Showing Us Our Lives.

FACES OF THE SUNSHINE COAST
I am always amazed when I look back through my photo archives at how many beautiful people live on the Sunshine Coast, how many gorgeous places there are, and the incredible amazing array of events throughout the year. You can get a sense of the volunteer work I do to be on purpose and of service to the community by taking a peek at a small sampling of my flickr photo site which currently has over 40,000 photos! It often brings me to tears of pure joy and gratitude when I look back, as I attend so many events, and see so many people and process so many photos I am often off to the next event before getting a chance to enjoy where I was just at.

SEEN AROUND THE WORLD
It is so great to know that these photos and the videos on my youtube channel bring joys and smiles, sometimes tears, and their moments in time are shared around the world, and bring visitors and tourist to our community. This helps everyone from Realtors to tourism operators to the single mom slinging hash browns and coffee trying to support her family on minimum wages.

SHOWING US OUR LIVES
One of our local arts and entertainment magazines did a story about what I do for the Sunshine Coast and I was super flattered at the headline they gave it... "Showing Us Our Lives" You can click the title to go read the article itself. I had never thought of what I did that way or saw how people see me. One thing that has stood out for me is the many faces of the Sunshine Coast I have had the deep privilege and honour of both meeting and capturing as a keepsake for future generations.

MODERN DAY HELEN MCCALL
I remember the Sunshine Coast Museum telling me I am the modern day Helen McCall who's photographs documented the rural areas and left a social history of the Sunshine Coast during the 1920's, 30's, and 40's. I am extremely honoured by this and as my collection of photography is just too huge for our little local museum I have contacted the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, BC to see if they would take on the archive for future generations.

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END???
I have kinda unfortunately come to the conclusion that I have to stop doing all this specialty photography as I can't sustain it financially. Or I need to get help to find a way to make it pay the bills. A sad closing to something that gave me extreme joy as well as the community, but here I am at a standstill without a clue what to do next, unless I somehow magically get my own TV show or movie. I had hoped an inspirational book deal might have come along by now too but as I mentioned in an earlier blog, our local book publisher just didn't think it was a worthwhile venture for them economically. But we still have faces, thousand of faces and places!

FACES OF SECHELT
Not too long ago, I was recognized as one of the Faces of Sechelt for a short story I wrote about what I loved about Sechelt, BC and what a great inclusive community it is. Its extremely impressive not only for its multi-culturalism but the incredible amount of Gay, Lesbian, Bi, & Transgendered leaders, in such a small rural area away from the city. This was a story I wanted to have written and published a year later but could not convince my editor or publisher to do. I guess as it turns out the timing was better this time around.

Faces of Sechelt PHOTOS

PRESS RELEASE
Duane Burnett receives award of recognition from District of Sechelt and Province of British Columbia at the Faces of Sechelt Community Dialogue workshop in Sechelt at the Seaside Centre on Saturday, February 6th, 2010.

Sechelt Mayor Darren Inkster presented Duane Burnett an award of recognition along with four other local residents including Xiang Li, Delmo Lebo, Shelley Jankola and Helga Kraus. Winners were selected from a story contest about good or bad experiences of inclusiveness in Sechelt.

The Faces of Sechelt task force aims to make the community a more welcoming and inclusive place to live. It was organized by the District of Sechelt, Alof!i Consultancy, and Dialogue Programs Continuing Studies at Simon Fraser Unversity. The event was sponsored by the Government of Canada, Welcome BC, Embrace BC, and the Province of British Columbia.

**********

Faces of Sechelt
Community Dialogue
Task Force
http://www.district.sechelt.bc.ca
facesofsechelt@sechelt.ca
604-414-5616

STORY TIME
Duane's Winning
Faces of Sechelt STORY

In many parts of the world gay, lesbian, bi and transgendered people are shunned, tortured, killed and used as scapegoats for political or religious gain.

On the Sunshine Coast, and in Sechelt, gay, lesbian, bi and transgendered residents are embraced as some of the communities most outstanding citizens spearheading a better community with their tireless efforts in arts, business, sports, culture, media, religion, community services, events, politics and more. The District of Sechelt even officially declared a weekend in honour and celebration of them each year on the second weekend of August. For me, this is by far, one of the number one examples of what makes Sechelt a welcoming and inclusive community, leading us towards a kind, loving, peaceful, and accepting third millennium where we embrace each other and work together for our beautiful gorgeous stunning Earth.

Hubbing & blogging the Sunshine Coast on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, My Space and Flickr! http://www.twitter.com/duaneburnett

LINKS
http://www.duaneburnett.blogspot.com
ALL PHOTOS (C) Duane Burnett.
All Rights Reserved.
http://www.duaneburnett.com

++

Where is my life going to?

WHAT TO DO NOW?
As I mentioned in a previous blog, I kinda figure, based on all the clues I think I am getting from the Universe, that photography, especially the type of photography I do, is the right passion but just not sustainable economically. I kinda figure it is something that will be of value when I am long gone from here. Something has to happen though, it's been four months since I lost my job at The Local newspaper, and either I get disability, or figure out a job that will work with the chronic fatigue, depression, sleep deprivation, and pain. I can't hope for the tourism, business, or real estate community to suddenly start supporting the photos I have archived over the years so the Sunshine Coast had beautiful shots of the people, events, and places during the 2010 Winter Olympics wave....

I figure it's time to give up photography altogether but what do I do now? Would be nice to have my own television show or movie, but that just doesn't seem to be happening either. Nor is a coffee table book of my inspirational photos and putting some greeting cards together to sell at local shops was a enormous task for me. Right now I have completely stopped attending or photography community events altogether.

My career tests results say:

1.Acting Instructor 2. Director 3. Actor 4. Comedian 5.Casting Director 6. Tour Guide 7. Clergy 8. Critic 9. Motivational Speaker 10. Community Worker

And my life path says:
Life Path 3; strong sense of creativity, wonderful communication skills. engaging ingenious expression. possesses exceptional innovative skills, in verbal realm, writing, speaking, acting. Entertainers of the world, bright, effervescent, sparkling people very optimistic path stresses harmony, beauty pleasures; sharing inventive talents with the world. Creative self-expression highest level of attainment.

I spoke with a business councilor who teaches a self employment workshops which I have been approved in theory for funding to take what apparently is an awesome program. Problem is I am not sure what to do anymore.

We talked about moving forward with making a career out of what I do in the media and going with an Ellen or Oprah like personality who helps the community, showcases its amazing talents, and gives away prizes.

One suggestion was to sell prize contest packages on my facebook as a way of helping business, helping facebook be fun for my facebook peeps and friends, and to sustain an income for me while I figure out what to do with this broken heart of mine.

The big plan is to sell package deals, although I did explain I no longer have my heart in photography when there is so little support for it, but here are some concepts, and I have been asked to sell ten of them to have a better chance of being accepted to the course.

Package One – Gold
Three week campaign
$400

Develop and organize contest and prize
Distribute coupons / contest entry forms
Promote contest on Facebook
Take photos of contest participants and winner
Post photos on social media


Package Two – Silver
Two week campaign
$250
Promote contest on Facebook
Take photos of contest participants and winner
Post photos on social media


Package Three - Bronze
$150
Take photos of contest participants and winner
Post photos on social media


Does anyone have some thoughts or feedback? I really don't want to take photos, but the contests are really popular and I am approaching 2,000 friends on facebook, a really valuable resource for anyone wanting to get a message out to people on the Sunshine Coast. I understand that each friend has an average of 500 friends so that's like 200,000 people in my larger social network which is a huge cross section of tweens, teens, business people, artists, musicians, housewives, and more. Thanks...


SNAKE IN THE GRASS
Its been quite a kick off to an early spring. Last week I was walking through Smugglers Cove Provincial Park and spotted two garter snakes suntanning on the rocks. A walk through Kinnikinnick park in Sechelt was a squirrel fest, and everywhere bright sun, flowers, blossoms, bird's singing and eagles crying. Oh and my eyes and nose itching. LOL


It's always a good day on the Sunshine Coast. All the best, Peace, Duane

http://www.duaneburnett.blogspot.com
All photos (C) Duane Burnett
All Rights Reserved

Everything Reminds Me of My Dog

BEST PLACE ON EARTH FOR DOGS
I officially launched a new youtube video I have been working on this week of my proud pooch Tundra to honour his memory and to raise awareness about the accessible dog and people drinking fountain campaign fund.


EVERYTHING REMINDS ME OF MY DOG
Hugs and thanks to the amazing Canadian singer Jane Siberry for giving me permission to use here song "Everything Reminds Me of My Dog," which totally makes the video work, with its fun whimsical lyrics and melody.... well, and of course, that AND Tundra's gorgeous face and glacial ice eyes and stunning Spirit and personality.

WAGS 2 TRAILS, CREEKS, and BEACHES
Looking through the thousands of photos I have taken of Tundra and our journey together over the years reminds me of just how special the Sunshine Coast, BC is for dog lovers, with its abundant supply of provincial, regional and municipal parks filled with trails, creeks, beaches and doggy bag dispensers. One thing missing is drinking fountains for not just dogs but people too, which is why I thought this would be a wonderful living memorial tribute to Tundra.

REMEMBERING TUNDRA
Also a special thanks to Zoom, a specialty magazine showcasing life on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, for their photo tribute and write up "Remembering Tundra," in the March-April 2010 issue. Much appreciated and I am extremely grateful. Looks beautiful. Thank you! Duane & Tundra

LINKS
"Everything Reminds Me of My Dog" Youtube Video Tribute to Tundra

Tundra's Accessible Dog and People Friendly Drinking Fountain Facebook Page

Jane Siberry Facebook FAN Page

Duane Burnett's BlogSpot Page

PHOTOS (C) Duane Burnett
All Rights Reserved

Hospital Emergency Visit Ok

NORMAL
I have never been one to try to attain the lofty goal of "normal" whatever that is or isn't but I did check myself into Emergency today at St. Mary's Hospital with severe chest pains and piercing throbbing spasms in my arms and shoulders. Been like this for months and months, maybe 6 months or more, then off and on through the years. So they do heart tests and blood tests which all come back normal. Should make me feel relieved but it doesn't. Well I guess I can breath easier with my difficulty breathing. That's a good thing. Seems my super sensitivity and intuition feeling side can cause quite a cause and effect to my body. And this is with meditation.



CRAZY
Makes me even crazier that I get normal when my life is anything but at times. Its mostly just a daily struggle from severe sleep apnea and fibromyalgia and recently severe chest pains and difficulty breathing. Seems the kind Doctor at the hospital figures its stress and anxiety.

LOST
Perhaps from loosing my job, the slow decline of my dog Tundra's health from old age, then his death, or having a nasty break up of sorts with a long time friend and their number one fan, which was a dysfunctional relationship, and hard to get over. Or it might be not being out taking pictures and being involved in the community which kept my mind off my chronic pain and life threatening depression. Now no job has made it wide open.

UNEMPLOYED
Might have been that I feel sad I couldn't even get a coffee table book together for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Or is it the 4th month anniversary of being unemployed and complete lack of desire or idea what I should do with my life.

A GOOD DAY
These things are meant to bring me more deeper into Spirit, to be more peaceful and loving, giving, compassionate, grateful, helpful and divine.

Breath....... Everything is right by the Universe. This too shall pass. Yes.

It's always a good day on the Sunshine Coast.... Duane

photos (C) Duane Burnett All Rights Reserved
http://www.duaneburnett.blogspot.com

That's Where Everyone Was

http://www.duaneburnett.blogspot.com

FAVOURITE OLYMPIC MEMORY?
I logged into my facebook profile today to see a comment from Terri Bissett-Page a dear long time friend from my high school days growing up in Ladner, BC

She said
"I cut out a pic of you from the Province my friend....great to see your face in the paper!!" I wasn't sure what Terri was referring to so I Googled myself and saw that I was in the Province newspaper's Sunday Winter Olympic blow out coverage and their online site. Sandy owner of the wonderful Daily Roast coffee shop in Sechelt managed to snag me a copy. Thank you Terri and Sandy!

E-STREET. The Vancouver Province.
What is your favourite memory of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games?

"My favourite memory of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games is the sea to shining sea of red maple leaf Canadian pride and the amazing historic gold medal firsts for Canada." -- Duane Burnett, Sechelt




WHAT A PARTY CANADA
Yesterday I blogged that the streets were deserted of almost any sign of life in Sechelt and I bet rural towns across Canada. Downtown Vancouver apparently attracted over 100,000 people to the Olympic party zone. So many people that they had to close down bridges and bus transportation in and out of the downtown core of the city as people made their way to the celebrations. Vancouver Police reported 21,000 pour outs of liquor during the 17 day festivities.

I guessed in my blog that half of Canada was watching the Gold medal hockey game with the USA team. I was close! The numbers are in, and 16 to 22 million Canadians watched the Hockey Game, and 80% tuned in making it into the history books. According to Stats Canada, as of today the population of Canada is 34,018,977. The Canadian television audience for the Closing Ceremonies was 14 million and billions of people around the world tuned in to watch the 2010 Vancouver games.

USA SILVER
Even the USA got into it, with Business Week reporting
Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Game Viewed by Most in U.S. Since ’80
By Curtis Eichelberger
March 1 (Bloomberg) -- NBC’s broadcast of the Olympic gold medal hockey game between the U.S. and Canada yesterday was watched by 27.6 million people in the U.S., the most in 30 years, according to the network.

Ok... I am going to try to wean myself off of Olympic Mania talk and start to return you to your regular scheduled blogging.

All the best, Peace, Love & Joy in every moment. Duane

Spectacular End to 2010 Winter Olympics

CANADA CELEBRATES
The entire nation was glued to the TV today for a heart pounding Men's Hockey Game against the USA which Canada won in a sudden death shoot out 3-2. Congrats to the amazing American Team who took Silver. People quickly began posting video of the spontaneous burst of celebration that erupted everywhere from sea to shining sea. The noise was deafening. Hockey definitely unites a very multi-cultural bi-lingual diverse nation.

The men's curling team also won Gold and so did the Women's Hockey Team.

14 GOLDS by a host nation is one for the record books and will go down in history.

I drove around Sechelt, here on the Sunshine Coast, BC and it was like a ghost town. Everyone was at home watching the hockey game. When I drove about after the men's hockey win, people were honking their horns and some standing on the streets waving flags to motorists. It's not about how many medals you win its how you play the game and I think the whole Olympic event was a terrific success uniting people from every corner of the planet in Peace! Well done!



SPOOFING CANADIANS
The Closing Ceremonies were a spectacular production with some tongue in cheek Canadian humour and cheesy shtick thrown in for good measure. At one point it looked like a Vegas or Broadway tribute to the iconic stereotype of all things Canada, from Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Moose, Beavers, dancing Maple Leafs and more... Some big stars performed including Nickelback, Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morisette, Simple Plan, Hedley, Michael Buble, Neil Young, William Shatner, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short and Michael J. Fox. It is nice to see that Canadians have actually for the first time actually proudly and loudly celebrated their country.


I just want to thank the Olympians and athletes for inspiring me and helping me to keep on keeping on through some serious struggles I am facing in my own life.

Peace out to the World! Duane

Historic Gold Medal TEN

CANADA COMES OF AGE
Canada won an unbelievable tenth Gold Medal today as the nation was glued to a heart-attach inducing 3rd period hockey game between Canada and Slovakia who nearly stole the game. Canada held their 3-2 lead. ▌♥ ▌GO CANADA ▌♥ ▌ This puts Canada in the Gold Medal lead against Germany and the USA. Not bad for such a small country as ours. Canada mania has attracted over 100,000 people to the downtown core to celebrate and officials are bracing for that to double or triple over the weekend. REMEMBER its how you play the game and doing your personal best that matters the most. Oh My! How Canadian of me to say that. LOL




MEDIA FRENZY
I have to also thank Oprah, The Colbert Report and the USA and International Media for all their kind coverage of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic games. Much appreciated!


TEMPEST IN A BEER BOTTLE
The big controversy of the Olympics at the moment is the Canadian Women's Hockey Team who toasted their fabulous Gold medal win with some beer, champagne and cigars after the public left the ice arena. The IOC is not amused. The average person is like whatever and a few are strongly offended.

BAD EXAMPLE
I blogged about the drinking laws here in BC a couple days ago. I think that drinking laws need to be relaxed and they send a worse message to youth then what the ladies hockey game did. It drives people underground with their alcohol. If the International Olympic Committee is so worried about the bad example the sports team is showing to youth, why is it they are plagued with controversy around corruption and would allow sponsors like McDonald's and Coke to push their crap on young people.

CHEERS OPRAH
Was hilarious and a great last laugh to see the Oprah Winfrey show today interviewing charismatic Gold Medal Canadian Skeleton athlete Jon Montgomery then finish up with a toast and cheers with two glasses of beer in true Canadian style while in a public skating rink in Robson Square, especially after all the controversy about the woman's hockey team.

ROCK OUT YOUTH
It was nice today to get an email that Rock the Vote added the rap parody "I'm On A Break" that I star in spoofing the PM of Canada proroguing parliament to the front page of their popular political youth web page. Rock the Nation engages young people from Canada and USA to create positive social, environmental and political change. They advocate taking action on the issue of global warming and saving the planet.
WOOT WOOT That's Ill, man!

Rock the Vote www.RocktheVote.CA Rock the Nation www.RocktheNation.org

Try to keep this short today so I don't ramble on. Feeling like I might have got through the crushing pressure from my dog passing away and loosing my job. I am noticing two distinct currents of transformation, the sadness and depression, versus the the joy of being. HUGS Duane

VISIT THE SUNSHINE COAST
Come and visit us on the Sunshine Coast, BC anytime. We are a stunning 40 min ferry cruise from Vancouver, Canada. Gibsons, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast was named this year's best town in the world by by the International Awards for Liveable Communities which has the endorsement of the United Nations.