Erin's Journals

Just a thought… Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. [Marcel Proust]

It’s Thanksgiving Day down here in the U. S. of A. so I’ll begin by saying how grateful I am that you are here. And also that my husband doesn’t watch football. Nor does my company (at least while they’re with us). Hallelujah!

Yes, I’m grateful that my dear pal Lisa Brandt and her husband Derek Botten, who hail from the London, Ontario area, have been with us for a week. They’ve visited us in Palm Springs before, so we found ourselves trying to dig in a little deeper and find things we hadn’t done and share things we hadn’t already seen.

We started with a show we’ve been excited about for months: it had us decked out in feather boas that Lisa brought with her, purchased especially for this night and left with the folks at the theatre: Randy Rainbow live on stage!

It’s a uniquely 21st-century kind of experience: going to see a man perform songs backed up on a huge screen by the same videos of him that brought Randy to our attention and made us big fans. (Just Google Randy Rainbow and you’ll be taken to any of his many hilarious and extremely well-produced videos skewering Trump and his circle of psychotic sycophants.)

Over the 75-minute show we were treated to his greatest hits, some banter between his challenging and brilliantly-worded song parodies and the magic of watching a four-piece band matching up with incredible precision the video that was running behind them.

Randy was sassy and sharp, and I have the feeling that we’re just seeing the beginning of what’s going to be an extremely interesting career. (We eschewed the chance to buy higher-priced “meet ‘n’ greet” tickets; I didn’t want to risk not loving him in person, if that makes any sense?)

Last night Lisa and Derek treated us to an evening at the Purple Room, a dinner lounge where folklore has it the Rat Pack got its start as a concept and then a real act that became part of showbiz history. We’d been before, but enjoyed getting the chance to introduce them to the place.

Our host, owner Michael Holmes, fronts a jazz trio and performs with ease and warmth. We had a terrific time again – so grateful that my aunt and uncle gave us a gift certificate to try the place last year! Can’t wait to share the experience with Mike Cooper when he comes in late December.

Even though the weather has taken a turn for the rainier, we did take advantage of the sunshine while we had it and not all of our entertainment was indoors: we took a short hike to Indian Canyon under blue skies and gentle 21 degree temperatures, and enjoyed sights like this. It is indeed a special place.

We’re not doing turkey or any of that today; instead, we’ll head to a nearby theatre and take in a movie. Just as Charlie Brown would have us believe the pilgrims did, we’ll be eating popcorn on Thanksgiving – which I think is not only appropriate, but pretty much takes care of preparing another meal while we’re at it!

I hope you have a terrific weekend. Oh, and contrary to what the Mango Mussolini slurred at his rally on Tuesday night (the night before inexplicably tweeting a picture of his head on Sylvester Stallone’s 1970s body), there’s no “war” down here on Thanksgiving – something he saw on Faux News. The only war, so far, is on logic, truth and anything that makes any sense anymore (and other things I keep to myself…mostly)! Just breathe and we’ll be back Monday.

Just a thought… Only the gentle are ever really strong. [James Dean]

Yes, Christmas is one month away. But it’s come early for Rob and me this past week, with the visit of our friends from near London, Ontario, Lisa and Derek. We’ve shopped, sight-seen, talked, eaten, visited and then talked some more – we even went to see A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood, with the lovely Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers.

Watching the film was akin to sitting with a cup of cocoa and a close friend, as we soaked in the empathy, wisdom, kindness and love that was Fred Rogers. While I never watched his show as a child or as a parent, I’d love to think there’s a little of his soul in each of us; it’s just remembering to dig in and find it – and bring that kindness out – as often as we can.

I thought of him (“What would Mister Rogers do?”) as I hand wrote letters and accompanying book labels to journal visitors and readers of Mourning Has Broken who responded to last week’s offer to send the labels to accompany Christmas gifts this year.

Thankfully, Lisa and Derek will haul home the 60+ stuffed envelopes and will get them mailed sometime next week. So please say a thank you to Lisa when you get yours, as she helped to make this possible.

Lisa understands better than most the ties that bind a host and her listeners, an author and her readers. There’s a sense of gratitude that links us all and keeps us close, if we’re lucky, long after the radio show has ended or the book has faded from lists and disappeared from shelves.

Another brilliant film Rob and I saw upon our arrival here in California, where we are surrounded by theatres offering the latest blockbusters as well as smaller films, was Jojo Rabbit. Perhaps you’ve heard of this one, but likely not.

It’s about a boy who’s up to his epaulettes in the Hitler youth of the 1940s in Germany, and who happens to have an imaginary friend, as so many children do. But in Jojo’s case, that friend is none other than his hero, Adolf Hitler.

My description of this quirky, lovely, humorous and touching film can’t possibly do it justice. The title is based on Johannes’ nickname, and the fact he’s called “rabbit” because he was too scared to kill one when he was called upon to do so at “training camp.” But don’t be surprised if you see it right up there with big-budget films such as A Beautiful Day come Oscar time.

I just loved this movie. Co-starring Sam Rockwell, director/writer/actor Taika Waititi and Scarlett Johanssen, Jojo won’t be for everyone, and it’s for that reason that I can’t say “You HAVE to see it!” but it certainly is one film I won’t soon forget. So, maybe look it up?

While we’re talking movies, if you haven’t yet seen this year’s Rocket Man, you’re missing out on one of the great bio-pic/fantasies ever. Lisa and Derek hadn’t seen it yet and we rented it on demand on Friday night, lest they succumb to temptation and watch it on the plane.

Boy, were we glad that we did! If Taron Egerton isn’t nominated for Best Actor, there’s no justice. The music, assembled beautifully but in no chronological order whatsoever by “Fifth Beatle” producer George Martin’s son Giles, was spectacular.

Giles also did the music for the Beatles LOVE show in Vegas and its breathtaking soundtrack remains one of Rob’s and my favourite albums of all time. The entire film left us in awe, grateful to have lived in the same time as one Elton Hercules John.

I wish I could tell you some details today of last night’s Randy Rainbow show here in Palm Springs, but I promise some pictures later in the week from our experience with truly the best satirist (in my opinion) of our time. Our pink feather boas were set on STUNNING for the evening and I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

I’ll talk to you Thursday – so do have a wonderful week.

Just a thought… Don’t waste your energy trying to change opinions. Do your thing and don’t care if they like it. [Tina Fey]

First of all, thank you. Thanks for checking out Tuesday’s travel journal with added perks for folks who are considering October 2020’s “Thanksgiving on the Rhine” riverboat cruise with Mike Cooper, yours truly and AmaWaterways. Very exciting, indeed.

It’s always good to have something to look forward to, as so many of your responses to Monday’s journal reminded me. Today it’s Lisa Brandt’s arrival; she and her husband landed in San Francisco Tuesday, did Alcatraz yesterday and arrive here to much comfier accommodations later on this afternoon.

Lisa’s not just here for a visit, though; she’s going to be a mail carrier for me when she heads back to the Great White North. So here’s what I need you to do, and quickly: if you’re thinking of picking up or ordering a copy of Mourning Has Broken: Love, Loss and Reclaiming Joy for someone in your life this Christmas – especially those people who’d rather skip straight to January for reasons of grief or loss – I can make it a special gift for you.

Email me your mailing address and I’ll send signed HarperCollins labels (they’re called book plates) for Lisa to send your way. Don’t worry about the $1 postage – I’ll cover that. But you have to do it before the weekend is over, or else my little carrier pigeon will have flown, as she and her husband head off to explore more of California.

In case you’ve forgotten my email, it’s erin@erindavis.com. Put “book signing” in the subject line, tell me whom it is for and why (if that applies) and again, you have to do this before Lisa leaves. Please do it by Sunday. As for the book, many independent sellers are carrying it, Chapters Indigo definitely has it in store and you can order it online: Amazon.ca in Canada and Amazon.com for American friends. It’s the next best thing to a book signing, and I’m happy to do it.

We have an exciting weekend ahead as we head out to see one of the best parody artists ever; a fine entertainer no matter what genre of music you like, whose specialty is “Fake News with a twist.”

Randy Rainbow, whose new album Gurl, it’s Christmas debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts and who was nominated for an Emmy this year based on his YouTube channel performances, (of which I’m a huge fan) does an amazing job of reworking songs – many of them pop or Broadway hits – to fit current events.

Just a few of his song titles: “Putin and the Ritz,” “All About His Base,” “Border Lies” and “Before He Tweets.” Customized show tunes include “His Favorite Things,” “unPopular,” “There is Nothing Like a Wall,” “Cruella deVos” and truly one of his best, from Mary Poppins, “Braggadocios.”

By cleverly editing televised interviews, he skewers public figures – mostly Trump – mercilessly, brilliantly and perfectly. In case you haven’t heard of this one-man music machine, I’m going to link to just one example of the kind of performance we’re going to see this weekend here in Palm Springs.

Last year, Rob and I arrived just in time to miss seeing him perform. This year, we vowed not to make the same mistake; we snatched up four tickets as fast as we could and Lisa and Derek timed their western trip around this show. Yes, he’s that good, and we can’t wait!

I’ve no idea what all to expect (having stayed away from spoilers as much as possible) but Randy Rainbow – yes, that is his honest-to-goodness REAL name – has taken his show across America and into Canada and I’ve no doubt he’s going to be FANTASTIC!

Have a terrific weekend, enjoy this video from last year and I’ll be back with you Monday. Ta-ta, dahling! And now, from one of my favourite things (brilliant and acerbic musical comedy), to Randy Rainbow’s song about Trump’s favourite things. Enjoy.

Just a thought… We didn’t realize we were making memories. We just knew we were having fun. [Author Unknown]

Wait, what? A Tuesday journal? Well, there’s method to my madness: there’s a travel deadline coming very shortly and if I don’t get this message out – and ask you to share it with anyone interested – a lot of people could miss the boat. In this case, literally.

As I’ve told you here for a few months, the SS Erin & Mike (that’s referring to my former and favourite co-host Mike Cooper, of course) is getting ready to set sail again – this time in October of 2020 – for a spectacular and memorable Thanksgiving AmaWaterways riverboat cruise on the Rhine. What’s the SS stand for? How about “Simply Spectacular”? LOL

Okay, you’re saying, “If it’s not ’til next October, what’s the rush? I don’t know what I’m doing next January, never mind next fall!” Well, in the cruising world, people book years in advance. And here it is: we have less than two weeks left for people to sign up and get in on the big bonuses that AmaWaterways and, more locally, New Wave Travel in downtown Toronto are offering. If you’re even the least bit curious (or optimistic about that 6/49 ticket), you really need to read what they’re offering.

First, well, it’s Mike and me and a whole bunch of really fun people who have already partied with us. Last April on our riverboat trip from Amsterdam to Belgium and back, we had a complete blast with the folks who signed up to join our group. So much so that we were inspired to try to make this an “our group only” charter on the glorious AmaStella.

AmaWaterways is ranked Best for Active Traveller by Cruise Critic – a site Rob and I have used as cruisers for years – and the AmaStella is consistently ranked at or near the top for luxury, service, accommodations and all of the criteria that matter on the water. And YES, we’re with you the whole time. None of this “take a trip with (host name here)” and then you never see the whites of their eyes until one night when there’s a concert in the ballroom. That’s BS and definitely not how we operate! You pay to come on a riverboat cruise with us? You’ll get all you want of us – and then some. LOL

So what’s the deal with the timing? The aim of this very special trip, thanks to Gerry and his team at New Wave Travel, is to have an entire riverboat to ourselves – just us Crazy Canucks – and so far 60% of the cabins are booked. That is a fantastic number at this point, but in order to get more confirmed, there’s a November 30 deadline to receive the added perk of a $200 Cdn. onboard credit.

Now, don’t forget that all tipping, cocktails before dinner, and wine and beer with dinner are included. Best of all, so are the myriad excursions that will be offered as we make our way from Basel to Amsterdam – cycling, walking, buses, whatever – and that adds up to huge savings in comparison to a cruise where your bill for outings at the end of the trip can almost match the price of the trip itself!

We’ll be travelling during Canadian Thanksgiving, which will be celebrated, but we’ve got lots of other reasons to be grateful, too: an intimate and exciting week of outings, parties and Coop’s Classics dances that promise to be a highlight of your year, if not your life. We’re going to make sure of it. We’ve got a renewal of vows already planned, plus lots of fun and mingling all together at dinner and in the main lounge and bar with nightly entertainment that’s just spectacular. And for the record, I could be bribed NOT to sit at the piano again!

Here’s a link to a layout of the boat, if you’re interested. While you’re there, take a look at the cabins: there are some openings just announced in the lower-priced categories, as some of our return guests who had such a great time with us have upgraded to a higher category. Check out the previously-sold out Category D Piano Deck & Category CA Cello Deck.

SO…that’s the deal. You have just under 2 weeks to make a decision and get a $200 onboard credit. And if you’re considering making it a longer stay, as we are, there’s a 4-night AMA pre-cruise land package available from October 8-12 that explores the glory of Switzerland before we embark from Basel.

It doesn’t cost a thing to ask questions and you’ve got the friendliest, no-pressure team anywhere to help you out. Contact Debbie Gray at deb@newwavetravel.net or 416-928-3113 ext. 340 (who has flights available for you to book now, since we’re just 11 months out) or email our friend Gerry Koolhof: gerry@newwavetravel.net. They’re terrific people and, as I’ve said here before, Rob and I booked travel through Gerry for about a decade before we partnered up for these river cruise adventures.

If you’d been at the pre-cruise reception a few weeks back in Yorkville, you’d have heard the same refrain from Mali B. and anyone else who’d travelled with us: it was fun, memorable and a great way to make friends for life. Many of the people who are joining us are newly single like Mike and wanting to have something to look forward to: safe, friendly fun with people just like them who are seeking the same experiences. Mike calls it a SKI trip: Spend your Kids’ Inheritance!

Mike Cooper and I can’t wait to host you once again for this European riverboat adventure in October 2020. As I say, you’ve absolutely nothing to lose (and no strings attached – promise!) if you inquire.

Just one more thing – our amazing host on the cruise, Ama’s Nick Hartog agreed that if Gerry, Mike and I were doing this one, he’d be sure to host again, which is FANTASTIC. To a person, everyone on the AmaStella was amazing, but Nick just rose above them all and guarantees a good time.

Here’s a link to a video he shot for a recent reception we had for prospective and return travellers with Mike and me. Enjoy this and please don’t put it off. We want that boat FILLED with all of our people so we can party like we all used to. Let’s do it!

Just a thought… We are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering. [Brené Brown]

*Ahoy sailors – be sure to check in here tomorrow for a bonus Tuesday Travel journal. A happier one, I promise.

Welcome to a new week. And I know I can be honest here with you, so I’ll tell you that today I’m feeling…untethered. A little lost. The new kid in town – again.

As Molly told you last Thursday in her one-and-only journal effort (and she thanks you for your nice words about her writing talents) we’re now in Palm Springs. She’s doing fine, enjoying a comfy bed, her regular food and treats, plus warm, sunny walks that don’t necessitate a raincoat as they do back home at this time of year.

Rob’s in his glory: puttering around doing odd jobs, packing and loading his hockey goalie gear into the car for regular games with other ex-pats who have escaped colder climes and still want to surround themselves with ice. Go figure!

He’s having a blast, except for the fact that this arena, inappropriately called the Ice Castle, doesn’t have showers. Ew. But to find regular seniors’ hockey in the desert is a gift that he’s not going to complain about, and neither am I. When Rob’s happy, it’s a good thing.

He’s found his people and I have yet to find one person. I know not one soul in this entire area. And so once again I find myself grateful to have a place to talk – however virtually – with people I feel that I know and who know me: you.

I’m an isolating kind of person by nature, and that fits right into the addictive personality: withdraw into a place where no one knows you so that no one can judge. The quiet hours feed that depression I’ve fought for so many decades as I sit quietly thinking too much about what we’ve lost instead of what we have.

Obviously I need to make human connections, but an innate shyness prevents me from taking those first, shaky steps. I want to go out and speak to groups, deliver the Reclaiming Joy speech that gives me purpose; one Facebook post from a woman who winters down here, and suggested I might come and talk to her neighbourhood group, has given me a lift. But where do we go from here?

I know, I know: it’s time to start Googling Yin Yoga classes and find myself a mat at the back of somebody’s class. Take the covers off our bicycles and log some miles around the area. Get to that 12-step meeting today at 11 am and be in the company of other people just working to get through one day at a time.

Yes, it’s early days; it has been less than a week here. I’m just waiting for an angel to help me out. Maybe she wants me to be idle right now, or busy in ways that are good for me. Or maybe that angel comes in the form of a friend.

As I wrapped up writing today’s journal, it dawned on me that my pal Lisa and her husband are coming late this week. We’ll make new memories. Looking ahead instead of back, I’m reminded of the saying that the rearview mirror is smaller than the windshield, and for good reason.

Tomorrow – we jump to next October: if you’re interested even a little bit in an adventure on the Rhine with Mike and me, come by for a special Tuesday journal. Again…looking ahead, right?