#YYCRocksforRecovery – A Huge Success!

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#yycrocksforrecovery, addiction, Alberta, believe, Calgary, community, compassion, courage, dancing, Diana Schwenk, Events, Fundraising, generosity, giving, Hump Day Chronicles, joy, kindness, Kings Head Pub, music, non-profit, passion, Purpose, recovery, Relationships, TLB Group

Wow – YYC Rocks for recovery raised $4,300!

Enough to provide a safe and sober Oxford home for two individuals for more than a year!

The energy and support at King’s Head Pub on Sunday, October 16^th for YYC Rocks for Recovery was palpable. 

Personally, and as a representative of Oxford House, I am so grateful to the TLB Group and its many volunteers who manned the door, sold wares, ran the auction, emceed the event, and who knows what else; King’s Head Pub, who provided all the food for volunteers; the Twenty-eight super talented bands who rocked the house down all afternoon and into the early hours of the morning; the amazing sponsors, the silent auction donors, and those who attended.

What a night!

I mean, how often can you get to see such high quality talent from so many musicians for $10 at the door these days? And each and every band played for free, played for Oxford House, played for the love of their craft – many sticking around after their set to support their fellow musicians.

Tracey, my coworker and I volunteered for a shift at the door early in the afternoon. The TLB volunteers were so welcoming and took the time to explain what we needed to do. It didn’t take me long to hand over the cover-charge-taking and tracking duties to Tracey who is the Financial Coordinator at Oxford House and way more proficient at these things than I am. That left me free to do the hand stamping, free haircut coupon distribution and the directing of musicians and volunteers to where they needed to go. The volunteer door shift was a blast.  One could feel the good vibes that came in with attendees.

Much to my pleasant surprise, my long-time friend Carmen whom I ran into by chance the day before on 17^th Avenue, showed up with her niece Stephanie to support the event. Carmen bid on several auction items, the last of which lit her face up like a Christmas tree when she won it. She can’t wait to take her friend from Montana on a guided fly fishing tour on the Bow River.

Mike Robertson, who donated the package for the auction stopped by to chat with us and was thrilled that Carmen was so happy about her upcoming fishing adventure. “I’ve been in recovery for thirteen years,” Mike told us. “And when I heard about YYC Rocks for Recovery I just had to do my little part.”

And that same spirit of generosity permeated the entire event. I was so blown away by everyone involved – it was ‘community in action’, coming together as one to rock the world of individuals in recovery.

Enjoy the photo gallery below

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And now a little taste of the stage and people thoroughly enjoying themselves on the dance floor…

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

For more information on the TLB Group

For WAY more photos and videos: YYC Rocks for Recovery Event Page

For more information about Oxford House

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A Master of all Traits?

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200 words, adapt, community, dancing, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, gifts, happy, mission, music, Purpose, skills, talents, Who I am

A community is like a ship, everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm. ~ Henrik Ibsen

I’m not sure I agree with the above statement.

A Master of all Traits?

Everyone has unique gifts and talents and no one can do everything.

Sure we can adapt and take on a different role for a period of time, or perhaps even forever, but we won’t be happy and we won’t do as good a job as could be done.

The other night we went to see a Reggae band. They were playing. We were dancing.

And every now and then the drummer broke into a burst of drum banging that had nothing to do with the music playing.

The band would stop, have a mini meeting on stage, switch instruments and start over.

It was pretty impressive how they could all play every instrument but they weren’t in tune with each other and it sure didn’t do anything for the listener or us poor Smucks who just wanted to dance.

~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

Does it make sense to you for everyone to be able to take the helm?

Why? Why not?

The Hole in the Wall

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bar, Blues, community, dancing, Diana Schwenk, dream, Floyd Dixon, Hole in the Wall, Hump Day Chronicles, Jazz, love, relational, social

Before I get too deep into this post I want to explain something. I’m not an artist, but I know when I like a painting. And I’m not an author but I can appreciate a good book. I’m also not a musician but I know good music when I hear it. Or as I used to say as a teenager, I may not be able to make a watch, but I can tell the time!

Off and on since I was 16 years old I’ve dreamt of owning my own bar.

I think it’s the social aspect, the idea of people gathering and enjoying each other’s company that appeals to me.

Over the years, what that would look like has changed many times, yet the idea of owning a bar has continued to visit me from time to time.

Maybe one day I will own one. Maybe I won’t – but either way I want to share the following concept with you and hear what you think.

About a year ago I came up with a conceptual idea for what this bar would look and feel like. The following song would be the indicator that the entertainment is about to begin.

And that’s why I would call my bar The Hole in the Wall.  Imagine if you will; a red brick building. On the outside wall, a mural that looks like bricks have been knocked out and left a hole that allows you to peer inside to see the silhouette of a band and folks dancing. There would be plenty of parking and an outdoor courtyard to cool off from all the dancing you would do.

Me and my friend Sandra out and about at some dancing joint.

Inside is a big open space with an elevated stage large enough to accommodate a 7-man band. The stage overlooks a large dance floor with plenty of room for people to dance. Tables would seat six and it would be the norm to expect people you don’t know to sit with you if you and your guests are not taking up the entire table.

The Hole in the Wall would not have a restaurant. We know you get hungry so to sate your appetite and save ourselves the hassle of cooking, we would promote our neighbouring eateries by providing their take-out menus at each table.

That’s right – just pick up your iPhone and call your favourite restaurant and have them deliver to your table!

The motto of the bar would be: For the love of people, great music and dancing

For the love of people

I would want to create an unpretentious and relaxing atmosphere – a place where everyone would feel comfortable, regardless of age or station in life. A place where you could spend time with your adult children – where all of you would have fun together – imagine that!

The Hole in the Wall would hire staff that are energetic, fun-loving people lovers! It would be more important to be relational than to have previous experience. Bar-related skills can be taught!

Philanthropy would be highly encouraged and expected. Staff would have opportunities to share the causes they believe in and engage with charities to organize regular fundraisers that not only raise funds but provide opportunity for organizations to volunteer at the event and engage with patrons.

Because we love people, alcohol consumption would be monitored. The Hole in the Wall is not about getting drunk, it’s about enjoying the music, dancing and the company of good friends. Don’t be surprised if we bring you a glass of water or a cup coffee with a kind word to encourage you to slow down. Sound unusual? I’ve seen it work in other places!

For the love of great music

The Hole in the Wall would strive to make a name for itself by attracting the best blues and jazz bands for the weekends. These bands would love the large stage and acoustics and would be compensated well. During the week, The Hole in the Wall would be a place where talented ‘up and comers’  could become known and kick off their careers.  Who knows perhaps The Hole, as it will be affectionately called, will become so well-known that professional artists will sneak in for impromptu sets after their concert at the Saddledome!

For the love of dancing

Does it matter if you can dance? Nah, as long as you’re having fun – that’s what it’s all about!

Maybe organized activities could include riding bikes that are too small for you?

Whether you’re a trained dancer or just a hotdogger like me, if you love to dance – The Hole in the Wall would be the place for you. We won’t judge you!

The Hole in the Wall would be a safe and fun place to dance and enjoy a night out. During the day we would organize fun activities like they do at resorts. If you can’t laugh at your best friend making a fool of himself, who can you laugh at?

~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

What do you think?

Would you come to a place like the Hole in the Wall?

50 ain’t so Bad…

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Birthday, Calgary, dancing, Deanne House, Diana Schwenk, Events, family, friends, Ranchmans, The Big 5-0

Some of you had asked me to share how I spent my birthday; OK one of you asked me. (Thanks B!)This is the last post about my birthday – I promise!

~

Because it was my birthday on Valentine’s Day I decided to take Thursday and Friday off and Monday was Family Day here in Alberta. I ended up with 5 days off for my birthday.

Thursday, the day of my birthday, I had a dentist appointment because I’d lost a filling. It turns out I need to get a crown so after the dentist smoothed the sharp edges I booked another appointment for March. Happy Birthday to me!!!

~

Later I enjoyed a lovely lunch  at the lovely Deanne House in Inglewood with Kathleen, a friend who used to be my EA at a previous job.

The one thing I really miss about my old job is the group of people who used to make up what I called my ‘Dream Team.’ Kathleen had spoiled me rotten; she really took care of me in those days. Thanks so much for a lovely lunch Kathleen!

~

I got home around 1:30 and within a few moments my doorbell rang. I opened the door and there was this 6’4” cowboy looking guy with a box.

“What’s that?”

“It’s a box,” he said.

“For me?”

“Yup, can you print your name here?”

“Yeah…sure”

“You know,” he said observing my excitement, “they always act surprised, but if you don’t get them flowers, there’s hell to pay!”

I chuckled to myself thinking he probably had forgotten to give his girlfriend flowers for Valentine’s Day, said goodbye and shut the door.

I couldn’t believe someone sent me flowers and couldn’t imagine who they could be from. I opened the box to discover they were from my friends Annie and George who live in Scotland. The flowers were accompanied by such a beautiful note! It made me cry – you made my day A & G – thank you so much!

~

Friday was my day to rest and get ready for the visit from my daughter and her tribe (her friends). They arrived late Friday night (I was already sleeping) and I awoke to find them all safely here Saturday morning.

We hung out for the day and got ready for the big night out. I had reserved the loft, overlooking the stage and dance floor at the Ranchman’s Bar and Dance Hall. (I highly recommend booking your event here) There were 15 of us there and we enjoyed a night of dancing and celebrating.

Many of you already know that I love dancing.

I like letting the music move me.

It was Michaela though who wowed us with her dancing prowess, having learned two-stepping and other ‘dance moves’ in high school – wish they’d done that when I went to school!

I had an awesome time!

Thank you Adele, Carmen, Julie, Sandra, Norm, Helga, Tammi, Derek, Paula, Del, Cherie, Michaela, Jayden and Katrina for helping me celebrate my milestone birthday – the big 5-0!

Also a special thank you to Jason, our bartender who took care of us for the night.

I wish I had more photos to share with you!

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~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

Turning 50 ain’t so bad when you’re blessed with dear family and friends 😉

How did you/do you plan to spend your ‘half a century’ birthday?