Family Fire Time Fun!
"Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer."
~ Nat King Cole
Being an earthy “fire” rhythm baby, born July 27th, in the “hot” time of the summer on the west coast of Canada, makes this season one of my favourite times of the year. Not only do I get to have a mid-summer birthday party, but I also get to enjoy my family’s heritage cabin on Pasley Island, on the west side of Bowen Island, in the Howe Sound of British Columbia. Our cabin has been in our family since 1919, and was my Granny’s pride and joy, which she delighted in sharing with her family.
Summertime is all about joy! When I was young, the highlight of my summer was going to the cabin. This meant it was vacation time. There were no schedules, no school, and I had the freedom to roam wherever I wanted, because everyone on the island was either a relative or a close family friend, and they would look after me.
I love to swim in the ocean as it’s the greatest salt bath you could have to cleanse the aura and rejuvenate the soul. Little doughy-eyed seals pop up, curious to see who you are. When you notice they are watching you, they dive back under the sea, suddenly shy about their intrusion.
When I was young, it was so much fun hanging out with all my cousins and friends. I loved to build sandcastles on the beach and create amazing forts in the forest. Playing and living on the ocean included boating, floating on logs, whale watching, and lots of stargazing. Without the city’s light pollution, you can see the Big Dipper and the glorious Milky Way. We watch the satellites slowly pass by, and in August, we get a spectacular show of meteorites flashing across the sky.
As a child we got to eat all sorts of fun foods like hot dogs, chips, popcorn, and special penny candies that included bananas and strawberries. Granny would always let me have 1 can of assorted soda pop as my nightly “happy hour” treat. Of course, as an adult my guilty pleasures have now switched to late afternoon sparkling Rose and brie and crackers or special appetizers on the dock. This year I’ve found some fabulous mocktails to have during “dock time” to keep a more hydrating healthier head. In the evening, we still enjoy large family dinners on the deck, and no one is too old to enjoy a roasted marshmallow or make a delicious, yummy s’more. Chocolate squares are a great way to end a sun kissed, relaxing day. As we’ve slowly modernized, we now enjoy a deck propane fire pit that we laugh, sing, and drum around. My favourite pastime is to take pictures of the flames to see if I will get a cool photo message from beyond. I’ve had many delightful surprises over the years.
Forest bathing is another one of my absolute favourite things to do. You feel this sudden grounded stress-free vibe that feeds your soul and cleanses away all the city life stress energies. When I was young, part of going into the forest was looking for my forest friends. I’ve spent my whole life looking for the fairy elemental realm in this special forest that I’m certain dwells on the island. As a young child growing up in this paradise, I spent many days using my highly sensitive superpowers to live in this magical world. As I began to explore my artistic pleasures, I would take photos of all the “Moss people” and creatures I kept seeing. This place is filled with cool faces that I find in all the trees and old, moss-covered stumps.
The Island was logged in the late 50s after the war, because the men had all been away serving their country. My ancestors were struggling to pay for the expenses and upkeep of the family cabins. The family farmstead had become run down, and all the horses, chickens, and turkeys were gone. To help relieve the financial burden, they decided to log a lot of the big old forest growth trees. This was a great tragedy for the island’s forest biome, but it helped to recover some of the hardships the families were going through. Today, it’s finally recovered its nature and wildlife, and this place has now become our heritage west coast gem. We are spoiled with being able to watch eagles, deer, otters, seals, whales, and enjoy oysters, mussels, clams, fish, and wild coastal foods, including wild mushrooms, berries, onions, and garlic. There is nothing more satisfying than pulling up the crab pot with fresh Dungeness in it, which you can serve with lemon and butter after you boil it in salt water for 7 minutes.
At the end of my great-great-great-grandfather’s trust, he had left instructions for the island to be sold. With ten children in the family, it was time to pay out those who no longer wanted to be part of it. To preserve the island for those who still loved it, my granny’s brother formed a company and divided it into 30 shares.
Being of Scottish descent we have a Cairn at the top of Summit Rock - the highest point on Pasley - with a plaques for my Great Great Grandfather H.O Bell-Irving and his eldest daughter Great Auntie Iso whose decedents now reside on Mickey Island.
My granny bought her father’s share, and her brother, one of her younger sisters, and many cousins bought back in too. Today, there are still seven shares held by members of my original family and our cousins. We also have cousins on Mickey Island, which creates the beautiful view from our cabin in what’s known as North Bay. Boats often come here looking for a safe place to anchor for the night, as the small island forms a protective cove.
By the time I was born in the 60’s, this island had become the socialite place to be with all the up-and-coming families that had bought on. Now there are those of us who have been privileged enough to have watched the many generations grow up who are still enjoying all the summertime rituals and traditions this extraordinary place has to offer. I feel so very grateful to be able to enjoy this amazing place with my grandchildren and their families.
Below are a few of my family’s favourite recipes we’ve enjoyed this summer:
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
I cook up a big batch and it can last for several days in the fridge. I say this with a chuckle because it’s very rare that it lasts even for 1 meal as my family love it so much. You can use a feta alternative for those who have dairy issues. I also buy a gluten free Orzo from Bosa’s, a deluxe Italian grocery store, in Burnaby, BC.
Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
6 tsp olive oil – divided
1 medium red onion – diced
½ cup minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp sugar
1/8 tsp pepper
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 medium cucumber, chopped
12 pitted Greek olives, halved
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or extra firm tofu for vegan option)
Directions:
Cook orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain.
In a serving bowl, toss orzo with 2 tsp olive oil.
In another bowl, combine onion, parsley, vinegar, oregano, salt, sugar, pepper, and remaining oil; pour over orzo and toss to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
Just before serving, remove from fridge and gently stir in tomatoes, olives, cucumber, and feta cheese (or tofu). Serve.
6 Minute Egg
Boil an egg for 6 minutes
Place into ice water.
Put into the fridge to eat for breakfast
Avocado and Poached Egg Toast
Pick your favourite bread or bagel to toast.
Slice 1 perfectly soft avocado
Slice your cooled 6-minute eggs from the fridge
Layer your slices of soft avocado on top of your toast and then top with your sliced soft poached egg.
Garnish with sea salt and favourite seasoning.
Lemoncello Spritz
4 oz Prosecco
1 oz Limoncello
4 oz Lemon Sorbet Bubly
Served on Ice with a wedge of lemon and a sprig of mint
I hope you have found a special summertime spot, a little bit of paradise this summer, to have some fun, and enjoy your family and friends in this perfect season for the rhythm FIRE time fun!
❤ Becca