Christmas Home Movies 1960's and 70's

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Reception Video

Bill's Memories

This is a rendition of my speech at her memorial....

I feel like she hasn’t left, she’s still here, and I’m speaking at her 70^th birthday party.  Now remember I was 16 years younger than Faye.  So when I was 5, she was 21.  My first memories of her was dragging me around shopping.  Army and Navy and Woodwards in Vancouver is a clear memory.  We would walk off the CPR ferry and get going.

This is also when she started dressing me up in weird clothes.

Dressing me up:

Kilt (okay, the kilt was cute, she brought this back from Scotland for me, along with lederhosen and a cap from Switzerland, but then it got really weird). 

Wedding outfit.  She farmed me out to her friends who were getting married.  "Billy will be your ring bearer."  Each outfit was more effeminate than the last.  To this day people tell me I was in their wedding.  I don’t even know who they are.   

She loved it when I dressed up like a female.  She was the secretary at my elementary school when I was in grade 7.  I’m sure it was her Idea that I enter a drag queen contest called Miss Seaview School.  She had all the accessories.  I lipped synced a Cher song alongside maybe 3 or 4 other guys.  What was I thinking?  In college she helped dress me up like a nun, and helped my friend Dave dress like little bo peep.  To this day some people in the music business in Vancouver still call me sister Bill.  I was just saying, “I need a costume for Halloween”.  She would basically say, why don’t you dress like a girl?  She thought it was funny.

Babysitting.  I was 14 or 15 when her children were born.  I was a teen ager, and was starting to have a life.  Driving around in cars with my friends, playing music in bands and partying.  We didn’t get along at all when I didn’t want to babysit her children.  That went on for years.  We didn’t really get along back then.

I was really getting serious about playing music, and she kept pulling my leg.  She bought me piano gifts for birthday and Christmas.  Way too many gifts for way too long.  Scarves with piano keys, a piano calculator, piano t-shirts, piano toque.  It bugged me and she knew it, but, she thought it was funny.  She kept buying this junk for me.  Just to see my reaction.

We kind of went our separate ways for a long time. Then when mom got sick with ALS, all of us kids wanted to help, and that meant we had to work together.  It was difficult.  We are very different individuals.  When mom passed away, Faye divorced not long after.  She had hit rock bottom.  At a birthday party for dad at the Nanaimo Golf Course, she announced she had been to the Edgewood counselling centre in Nanaimo, and that she was doing well.  I didn’t believe her.  Without getting into details, we didn’t see eye to eye back then.  I really didn’t believe she would change.  Maybe I changed too, but from that moment, we started a great relationship.  I think her judgement of others disappeared.  I mean, you could still talk off the record about people, but generally she really had taken a turn for the better.  She started to fill her house with self help books, and Oprah Winfrey was number one.  She even went to see her show in Chicago.

What all of this meant was that she was totally a giving person from that time forward.

Have you ever known her to miss the birth of a baby in the family?

Giving: She co-signed the mortgage on my home when I was going through a divorce.  I was going to lose my home, and I had nowhere to turn.  She helped me.

I stayed at her house every Monday night for years when I came over to teach piano at the college.  We had fun.  We would go to the film festival, dinner at Earls, or just try to help manage our father’s care.

Just in the last month she continued her practice:

She was throwing up from chemotherapy and asking Craig if the kids are okay at her house, and worried  that they don’t fall down the stairs.

Every day this month Olivia, my daughter is opening up the doors of an advent calendar that Faye gave her.

I’m so happy that we told each other we loved each other just last week at her birthday when I was showing her the videos of the birthday dinner she couldn’t attend because of her illness.  She paid for that dinner by the way.  She will always be a force and strength in my life.  I love you Faye.

 

A brief travel log.

Excerpts of this travel log was read at Faye's memorial by her sister Marsha.  There will be a more extensive log posted later:

 MAY 31, 2006

Here's a little travel log!  As you can tell we're having a great time.  It all goes bye so fast.  Hope all is well with all of you and we'll get caught up real soon. 

I'm back from New York to Connecticut until tomorrow and then we're off to Cape Cod - 

we're rented a cabin - for three days then back here and home on Monday.   

The days have flown bye.  New York was once again just wonderful.  I was able to see 

four shows - the others saw three as they walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and got 

picked up in a bar by a mobster!  Paid for their drink and then the bar tender paid 

for another.  They came home very happy and i was too because I saw a great play. 

One night the others - including Marilyn's daughter and granddaughter who came in 

for the night - went to the Lion King which I had already seen so I went to see 

"The Color Purple".  My favorite of all times.  Great story, wonderful music - 

what an evening.  Time Square at midnight is absolutely loaded with people.   

We went to two museums - thoroughly enjoyed them and spent a day in 

Central Park with Shelley and her three children.  Rode the carousel, had a 

horse and buggy ride through the park and walked and walked and walked.   

People everywhere as it was the memorial day weekend.  Jason brought the 

van so we had a ride back to Connecticut.  Went to Rhode Island one day and 

toured through three mansions that a historical society now own.  They were 

the summer homes for the horribly rich.  Unbelievable! 

Now that I've been to New York twice I feel like I haven't even scratched the 

surface.  The shopping at Canal Street is so much fun.  They take you down 

under the street to sell you knock off bags.  You wonder around from illegal 

shop to illegal shop.  Buy and bag and then two doors down they have the same 

dag in their shop on the street!  It's all a game but lots of fun.  And Lauren we've 

conquered the subway.  Before I came last time there was a bomb threat and 

everyone had me promise I wouldn't ride it.  Took the bus and taxis but this time 

it was the subway almost all the way.  It is sooo fast and a challenge to learn but fun.  

 Well better go we're off to shopping - did I mention we shopped our feet off in 

between everything else?  Century 21, Macey's was 1/2 a block from our hotel.   

Which was a great place and I'd recommend to a group.  Better say goodbye.  See you soon.

xoxo Faye.  Looking forward to the dinner group night.  Hope people can come.

October 31st 2006

Well I'm here.  And my flight was good.  I slept I'm sure for 7 hours of it and watched 

GiGi and The Natural (baseball movie.  Got to the airport in Hong Kong took the train 

to town and got on the bus to the YMCA where we are staying.  Then Marilyn, Bonnie 

Ian and I took the ferry across to Macaw and then a bus to a market on the waterfront.  

 Found a nice chinese jacket and some cotton pants.  Had lunch where the locals eat and 

then back to town and I slept for two hours this afternoon.  Then out for dinner a walk 

and watched the lazer show on the waterfront and now here and then to bed.   

Tomorrow a friend of Marilyn's from Victoria - her daughter lives here and she's 

going to take us to an old part of Hong Kong.  History stuff.  Told her we didn't 

want to do any more shopping.  Can't believe how much I enjoyed travelling on 

my own.  Had a chair message in Vancouver while waiting for the plane.  I'm sure 

it helped me sit for all those hours.

  So excited to be here.  Have met almost all the people - two ladies are meeting us 

in Phonm Pen all really nice and tomorrow we're all going out to dinner together.   

As I rode into town on the train and saw all the beautiful scenery.  Saw big logs in 

the harbour just piled up and wondered if they were from B.C.  I felt soooo lucky to 

be here.  There was a point last week that I just thought why am I doing all this but 

believe me I'm am soo glad to be here.  Hong Kong is something like New York and 

Vancouver.  Very much like Vancouver on the water front.  Good night sleep tight 

don't let the bed bugs bight - it they do take a shoe and beat them till there black 

and blue.  Papa use to say that to us when we were little.  xoxoxo Mom

November 1, 2006 

Leaving for Phonon Penn today at 5:00 it's about a two hour plane ride.  Have met 

12 of the 14 people in our group.  All very nice.  Went out for Peking Duck last night 

and lots of Chinese beer then off to a night market.  Streets in Hong Kong are just like 

those in New York at night.  Stores here don't open until 10:00 in the a.m. and are open 

‘til 11:00 at night. Went to a fishing village with a daughter of a friend of Marilyns' 

yesterday and a girlfriend of hers was fun being with two 28 year olds.  Had a great day.  

Faye

November 4 2006

Well here I am in Phonon Pen, Cambodia.  Yesterday we were driven 1 hour on a 

bus out to the village where we were to build houses.  What an experience.  

Brought tears to my eyes to see all the people there to greet us - they were 

soooo excited that we were there to finish their houses.  The platforms were 

on stilts the tin roofs were on and we were there to nail down the floor 

boards and put up the wood board and batten.  Their huts in the mud were 

behind these structures - made out of grass and leaves.  It was hot and for 

me and the others the work was hard but we all felt so fortunate to be there 

to help these people.  And as the director "Jan" told us the day before none 

of this is about us - its about the people we were there to help.  If we 

hurt ourselves with the hammer or in any other way we were not to let it 

show as if anything bad happened in these houses the gods would not be happy 

and the people would not move in.  So we were hitting our thumbs with 

hammers - some drawing blood - and just smiled and laughed and carried on.  

Every little while was a water break when the locals poured water over our 

heads to cool us off.  The children ran around and played with the empty 

water bottle.  Felt guilty eating lunch as there was so little food visible 

and the locals seemed very happy when we left a box of bread from our lunch 

sandwiches.  The men in our group and some of the women worked on the walls 

and the rest on the floors.  By the end of the day we had nailed in floor 

boards of 10 houses and finished 5 house walls and all.  Then the ceremony 

when the families gathered around the front of the 5 homes and were given a 

blanket that the women of Tabatha had made and then thanked us for coming 

from Canada and buying and building these houses for them.  One lady sat 

under her house the entire time it was being built. Others were concerned 

when we left for lunch that we could return to finish. Makes me teary to 

think of the poverty of these people and the joy that our group brought to 

them.  For all of you who helped with our fundraising it costs $108.00 to 

provide a well for a community such as this.  That well allows well water to 

grow rice and make some money to buy pigs and then make enough $ to send 

their children to school and on and on and on.  What "Jan" has done in 

Cambodia in the last 10 years is unbelievable.  She runs a centre in town 

where street women and women with aids learn to sew and produce quilts, bags, 

silk scarves, P.J.s so many lovely things out of silk.  They sell these to 

support all the efforts.  Wish I had a bigger suitcase!  Beautiful things 

for such a wonderful cause.  Jan has also adapted a baby 8 years ago who had 

aids weighed 2# was thought to be retarded, deaf and had T.B.  We just had 

breakfast with Jan and her daughter and she is the most delightful little 

girl who speaks two languages is learning French and does gymnastics, 

piano, and on and on.  Totally healthy - a product of Love.

 

A few nights before I came on the trip Craig, Marsha and I made up 50 pencil 

cases with pencils, pens, colored pencils, stickers, erasers, and little 

toys.  I had to have one of the group take this bag as I also had another 

large suitcase full of toys, clothes, and more school supplies.  When we 

arrived at Tabatha I gave all these items to Jan who will distribute them 

where needed.  

In the end we will have finished 15 homes.  These homes are 15 feet by 15 feet. 

  The previous homes were 4 x 6 feet and up to 10 people live in them.  A 

few pots and platform bed that's it.  I wish each and every one of you 

could come and have this experience.  It is priceless.  I know I will never 

view the world in the same way.

 

Today is a big water festival.  Dragon boat races, fireworks - millions of 

people and it's all right near our hotel.  Which by the way is very 

beautiful.  $80. per night with a buffet breakfast included.  $50 to rent a 

van that carries 7 people for the day with driver and guide.  We are going 

for drinks at the embassy on the last night here and are having lunch near 

the Palace today.  Going to the Russian market on Wednesday where you buy 

almost anything at 10% of the cost at home.

 

Yesterday working at the village was worth everything I went through to get 

here - shots, $ for tickets, jet lag, shore arms from lugging the suitcases. 

  Sweat pouring down my face - you should have seen the bathroom they made 

for us.  Fortunately I didn't have to use it but I got a photo.  Four 

plastic walls and on the ground two 2xfours - not even quite sure what they 

were for.

 

Nick would you send this to the Forest Park server and maybe some of the 

teachers will give the children a bit of an idea of where there donations 

went.  I'm hoping to have lots of photos when I come home.  Their donations 

were sooooo greatly appreciated.  I also received some very nice letter from 

children and parents saying how proud they were that I was doing this.  I 

tresure them.

 

also the donations of cash made to Tabatha by so many of you.  Imagine $108. 

for a well that makes such a huge difference to a whole community and 

ultimately education for so many children.

 

Well I'll say goodbye for now and hope that this message reaches you.  It is 

so hot here 90 degrees but I'm loving it.

 

When the families stood in front of their houses yesterday I though of Oprah 

and all the houses she is building in New Orleans and how the families stand 

in front of those beautiful, furnised homes - I'm sure the Cambodians felt 

just as joyful as the American families.

 

Thank you one and all who supported me.  Faye

December 22 2006

Hi there (Bill).  Where are you?  I know you're busy with all your Christmas events 

but I'm interested in hearing what you are doing for the holiday and how things are going.

 

I'm with Ashlee in Wellington.  The weather is cold and rainy and blustery.  

Thank heavens she had a wool sweater that I haven't had off my back since I 

got here.  I'm enjoying my stay - living with Ruben’s aunt and uncle 

Stella and Murray in their apartment in downtown Wellington. 

  I have a room on the bottom floor and just come and go as I wish.  It’s

wonderful.  Went out to dinner with his Mom and Dad last night and now they 

have just rung and asked me to go to a party with them so that gives Ashlee 

the evening off with her friends.  She's been great about showing me around 

etc.  On Tuesday we go on our 11 day road trip to the south island staying 

with some of her friends families and doing a wine tour and staying a few 

nights in hotels - haven't got a room for new years eve yet.  Anyway better get 

going as Norma and Ken are picking me up in 20 minutes so better see if I 
can make myself decent.

 

Hope all is well and that you have a few minutes to check in before long.

 

Merry Christmas hope you have a wonderful day. xoxo Faye

March 17 2011

Here I am at Norma and Kens (Ruben's) parents.  We are heading off to have dinner and a movie with Ashlee and Ruben.  Ashlee was at the Dr. on Wed. and they have decided to put her in hospital on Sunday night and try to induce her.  I'm hoping the good old Full Moon will do its job and things will start naturally.

I arrived back from a wonderful holiday -10 days travelling up the east coast of the North Island to Cathedral Cove.  We had beautiful stops at beaches and towns on the way all of which I could have loved to stay for a week at each.  The first night of tenting the temperature went down to 4degrees.  Luckily Ruben and Ashlee had given me toque, sox and a wool blanket.  I slept in my clothes and actually had a good night's sleep.  The next two nights we stayed in lovely log cabins - all 4 of us in one room.-  I was with Ruben's cousin Adam his girlfriend Veri and her mother Elizabeth from Austria.  She speaks German and a very little English.  Veri became quite tired translating.  After the two nights in the cabins we tented for the next few days and on lthe last night we took another cabin - with with two bedrooms.  The campgrounds in New Zealand are fabulous.  Beautiful kitchens with frig,stove, toasters, electric kettles, tables and chairs.  Also the option of renting a cabin if you want to sleep in a bed.  Our cabins had bathrooms and showers.  Some had swimming pools, games rooms, and trampolines that were like huge half inflated beachballs.  Of all the countries Ashlee chose to live in New Zealand is fabulous.  Our weather was beautiful - rained two nights we were in our tents but sunny and warm the following days.

Now we wait for baby.

Hawaii was also wonderful.  Very busy!  The ship had so much to do and we also got off everyday and sight saw the islands - apparently where we had lunch one day had a lot of damage from the Tsulnami.  We were camping on the beach in New Zealand when the warning came to stay off the beaches.  Packed out things in the car ready to leave if there was an alarm - nothing happened.  Back to Hawaii.  We really had fun on the cruise and also in Maui afterwards just wished we had booked to stay longer.  Waikii has changed so much since I was there 35 years ago.  Like a big matropolis and Maui is so much bigger since I was there 15 years ago.  Marilyn had booked our accommodation and it happened to be right next door to where Heather, Ashlee, Craig, Dad and i stayed back then,

Beautiful sunny day here today.  We are getting ready for a LONG LUNCH tomorrow.  It's a pot luck lunch in the garden - which backs onto a small mountain full  of trees - and the theme is Italian.  I'm making an Italian salad so better get to it.  Will let you all know when the even happens.  Norma is having a b aby shower after the baby is born so I will put all your gifts in the pile.  bye for now.  Love Faye

March 20 2011

Hi all:  Ashlee's water broke last night at midnight and she is now working on having the baby.  Obviously not one of those births where the baby just falls out.  Will let you know when it happens.  Faye

March 21 2011

Born March 21 at 7:45 on Rubin's brother’s birthday.  He had a little help from a vacuum cleaner but other than that he had a natural birth!  Ashlee was wonderful and so was Ruben.  I spent the day at the hospital waiting and watching and taking a turn sitting with Ashlee.  Grandma and Grandpa Bryant arrived just as he was born.  It was all very exciting.  Didn't get the weight but we think about 8 lbs.  but he is very dainty: Wolfred Ace Bryant.  The Fred is after his great grandfather - my Dad - Ace because he is number one.  Everyone happy and healthy!  I'm having supper - it's 11:20 p.m. and then off to bed.  Wasn't anywhere I would have rather been today!  Love to All Faye

June 10, 2011

Hi All:  We leave Toronto today for Stoney Lake where Marilyn's cousin has a cottage then we leave Monday towards Ottawa to stay on a farm and then Ottawa for the rest of our holiday.  We have had a wonderful time.  Know how to take the subway in Toronto/ went to see the musical Billy Elliott - fabulous and to the ballet Alice in Wonderland again wonderful.  also a couple of fringe movies on some very hot days when it was better to be inside than out.  Lots of shopping and walking - Del lives right near Mt. Pleasant Cemetary and we wall through and read the stones.  Dels husband left for their cabin about twenty minutes after we arrived - good plan for him.  He is coming back to thecabin with us - brave man.  He can home for his daughters engagement paty last night where there were 75 people.  It was lovely and met lots of friends and relations I've heard a lot about.  There were 7 of us who went to Cambodia to build houses at the party.  Lots to talk about.  Then went across the street to a neighbor's who's daughter makes and sells jewellry we each bought a piece.  Fun fun fun.  Well I'll say goodbye as we are off to the lake.  The weather has been hot and humid most days but wind, lightning, thunder and hail also!  Back in Nanaimo on the 20th.  See you soon.

Love Faye

P.S.  Ashlee there was a grandchild at the party last night born March 18 so anxious to see Wolf again and wonder if he looks like this baby.  Hi to ruben and hugs to wolf love Mom

PSS Saige Nannie misses you  - can't wait to go to the beach with you when I get back. xoxoxo