Haha, History! Comedy at The Museum of Vancouver February 28, 2026

January and February are dark months, here and so to bring in the light and laughter, I went to the Museum of Vancouver to look for fun. I found it! Dynamic, hilarious, Host, Myles Anderson, and renowned Comedians, Charlie Demers, and Graham Clark were laughing and chatting with a sold out audience, even before the 6:30 start time. Please see more about them at Events & Programs - MOV at https://museumofvancouver.ca. You can hear, Myles, Charlie and Graham on The Debaters on CBC Radio, but do follow them to see their great variety of other comedic journeys and pursuits. Congratulations Museum of Vancouver for bringing comedic perspectives to your Vancouver History Collection. 

The trivia questions are fun to try, and, they do generate a lot of consultation and yes, more laughs as we remember our own history with the photos, ads and artifacts from the past. These two questions, "Do you need to pay for parking at the museum?" "Is this the Space Centre?" were unexpectedly funny to those of us who were wondering if we would need an answer key to answer any deep, historical queries. But I remember, as a teacher, being interviewed by students, whose first questions were often: "How old are you and how much money do you make?"  One of the first photos we were shown, is of a car in one of the bigger exhibits, showing it and neon parking signs and auto services. Question: What make is this one? The answer is actually in script on the hood: Fairlane (Ford). There were stories about who owned one, speed, muscle and performance. Next was a photo of two hippies and who were they? (go and see the exhibit to get the details)I think we all reflected back about the styles and the music and where we were during that time. There were several ads and we had to think about what product they were trying to sell. Life Buoy Rubbers (Overshoes), Pay to Look Well: Ted's Barber Shop, Hair Cuts, and more. We had to identify a hat (a bowler) and name a slippery con artist. Jeff "Soapy" Smith, who tried to sell soap with the promise that there was money hidden in the package. The revolver he had carried, was identified for its name and a prize given to a trivia expert who knew the difference between single and double action. I think I heard reference to Westerns of the time, but then we moved on to appliances, (the evolution of the micro wave oven) and food, (what's in the meat?) and stores. We talked a bit about Granville Street downtown and South Granville. Not all of the prizes were given out, so there are some left for your next laugh, March 28 and April 25. Tickets at www.showpass.com I enjoyed the jokes and laughs during the evening. Great to see that Charlie Demers has a new book out and that people were lining up for signed copies. Loved the MOCKTAILS Bar and meeting owner Angela Hansen and partner, Enrique, who took time to get a photo, and smiled.Thanks again Museum of Vancouver for the general admission passes on our chairs; we will be back, for sure!!!

Opening Night of "WITHIN CELLS INTERLINKED" A New Exhibit of Ceramics, Metalwork and Sculpture, Curated by Charlinee Wichaidit Jan 22, 2026

I often visit the Craft Council of BC, on Granville Island, as it features such a wide variety of Art and Crafts, and the collections and events are always changing. Please have a look at my instagram to see more or check out the specific reels for (Kinuka Hara, Isis Costa, full exhibit) of the reception, last night to see the gallery, the crowd and some of the Artists and Staff who welcomed us to an evening of looking at and thinking about the complexities and beauty of all of the pieces in this exhibit, WITHIN CELLS INTERLINKED, featuring 5 Artists: Isis Costa, Kinuka Hara, Naomi Zhang, Jordan Mitchell and Tatiana Ragonesi,  as well as many other Artists, throughout the entire space. I have enjoyed the CCBC's annual Earring Show and blogged about one in 2022, here. I look forward to the next one May 7-28th!! Since I do love jewellery, I will focus here on the jewellery by Isis Costa currently a student in the VCC Jewelry program, and Kinuka Hara, whose ceramic stoneware 'wearable art' headpiece and necklaces, titled: In the Flow of Sakura Petals, reminds me of the cherry blossoms here and in Japan. She is thinking about Spring and "...the beauty of nature" but also about family and her experience in Japan and in Vancouver. I was thinking about how the beads were petal shaped and would move as you walked or turned your head.I wondered how it would look with a kimono and the sounds it might make in a quiet tea room or at Queen Elizabeth Park, in Cherry Blossom Season. Isis Costa had many pieces in her collection: earrings, rings, brooches, and bracelets. Here are 10 photos and a description with each. It seems that Isis is reflecting on the inner spaces of the Artist and all humans, as well as the inner layers/compartments of each piece. Her sterling silver work is strong and draws the eye. Her rings, brooches and bracelets are shapes I have never seen before. Isis had the support of some of her fellow students from VCC at this fantastic evening at CCBC. I look forward to being at her graduation and being able to buy something special. "Within Cells Interlinked" is on now so I encourage you to get to 1386 Cartwright St., Granville Island and see Art at its very best!

Mary (Head of Communications and Marketing for the Gallery) and me!

Isis and Charlinee Wichaidit

Looking Back at Vancouver Events in December 2025

I have always loved windows for the view outside to the world of adventure. Looking back, I notice that there is usually a touch of colour, often red, somewhere in the frame. This photo, by Luke the photographer, shows me looking out the window as we land in Greece, for the first time. I had never tasted olive oil, picked lemons, or been to the Parthenon. It seems wherever I go, I write and take photos. I have decided to do a monthly blog post about Vancouver events, starting with December, and including some of my favourite photos. Someone once said,"You always blog about what has already happened." I repost and share on Clothes Line Finds Facebook Page and Instagram what's coming up and then I write about my experiences. My hope is that you will join me and help share all of the great events that go on, here, year round. So, look out and go out and tell us what you see.

Christmas at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and a fantastic gingerbread version of our 'castle in the sky'. The decorated windows, trees and holiday spirit there, make a December visit, special. Red in my Kenzo scarf from Japan. 

Family visit to favourite spots at Granville Island include Granville Island Hat Shop Nooroongji Books Santa's Workshop and puppets at Granville Island Kids Market.

Joy at Vandusen Garden Festival of Lights and me surrounded by lights and wearing my Hudson Bay Scarf, with a red stripe, of course!

 Family visit to Holt Renfrew and on our way to False Creek Ferries. And Art; I hope this drawing is of me, wearing my crown, of course! 

Celebrating Eco Thrift and Holiday Windows at Wildlife Thrift Store on Granville. Lots of reels on my instagram as well! 

Vancouver Community College (downtown) annual Holiday Market, spotlighting Student Makers VCC Fashion VCC Jewellery VCC Digital Media Design, VCC Spa & Salon, small businesses and much more. (reels on my Instagram) Vancouver Community College is open year round and offers courses and events, year round. Here I am with a new bag, a COLURE Product by vcc students enrolled in the Design & Production Program. Note that VCC Fashion shows annually at Vancouver Fashion Week.

Starting the Fleurs des Villes Noel trail at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver across from annual tall Christmas tree and Ferris Wheel (Free on Tuesdays) and nearby Pendulum Gallery Fleurs des Villes Noel floral installation #20 CF WINTER HARP by Manites Flower Shop! Note that Pendulum Gallery has year round free and fabulous events/art exhibits. Thanks to fellow writer Marilyn Wilson for the photo of me and to helpful bystanders for others.

Another popular Pop Up Market that happens throughout the year is firstpickhandmade.com Fashion + Design Pop Up Dec 13,14. (Reel 1 and Reel 2 on my Instagram). And, did I mention the people I meet? Here is a Father and Daughter team of wood turners:Dan Breck of Bees and Bowls, and Alicia Breck of The Brecking Point. 

 And more Art, always Art!! A Christmas gift to myself is this one by Dorothy Woodend. Two things that made me go right over and buy are: the colours red and green and the images of majesty and magic! One of my favourite brooches is a tiny ceramic frog, gifted to me by a student who said I believed in the power of transformation.

So this is December so far and it is still a week before Christmas! I am looking out at the sun and anticipating what's to come!