Whalen Away

2007-08-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

It's August.
Let me catch you up on the last few months
....

...

2007-08-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

And then I met Amy Millan, best known for her work with Canadian bands Stars and Broken Social Scene.

She did a solo tour around Ireland that brought her to the Empire in Belfast.

not only was she fabulous....

But I bought her a whiskey after the show and had a nice chat about growing up in Toronto and why I should move to Montreal.

2007-08-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

This is my final and probably most beautiful outreach team. I led one last YWAM outreach before leaving the base in Closkelt. A team of 7-8 lucious ladies who turned the North of Ireland upside down and rocked it with their genius, creativity, huge hearts and good looks.

Deb and Ali, co-leaders. We only LOOK sweet.

Eman, all the way from Israel, in all her softness and glory.

Sujee, our temp member, making us a gorgeous 8.

Anna with her Californian smoulder-stare.

Elise, our Dutch dutchie.

Korina, American-
ette of many talents.

Shannon, British Columbian biker babe.

...
We fixed the problem with the van.
This trip, when people stared,
we knew it was 'cause we were inside it.

It's what's inside that counts.

2007-08-04T09:02:00.001-07:00

Pooh's secret identity:
EXPOSED!!!!

Paparazzi photos by Deb Whalen.

2007-08-04T08:51:00.001-07:00

Last March, Ana Lucia came up from Portugal, so we met up in Glasgow... .

..and then came back to Northern Ireland
to hang out in my end of Europe.

You can't see it, but we're eating sushi.

2007-08-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

Do you know who Duke Special is?

You should. You might not know it, but you definitely WANT to know who he is.

You're not going to find much else like him in the musical world. I saw him in March and I've never seen anything quite like it. Killer covers of Elvis Costello, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Elliot Smith season a line-up of truly original originals.

Leading a band of riff-raff (who make the best musicians -ever heard gypsy jazz?) from his piano at ALMOST centre-stage, the Duke winds his voice through songs like a pied piper, taking all of us kids along with him out of town and into the forest.

I, for one, am happy to live among the vagabonds in the woods with these lullabies and anthems to dance to.
Join the parade.

2007-07-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

The ineffable Tim Whalen,

also known as my wee brother,

came for a visit in April.

His visit provided some of the best cocktails I've ever had. Tim's what's known as a mixologist and knows a good drink. He has a book of cocktail recipes from around the world and a bit about the clubs that serve them. There were not just one but TWO of these clubs and their signiature drinks from this book within travelling distance of my humble Irish abode.

First to the Apartment in Belfast...

and then to the SPY in Dublin. Both are highly recommended.

p.s. Does Tim remind anyone else of Douglas Coupland in his prime? dw

2007-07-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

This year I managed to play Common Grounds in Belfast...

I sold quite a few cds that night.
And Bradly was there too.

In fact, several months later, I had people stopping me in shops and on the streets of the city doing that celebrity thing... "Hey, sorry to bug you... Are you the girl who played Common Grounds back in... You are? Deb Whalen? God, I bought your cd that night and I LOVE it!"

Made me all giggly.

2007-02-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

2007-02-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

If you know me well, you know that I've been waiting to see the Decemberists live for a good few years now, but distance and timing made it anything but possible.

Well my day finally came last week end.

Me and some friends made it down to Dublin to catch the show which was amazing. In fact, it was so amazing that when we unexpectedly bumped into the band a while after the show (we went to get chips before heading back to our hostel and there they were in front of the theatre as we passed by, right in front of us -talk about timing!!!). they were too tired to be bugged by fans. So we had a breif, friendly two minute chat and bid them farewell and godspeed on the rest of their tour.

It was a brilliant night worth waiting for.

2006-12-28T05:34:00.001-08:00

So I'm at home for Christmas in Toronto. This is a very good thing. As I often do, I went shopping to stock up on treats from home,
which includes Second Cup Coffee.

They are now selling a bean called "Rwandan Cup of Hope", which is an exceptionally misleading title. While the Second Cup DOES seem to take good care of their growers and their farms and communities, they are not officially labled FairTrade as they don't meet the proper requirements. So what I'm left wondering is: how did we come up with such an incredibly -dare I say it- deceitful name? I'm concerned about this because I don't want to stop buying Second Cup coffee. But if this turns out the be the actual rat I'm smelling, I may just have to. No one in the shop could tell me why the coffee is called what it is and the Second Cup's website is reconstructing their coffee section; all you get when you click the tab to try and read about their coffees is a new little window that reads "Coming Soon."

Perhaps they're doing some quick thinking to come up with a good story as to why they've called it the "Rwandan Cup of Hope" blend without any indication that it is serving any supportive function to the nation itself, especially in light of the poverty and genocide of recent years. This had better be good.

2006-11-14T17:33:00.000-08:00

Also in Denver,
There was a Hallowe'en party
with FANTASTIC costumes:

2006-11-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

I've just returned from yet ANOTHER trip to Denver. My friend Michelle (who's undergoing chemo and doing brilliantly) and I were able to spend some time together, on our own for two weeks, then joined by our friends Meghan and Sabrina from home for a wee Toronto Reunion in Denver. Hooray!

The trip began with the Duck and I on an early bus to Dublin on Oct 26th.

Many, many, many miles later, the Duck found himself frolicking with his old friend Michelle once again.

And he did the Dance of joy!

2006-11-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

As a North American living in the UK there come waves of cravings. And many a craving is for items that are found no less than an ocean away.

From time to time I'm asked about what I miss about home and "is there anything I can send you?" For the convenience of those North Americans who wonder what it's like to live abroad, here are some of the things you might miss. (For those of you wondering about gift ideas, these might be suggested items to send at random or for birthdays or other holidays such as Christmas and I-Love-Deb-Whalen-Weekend.)

The Following are available in both America and Canada:

Graham Crackers
Marshmellows
Jr. Mints
Assorted Hershey's Kisses
Peanut Butter (Jiff, Kraft, etc.)
Beef Jerky
Teddy Grahams (Oatmeal flavour only available in Canada)
Dill Pickel or Sour Cream&Onion Chips

Only in America:
Slim Jims
E.L.Fudge cookies
Peanutbutter M&Ms
Slim Jims
Sour Cream&Cheddar Chips
Slim Jims

Only in Canada:
Second Cup coffee; caramelo, chocolate truffle, hazelnut creme (reg.&decaf), or Butter Pecan
Second Cup Apple Cider or Mulled Cranberry crystals
Second Cup White Hot Chocolate

Ketchup Chips
Maple Syrup (fer really that's not super expensive)

This list is not exhaustive and will be altered and added to on occassion.

p.s. I am not ashamed to love the slim jim. dw

2006-11-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

The Duck

Many of you may be familliar with The Duck. He is a remnant from my life back in Toronto with my grand old roomie Michelle. Since the two of us have journeyed in different directions, The Duck has made many a journey between the lands of Canada, America and Northern Ireland.

Recently, I got my driver's liscence...
...which meant we had to go for a little spin.
And so we did!

2006-10-12T01:37:00.000-07:00

"What has she been up to?" you've been asking yourself. "What's he buildling in there?" perhaps. If you're a Tom Waits fan.

I've created a myspace band account so that all y'all might enjoy my musical wonderfullness. Please do enjoy it.

http://www.myspace.com/complexgirl

2006-10-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

...That's right......I'm up to something...

2006-09-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest, best and worst things about being in YWAM is the amount of people you meet. Among them are some you get really attatched to. Many don't stay. They go home. And you get all achey for them. Like something's wrong with you. And among those you are really attatched to and have gone away, are some who are exTREMEly beautiful.

And among the extremely beautiful ones, there are those who look like Australian Soap Opera stars.

I give to you, my good friend, Erin.

(And her Australian starlett counterpart, Jodi Gordon.)

2006-08-26T01:56:00.000-07:00

My Whirlwind Tour of Ireland
with Niall McNally.

We covered the following ground in 11 days.

Yes. We ARE crazy.

2006-08-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

Amsterdam

Thing 3:
There are more bikes than people.

These were pulled from the canal.

Here's one I like to call Madeline.

2006-08-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

We interrupt the Amsterdam series to bring you this quote:

"Nothing is sweet or easy about community. Community is a fellowship of people who do not hide their joys and sorrows but make them visible to each other in a gesture of hope."
Henri JM Nouwen

2006-08-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

Amsterdam

2:
Still. The architecture. I mean, seriously!

2006-07-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

Amsterdam

Thing 1:
I love the architecture. Mmmmnnn....

2006-07-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

T'is the season...

2006-07-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

They Went Home
Maya Angelou

They went home and told their wives
That never once in all their lives
Had they met a girl like me
But... They went home

They said my house was licking clean
No word I spoke was ever mean
I had an air of mystery
But... They went home

My praises were on all men's lips
Like liked my smile, my wit, my hips,
They'd spend one night, or two, or three,
But...

2006-07-05T14:26:00.001-07:00

Some shots of me at the Avalon Guitar competition at Summer Madness in Belfast last week end.
I got as far as the final.
The winning contestants were very worthy.

2006-06-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Portugal Inst. #3

I don't know... Something about a big cup?

W
O
R
L
D

C
U
P

The world was gonna fit into it?

A
N
I
A

It sounded like a lot of prophetic mumbo jumbo to me...

But they were takin' it pretty serious in Lisbon.

(According to one friend, nothing brings out the patriotism in the Portugese like a good fiesty sporting event. Thank you World Cup.)

2006-06-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Portugal Inst. #2

The City

When you're alone

and life is making you lonely,

you can always go...

D
o
w
n
t
o
w
n
.

May

I

recommend

Lisbon?

2006-06-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

Portugal Instal. #1

EAT
The first thing to be ready for when visiting Portugal is the food. Not swayed by calorie counting and carbophobia, they are an eating culture, the Portugese.

One of the most delightful delicacies is a dessert known as Pasteis de Nata. (PUH-STY-SH DUH NAH-TA) It's a vanilla custard filled pastry and I have missed it since my first taste in 2001.

And it should come
as no surprise that
the treat was created
by monks. Different
European monks
have been credited
with the creation of
such things as
pretzels and beer
among others.
Add Pasteis de Nata
to your list.

In Lisbon, the best place to get a plate of Pasteis is in the Belem district, down by the water.

There is a charming cafe just down the block from the monastery where Pasteis was created. I was taken there to revisit the divinity of coffee and dessert.

2006-06-17T01:22:00.000-07:00

Things I like about
Lisbon, Portugal

......................Teaser Trailer..........................

ps

2006-05-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

..Trip to the Past..
...ACHILL ISLAND, Co. MAYO...

Achill seemed to place a heavy emphasis on Irish as a language. I like that.
It makes me feel further away from home.

And most of its scenery is still raw and untouched, save for a few roads built through it so people can more easily access it and exploit it with their cameras. If their cars can manage the drive up and down the hills.

The Jaegermesiter almost didn’t. (The thing is 15 years old. When we drive through towns, school children on their lunch breaks point and laugh. It sounds like a sarcastic hyperbole, but ask the kids in Kiltimaugh about the monster and it’s trailer that drove through the other day and they’ll tell you.)

Our last stop of the day was to an abandoned village at the foot of Slieve More. Because of the infamous potato famine, the entire villiage had to emmigrate to the “mainland” or overseas to relatives , or worse; no one. All that’s left of the villiage are the remains of buildings, most of which were tiny houses. I mean, they were so small that I don’t know how they could’ve housed a couple properly, not to mention any children. Seeing it sent me reeling into my imagination, trying to perceive how life was back then, and how destitute the situation must have become for everyone to decide to pick up and
leave everything behind. To decide they COULDN’T stay.

.One more opportunity to take another look at the world and my place in it. A humbling moment.

2006-04-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

Small Pleasures

On a walk, I saw a sign that made me stand absolutely still with disbelief:

There is a Tim Horton's in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. What province is that in? CONNAUGHT. (Note: Which is NOT a province of Canada.)

I roped a few American
team members into going
and trying it out.

Everything's
printed in
both English
and French.
Hooray!!!!!

And for you naysayers
who don't believe the story's
true, there's the road sign in
Irish to prove our locale.

It's the little things that get you by when you're far from home. Even if you're enjoying yourself abroad, there's nothing like the familliar to transport you to a place you miss.

Ali's Note:
I'm becoming Canadian one sip at a time!!!
Tomorrow: We tackle kosher!

2006-04-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

I have begun my 4th outreach here on the great Island of Ireland.

I am, as they say, on the road again.

2006-04-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

Candice, Chris and Julisa......Krystal, DeAnna, Mikael and Ali.

Ladies and Gentleman:
My gorgeous team.
(Minus me.)

2006-04-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

These are
some shots
of my
favourite
valley on
the Island.
This was
the first
time I've
driven over
it and had
a camera
at the
same time.

2006-04-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Google quirks!

Go to the google browser of your choice (try it under different national domains, even!), type in "failure" and hit "I'm feeling lucky."

Interesting, eh?

2006-04-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, the rumours are true. Tim Whalen IS related to me.
That's him in the aviators,
in case you didn't see through the disguise.
And the other rumour is true, too. He DOES know Amelie.

And, yes. Gnomes like jello. And Vodka
-which is natural which is infinite which is yes.

(CAN you name the poet?)

2006-04-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned I'm almost a driver in the UK? That's right. Stick shift. Round abouts. Northern Irish roads. This means, not only up and down but constant side to side as well.

I've been taking lessons for 2 months, and I passed my Theory Exam last week. Now all I need is to keep preparing for my Practical Final Exam and then nail that... And then I'll have new ID to post up in this joint.

2006-03-29T14:39:00.000-08:00

I'm Victim 11692.

www.humanrightsfirst.org/hope.asp

This is the web address for a campaign agaist the genocide in Sudan. They want a signiature for every person killed. So far, we're needing about 200, 000 names. The petition is for the UN to step in.

You in?

2006-03-18T10:07:00.000-08:00

Margaret Atwood once said, "You can tell alot about a man by the way he cuts an onion." And while I've watched a lot of men cut onions, I've never been able to dicipher techniques. So I've developed a tell-tale scenario of my own, hypothetical though it is:

"You are stuck in a cabin in the middle of nowhere for a month and are not allowed to leave for any reason. You have everything you need, but are only allowed 5 cds. Which ones will you take with you?"

Leave me your answers. This is gonna be fun.

2006-03-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Dani Madsen. Australia never made something so sweet since you was born...

The Mad Hatter party went on...

and on...

and on.

2006-03-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

Midnight Thoughts

Perhaps success does not crawl into everyone's lap
The way it did hers
Is Karma a currency spent and earned?
Or does it choose like a kitten who knows some hands are softer than others?

With cruel idealism, the kitten cuddler
Promises a rich and delicious destiny
As if she dealt the cards by heart

Do not underestimate that she
Is naive
But she does not speak
If she does not believe
Every
Last
Word.

2006-02-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Susan Krashinsky and Michael Stortch who were engaged last week end atop Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Sue called me almost right away to give me the news (Praise the Christ for Skype!) and tell me the story. I asked if Sue if she was certain she wanted to commit the rest of her life to a man who was so dull and boring as to propose in a temple in South East Asia. "I know what you mean," she replied. "I mean, he got down on one knee and I just sighed and scoffed: 'God, Michael, you're so cliché..."

2006-02-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

Comedy
is
SIN

This is a message I encountered
on a cardboard sign
in Belfast yesterday.
The gentlemen carrying the signs
were making a strong statement indeed,
wearing their best suit jackets,
had every hair in place,
on their head and face,
and wore no trousers.

At all.
We, the by-standers,
found ourselves confused
and also amused.

2006-01-31T06:08:00.000-08:00

My first act of quarter life crisis madness
...

.At one point in your life or
another, it all comes off.

2006-01-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

...coming soOn to banbrIdge, co. doWn...
pAndora's boX

THE HANGOUT's
re-Openning friday,
january 17th,

inTroducIng

the
F O R U M

...where what's inside...
.....comes out.....

2006-01-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

This week's post is dedicated to my friend Susan who has been living in Japan. Because she shares my passion for travel and cultural immersion, we unfortunately don't see each other very much.

I miss you Smoosan.

This is an excerpt from her last update:

"An interesting part of the shrine had two pedestals topped with small boulders. The idea is, you make a wish and then lift the boulder. If it’s lighter than you anticipated, you will get your wish. Sadly, due to my lack of judgement and the unusual strength of the little octogenarian who preceded me in line, I regret to inform you all that the cause of world peace is hopeless. That is if Inari has anything to say about it. Er, my bad."

2006-01-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

I am declaring this, my 25th, the year of the

Extraordinary Machine
Fiona Apple

I certainly haven't been shopping for any new shoes
And I certainly haven't been spreading myself around
I still only travel by foot and by foot, it's a slow climb
But I'm good at being uncomfortable, so
I can't stop changing all of the time

I notice that my opponent is always on the go and
Won't go slow, so's not to focus, and I notice
He'll hitch a ride with any guide, as long as
They go fast from whence he came
-But he's no good at being uncomfortable, so
He can't stop staying exactly the same

If there was a better way to go then it would find me
I can't help it, the road just rolls out behind me
Be kind to me, or treat me mean
I'll make the most of it, I'm an extraordinary machine

2006-01-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Twenty Five

With a new school
due on Monday,
my actual birthdate,
my friends and

housemates threw me a surprise pre-party so they can be sure I know they love me even though things are PSYCHO around here, as they should be at this stage in the school-prep game.
Bless 'em.

Thanks you guys.
Next time,
work on your story
a bit more.

Let the quarter-life crisis begin!

2006-01-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

Our YWAM
base is
redesigning
our
conference
display,
new
posters,
pamphlets,
the whole
deal.

When it
time to
turn in
pictures
of our
team
hard at work, all we had was shots full of kids, which everyone knows are entirely illegal to use without parental consent.

So... We pulled together some elements of our work and staged the action, somewhat reminiscent of the Decemberists. Weird. Do you see it?

Coming soon:
A mutual
friend to the
Decemberists
and I,
a former DTS
student and
the newest
member of
the Community
Ministries team
Alison Knight............................

2005-12-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

2005-12-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

My friend Dan says
this photograph reminds him of me.
Any ideas why?

2005-12-09T03:26:00.000-08:00

So we had our Christmas Season love feast. It's not as dodgey as it sounds. YWAM has these banquet type meals every once in a while to end a season. Our Discipleship Training School and School of Biblical Foundations have just finished their lecture phases and are moving into their outreaches, so we figured now would be a good time.

...The DTS and their kooky staff...

...My ministry team...

2005-11-28T16:41:00.000-08:00

This is what it looks like when I work with CAST ministries...
(The real ginger one is Niall, who runs the thing.)

And it feels like this,
backwards and forwards,
like I'm both giving and receiving:

inspiration
life
intrigue
challenge

2005-11-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

.a photo of some of my friends.

2005-11-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

I sometimes wonder if I stay just for the sunset...

Can you blame me? My window is like tv at sunset... The scene started in pastel and then turned neon. I love colours.

2005-11-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

~~First Class~~

Here is my class (Belfast slang for amazing) class (group of people who learn together) that I taught about worship in Romania.

These guys weren't just an attentive and sweet group to teach, they embraced me as a member of their community, in essence their family, for the week I was there and made me feel completely at home, these here guys and...

...My indespensable translator, Ema...

...And their fearless leader and my sweet, sweet friend, Eugene. Who believed in me and my ideas of enough to have me come and impose them on everyone else!!!

And, of course, Jean, my South African pride and joy. I don't have pictures of some of the rest of you, like Simona and Geta, but I am blessed to have met you all and look forward to seeing you again.

BIG KISSES

2005-11-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Redemption in Romania

I haven't been to Eastern Europe for 7 years. The last time
I was here,
I was a
slighly manic
and very
miserable
17-year-old.
I wish I could
embrace the entire

nation of Belarus and beg its forgiveness for underappreciating it.

And so Romania has been a wonderfully healing experience.
It's been wonderful
to be in a city again,
despite the fact
that the most
I can sayto anyone is
"MOOLT-su mesque"
and "No oon-se-LEG".
Rules of cross-culturecommunication:
Be sure to communicate your gratitude and ignorance as needed.

In the city of Bucharest...

Above you find myself and below you find Eugene and Jean. We are standing outside Bucharest's House of the People. This Parliament building is quite signifigant because originally it was built by Ceausescu for his very own self. And in true Tyranical fashion, he displaced hundreds and starved hundreds of thousands to do it.

These fountains are my inspiration to return during the summer months.
I'd love to see these bad boys lit up right, in all their aquatic splendour.
They wrap their way around the entire square. Even dry, they're an absolute vision.

And here we have some of the city line of Constanta,
the location of the DTS I'm speaking at this week.

Apparantly they really like jacks.

I certainly do.

2005-11-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

Coolest Club. Ever.

Cafe Vaudeville

Put in on yer map.

This is us celebrating Julisa and Cary's birthday.

Gorgeous
aren't
they?

2005-10-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

Reno's Reckons Deb's a Winner Too...

Last week I played some songs for the diners and managers of Reno's restaraunt in Belfast. Got up there on a friend's encouragement... This is the same place that some of you may have heard me talk about over and over and over again. "Yeah, so there's this hot place that does live music in Belfast, right? Well, I totally want to play there."

So me and Julisa totally went up there last week. And I totally played there. And they totally offered me a weekly gig.

Whether I can take it or not is a different story... Time and transport and all. But. It's nice to have an official stamp on my caliber.

2005-10-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

Pimpin' Padraig

We celebrated Padraig's 30th birthday this week end. He wanted to have a party where everyone looked hideous, so in his infanite wisdom, he concluded the best way to do this was to have an 80's theme.

In the words of Ani DiFranco:
"...I'm so perplexed.
What was I thinking?
What will I think of next?
Where can I hide?"

(I'll take my irony points for being ashamed and
STILL posting it on the internet. Thank you.)

2005-10-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

Sufjan Stevens

Last Thursday night I went to Belfast with a few friends to see Sufjan Stevens, a nice American folk singer, I thought. However, I ended up at an Illinois High School pep rally. The local Belfast lass next to me said, "I don't even know what a pep rally IS."

Sufjan Stevens is not merely the mellow crooner he lets on to be. He is a quirky performer with a band that runs right along with him. The lot of them entered stage left wearing matching cheerleader outfits and had their routines down tight. Being a Torontonian, it was my first actual experience of the infamous Spirit Fingers, the close cousin to Jazz Hands.

Sufjan is a musical genius, composer and conductor. With a 3-piece band you can have a little more democracy; the sixsome he had on stage delivered a tight performance only achieved by the chronic expertise of their director. They sang like a choir and played like an orchestra. I've never felt so transported by the phrase "ba-da, ba-bop". And instrumentally, they took their sweet, quality time delivering sound. My friend Mike leaned over during a cacophonic and counted ending, saying, "They haven't decided how they were going to end this song." I think they knew exactly where they were going; only they were dancing instead of driving.

The band's use of dymnamic, interesting sounds and the relationship between folk, funk and alternative rock genres convinced a devoted crowd that we should've paid more than 12 pounds to see this show. Maybe it was a discounted price 'cause the venue was rubbish -the floor riddled with pillars and parts of the ceiling deflecting the sound (may I remind everyone that when you set up a space for a band, they typically will play music?). Or maybe the cheap ticket was foreshadowing to the people who decided to show up and deliver a discourse on their weeks with one another, in which case they overpaid to do it, and could've carried on outside for free.

Even now, days later, I'm jarred by the onslaught of extra-cheesed and cliche American culture of the show. But it just proves that good music is a spoonful of sugar; it'll help anything go down.

2005-10-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

...Harvest...

So I'm tired of living in Northern Ireland with Americans, right? Like, no offense to my housemates, co-workers or even just to Americans, but it's like the friggin' 51st state out here in Closkelt.

And I'm getting antsy and... I miss singing on a regular basis and I'm not the kind of girl who's satisfied by singing worship songs 3 times a week. I need discipline -amazingly enough- when it comes to that sort of thing.

So I join the choir at the church across the street, for their Harvest Service. Closkelt is so rural... So they get big into the Harvest services. Like Thanksgiving, only without the natives. They're just Farmer's who know who to thank. Now, if you know me well, you'll realize how odd this is for me. To be living in the country, to be singing in a nice little farm community church choir. It's weird. After having been here for 2 and 1/2 years, you'd think the culture shock would be over. I would. But then I go to practice and Annette says "Vincent sends his apologies; he'll miss choir practice tonight because he's delivering a horse to the vet." BLINK. Back where I come from, that would be a cover-up.

But it was brilliant to sing a bit more regularly and in sweet sweet harmony. I miss classical style. And musical discipline. And even the challenge of reading music. I miss being corrected and watching myself improve. So it was awesome to have that for a bit.

Plus the folk in the church are a scream. One night, someone sat down while the rest of us were standing and was quickly and affectionately labled "Pensioner." That nickname flew around for the rest of rehearsal.

And the Service was gorgeous.

The thing I like about a British Harvest Service in the country is that the farmers in the congregation actually bring a portion of their harvest to decorate the church; offerings to honour God. What an incredible physical representation of worship. I loved being surrounded by the colours...

My Presbyterian friends across the street are more than meets the eye. That's for sure. Except Pearl. She's as cheeky as she looks.

2005-09-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

E-bay Has Made Me A Winner

Why is it that winning on e-bay is so thrilling? Am I going to become an addict? I mean, as we speak I have 2 different wins being delivered to me and it's exciting... Products that are going to make my computer a happier friend to work with. Winning on e-bay is going to make my life a better place. I'll be able to shut myself off from the rest of the people in the bubble where I live in (some people might call it a community) and just check my e-mail and read about current events and talk to people through messenger and win more stuff on e-bay. A friend and I were looking for clothes and found some pretty cool stuff. I don't have to buy crap in the shops! I could even start placing orders at the Tesco website and have them deliver it so I would never have to leave my room. Like ever. And I wouldn't be completely anti-social; I have a room mate. And if she gets a wireless card, SHE can stay in the room all day long and order stuff from Tesco and e-bay and we can talk to each other on MSN messenger and look at cool clothes together and leave messages on each other's blogs! Maybe I'll meet someone online and get a virtual marriage certificate and once we collect enough money in our joint Paypal account I can move halfway across the world to Micronesia, or whever my on-line dreamboat is from, and I'll take my computer with me; a change of scenery would do us both some good, I think. Carry on from inside a set of 4 new walls with my new marriage-Messenger buddy who will always be on-line when I need him.

This is how Shut-Ins are born, isn't it?

2005-09-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

From a Window in Closkelt....

(I will be arrogant enough, once again, to believe my photography is any good and invite you to enjoy the results.)

This afternoon, instead of preparing lessons, I took pictures of the queer weather. The scenery through my window changes from minute to minute and today I saw about 100 different scenes... The weather is so sketchy here sometimes. In an hour it can rain 6... 7 times? Probably more.

I normally take sunny pictures. But I wanted to see what kind of majick I could work with my precious digital camera through my window in the rain. How's that for double the challenge?

2005-09-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

...in other news...

Got my passport back from immigration this morning. Both the British government and God have agreed to let me stay here in Northern Ireland till 2007...
Can't ask for much more than that as a sign, can you?

2005-09-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

"Community Ministry"

This is the big fancy term I've come up with for the group of people I'm hoping to lead over the next 2 years whose responsibility is to find a place in the local community to serve, encourage, belong to and love people around us. We're a bunch of vagabonds who are hoping to put the "commie" -er, I mean, "UNITY" in Community.

Here are the first 3 brave souls to commit to this complicated project full time.

Mikael Kristansen, a Norwegian American who dwelled for some years in the sunny granolaville of Boulder Colorado, demanding rights for Mulberry Tree termites, pelting naysayers with fair trade chocolate chips that melt in your mouth, not in your hand, and can be used again and again!

Candice Rogers, from the actual OC in California. She's even funner than she looks.

Julisa Smith, a theatre major from Washington has dreamed of winning not only the state pageant, but the Miss America pageant with her original, thespian piece entitled, "Look Giapetto! I'm a Real Boy or Girl!"

2005-08-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

I am home in my humble Closkelt abode after a delightful jaunt around North America for 7 hasty weeks.

I wanted to give everyone an idea of where I live, so I'll start with these:

This is my house.

And this is my view. Like, from my bedroom window.

2005-08-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you to those of you who showed your gorgeous faces at our gig down on the Danforth, August 20th... We were quite pleased with the sound we produced (*gulp* -only 3 rehearsals!!!), all thanks to Kie the sound guy and a great crowd. If you're wondering what the people had to say about us, here are some of the things I heard:

"Man, you guys were busting out the old favourites!"
And
"I was really pissed off for a second 'cause I thought you were totally ripping off Sarah Harmer. Then I realized it was a cover, so it was okay."
And
"You sounded great. My band's going up in a little bit and we're really loud. Maybe we could sit down and have a pint later?"

Imagine what the press would've said! Next time, maybe... Next time.

So for those of you who weren't there, we missed you, whether it was distance or circumstance that kept you away. And it's especially to you that I'd like to introduce...

The
B A n d

...The Cassandra Complex's Culprits...

The Bass byDan Gouge
(Alias: "Coach Googless", "Clever Dan")

The Also-Guitar and Key Harmony by Sabrina Kwon
(Alias: "Big Kwon")

The Drums by Jason Rainville
(Alias: the Roan)

The Voice(s) and Guitar by Deb Whalen

(Alias: Hey Whalen)

2005-08-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

T H E C A S S A N D r A C O MP l E X

My summer project, The Cassandra Complex, is nearing its climax... The garage band I never had in high school will be playing in support of Fork In The Road's production "Muse". Here's what you need to know about the company's benefit concert:

When:
Saturday, August 20th. Show starts at 7pm.
(Silent aution open at 11 am)

Where:
The Fox and Fiddle, 535 Danforth Avenue south side.
(Between Pape and Chester stns)

Cost:
$10 cover charge (It's a benefit, people!)

What to Expect:
A night of live music, comedy, silent aution and THEN SOME that goes on till about midnight.

Be there, or bad things will happen.
(Damn this complex...)

2005-08-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were unable to attend Johanna's wedding, here are a few quick snapshots.

Here's the wedding party, all crisp and clean...

Gorgeous girls by the name of Nicole (the bridesmaid) and Johanna (the beautiful bride).

The Bridegroom (pink rose -doesn't he remind you of superman?) and his groomsmen.

The sandles were well hidden till the wedding party had to dance.

Matt and Jo danced to "Forever" by Ben Harper. Good choice guys.

You're in it for the long haul!

2005-08-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

Traveling. Wandering. Going. Progressing.

I've just returned to Toronto from a 2 week stint in Colorado. I was visiting some close friends, one getting married, others trying to figure out if the night shift is going to work out for them, while others are sitting a little stir-crazy, desperately trying to work out the logistics of moving to China. Honestly. These are real people.

This is Michelle. Also known as "Roomie". We used to live together in Toronto, before we both decided to be cultrual renegades with Youth With A Mission. Michelle is based in Denver and is an excellent reason to make a visit to the United States. You know. Of America.

Here's the thing about the Greater Denver Area. It's all up and down the foot of the Rockies, so you can't really get away from the auto-gorgeous backdrop. Everywhere you go is pretty. Even if it's Walmart or the 7-11 in some small town where people look at you funny if you're a girl who's shaved her head recently... Breathtaking and natural visual majesty is only just yonder.

(I'm not the girl who shaved her head, by the way. I was making an Ani DiFranco reference. And her hair has since grown back and have been formed into some of the coolest dreads found on the head of a woman. Ani is well received in Boulder, Colorado.)

2005-07-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Misunderstood lyrics. A fabulous source of entertainment. Here's a good one...

Actual lyric:
"If he was a month, he'd be a breezy May or June."

Misunderstood lyric:
"If he was a monk, he'd be Afee Sae Mae Ho-Jun."

Perception is everything.

2005-07-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

Testing. Testing. One, two, three.

Uhm... Hello. My name is, uh, Deb and this is what I look like. Cough

The following quotes are entirely applicable to me:

"I'm an artist, so I'm in a constant state of flux." -Marylin Manson.

"Is there a pound of weed in my bag? Hey, I don't know. But I'm not going to say that there isn't." -Chris Rock

"I'll let you be in my dream if I can be in yours." -Bob Dylan

"Someday people are totally gonna quote me. Like, fer really." -Yep. That one's all mine.