News from Cedar Brook Farm

This will be our 25th year here at the farm. In that time, we have certainly lived a different lifestyle than most. When we arrived on Oct. 1st, we had nothing but a shop and a bare shell for a home, and lived in a small trailer loaned by a friend. In November, we moved into the house and though it was far from complete, it did have indoor plumbing. To supplement our income, we built boats, sold our skidoos, boats and airboats, and generally managed to survive while we planned for a fish farm.

The fish farm was a major undertaking and commitment. Within a year, we had the trenching done and ponds ready for production. By the third year, we had very small fish to sell. By the fourth year, I was selling fish and home-baked goods at the Barrie Farmer's Market and Bee had contracts to supply cage sites with small fingerlings on Georgian Bay. Fish farming was an intensive but rewarding vocation and Bee excelled at it for several years. Then, long after he should have retired,
he decided to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources to stock pickerel in Georgian Bay.

Meanwhile, I wanted to depict Georgian Bay in my music and visual art. First, I recorded my original Georgian Bay folklore songs, extending my singing career to perform with my partners, The SoundWaves. At the same time, I was developing my painting style and began to sell my miniatures. I have since gone on to paint larger pieces and commissions, all featuring my beloved Georgian Bay. Art shows in many locations have enabled me to reach out and meet other artists. My love of the arts will continue to be my passion.

Change is good, so after much reflection, Bee and I have decided to list our Cedar Brook Farm within the next few months. I will continue to paint as long as I can, because it is what I love. Bee is prepared to leave his fish experiences for new adventures which we will share together. We have our good health and each other and we look forward to what tomorrow brings.

I plan to keep you posted via my yearly newsletter. Once I master the computer, I may even begin a monthly email. Bee and I thank all those who have been a part of our lives here in Huronia. It has been a wonderful experience and challenge that we will not forget.
The future is in God's hands. May we live a long life to enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Lu's Pet Project        

This year will mark a major celebration for the arts in Huronia. The Midland Arts and Cultural Centre will bring with it an era of newness to the arts community when it opens its doors in late fall. The Huronia Players are celebrating their 50th anniversary, the Y's Men's Club has hosted a music festival for over 70 years and Johnstone's Music Land have a history in the music community lasting decades. The list goes on and on with the proud support of the Huronia Foundation for the Arts (HFA), its members, sponsors and volunteers. You will be able to read more about the milestones of Huronia in the 3rd Annual Arts and Culture Directory released in June. For more information about the Foundation, check out the website at www.huroniaarts.ca, where you will find a calendar of arts events, classes, auditions and calls for entry, workshops, volunteer opportunities and membership application.

I have always wanted to start a movement to encourage the public to join forces in serving, protecting and promoting arts and culture in Huronia. When I moved back to the mainland 25 years ago, it wasn't hard to see the talent that existed right in my own back yard. I realized that many of these incredible musicians, visual artists and performers, talented in their own fields, were isolated from one another because of geography. I lived in an isolated situation for 15 years, so it was easy for me to comprehend the problems the artists face in their daily struggles to survive.

We must ask ourselves, what would life be without the arts? There would be no incredible entertainment or beautiful art. Extending the vision further, there might be no tv, cars, tasty foods, architecture, designer clothes and so many other enlightening riches. My dream began with this Foundation. Each year the HFA board of directors gathers new members who care, who want to make a difference in their community and who have committed themselves to countless hours of hard work. Without them, the word wouldn't get out. We do have amazing arts and culture in Huronia. We know that Georgian Bay, its surrounding forests and green countryside is spectacular, and within it are brilliant artists of all genres. The Foundation encourages you to learn more about the arts and culture in Huronia. For those of you who don't know about us, or for those persons who wish to learn more, please search our website, www.huroniaarts.ca or pick up a copy of the annual arts directory compiled by the HFA. There, you will be able to find an artist of your choice and learn more about arts and culture right here in our own community.