Steven Duff

Am back in the music business as Artistic Director of the Georgian Bay Winds as well as singing in the Riversongs Choir. Still painting (commissions always welcome!) and writing - a new manuscript is in search of a publisher and another one is under way. I need to live to 150 to get all this stuff done!

When it comes to anything technical, I'm a complete and total Luddite. But I am making some progress - have added some stuff to my page, but as you can see, a bit of clean-up is in order, so please bear with me. Sometimes I think my computer is haunted - a couple of new pictures came out sideways, a situation not of my choosing. New musical pick - try Measha Bruggergosman's CD "Night and Dreams". Drop-dead gorgeous. Older pick - Christos Hatzis' "Telluric Dances" for oboe and orchestra. An astonishing tour-de-force. Richard Dawkins' memoir (whose title I forget, duuh) is a really interesting read, regardless of what you may think of this theological ideas. And through the autumn, we have been entertained by the shenanigans at Parliament Hill and Toronto's city hall, but, enough, already!

"Moon Watches Over the Night Creatures" (Spirit Painting N0. 25)

"Moon at Play in the Night Wind" (Spirit Painting No. 24)

"Moon Walks on Water" (Spirit Painting Mo. 23)

Had a very special experience on Saturday, July 6. Went with some friends in search of the Sacred Turtle, a curious rock formation at the southern end of Shawanaga Bay, that looks like...you guessed it, a giant turtle. It was sacred to the Natives, and with good reason; there's an aura about it that just draws you in, like being wrapped in a warm blanket. It is traditional to leave gifts for the Sacred Turtle and under it was a pile of this and that, tobacco (very traditional), coins, feathers, and even greeting cards painted on flat stones. We left a couple of maple cookies, which the turtle appreciated. I'm still struggling with making Facebook work and I hope in the near future to post a picture of myself offering my humble gift. My friends and I have now found our Inner Turtle and all is well.

How are you enjoying the Canada Day Long weekend?

"Look What They Have Done to my Kingdom". Mishipashoo, the Ojibway Water Spirit, sadly surveys an environmentally-ruined Georgian Bay.

White Squall Paddling Centre has an interesting trip if you are a paddler/sketcher!

"Bound for the Open Bay". No matter how often you experience a scene like this, there is always a feeling of awe and mystery.

A blue heron with Attitude. This haughty bird is pictured on the Limestone Islands, a remote spot in Georgian Bay that serves as a nature sanctuary and is off-limits during nesting season.