From the Rock: Mummering

I know it has been a rather long time since I have written a 'From the Rock' post. I am hoping to get back at it, and do it about once a month (or maybe more). I'm hoping it helps to keep me, my blog, and you lovely readers a little connected with where the inspiration for this blog originated!

If you were to visit Newfoundland this time of year, you might see some oddly dressed folks dancing, and demanding food and drink. Mummering, also known as janneying, is a traditional activity where a group of friends would dress-up, hide their identity and go from house to house in their community singing, dancing and demand food and drink until their neighbours could guess their identities all during the 12 days of Christmas.

This activity helped to create a social time that the locals could look forward to during the long cold days of winter. The tradition hasn't quite kept up with the times today, I think some people might be afraid of letting a masked person into their homes. But the province is trying to keep the traditional activity alive in the spirit of the holidays with a festival every year in December which ends in the mummers parade. Below is a short video from this year's mummers festival parade.



This year's Mummers Festival has already passed, but there is no reason why you couldn't start thinking about next years! Doesn't it look like a lot of fun!? For more information on the festival visit the website here.

I will be back tomorrow with another delicious cookie recipe, from a good blog friend. Until then, visit the Mummers Festival site, and learn a little more about a traditional Newfoundland activity!
xox

A Weekend Refreshed!

Sorry about all the quiet around here. I had a busy weekend away, with little time for blog posts, and I spent the last two days on a bit of a field trip for work. I had such a lovely weekend at a music festival in Orillia (where I am from), and I thought I would share a few festival shots.

 

 

It was a beautiful weekend! But hot, so Reggie and I decided to find quiet corner of a near-by beach and have a relaxing swim in the shade.

 

Mariposa is hiding just behind those trees in the distance. We could still hear the tunes from our little swimming area, so we didn't miss much! We enjoyed some cold beer, festival food, beautiful weather and some great new music! I am planning on sharing some of my favourites from the weekend, a little while down the road!

Hope your weekend was lovely, sunny and full of happiness!

From the Rock: Daniel Payne

In my travels across Newfoundland I came across many talented people. In order to maintain the special link I created with the place I call my second home, I thought I would share some of the songs, stories, and crafts created by wonderful people in the beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrador. I hope you like!

{source}

  Name: Daniel Payne
  Hometown: Cow Head, NL
  Creative Abilities: Acting, Accordion, Fiddle, Guitar, Voice,
  all around nice guy (probably many others)
  Website:  http://danielpayne.ca/
  Recent Endeavours: He is on tour in England right now and is
  updating his blog frequently with videos!









This is Daniel's video from his first post in England. I thought it would be nice to see/hear some of his music.
Isn't his hair wonderful!?

Don't forget the Ugly Stick

Newfoundland music is a wonderful thing, so happy and from the heart! Earlier, I posted about my experience kissing the cod... As wonderful an experience as that was, the best part of that night was the music played by some of the local people. The photo below is friends from the Gros Morne area playing some traditional Newfoundland instruments. My friend Jessica, from Mauzy Metalworks (take a look, although the site is still under construction), on the ugly stick!

Music is a significant part of the cultural history of Newfoundland. In the past, the Newfoundland winter was a long, cold and lonely season (and is still long and cold); most of the local people would spend their time working to cut down wood, hook rugs, move snow, and anything else that could be completed to make life in the winter a little easier. However, when there was some downtime from the hard work people would get together to play music and sing, and enjoy some time together. In many cases it was music that got them through the hard times.

Here is a short video I made that highlights some traditional Newfoundland music. This is a band that plays in Rocky Harbour a few nights a week during the summer. I never had the chance to see them, but I heard that it is fantastic show, and one not to be missed (oops). Also, you can see an 'ugly stick' in action (the instrument that looks like a mop:) Please take a look, and enjoy some entertainment from the Rock.

 Looks like a great way to spend a summer's eve, doesn't it?

Margo's Cargo - Where Reggie Got his Name!

Well I decided I had to share this little video for everyone to see. Stompin' Tom Connors wrote a song about me (only he forgot the 't')! And this little ditty wouldn't occur without Reggie's Rig, which is the way I feel about my Reggie. We are a team, and things don't get accomplished unless we work together. So thanks for the song Tom, and thanks for keeping me in order Reggie! :)




Has your Reggie done something nice for you lately?