share that farmto-table experience. We have some really nice farms in this area so we’ll keep it as local as possible and grow as much as possible on this property. I really hope to make this a culinary destination.”

I have to agree with Darryl as our enjoyment of spending hours in the hot springs and then unwinding further with a massage in the spa is now equally matched as we’re presented with a plate of fresh Kusshi oysters, cold and flavourful, followed by smoked duck that melts in my mouth, all the while gazing out on the million-dollar view as the sun dips behind the mountains. boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

33

hot properties

QUICK FACTS Design time: 12 months Construction time: 12 months Square feet: 4,500 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 full, 3 half Notable features: 210-degree views of Okanagan Lake, under-stair wine display, swimming pool, games room with wet bar, home theatre, Dekton countertop on kitchen island, hidden doorway to master bedroom, engineered two-storey garage

inspired by

Mother Nature This home was designed to mimic the land, bringing in the warmth of wood, the trees and the grain

WORDS VALAURA JONES PHOTOGRAPHY LORA CASSELL, CASSLYN PHOTOGRAPHY

“What Kim always emphasized to me is that she wanted to bring the outside into the house. She wanted the house to mimic the land and bring in the warmth of the wood, the trees and the grain.”

36

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

T

iming is everything. If the cellist is slightly out of time, the music doesn’t sound right. Likewise, a well-told joke requires excellent comedic timing, taking the perfect pause before delivering the punchline. And for Kimberley and Rob, timing played an essential role in bringing their modern industrial-inspired home to reality.

“We sold our house in Vernon, and on the same day, we bought a lot,” laughs Kimberley. “We really didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into, to be honest. We loved the lot because we loved the view, and it’s nearly three acres. But, when we started looking into it more, we realized that it was going to be quite a challenge to build.”

With their busy work schedules keeping them away for much of the year, the couple wasn’t in a rush to begin building. It would be nearly three years before they felt ready to start the design and construction process. When they did, Kimberley called on her sister, Natalie Butler, the design operations manager at Candel Custom Homes, to help guide them along the journey.

“The building envelope is only 6,000 square feet, and it is just at the front of the acreage,” Natalie explains. “It was important that the house fit and maximized the view. For example, the great room and the master bedroom had to be at the right angle, and we wanted the pool to get the right amount of sun. It’s those details that can be challenging to do on a small building envelope.”

Despite the challenges, the team designed and built a four-bedroom home spread over 4,500 square feet. The home is partially nestled into the hillside, providing the second floor with direct access to the forest outside.

On the main level, stacking and sliding patio doors offer an unobstructed view of the ultimate in fine art—the view. Of course, Mother Nature inspired much of the interior design too.

Natalie says, “What Kim always emphasized to me is that she wanted to bring the outside into the house. She wanted the house to mimic the land and bring in the warmth of the wood, the trees and the grain.”

The warm-toned wood plank flooring offers the perfect grounding for some of the warmer, darker and more industrial details.

The spacious foyer opens onto a modern glass staircase leading to the second floor.

Natalie designed an open “wine cellar” that showcases the homeowner’s wine collection to maximize the space under the stairs.

CAMERON BIRD

“SHOW & SALE”

& SHOW &SALE

Oct 29 - Nov 15

Meet the Artist

Fri, Oct. 29 4-8pm Sat, Oct. 30 11am-5pm Private Viewings Available

TUTT STREET GALLERY 9 - 3045 Tutt St. Kelowna 250-861-4992 tuttartgalleries.ca

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

37

In the great room, a large concrete fireplace soars toward the ceiling. As an added touch, the front face of the floating hearth is stamped “EST 2020” to commemorate the year that the majority of the construction was completed. Centred on the fireplace, three oversize wrought iron pendant lights illuminate the scene.

In the adjacent kitchen, a large, wood-fronted island offers the perfect focal point for entertaining. What at first appears to be a concrete countertop is actually Dekton, a high-tech surface that uses sinterized particle technology to create a virtually indestructible surface. The low-sheen cabinetry is a rich shade of grey that

allows the warm, variegated brick tile to shine, lending a feeling of cosiness to the space.

A show-stopping custom dining table echoes the tones in the wood flooring and wall tile in the dining area. The homeowners sourced the burled slab while working, and Kimberley commissioned Eternal Timber and Design to create the perfect piece of functional art.

On the other side of the kitchen, the open pantry area conceals a secret.

As Natalie reveals, “There’s a hidden door inside the pantry. It looks like a framed chalkboard, but it’s a hidden door that links the master bedroom to the kitchen. So in the morning, they have direct access to grab their cup of coffee.”

In the master bedroom, the bed is placed against a pony wall to maximize the jaw-dropping views outside. The sliding glass doors open onto the deck, providing easy access to the swimming pool, and to the hot tub on those cool winter evenings.

In the en suite, a walnut-coloured double vanity anchors the space, while the grand mirror above it reflects the views outside.

The deep soaker tub provides a haven of relaxation, but it is the steam shower that Kimberley is particularly fond of. The 18-footlong walk-in closet is found through the en suite, which cleverly wraps around the adjoining rooms and opens into the laundry room at the other end.

Three additional bedrooms and a bathroom complete the space upstairs. In the basement, Rob and Kimberley are looking forward to hanging their hockey memorabilia in the games room and making the most of the theatre room in the winter.

All of this was completed while the homeowners were largely away for work. Kimberley credits her low stress levels throughout the process to the Candel Custom Homes team.

“Everything worked out wonderfully. It was great to work with Candel. That communication made the experience 100 per cent

The way a flooring sTore should be find your sTyle. and CoMforT leVel. we MaKe iT easy.

celebrating

over

40 years in business

www.nufloorskelowna.ca

W

e are focused on making your floor covering purchase and installation more efficient, valuable and inspirational than ever before.

west Kelowna

Kelowna

(250) 769-2169

(250) 762-3422 1-2121 Springfield Rd

38

boulevardmagazines.com |

a beautiful experience.

TM

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

4-1726 Byland Road

We call it a beautiful experience.

II NA W ER LD LO OV SO KE 5% 7 ON RNVER LD VE O% SO

50

Your Passion Lives Here Canada’s premier secured storage condominiums where owners' benefits far exceed just peace of mind.

Two New Okanagan Developments: VERNON

KELOWNA II

Contact us today to schedule an exclusive tour.

250.862.8767

thevaults.ca

better,” she smiles, before adding, “I felt confident in Natalie making decisions for me.”

The hardworking couple has more plans for the property, with the acreage providing lots of potential for creating the perfect resort-like home. Rob wants to construct walking paths and build a tree house. They’d also like to add another seating area with an outdoor fireplace and perhaps a pickleball court.

Over the coming years, the duo will continue building out their vision, finding the right timing along the way. But, for now, they will be content with creating memories in the home that they first began dreaming about all those years ago.

Kimberley reflects on the timing of it all, saying, “We got lucky when we bought. We wanted land and a spectacular view, and we got it all.”

40

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

SUPPLIERS: Builder: Candel Custom Homes Interior Design: Natalie Butler, Candel Custom Homes Cabinetry: Castello Custom Cabinets Flooring: End of the Roll, Vernon Lighting: Lights on Banks, Pine Lighting Fireplace: Global Surface Solutions Painting: Straight Edge Painting Pool and Hot Tub: Howie’s Hot Tubs and Pools Appliances: Coast Appliances Doors: Amber Millwork Finishing Carpentry: Dynamic Woodworks Plumbing: Loney Plumbing Landscaping: Pinnacle Landscaping

1384 Pinot Noir Drive, West Kelowna MLS #10233033

1355 McKenzie Road, Kelowna MLS #10218109

423 Christleton Avenue, West Kelowna MLS #10231500 2096 Abbott Street, Kelowna MLS #10236065

Service thats as elevated as your standards.

Nathan Flavel Personal Real Estate Corporation Natalie Walstrom Thomas Robinson 250.800.1603 okanagangroup.ca

596 McClure, Kelowna MLS #10221882

fashion

SkywalK High above the tree line, overlooking a cast of turkey vultures—as they circle, catching thermals—roams a skywalker.

Boulevard visits the brand new Malahat SkyWalk, which sits at the summit of the Malahat Drive on Vancouver Island and presents a lofty world, entered through the trees. Ascend a spiral and then step into the majesty of the sky. Colours of dry earth mixed with organic prints and textures, fashion for fall 2021 blends with the landscape and, at the same time, dazzles against it.

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE STYLING JEN EVANS + KATHERINE SUNA

Talitha dress in rose ($655) by Ulla Johnson; Bronze Smoke Collar ($390) and Anni Earrings ($240), both by Lizzie Fortunato and all from from Bernstein & Gold.

Isabela dress ($549) and Finn top in khaki ($285), both by Ulla Johnson; Zoey Trekky sandal by Xirena ($258), all from Bernstein & Gold; Bone earrings ($150) and bracelet ($400)

by Dandi Maestre from Hughes.

Black faux leather trench jacket ($178) by Esqualo from Damsels Fashion Collections; Bone earrings ($150) by Dandi Maestre from Hughes; Keara heeled sandal ($450) by Chie Mihara from Footloose.

Cream “Culotta” pant ($99), and “Lollaline” lightweight jacket ($175) both by Minimum and “Celestin” camel stripe top ($85) by Grace & Mila Paris all from Bayside Goods; stripe knit turtleneck ($72) by Cream, and brass leopard earrings ($40) by VIVID Designs all from Damsels Fashion Collections; and mustard reptile print suede Alexa boot ($515) by Beautifeel from Cardino Shoes.

Inwear Kasya Dress in Cinnamon ($179) from Hughes; Wave earrings in mother of pearl ($198) by Lizzie Fortunato from Bernstein & Gold; Wild Feather Wings ($1525) by veronicalynndesigns. com from Williams Mathews Bookshop.

Makeup: Jen Clark Model: Bridget Boldy Production assistant: Amelia Woodley Photographed on location at the Malahat SkyWalk.

A huge thank you to everyone there for hosting our team for the day.

business businessclass class

From left, Heart of Gold committee members: Kim McKergow, Marisa Ryan, Lynn Archibald, Marilyn Scott, Jennifer Charles, Courtney MacRae, Dina Honke and Gail Plecash.Not shown: Nate Flavel, Sandy Dawson and Kim Davis

HEARTS OF GOLD Lynn Archibald & Marilyn Scott are the visionaries behind glamorous gala event WORDS LAUREN KRAMER > PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN HULL

48

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

i

The much-anticipated event is glamorous and innovative in its design and experience, but it’s also seriously earnest about its role: to raise funds for an institution that protects the very heartbeat of the community.

f you want to assess the health of a city, look straight to its hospital. How well equipped is this essential facility, how up to date is its technology and how well are its staff able to care for and save the lives of local residents? For Kelowna General Hospital, the answers all point to excellence. And an indisputable reason for this is the local communities’ commitment to advancing healthcare through philanthropy.

Since 2009, the KGH Foundation’s premiere fundraising gala Heart of Gold has been a significant catalyst to building excellence at Kelowna General, and for all those who call the southern interior of BC home.

Heart of Gold is an undertaking so spectacular, it only occurs every two years. The gala has raised millions of dollars to fortify the hospital, create new facilities and ensure its equipment and technology are second to none. The much-anticipated event is glamorous and innovative in its design and experience, but it’s also seriously earnest about its role: to raise funds for an institution that protects the very heartbeat of the community. And at the helm of its planning and organization are two quiet influencers, immensely talented women who have volunteered tirelessly over the past decade to create events that have raised over $4.6 million.

Lynn Archibald and Marilyn Scott—along with a committee of nine—coordinate every aspect of the Heart of Gold event, from the first seed of an idea to the moment the last guest leaves the room. And both are quick to credit everyone but themselves for its success.

“We have such a great group of people on our Heart of Gold committee, and we’ve been together for several years,” says Marilyn, who spent her career in public relations and event planning.

“Each individual on this committee has incredible talents and brings something special to it. And by being part of it, I have made some very close friendships.”

Heart of Gold is a prime social event on the Kelowna calendar, says Marilyn, and its strength is that it’s not just another fundraising dinner.

“Yes, we attempt to make it a very special experience, but always with the idea that it’s not just a party. We set the atmosphere to encourage people to want to give to the hospital and deliver a clear message of what we’re fundraising for.”

Money raised at the events has helped build and fortify KGH’s emergency room, ambulatory response and medical school, its heart and surgical centre and its cardiac care facilities. It has also been used to build JoeAnna’s House, which provides accommodations for out-of-towners whose loved ones are receiving care at KGH. One of Marilyn’s tasks as committee chair is to solicit items for the auction. Over the years those items have included coveted experiences like a tour of the McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey, England, VIP tickets to a Formula One race at Silverstone in the UK, a river cruise on the Danube, luxurious fishing trips to Haida Gwai, and a magnum of the best wine from select wineries in the Okanagan valley.

“People want experiences, so we work hard to try and find interesting items that might be on their bucket lists. Kelowna is a very generous town, which makes it easier to ask for such extraordinary donations,” she says.

The live auction is the catalyst that sets the stage for the “paddle raise,” where the most significant amount of money is collected.

“Everyone knows we are coming together to do something big for our hospital,” Marilyn explains. “The paddle-raising is not only exciting for our guests, but it feels very purposeful because everyone is working together for a greater impact. Donations are anywhere from $100 to $500,000. Our attendees take great pride in knowing that their gifts are going to make a huge difference for their families and loved ones right here at home.”

Doug Rankmore, CEO of the KGH Foundation, agrees.

“Kelowna is a very giving, generous community and I think people want to participate. We’re offering them an opportunity to build better healthcare in their home community. We provide good information to them in advance of the event, choose the right speakers and use audio visual to bring the impact of their

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

49

gifts directly to them that night. Heart of Gold guests arrive having already thought it through. They want to help the community. This is an opportunity they really look forward to.”

Doug describes Marilyn as incredibly skilled: “Marilyn has this great way of bringing people together and keeping a group on task. Her partnership is vital in terms of inviting people who are willing to participate and donate to our Heart of Gold events, and her quiet influence has had a huge impact on our events’ financial successes.”

While Marilyn organizes, it is well-known Kelowna designer Lynn Archibald who provides the creative vision that has made Heart of Gold an iconic, award-winning event. She begins with a vision of the overall event, and transforms the venue into a spectacular, awe-inspiring setting.

“She has an incredibly creative mind and ensures every detail of the evening is intentional, cohesive and results in an over-the-top elegance,” says Doug. “As a result of her vision and creativity, Heart of Gold has become known for its unusual venues and for literally creating experiences that are second to none.”

In 2018, a completely unremarkable, empty parking lot at KGH became the façade of what would later become JoeAnna’s House.

Guests were treated to an extraordinary black-tie garden party and $1.2 million was raised to support the home away from home that would be built on that very parking lot.

“The feeling we were aiming for was an intimate dinner in the garden at JoeAnna’s House,” says Lynn. “It was pretty stunning.”

Other venues have included the Spirit Ridge Equestrian Centre (2016), a KF Aerospace hangar (2014) and even the lobby of the Kelowna General Hospital (2012).

“All venues are donated. We try to find locations that most would not even consider as a venue,” Lynn admits. “In the hangar we had 40,000 square feet with three airplanes inside! It was a working

Lynn Archibald

Outstanding Craftsmanship 50

boulevardmagazines.com |

778-753-1953 | Kelowna | candelcustomhomes.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

@candelcustomhomes

hangar the day before the gala and the day after!”

Upon entrance, guests at the equestrian centre in 2016 strolled along black runner carpets through a stable of impeccably groomed horses to the indoor-outdoor riding arena, where eightfoot-wide twig chandeliers hung from the ceiling. With tables set and chefs in place, the entire evening was delicately choreographed to achieve its ultimate goal—to raise funds to advance cardiac care at KGH. Lynn believes if you can dream it, you can make it happen. Her extensive floral background has resulted in stunning décor at every single Heart of Gold event.

Some might find the pressure of raising the bar on each consecutive event overwhelming, but not Lynn, who thrives on the challenge.

“Sure, there’s pressure to come up with good ideas, but the individuals on our team have strong opinions; we are really open with each other and deliver honest input. It’s a truly wonderful group of people and everyone can be relied on to do exactly what they said they’d do. That’s why I love working on this event!”

Doug describes Lynn as “one of the most talented designers I’ve ever come across … How Lynn envisions things is just remarkable. One of the hallmarks of our events is how amazing they look and feel. We’ve had people from across the country attend and they’ve said there’s literally nothing like it.”

Indeed, Doug is deeply struck by the team’s work.

“This is a group that chooses to volunteer month upon month and work so hard to pull off an event of this calibre. It’s very striking to me that they would give so much of themselves to benefit people they’ve never met,” Doug says. “I want to offer my gratitude to this committee, who have all given so deeply and so generously.”

Despite their myriad talents, one really only needs three words to describe them: “Hearts of gold.”

Marilyn Scott

Epic Okanagan Living at its Best

www.6353RenfrewRoad.com | MLS ® 10230431 Peachland | Okanagan Valley, BC 5 Bdrms | 6 Baths | 7814 sq.ft. | Offered at $4,950,000 +GST - Secure Gated Entrance Theatre room, Plus Gym

- Glassed Feature Wine Room for 700+ Bottles

- Located on a Double Lot with Panoramic Lake Views

- 2 Heated Garage Bays for 6 Cars or Boat

- Multiple Outdoor Living Spaces

- Savant Home Controls Inside and Out

- Resort-style Pool Deck, Hot Tub, BBQ, Outdoor Shower

250-215-0015 BriggsOnHomes.com 14-1470 Harvey Avenue Kelowna, BC boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

51

Pets are welcome at Kelowna’s Hotel Eldorado.

Has your life gone to the dogs?

Pet-friendly Okanagan means you can often bring Fido along

WORDS JANE ZATYLNY

52

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

X PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ELDORADO RESORT

i

was one of many British Columbians who adopted a rescue dog during the few first months of the pandemic. I’d lost my 12-year-old Labrador in January 2020 and was longing for the companionship and comfort of a dog. My new Siberian husky, Baylee, delivers—big time.

Part therapy dog, part live-in companion, Baylee never fails to put a smile on my face.

“We know that animals have such a positive impact on our mental and physical wellness, and I think this was needed more than ever during COVID-19,” says Lorie Chortyk, general manager of communications for the BC SPCA. “While our adoptions have remained fairly static because of COVID-19, there has been a greatly increased demand, sometimes up to 200 applications for one animal.”

Sure enough, dogs seem to be everywhere these days—in condo buildings, on the city streets, in parks and even in local stores.

“Shopping in stores with pet dogs is definitely a trend on the rise,” says Erin Ballinger from BringFido.com, a website that helps dog owners find hotels, restaurants and other places that will welcome their pets.

It’s a trend I definitely appreciate: how great is it that I can combine a dog walk with a visit to my local pharmacy or wine store?.

Even Canadian Tire welcomes dogs, though I’ve noticed they are more likely to congregate in the pet aisle than the tire department.

“We love having a dog-friendly store,” reads a placard at the front of the store, adding a single, reasonable plea: “Please help us by cleaning up after your dog.”

Patios are another great option with a well-behaved dog. At two outdoor eateries in my neighbouhood, Baylee curls up under my table and patiently waits for a tasty morsel to drop.

Many hotels have long rolled out the red carpet for their fourlegged guests, giving owners peace of mind while they travel. For a sense of scale, consider this: Tripadvisor lists 140 dog friendly hotels in the Okanagan.

For some, welcoming four-legged guests is nothing new. Accent Inns, for example, has had a pet program for more than 30 years, says Mandy Farmer, president and CEO of Accent Inns and Zed Hotels. These hotels try to be as flexible as possible with their pet policy.

“We don’t have size limits and you can bring more than two dogs.

We just ask that you call us and let us know,” Mandy says, adding that they even housed a tiger once at their Burnaby location. “He was working at a local movie studio.”

Dogs are more than welcome to stay at Kelowna’s Hotel Eldorado at Eldorado Resort.

“Dogs are very much part of the family,” says Jacqueline Birk, director of sales and marketing. “We want everyone to be able to travel together, and that is why we offer a dog program.”

Dogs and their owners can enjoy the hotel’s lakeside property, head out to the waterfront boardwalk, check out the Mission Greenway or hike the area’s many trails, says Jacqueline.

In addition to Kelowna’s 18 off-leash dog parks and hundreds of trails, consider Paul’s Tomb at Knox Mountain, a beautiful, fairly level hike, offering outstanding views of the lake below.

Named for an early Okanagan pioneer, this spot is ideal for a

BUILT WITH TRUST. SUPPORTING LOCAL. Need a reputable expert on your next home construction project? The CHBA-CO has: Over 270 Locally Owned Businesses

Award-Winning Home Builders, Renovators, and Interior Designers

Experts in Energy Efficiency - Solar, Windows, Insulation and more!

Find a Qualified Expert at chbaco.com/find-a-professional boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

53

picnic. Pack the dog treats, but always check safety advisories before heading out.

Many Okanagan wineries, breweries, cideries and coffee houses are also dog friendly. Some even have a pup or two at the welcome. It’s a good idea, though, to call ahead, just so you’ll know if there’s an event happening the day you plan to visit, or if certain areas are off limits.

Believe it or not, you can even go golfing with your dog in the Okanagan. Call for a dog-friendly tee time at Predator Ridge Golf Course in Vernon, any Sunday afternoon after 4 pm, when current conditions allow. Dogs must be on the leash at all times and your pup may or may not ask for a mulligan.

Here are a few more tips for navigating dog-friendly Okanagan, as well as some suggestions about how to prepare your dog for the inevitable: your post-pandemic return to the office.

MIND YOUR PETIQUETTE

Keep in mind that not all public or private spaces are dog friendly. Even if one local retailer is pet friendly, it does not necessarily mean that other locations of the same chain will be okay with dogs roaming their aisles.

At storefronts, check for “dogs welcome” signs, or poke your head inside and ask for permission before entering. Once inside, be acutely aware of other customers: some may actually be afraid of dogs. Be considerate and alert to their body language.

“Keep your dog close to you at all times and give fellow shoppers a wide berth,” stresses Erin Ballinger. “Move out of their way, not vice versa.”

Watch also for signs at parks and beaches. Some close entries to dogs at certain times of the year.

BE PREPARED

If you’ve ever taken a dog into a store, you know there are tempting items right at their eye level. That’s why it’s so important to understand your dog’s limitations, says Erin.

“If he is unaccustomed to being around strangers or can’t walk on a leash and follow commands while distracted, he is not ready for places like boutiques or department stores,” she stresses. “Start off at a chain pet store like PetSmart or Petco. Go at a low-traffic time.

Work your way up to Home Depot, then aim for more challenging stores.”

It also helps to exercise your pup before you enter stores, to take the edge off your dog’s friskiness, she adds. “And don’t forget to bring poop cleanup bags. If your dog has an accident, be the one to clean it up.”

When planning to travel with a dog, have a plan for what your dog will do during the day if you are working. Ask if dogs can be left alone in the room or if there are other rules that you need to follow.

PLAN YOUR VISIT WELL IN ADVANCE

Be sure to always check pet policies before booking your hotel.

Rules can vary: some only accept small dogs; others have rules in place about how many dogs you can bring and how long you can leave your dog in your room unattended.

It’s a good idea to call in advance and not just book online, so there are no surprises. Take your time if you’re travelling by car, and plan plenty of breaks for dog walks. While building the Hotel Zed in Tofino, Mandy Farmer travelled to the west coast often with her dog, and scoped out places to stop for a hike en route from Victoria.

“It allowed me to explore some great new areas, and it was much healthier for me to get out and take breaks,” she says.

THE CASSIE MESSER EDGE Committed to providing his clients the latest in technology and the very best the industry has to offer when it comes to marketing a property. This includes dramatic cinematography, high-definition photography, virtual tours, stunning print brochures and an unmatched social media outreach.

Ready to get started?

RYAN MESSER, REALTOR® 250-938-5609 ryanmesser@royallepage.ca ryanmesser.com

#1 – 1890 Cooper Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 8B7 Independently Owned

54

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

• Pets crave routine. Transition to a routine that most closely resembles what the “new normal” will look like. “Set up a schedule for walks, feeding, playing and other activities that will be happening when you return to work, so your pet has a chance to adjust,” she says.

• Start by leaving the house for short periods of time—even if it’s just for a few minutes. “This helps your pet realize that even when you leave, you always return, which reduces their anxiety,” says Lorie.

• Make sure you have lots of interactive toys, like KONGs, snuffle mats and other items on hand to keep your pet occupied when you are gone. “Create a space for them with a comfy bed and all their favourite toys so they have a calming, safe space while you are out.”

• Finally, be patient: “Transitions take time, but your pet will adjust to the ‘new normal’ with your help.”

Your hotel will be your best source for information. Ask the front desk for suggestions for great walks or dog parks. Most hotels can also supply names of pet sitters and walkers, if necessary, and offer pet packages that can include dog bowls, poop bags, treats and often dog beds.

AVOID SEPARATION ANXIETY

Many of us will return to the office one day in the not-so-distant future. Start to prepare for the transition now, before that day comes.

The BC SPCA’s Lorie Chortyk offers these tips:

RESOURCES: BC SPCA ANIMALKIND PROGRAM

This program accredits dog trainers who are committed to positive, humane training methods. If you need help with your pet, you can find an accredited trainer at animalkind.ca.

BRINGFIDO.COM

This handy website is searchable by location, and provides information about dog-friendly restaurants, attractions, accommodations, and retail stores. bringfido.com

SHADBOLT L FOUNDAT A ION 2021 AW AWARDS RECIPIENTS FOUR EYES PORTRAITS

DIYAN ACHJADI • SAMUEL ROY-BOIS f r Visual Arts A ard fo V Aw VIVA

The award is $15,000 and is granted to mid-career artists chosen for outstanding achievement and commitment.

MAKIKO HARA

Alvin Balkind Curator’s Prize

DIYAN ACHJADI PAUL WONG PROJECTS

ANDRE PETTERSON

SAMUEL ROY-BOIS

The $15,000 award is granted to curators who have demonstrated a commitment to curatorial practice.

ROBIN LAURENCE

f r Critical Writing A ard fo W man Aw Max Wy The award is a $5,000 prize established by the Yosef Wosk Family Foundation to celebrate excellence in writing on the visual, performing and literary arts.

MAKIKO HARA

ROBIN LAURENCE

shadboltfoundation.org boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

55

food and feast

À votre santé!

Raise your glass to making it through a challenging 18 months WORDS ELLIE SHORTT

X

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

i

have a confession to make: I enjoy coming up with cocktail concoctions slightly more than I do food recipes. Perhaps it’s because the task is a tad novel since I’m a food writer and nutritionist, or maybe it’s because I bartended for about 10 years to help support my schooling and early stages of my career—either way, muddling, shaking, stirring and pouring holds a special place in my heart.

I am by no means a true mixologist, but as a recipe developer I do understand the art of finding balanced and pleasing flavour combinations. I also love entertaining. Granted, it’s something I haven’t been able to do for a while thanks to pandemic life (not to mention being a new mom), but I have historically liked to have a cocktail ready for arriving guests to sip and distract while I put the final touches on the meal.

Another less obvious advantage of coming up with my own concoctions is that I can experiment with certain hidden benefits of boozy libations. Alcoholic beverages have a long history of “curing what ails you,” and while some attributions are simply superstition or merely wishful thinking, many brews offer opportunities for more than just a blissful buzz.

Digestifs traditionally help prime the belly for an abundant meal, while apéritifs may similarly settle the

15 Minutes from Downtown Kelowna and the Kelowna Airport BlackMountainGolf.ca | Call / Text 250.765.6890 2018 PGA of BC Golf Facility of the Year

315 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, BC

Click your heels Once for our queens, Once for our food, And as many times As it takes to get that Darn bartender’s Attention!

(236) 420 4565 fodlounge.com

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

57

stomach following an overindulgent feast, and raw ferments have long been recognized as offering a boost to one’s microbiome.

Bitters ease digestive discomfort, as does the vinegary tang of shrubs—two elements often incorporated in many cocktails, including a couple of the ones featured here. But the greatest benefit of all, perhaps? The smile that spreads across your face after those first couple sips, and that joyful celebratory feeling that overtakes your body as a glass is raised with loved ones.

Because I love creating cocktails so much, I have a vast anthology of options and choosing just a few to share here was an admittedly tormenting task. As an attempt to focus this undertaking, and recognizing that this is in fact a food column, I went with a much-loved culinary theme: fruit and herbs.

While mint may be what commonly comes to mind in the cocktail realm, unexpected herbs usually reserved for savoury dishes—like rosemary, thyme, tarragon and basil—often offer a layer of sophistication and intrigue to an otherwise tiresome tipple.

My favourite method of infusing the flavours of herbs into a cocktail is to do just that: take a handful of your select herb, shove it into a bottle of booze of choice, let it sit overnight and strain the next day. Now, if you’re working with top-shelf liquor, and are only making a drink or two, you might not be so keen on tainting the whole batch, so in this case I suggest separating out what you’d like to infuse and combining it in a sealable glass jar with a smaller sprig of your choosing.

Of course, without implementing this method you can still enjoy herbaceous benefits, whether you muddle, shake or simply stir it in, depending on the specific drink and level of botanical intensity you’re seeking. I just find it provides a depth to the flavour profiles presented in the following offerings. I should also

58

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

mention that many of these can be made non-alcoholic by either leaving out the liquor altogether or substituting your favourite zero-proof spirit.

So whether you’re beginning to invite friends and family into your homes again and are looking for a fun new refreshment to try together, or if you’re still more comfortable sipping and savouring solo or with your immediate household, I encourage you to raise a toast to making it through an unprecedented, challenging 18 months with an enthusiastic and meaningful salud, prost, kampai or l’chaim…however it is you like to raise a glass to good health.

Smokey Rosemary + Fig Old Fashioned Prep time: 10 minutes (plus optional overnight soak) Makes 1 cocktail What you’ll need…

2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey a few sprigs of fresh rosemary 1 ripe fig 1 tsp maple syrup bitters ice lighter or match cocktail shaker short rocks glass optional garnishes: sliced fig, rosemary

Smokey Rosemary + Fig Old Fashioned

How to make it…

Optional overnight infusion: In a sealable glass container or directly in the bottle, combine some bourbon (or rye) and rosemary and let it sit overnight.

Strain and set aside.

Place a sprig of fresh rosemary over top of some chopped fig on a flat plate. Hold the flame to the rosemary sprig until it catches fire (if it won’t light, dry it in the oven for 10 minutes or so on low heat).

Place a rocks glass over the rosemary sprig and chopped fig, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Turn the glass over and release the smoke. Add the smoked fig to a shaker and muddle to a pulp. Add bourbon (or rye), maple syrup and a couple of dashes of bitters to the shaker and give it a good shake. Add ice to the rocks glass and strain the contents of the shaker over ice.

Add sliced fig and a sprig of rosemary for the garnish. *Note: If you usually find an Old Fashioned a bit too strong, topping the drink with some soda water really helps. It’s a different drink, but you still get to enjoy the flavour offerings of this concoction without such a punch.

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

59

VANCOUVER’S IDEAL DOWNTOWN DESTINATION

Take 10% off on every stay when you book direct!

Book by phone or email to save

Located in the heart of downtown. Your best choice for outstanding service, unmatched complimentary inclusions, and stylish boutique accommodations.

— Every stay includes — • Full cooked to order breakfast • EV charging • FIJI bottled water Worldwide phone calls & Wi-Fi • 24 - hour business centre “2020 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best of the Best Winner” www.stregishotel.com

Whether you’re beginning to invite friends and family into your homes again and are looking for a fun new refreshment to try together, or if you’re still more comfortable sipping and savouring solo or with your immediate household, I encourage you to raise a toast to good health!

Watermelon Mint Shrub Prep time: 5 minutes (plus optional overnight soak) Makes 4 cocktails What you’ll need…

8 oz vodka ½ cup water pinch of cardamom pinch of sea salt 2 tbsp honey 1 cup coarsely chopped watermelon a handful of fresh mint 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar ice sparkling water medium-sized glass optional garnishes: leftover watermelon chunks, sliced cucumber, mint How to make it…

HANNAH KATEY I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N

At Hannah Katey Interior Design, we believe in creativity, function, collaboration, and excellent results.

Let us lead the way to ensure your ideals are thoughtfully executed down to every last detail. Book a consultation today!

Renovations // New Builds // Commercial Photography: Savannah Bagshaw Contractor: Marvel Pro Contracting

60

boulevardmagazines.com |

250-575-0246 info@hannahkatey.com www.hannahkatey.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

Optional overnight infusion: In a sealable glass container, or directly in the bottle, combine some vodka and mint and let it sit overnight. Strain and set aside.

Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cardamom, salt and honey, stir to dissolve, and remove from the heat. Combine the watermelon and mint in a large bowl. Stir in the honey-water and let cool to room temperature, then add the vinegar. Steep the mixture in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

Strain the mixture and set aside the watermelon cubes to use for an optional garnish, or just snack on them as you please. Fill a glass with ice and pour 2 oz of vodka and one-quarter cup of the concentrate over top. Top with about three-quarters cup sparkling water and garnish with the watermelon, cucumber and mint. *Note: Shrubs are great as non-alcoholic tonics as well, so if you or your guests are avoiding the hard stuff, just leave out the vodka and enjoy as is!

Watermelon Mint Shrub

432 Wardlaw Avenue | MLS 10238644 | $1.049,999

3602 Lever Court | MLS 10238470 | $730,000

Location, Location, Location. Want to be close to it all and have great tenants! 4 blocks away from the Kinsmen Lakefront water park and a quick walk to Pandosy Village area. Upstairs 2 plus den/bedroom and lower level suite is 2 bedroom with double door walkout to the lush backyard. Good parking and Kelowna lifestyle toys.

Family home with awesome lake views, large yard with fruit trees, walking distance to Peachland Elementary school and shopping.

Primary bdrm and 2 bdrms up and 1 bdrm + den down (or 2 beds down).

Lower level floor plan could be updated to add an in-law suite or full suite with level access to the rear yard. Updated roof and windows, quiet cul-de-sac location, plenty of RV parking. Fenced yard for the kids and pets. Newer updated windows and roof. Solid home ready for your personal touch.

Call us today for all your real estate needs!

BLAINE VERNON-JARVIS Personal Real Estate Corporation

778-594-3330 | blaine@judylindsay.com

MICHAL GOOK

Personal Real Estate Corporation

250-317-8655 | michal@judylindsay.com

105-1851 Kirschner Rd, Kelowna, BC www.judylindsay.com

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

61

A NEW BOOK by Boulevard Editor Susan Lundy

Spiced Pear + Thyme Zinger

Spiced Pear + Thyme Zinger “A delightful big-hearted book full of wit and wisdom that had me bursting into laughter every other page.”

— Amy Chua, author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

Available in bookstores, more info: heritagehouse.ca

Considering a Move in Kelowna?

Call Kelowna’s Favourite Mother & Daughter Real Estate Team.

Prep time: 5 minutes (plus optional overnight soak) Makes 2 cocktails What you’ll need…

4 oz rum (I’ve made this with both white and spiced rum before, both offering something different) a few sprigs of thyme 4 oz pear puree (or well muddled pear if you don’t have a blender) ¼ cup honey ¼ cup water 1 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced a cinnamon stick a couple whole cloves 8 oz kombucha (plain or ginger flavoured seem to work best) medium-sized glass optional garnishes: sliced pear, cinnamon stick, thyme How to make it…

Optional overnight infusion: In a sealable glass container, or directly in the bottle, combine some rum and thyme and let it sit overnight. Strain and set aside.

In a small saucepan combine honey, water and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until honey dissolves into the water. Remove from the heat and set aside to steep for 20 minutes. Strain into a container, discarding the ginger, cloves and cinnamon stick, cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Combine 2 ounces of rum, 2 ounces of pear puree (or muddled pear) and honey ginger syrup with ice in the shaker and give it a quick shake.

Pour the mixture into a glass and top with 4 ounces of kombucha (more or less depending on how big your glass is and how strong you like your drinks). Add pear slices, a cinnamon stick and a sprig of thyme to garnish.

778.214.2073 | 778.214.6635 Contact: info.hildebrandts@gmail.com

62

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

*Note: I find this drink equally as delicious on ice or fully strained more like a martini, hence the ambiguity in the directions. If you’re muddling the pears, try transferring the whole contents of the shaker, ice and all, into the glass so you still get the full flavour of the pears as you sip. However, if you’re using a silky smooth puree try it strained and simply chilled from the shaking process. Or play around with it and see which one you prefer!

Blackberry Basil Sparkler Prep time: 5 minutes (plus optional overnight soak) Makes 1 cocktail What you’ll need…

1 oz gin a basil leaf or two, sliced a ripe blackberry or two ½ oz honey ½ oz fresh lemon juice sparkling white wine, prosecco or champagne (about 2 or 3 oz) champagne flute, prosecco glass or similar optional garnish:: lemon twist How to make it…

Optional overnight infusion: in a sealable glass container or directly in the bottle, combine some gin and basil and let it sit overnight. Strain and set aside.

In the bottom of your glass, place a blackberry and some sliced basil, top with honey, lemon juice and gin, and gently muddle (the back of a thin wooden mixing spoon works great for this).

Top with your sparkling beverage of choice and garnish with a twist of lemon.

Blackberry Basil Sparkler

*Note: A take on a French 75, this is a great welcome cocktail for guests. I like to prepare the base of the cocktail ahead of time (so, the muddled mix of blackberry, basil, lemon juice, honey and gin) and then just top as each guest arrives.

BUILDING WITH IMPACT

specializing in INFILL DEVELOPMENT & NEW HOMES

DIME DEVELOPMENTS INC

chrisn@dimedevelopments.com dimedevelopments.com

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

63

Tangerine + Tarragon Tequila Sunrise Prep time: 5 minutes (plus optional overnight soak) Makes 1 cocktail What you’ll need…

2 oz blanco tequila 4 oz tangerine juice, freshly squeezed (you can really use any sort of orange, I just liked how it sounded in the name) 1 oz pomegranate juice a few sprigs of tarragon ice tall rocks glass optional garnishes: tangerine/orange slices, orange twist, tarragon How to make it…

Optional overnight infusion: In a sealable glass container, or directly in the bottle, combine some tequila and tarragon and let it sit overnight. Strain and set aside.

In a glass filled with ice, add the tequila, top with the tangerine juice and then the pomegranate juice, which will sink to the bottom of the glass, creating a layered effect. Add tangerine/orange slices, orange twist and a sprig of tarragon for the garnish.

Tangerine + Tarragon Tequila Sunrise

*Note: I use pomegranate juice instead of the classic grenadine in this recipe.

I find it offers a more sophisticated and satisfying flavour profile, and isn’t quite as sweet. However, as someone who likes things even less on the sweet side, I often mellow it out with a bit of soda water as well.

Celebrate Harvest this season with Peak Cellars

The Garden Bistro offering a harvest dinner series on Thursday nights.

Featuring local farmers and producers.

O’Rourke Family Estate Accommodations offering special harvest packages including wine paired chef inspired menus.

For more info. email: info@peakcellars.com

TASTING ROOM Open Daily 11am - 5:30pm GARDEN BISTRO Open Daily 11:30am

64

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

2290 Goldie Road, Lake Country 250-766-9922 peakcellars.com

Denai & Mark D WEEKDAY AFTERNOONS

2-7 PM

travel

Pedalling Portugal The last of Europe’s wild coasts WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY SUZANNE MORPHET

i

t was the solitude that struck us first.

As we helped our driver unload our bikes and cycling gear in Vila Nova de Milfontes, my husband and I felt alone for the first time since arriving in Portugal.

Our cruise a couple weeks earlier up the Douro River was perfectly pleasant but required piling into buses when we went ashore, and mingling with other passengers at every meal. And in the historic city of Porto, we lined up with other tourists to visit museums and shop at Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores.

But here, just two hours south of Lisbon, the streets of Vila Nova de Milfontes are quiet and empty except for the occasional cat that wanders past. In July and August, this village swells with Portuguese tourists, but in mid-May it feels like we have the place to ourselves.

In fact, as we’ll discover, the entire coastline from here south to Sagres could almost be our own private park.

66

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

“You don’t find this in Spain or France, Italy, Croatia,” opined our driver on the way here. “All the southern countries where you think of going for summer vacation have hotels, golf courses, houses, mass tourism. This is the last of Europe’s wild coast.

Twenty-kilometre stretches with nothing.”

Nothing, that is, except gorgeous sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs pounded by waves, windswept headlands carpeted in wildflowers, picturesque fishing villages and forests where wild boar roam.

It sounds too good to be true, but more than 100 kilometres of coastline and 75,000 hectares of pine and cork forests are largely untouched by human hands, protected from development by Portugal’s Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

For cyclists and walkers, it’s a dream destination. And in the coming weeks and months, while we’re all still highly COVIDconscious, I can’t think of a better place to ease gently back into international travel.

M $8 U! YO NK HA .T ED IS RA

Even pre-COVID-19, the southwest Alentejo was the perfect place for our first self-guided cycling holiday. The company we went with—Portugal Nature Trails—gets rave reviews for its wellorganized tours and support.

The Portuguese company offers many itineraries, but its Easy Wild Coast sounded just right. Following quiet roads and trails with only a few big hills, we’ll ride just over 100 kilometres to Sagres, the southwestern-most point in Portugal and all of Europe. In a car, you could do it in an hour and a half. We’ll take a leisurely week.

Our first morning we enjoy a filling breakfast, then say goodbye to the friendly couple who run our B&B. Our luggage will be picked up by a pre-arranged driver and moved to our next night’s accommodation. Our bikes’ GPSes have been programmed.

Helmets on, we’re ready to pedal.

Before long, the trail leads to the first of many cliffs over the Atlantic. When we reach the century-old Cape Sardão lighthouse

Stroke. One of the most devastating medical challenges we face. But there’s hope.

Help us raise $8 million to transform stroke care for all who call the southern interior home. When every moment matters, we can be ready.

Learn more at www.kghfoundation.com

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

67

This is the last of Europe’s wild coast. Twenty-kilometre stretches with nothing …

Nothing, that is, except gorgeous sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs pounded by waves, windswept headlands carpeted in wildflowers, picturesque fishing villages and forests where wild boar roam. (built facing inland by mistake!), we stop to observe half a dozen white storks. This is the only place in the world where these longlegged beauties nest on cliffs. We can easily peer down and see their fluffy chicks, who are blissfully unaware of their precarious situation.

May is also peak wildflower season and the profusion is simply astounding. A plant called hottentot carpets the cliff edges in perky pink and yellow blossoms. It’s an invasive species from South Africa, but too pervasive—and too pretty—to even think about removal.

Further on, sheep and cows graze in pastures with their young. With

Let’s Schvitz!

Mobile Barrel Sauna Rental Private 4 person Sauna, Wood-fired, Volcanic Rock for Steaming/Aromatherapy, Own Interior/Exterior Lighting Available in the Okanagan Valley: Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Vernon, Penticton area.

sudasaunas.com | 778 821 0006

68

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

so much flora and fauna to photograph, I now realize why we need six days to cycle 100 kilometres!

One day, when we stop to get close-up photos of a cork tree, we’re surprised to see a man herding cows. He’s wearing a brown sheepskin vest that’s clearly tailored for his outdoor needs; it’s short in the front but reaches almost to the ground in the back—perfect for sitting on. Except for his jeans and shirt, he could be from a different era.

But Portugal is most definitely in the 21st century. Some months it Directed by: RANDY LESLIE with Music Director: SPENCER BACH & Choreography by: RANDY LESLIE

October 20th - 31st, 2021

generates enough renewable energy to power the whole country. We see some of that green power on display one day when we cycle along a ridge that’s dotted with enormous wind turbines, gently whirring in the breeze.

There’s also plenty of history on this storied coast. Reaching the village of Aljezur—known for its purple sweet potatoes—we begin a slow, strenuous climb to the ruins of a medieval castle that was occupied by the Moors from the 10th to 13th centuries.

At Bordeira’s beach we stop to climb sand dunes—this time on foot—and watch a lone kite surfer race across the waves. A few kilometres further on, a couple dozen surfers are catching waves off another beach that’s just as empty and pristine.

Late one day we reach the Pedralva Slow Village Hotel. It’s really an entire village that slowly emptied when people moved to cities for work. In 2006, a few Portuguese entrepreneurs decided to buy and restore many of the abandoned houses for tourism.

“We didn’t know who they belonged to. We didn’t know where they were,” Pedralva’s manager tells us, explaining they tracked down 200 descendants of the former owners and negotiated to buy 31 houses.

Today, the gleaming, whitewashed cottages look lived-in again, with red roses blooming by doorsteps welcoming “slow” tourists like us.

At lunchtime on our final day we realize we’ve yet to try percebes— goose barnacles—a local delicacy. At a restaurant in Vila do Bispo the waiter shows us how to squeeze the edible flesh from what look like sharp claws. They’re salty, messy and addictively delicious.

Too soon, we cycle into Sagres, our final destination. At nearby Cape St. Vincent we look north from where we came and can only marvel at this coast, once the end of the known world, and today as naturally spectacular as ever. portugalnaturetrails.com

It’s easy as 1, 2, 3.

1

Contact us BEFORE taking out your existing kitchen.

2

We will evaluate your kitchen to determine if it can be removed and reused safely.

3

We will schedule a date and carefully dismantle your old kitchen and take it away, leaving a blank canvas for your brand new kitchen.

It really is that easy!

FREE kitchen removal service

Donating useful goods to our local ReStore keeps quality items from going to waste. Your old kitchen will help fund local Habitat for Humanity homes and in return you receive a taxable receipt for our resale value.

Okanagan

778-755-4346 x 213 Build Services 1793 Ross Road West Kelowna

hfhokanagan.ca

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

69

secrets and lives —

AND THE 7 SINS with KATE HARRIS

Now an owner and CEO, Kate Harris has certainly worked her way to the top of DriveWise BC the old-fashioned way.

“I started when I was about six or seven cleaning the offices,” she says with a laugh. “I grew up with it.”

Kate’s parents, Arthur and Pat Harris, began the driver’s education school nearly 50 years ago, and it’s grown with the family ever since. Now with offices in Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Victoria and recently in Vancouver, the company offers progressive and interactive programs to beginning drivers all through the province.

“Our driving world changes every day, and it’s our job as driving educators to change along with it,” Kate says.

While she’s had a long history with the company, Kate stepped away for a short time, moving to Whistler just after graduating high school to become a ski instructor.

“I wanted to try something completely new, and I worked my way up into the adult program and was getting private requests,” she says. “And I had my kids in Whistler, but then we decided we wanted to be closer to our families.”

Kate eventually rejoined the DriveWise BC family full time, and it was about a year ago she made the decision to buy out her parents and take on the top role, a move somewhat prompted by the COVID-19 situation.

“I was a part owner 10 years ago,” she explains, “and the

WORDS ANGELA COWAN

70

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

X

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

push [to take over] was to say, ‘Okay Mom and Dad, it’s okay for you to retire.’ They deserve it. We were spending so much time as a family at our cabin, and it made them realize there’s life after work.”

Kate was also able to steer the company in a new direction to respond to the limitations put in place by the pandemic, and helped create and evolve an entirely remote Zoom-based driving education program.

“We took the most difficult situation we could have been faced with—which was the COVID-19 pandemic—and turned it around to create an entirely new business model,” says Kate. “We were the first program in BC to be licensed to do the complete e-program, and now we have people from all over the province taking our program.”

“Our driving world changes every day, and it’s our job as driving educators to change along with it.”

The 7 Sins ENVY:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

For those who know me well, this is easy: Julie Andrews! I have loved her and loved her movies since the very first day I saw The Sound of Music. When I was little, I wanted to be her one day, and would line up all the kids on the street as the Von Trapp family and sing songs! I’m sure all those kids still remember, and I know my friends still know most of the songs as well.

GLUTTONY:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

Pickles, chocolate and peanut butter, ice cream, steak and watermelon! Love them all, and in no particular order. They can all be a favourite “meal” of mine.

GREED:

You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

I love shoes, so shoes for sure. And I love to travel. I think I’d buy a bunch of shoes, and then take my family on many vacations. Maybe even buy a thatched roof house in Bora Bora. Okay, now that sounds amazing!

WRATH:

Pet peeves?

Poor drivers. I guess I’m supposed to say that, but it’s true.

We live in a country where our driving skills are tested at 17 years of age and then not again—in most cases—until 80 years old. This system contradicts our rapidly changing roadways, laws and environment. I’d like to change it.

SLOTH:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

Easy. Maui. I’ve been travelling there for years and love it so much. Going back very soon! Second would be our cabin on the ocean in Sooke (on Vancouver Island). It’s rustic and simple, and some of my best memories have been from this little spot of ours. Relaxation at its best!

PRIDE:

What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of ?

Not much of a secret, but definitely my three boys. They are now 25, 23 and 17 years old. Wow! Time goes very fast. They’re hard workers, extremely community oriented and have volunteered since they were 16. But most of all, they’re happy. The happy part is what makes me most proud!

LUST:

What makes your heart beat faster?

Love and finding the one to share that deepest and most intimate connection with. To be best friends and in love at the same time is a feeling I get to experience every day. I feel so incredibly grateful and blessed. When you still get the butterflies, you know it’s meant to be!

Thanks J!

boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

71

narrative

WORDS MARIE-FRANCE BOISSONNEAULT ILLUSTRATION SIERRA LUNDY

X

HIRAETH 72

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

T

he rain teemed down that first morning before

returning to work as I sat in my chair, sipping my warm tea.

I scrolled through the memories on my social media account; my morning routine of perusing what I was up to according to Facebook years ago. I glanced down at my feet; warm and snug in my grandmother’s slippers, dreading heading out into the pouring day.

Three years ago, I was in Kona; revealed by the pictures of Rainbow Falls. I spent my spring break in Hawaii, where I’d leased a car and driven the entire island. There were no actual plans, other than to fill my mind with images that I would draw on to escape the reality of my repetitive existence once I returned to work. It was a welcome change from my routine to hop in the car and just drive from sunup to sundown, stopping in tiny villages or for a quick bite to eat or a dip in the ocean at a hidden beach.

This year had been different. No travel, no family or friends, no adventure, just the comforts and familiarity of my neighbourhood. I lost myself in the beauty of that image and the memory of the time I’d spent on the island. Every day in Kona had been sunny and warm, a stark contrast to the cold soaked air of the West Coast.

The alarm on my watch vibrated on my wrist, breaking the spell of nostalgia and signalling me it was time to dress and get ready for work. Reluctantly dragging myself from my couch, I kicked off the orange leather slippers, pulled on a pair of warm socks and got dressed while I faced the vanity in the stillness of my room. As I brushed my hair and fastened it into a loose braid, it forced me to question the foreign reflection gazing back.

Standing quietly, I revisited memories of what felt like lifetimes ago. These moments were so far from the place I found myself in today, yet still connected by the smallest of threads.

Glancing down, I grabbed my lip gloss. I stared in the mirror as I brought the soft, glistening wand up to my lips and let it drag across them. Looking back up at my reflection, my now shiny lips glistened as though a slug had travelled across them. The slight wet look and gentle pout reminded me of those moments after a kiss. Mouth still gently parted and the slight breathlessness of surrender lingered in my mind. Although that memory was long passed, it resurfaced the recollection of the first day I’d spent with an old love. We had sat on a bench in the park by the tennis courts, watching the relay of players lob the ball back and forth for hours. Shaded by the sun, we’d scripted the conversation for the cast of actors we were observing on the courts. He had quite the sense of humour, and his laugh was rich with mischief.

Thinking back, the mild blossoming fragrance of that warm summer morning when we first met wafted into my mind’s eye.

We had talked for months, but this was the first time we had met face to face. I had only seen a single photo of him but had fallen for his dulcet tones. He was adept at disarming me, and it rigged our game of cat and mouse in his favour.

Earlier that morning, he’d left me stranded after my overnight flight, while he dozed; oblivious to his forgotten promise. I remembered how my heart had sunk as I waited, abandoned, at the airport. It was too early to call anyone else. So, I called him.

His voice was hoarse, groggy and confused.

“Where are you? Did you want to drag out the anticipation...? Or just save on parking?” I’d asked playfully.

I recalled the awkwardness in his voice for having overslept.

“Oh… I’m so sorry, just hop in a cab to my place.”

It wasn’t like me to be what I construed as demanding, but I took a chance since I’d been looking forward to being greeted upon my landing. “You said you’d pick me up. I don’t mind waiting,” I responded in a kind and warm but firm tone.

This introduction to what would be our first in-person meeting had made me uneasy. How could he have forgotten?

At least it had given me a little time to freshen up and wash away the stale scent of a sleepless overnight flight. I didn’t have to wait too long before he’d arrived and texted me where he’d parked. Walking out of the terminal, the air was rife with the acrid stench of jet fuel. I smiled and timidly hugged him hello. As I got in the car, he took my bags. It was still quite early, and he asked how I was feeling after my flight.

We drove to my friend’s place where I was staying so I could drop off my suitcase and then continued to his neighbourhood to return the rented car. There was a strange mood of stilted anticipation and climactic disappointment. As we walked, the warmth of the day melted away the guarded interactions and we soon fell into our familiar affectionate repartee. We searched for a place to get a drink for a few blocks, passing several closed shops, when we came across the honeyed fragrance of a fruit stand that was setting up for the day. I remembered how we were both so grateful for the store’s early morning hours. I had been dehydrated, and he was hungover. He suggested a park around the corner where we could sit, talk and savour our sweet-smelling tangy drinks. The harmony of the blended fruit juice brought me back to the summer warmth in Hawaii. We’d texted the whole time I was away, sending pics back and forth to each other. It was almost like we were adventuring together.

Nowadays, I sometimes take the detour through the familiar alleyways to walk by that park. I retrace our steps through the sordid streets, littered with the foul stench of heartbreak and nostalgia. As I meander through the backstreets, I notice how the late day sun overextends the shadows of the fire escapes.

It’s like they’re reaching toward a distant past, only to meet the pavement and disappear into the murky urine-soaked filth of obscurity. The shadowy parallel mocks my melancholic yearning for my embellished memory of him. Weaving through those pathways years later toward that spot where it all came to life, I can almost smell the adhesive pong of the felt orbs that mimicked our volleyed gaze. We had taunted one another within that intimate tension, sitting on that bench and staring into each other’s eyes between conversational pauses; holding back the fulfilment of bitter delight.

Over the years, we’d often lose touch and then come back together again as though no time had passed. This year it had been just a few phone calls before the holidays; nothing like the reuniting embrace at the airport years ago. I looked at myself in the mirror again and wiped off the gloss. What was the point, anyhow? I thought. I put on my mask and headed out the door. boulevardmagazines.com |

S E P T E MB E R/OC TOB E R 2021

73

behind the story For this issue of Boulevard, the fashion team had the pleasure of photographing the fashion feature at the new Malahat SkyWalk on Vancouver Island, days before it opened to the public. The whole team was in absolute awe of the entire attraction—from the lengthy boardwalk up in the trees, which leads to the SkyWalk, to the structure itself, which spirals up above the treeline and offers views usually reserved for birds. A few brave members of our team walked out onto a large net at the top and peered all the way down to the bottom of the massive structure.

One of the most memorable highlights for everyone, however, was the huge metal-tube spiral slide that winds its way down the length of the structure, eliciting screams, squeals and uncontrollable laughter from everyone who tried it.

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

74

Lyon Dress in Black ($360) by Just Female from Still Life; Mesh and Pebble Necklace ($250) by veronicalynndesigns. com from William Mathews Bookshop; Bone Ring by Dandi Maestre ($270) from Hughes; Pernille Croco Shiny Sneaker by Woden ($200) from Bernstein & Gold.

boulevardmagazines.com |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 202 1

4 - 310 Banks Road, Kelowna | Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm | Sat: 10am - 4pm | Sun: CLOSED 250.861.8637 | dkmodernfurniture.com | info@dkmodernfurniture.com

REALIGN Through this time of change, it has become essential that we stay true to our values.

In Wilden, we are more dedicated than ever to growing this sanctuary that we call home mindfully, preserving its pristine beauty.

Buying in Wilden means investing in balance and lasting values.

New single family and townhome neighbourboods are coming in 2022.

Go to Wilden.ca and sign up for updates.

Parade of Showhomes and Presentation Centre open daily from 1-5pm except Fridays · 1454 Rocky Point Drive · Kelowna Wilden Sales: 250.762.2906 · sales@wilden.ca · #WildenKelowna

Wilden.ca