Friday, November 26, 2010

WIN 4 Tickets to Bright Nights Stanley Park Train! Draw Dec 1.


13th Annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park.

banner_brightnights


WIN 4 tickets for you your friends and family from Duane Burnett and the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund to ride the Stanley Park Christmas Train and visit the farmyard too. DRAW Dec 1st.


CONTEST RULES (enter by 7pm. Dec 1.)
1) Click "attending" on facebook to enter.

Suggested:
2) Share contest with your friends
3) JOIN Bright Nights facebook fan page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bright-Nights-in-Stanley-Park/193276108416
4) Add Duane Burnett as a friend
http://facebook.com/duanesworld



BRIGHT NIGHTS 2010
Open daily 3 PM -10 PM,
Fri. Nov 26, - Sun. Jan 2, 2011.
Visit Stanley Park to see two million lights on display, ride the train and visit the farmyard.

Website:
http://vancouver.ca/parks/events/brightnights/index.htm

Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bright-Nights-in-Stanley-Park/193276108416


Good Luck! It's always a good day on the Sunshine Coast! Duane


Duane Burnett
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett
http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/duanesworld

Sunshine Coast BC Canada
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459


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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Surviving the long dark lonely holidays :-(



Does the Holiday Cheer that rings out from the malls make you feel better or worse? Some tips on surviving holiday depression.


Many find the Christmas season down right critically depressing and need to muster full resources to survive it. It cripples a huge cross section of our society and the hangover aftermath can last a generation.


tree for birds photo Duane Burnett (2)
Go WILD! Ingredients for a holiday tree that's for the birds this winter!


A lot of happiness does go down at Christmas, but it completely skips millions of people who feel the opposite, an increased sense of depression and sadness. This is for you and for your friends and family who might need your help understanding and a visit.

Seniors are especially vulnerable. Often alone and isolated to tired or sick to even leave their house. A new report indicates 25% of seniors live in poverty.

For me its all the buying tons of stuff the planet can't afford right now.

Others live on the streets and sleep below the sparkling holiday window displays.

Many who live in the polar latitudes and winter climates are affected by seasonal depression and not getting out in the day light enough.

Then there are the holidays themselves with their 'family minute' gone bad, and the loss, tragedy, arguments, fights, break ups that make your heart heavy with remembrance.

I try to remember as best I can to be the Peace, Love, Joy in every moment of my day rather then just once a year.

You can get creative in your yard or out in the woods.
Making a solstice holiday outdoor Christmas tree for the birds helps to ground me as well as remind me that this is a time of year to give thanks to the Earth, Sun, ancestors, family, friends, Spirit, and oneself.

I have put together some links and helpful tips so you know you are not alone and you can help people in your lives who feel sadness.

Please share your own personal experience, add some comments, and share links!

I have added some comments from my facebook friends below too!

All the best Duane



LINKS

Depression and the Holidays
http://www.depression-guide.com/depression-holidays.htm



Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/MH00030/NSECTIONGROUP=2



What is Seasonal Depression SAD
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/seasonal_affective_disorder_sad/hic_what_is_seasonal_depression.aspx



Depression in Older Adults and the Elderly
Recognizing the Signs and Getting Help
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_elderly.htm



How to Prevent Holiday Depression
http://www.depression-guide.com/prevent-holiday-depression.html



Depression: Supporting a family member or friend
Help a family member or friend dealing with depression get treatment, develop good self-care habits and find resources.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00016



Number of seniors living in poverty soars nearly 25%
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/number-of-seniors-living-in-poverty-soars-nearly-25/article1812798/



COMMENTS
Veronica Alice
Christmas, that's what sand is for!


Toews Blakely Elizabeth
I'm beginning a "Scrap Christmas Campaigne"...Even if JC was born December 25th he wouldn't want us to celebrate him- he'd say celebrate yourselves~ as divinity too!I'm beginning a Celebrate SOLSTICE campaigne- the real holy day in December.... You may simply join by deciding to CELEBRATE THE SOLSTICE-December 21st this year. Make a bonfire, sing and dance around the circle and rejoice in the fact that the light returns, make a toast to the new year, make a declaration to pick up your 'new work' thats evolving for you in the new year...your allowed to still have all the lights and candles, good food and merriment!!! xxoo


Sandy Sjollema
a lot of people get very depressed around this time of year....it makes me glad I don't celelbrate XMas anymore


Jill Devonshire
I believe it's important to celebrate... whatever IT is.
But it must ring true to your heart.
There's solace in the Solstice... giving hope of light emerging from the darkest days. At this time of year, family and friends have the opportunity... to holiday from their busy schedules, to potentially get together and celebrate each other. Enjoy!!!


Toews Blakely Elizabeth
I'm all for celebrating EVERY accomplishment of my friends, family, mine~fact is every day is a joyful celebration to light and love and being alive on this MAGNIFICENT planet!!xxoo


Duane Burnett
thanks for the great feedback! I have managed to switch from Christmas to more Solstice celebrations. It has really brought much more Peace into my life :P


Toews Blakely Elizabeth
great topic to bring up Duane!! I like to spread the word about SOLSTICE...the nature spirits say it is the beginning of the new year too, albeit the Spirit Grandmothers of Time (ancient adepts)who communicate with me say that the first moon of the year is the Galactic Rest and Cleansing Moon which falls on Feb 7th this year...which places the beginning of the new year/cycle at IMBOLC...traditionally celebrated as ground hog day feb 2..we are now in the 11th moon of the year. xxoo


Diane Paull
Thanks for your timely article Duane. For years I have been encouraging family and friends to celebrate this season with each other by sharing time, fun activities and food instead of all the mall madness.


Diane Paull
We tell our Grandchildren that we are the PRESENTS!!! They believe us...:)))


Duane Burnett
Presence is one of the best gifts you can give :D


Rathaporn Fon Pawakanun
Hi there..Thanks for sharing your wisdom...That brightens our dark and cold days....;D



Sandy Sjollema
both Hannukah and Christmas are based on the solstice in any case, certainly in terms of the time of year they are celebrated....Hannukah is called the festival of lights....to bring on the light slowly but surely once the solstice is here ....it's too bad everything is so commercialized next thing you know they will make the ascension of Jesus into some massive marketing scheme...


Gibsons Recycling Depot
very important topic that you write about, especially this time of year we need to be more sensitive and caring of ourselves and others


Jill Devonshire
My friend was in Japan during a Christmas. They are so bent on embarrassing western culture. She saw a department store display that had Santa hanging from a cross.





It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast!

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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Jingle Bell All Year Long Spend Your Merry Way!


01jan2010duaneburnett (161)

HOW early is too early!!! for Christmas marketing???
NOTES By Duane Burnett

Last week I asked my facebook friends what they thought about Christmas advertising?

I noticed massive Christmas displays go up the day after Halloween at a local big box retailer and now commercials on TV. How much is too much too soon? A few people have said at the very least, Christmas can wait till after Remembrance Day and Veterans Day. Is after Nov 11th a fair respectful date?

Americans still haven't even celebrated their thanksgiving yet!

I am curious what you think?

Jingle Bell All Year Long Spend Your Merry Way!


Christmas to me is a huge drain on our planet with promises that if you buy buy buy shop shop shop some how you will be saved and enlightened till you wake up from the dream with a huge credit debt and dead earth.


Seems Christmas has become a year round business.


How much is too much and too soon?



Shirley Badger
I put a few stuff up the day after Halloween, lol, and I'm putting the rest of my stuff up, tree, the weekend after Rememberance day! It's my favorite holiday, Cheers!


Jeannie Meyer
Don't do it....LOL


Shirley Badger
if the malls can do it, so can I, LOL


Duane Burnett
I noticed another friend said she already had her tree up. So Shirley, this holiday is a lot of joy for you and you are thrilled to celebrate it as soon as possible then. Its a good thing to get started early on Christmas and enjoy it is what I am hearing. :D


Paul Dwyer
Smacks of retailers' desperation to me. Gets earlier and earlier every year. I think they've finally topped out at Halloween.


Travis Green
My status a while ago read, "Halloween without King Diamond, is like Christmas without Satan". While meant as Halloween humour,(for free I might add) in my oppinion, marketing is the clostest thing to an actual satan we have in this day and age. Insidiousmas?


Cassandra Langlois
anything before Dec is overkill...


Duane Burnett
Sounds like a split between bring IT on Christmas and too much overkill... I find I sing Christmas tunes in July! LOL


Travis Green
Singing Christmas tunes in July, flies in the face of marketing! Now THAT'S Christmas if you ask me! Call whatever you want, whatever you like, just please, own your own soul! Merry Christmas from The House of Metal!


Duane Burnett
LOL Travis... you got it!


Travis Green
Thanks Duane! You know it wasn't easy to get it! Now we help.


Teresa Eckford
I may do Christmas shopping in November, but our house doesn't see decorations or a tree until December. And I hate retailers shoving it down our throats this early...The weekend of the RC Christmas Craft Faire in late November is just about as much as I can stomach!



Duane Burnett ‎
@Teresa How many days or weeks before christmas do you put up a tree in the hose. You bring up a great point, craft fairs, shopping local Teresa is a great way to lower your carbon footprint for christmas, my fave is a christmas tree outside or in the forest for the birds and wildlife... that you can put together yourself or as a family to say thanks to all good things Earth.


Kera Mchugh
yep, i'm with teresa & shea... i love xmas but seriously... anything prior to dec 1 is all about consumerism, and that's NOT what christmas is about... i was shocked to see xmas stuff at london drugs BEFORE thanksgiving!! and absolutely, be...fore Nov 11 is offensive and disrespectful to EVERYONE, most importantly our veterans who put themselves on the line to ensure that in canada everyone gets the freedom to celebrate their holidays the way they want... but seriously... no other "religious holiday" is celebrated for as LONG as christmas is... certainly not as commercially...



Manuen Edwards
NOW !


Manuen Edwards
if i didn't have my lil girl i would go away and hide till christmas was over ... my inner grinch is grumbling ...


Paula Howley
I agree. Let's wait until Remembrance Day is over. Then, go nuts.


Teresa Eckford
Duane - we usually put our tree up outside on our deck (the cats would destroy it if it were inside) a couple of weeks before Christmas and keep it up, as per English tradition, until Epiphany (Jan 6)...and yes, shopping at the craft fairs is definitely the way to go - great deals, wonderful gifts with no fighting the crowds in Park Royal and waiting for the ferry involved!!


Jennifer White
i had to take a trip into park royal on saturday to do a return, it was the only day i had free, i thought, how bad could it be? yeeeeaah. totally different vibe from the week before. slamming busy, xmas promos in every store, total excess already


Duane Burnett
Thanks Shea,,, I was hoping to hear from some local retailers and business organizations on this. Thanks for posting your comments :D


David F Devo Faber
What do they do in 70% of the world? Not much as Christmas is not part of their lives and they are without them knowing it making a wise environmental decision. Christmas = mucho trash


Bruce Hughes
Dont get me started on Xmas .... I think its a wonderful holiday for gatherings, family time and giving your presents as you being present with them... the rest of the mad buying/credit card and overall consumption of plastic break easy is outrageous.. nuff said.. lol - the holiday is end of december the rest is marketing and consumption!!


Duane Burnett
i love celebrating the earth this time of year so tend to gravitate to solstice and thought not raking your leaves and decorating a tree for wildlife is a good tradition to give thanks.


Vicky Forest
I put my tree up on December 1 so I can enjoy the decorations and the memories of favourite childhood Christmases with family. Now that I live on the Coast I try to do my shopping here and keep the presents to a minimum. The retail stores are only trying to make a living so I don't begrudge them but I agree the craft shows are the best way to go to find unique gifts. I also like to make homemade treats for my friends and family.


Duane Burnett
homemade and local good for the community and planet. I don't do Christmas but love a tree outside for the birds decorated with edibles and nibbles to give thanks to the Earth. One year, I gave out bird tree ornaments for Solstice on Dec 21st. And another year, I made up a movie night gift basket, with video rental coupons, popcorn, candy, and fun stuff to bring the family together for some fun.


Vicky Forest
That is a beautiful idea Duane.


Darlene McIntyre
I love the idea of Christmas, but hate shopping in December.


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Thanks everyone for your comments and feedback on Christmas commercialism. I think after November 11th might be a universally accepted limit on advertising.

I like to hear what you think. Much appreciated! :D


11 Dec 2005 photo Duane Burnett 013

Monday, November 15, 2010

WIN 1 of 2 Lavish & Lime Ultimate Reusable Bag Gift Packs


WIN 1 of 2 Lavish & Lime Ultimate Reusable Bag Gift Packs

Duane Burnett and Lavish & Lime have you covered for your holiday shopping with 2 ultimate reusable gift bag packs! 2 Chances to Win. Click Attending plus Join the Fan Page to double your chances. Terrific Christmas gift! Ends Nov 28th.
Greener Living & Giving! http://lavishandlime.com/


CONTEST RULES... ends 7pm Nov 28th.
1) Click "Attending" on facebook contest page to enter.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133004466755094
2) Join the Lavish & Lime fan page for a second chance to win PLUS get instant savings.. http://www.facebook.com/lavishandlime



Suggested
3) Add Duane as a facebook friend
http://www.facebook.com/DuanesWorld
4) Share contest
5) Check out the Sunshine Coast BC Canada fan page on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459



PRIZE INFO

One winner will receive a gift pack with 4 reusable, Canadian-made, organic cotton bulk and produce bags and Envirosax reusable shopping bags

PLUS one winner will win a 5-pack pouch of designer Envirosax reusable shopping bags for joining the facebook fan page!


Here are links to the prize product pages:
Reusable Produce Bags
http://www.lavishandlime.com/Reusable-Produce-Bulk-Bags-4-pack-combo-p-841.html

Shopping Bag 5 Pack (may differ from image)
http://www.lavishandlime.com/Envirosax-Shopping-Bag-boheme-5-pack-pouch-p-764.html


Here are links to the prize product pages:
Reusable Produce Bags
http://www.lavishandlime.com/Reusable-Produce-Bulk-Bags-4-pack-combo-p-841.html

Shopping Bag 5 Pack (may differ from image)
http://www.lavishandlime.com/Envirosax-Shopping-Bag-boheme-5-pack-pouch-p-764.html



Facts - Approx. 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year. That’s more than 1,200 bags per US resident, per year.



GOOD LUCK!
This prize package from Lavish & Lime is divine! Greener living and giving this holidays! Good Luck everyone!!! :D


Please join me on facebook or twitter!
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http://facebook.com/duanesworld
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett

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IT'S ALWAYS A GOOD DAY ON THE SUNSHINE COAST!

Sunshine Coast BC Canada on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459

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Sunday, November 14, 2010

Winter Solstice Short Poetry Contest Deadline Dec 10th.



Meditations on ice and light by Special Guest Blogger, Writer and Performer Caitlin Hicks.

WinterSolsticePoetryContes


The Ice Painting Project Society is sponsoring a SHORT POETRY contest for the Winter Solstice, and we're inviting you to participate!

Really, it's open to anyone -- anywhere -- we're also encouraging poems in french, and have a french language judge, none other than Jean Pierre Makosso.

We are looking for meditation on ice and the light at the winter solstice in the form of a short poem.

Haiku is welcome as well as any other type of short poetry. I've just posted some words on how to write HAIKU on my blog.

First and second place winners will have the chance to read or have their poem read for them at the gathering at the Sechelt Arts Centre on December 18th, 2010 as part of the evening of STORIES FOR A WINTER SOLSTICE.

Open to anyone of any age anywhere. You don't have to be a poet to write a poem.

Entry fee $5 (send as many poems for this amount as you wish); all must have the inspiration of ice and/or light at the winter solstice.

First & Second place winning poems will be posted on

www.theicegate.blogspot.com, www.posticegate.blogspot.com,

ONe Cool Word Magazine's blog/ facebook/ twitter urls
ocwmagazine.ca
twitter.com/ocwmagazine
facebook.com/ocwmagazine.ca

as well as: www.caitlinhicks.com , www.thewordlinklounge.blogspot.com.

JUDGES: Tracy Stefanucci, editor of One Cool Word Magazine (Vancouver), Shelley Harrison-Rae of Wordlink lounge (Sunshine Coast) and Jean Pierre Makosso of Makosso's Village.

Entry fee is waived if entrant purchases a ticket to the show STORIES FOR A WINTER SOLSTICE (Dec 18 @ Arts Centre). Tickets can be purchased at Wind Song in Sechelt, MELOmania in Roberts Creek and GAIA'S FAIR TRADE in Gibsons as of Novemer 12th Friday.

DEADLINE to submit POEMS: December 10th 2010
Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127437590646100

First place winner receives a basket of goodies, including a poster of ICE GATE by Gord Halloran, a bottle of Vincor wine and other seasonal goodies.

Send your email poem with contact info to: paintingsbelowzero@dccnet.com; send your poem and your entry fee of $5 to: Ice Painting Project Society, General Delivery, Roberts Creek, B.C. V0N 2W0, Canada.




STORIES FOR A WINTER SOLSTICE, the popular Christmas show written and performed by Caitlin Hicks which toured internationally to excellent reviews and was broadcast on the CBC numerous times, comes to the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre on Saturday, December 18 th 2010 at 7:30 PM. The show features Caitlin Hicks telling true & fictional stories in character from the west coast of Canada.
Facebook Event Page http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120479064680246

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Time for you to get your creative writing flowing. What a great contest to celebrate the Winter Solstice December 21st.

One of my fave ways to celebrate this ancient holiday is to decorate a tree outside with dried pine cones stuffed with seed for the birds to give thanks to the Earth and Sun, which is what the holiday is all about.

And thank you Caitlin for being a special guest contributor :D

Good luck everyone with your entries! Duane Burnett




It's Always A Good Day on the Sunshine Coast!

http://duaneburnett.com
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Duane's Facebook Profile
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Saturday, November 13, 2010

WIN Topricin homeopathic healing cream kit, you'll be relieved!

You Will be relieved to WIN this contest!

Topricin_Junior33_129_thumb

Click "Attending" on the facebook page to Enter. Contest Ends Nov 21st. Relief for the whole family!


Duane Burnett and Topricin are giving away a homeopathic pain and healing cream kit for the whole family. http://www.topricin.com/

Aches, Injuries, Pain? Superior Pain Relief Naturally! Heal the Damage That's Causing Your Pain.. SEE more for full details......


...


CONTEST RULES
Click "Attending" on facebook To Enter
Ends Sun, Nov 21st, 7pm.



SUGGESTED

+ Share the contest with friends

+ Add Duane as friend
http://facebook.com/duanesworld

+ Join Topricin
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Topricin/117142973173?v=wall
Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/topricin
Website
http://www.topricin.com/



PRIZE <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Includes one 1.5oz tube of cream each of the following: 1) Topricin Junior for Kids Bumps, Bruises, Bug Bits, Muscle Spasms, Leg Cramps, Growing Pains, Sport Injuries, Sprains, Strains, Minor Burns, Neck and Shoulder Pain, Skin Irritations. 2) Topricin Foot and Ankle Therapy Cream Burning Nerve Pain, Heel Spurs, Bunions, Gout, Sports Injuries, Achilles Tendonities, Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, Sprains. 3) Topricin Pain Relief and Healing Cream for Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Lower Back Pain, Repetitive Motion & Trauma Sports Injuries. ABOUT http://www.topricin.com/
Topricin's mission is to relieve pain and restore quality of life - safely and with no side effects. Topricin® is formulated without parabens, petroleum or other harmful ingredients. The information you find here will start you on the road to recovery.




GOOD LUCK!
Please join me on facebook or twitter!
Duane Burnett

http://duaneburnett.blogspot.com/
http://facebook.com/duanesworld
http://twitter.com/duaneburnett

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Sunshine Coast BC Canada on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunshine-Coast-BC-Canada/109315035764459


>>>>>>

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Remembering Remembrance Day Ceremonies Past Sunshine Coast BC



Lest We Forget. Remembering Remembrance Day's Past...

Slideshow of Pender Harbour, Sechelt, Gibsons Legion, Army & Air Cadet Remembrance Services, special ceremonies and cadet parades over the years on the Sunshine Coast, BC.


11nov2009duaneburnett (372)





SLIDESHOW
Remembrance Day, Pender Harbour, BC

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157603124137730




SLIDESHOW
Remembrance Day, Sechelt, BC

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157622784279704/




SLIDESHOW
Remembrance Day, Gibsons and Roberts Creek, BC

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157625363033118/with/5166967157/




SLIDESHOW
Remembrance Day, Sechelt, BC

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157625363363968/with/5167695272/




SLIDESHOW
Air Cadets Parade, Gibsons, BC

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157623346404741/with/4371667323/




SLIDESHOW
Army Cadets Parade

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157623346207783/with/4371565469/




SLIDESHOW
Battle of the Atlantic Anniversary, Sechelt, BC

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157604921795836/with/2472666470/




Legion Branch 109 Gibsons 75th Birthday!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/duaneburnett/sets/72157605703985070/



Thanks to all the people and animals who have given their life in war. All the volunteers who bring November 11th together.

What do most people do on Remembrance Day in Canada or Veterans Day as its called in the US.

Its a holiday here in British Columbia. Each town and village has a ceremony or parade. Most people stay home that day though. U?

BE THE PEACE! Yours for the planet, Duane...


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