Cry ‘Wolf!’
Once upon a time there was a shepherd boy who was diligently doing his duties, according to Aesop, but perhaps got a little bored…
C’est la vie!
It’s a good life … or, from the movie Oliver!, “It’s A Fine Life” (a very fine life!). Yes, I’ve taken to incorporating song titles…
The Real Deal
Remember ironing? Some of you, like me, may still secretly love to iron. And we have the “real McCoy” to thank for that…
Who Doesn’t Like Ducks?
The world should have more ducks, really, and according to a well-known idiom, they should be in a row. That’s right…
Who Doesn’t Like Ducks? Read More »
Don’t throw Out The Baby …
For some odd reason, this idiom has popped into my head several times in the past weeks: “Don’t throw out the ‘baby’ with the bathwater.”
Don’t throw Out The Baby … Read More »
Rat-a-tat-tat … I Smell A Rat
What does a rat even smell like? Well, I have no idea … even though I’ve seen a rat or two in my lifetime…
Rat-a-tat-tat … I Smell A Rat Read More »
Christmas Comes But Once A Year
So, remember that Christmas comes but once a year … and embrace that thought and whatever meaning this humble idiom holds for you.
Christmas Comes But Once A Year Read More »
On Thin Ice
I have fond memories of strapping on skates to glide over the deep-blue, almost-black pond ice on our Saskatchewan farm.
Bite The Bullet
The first mention of “bite the bullet” was, according to Wikipedia, in Rudyard Kipling’s late-1800s novel The Light That Failed.
In A Moment … ‘In The Twinkling of An Eye’
In the blink of an eye. That is how quickly this idiom of biblical origin (from 1 Cor. 15: 51–52) has been changed, as it describes a mysterious and wonderful moment, at the trumpet sound, when everything will change.
In A Moment … ‘In The Twinkling of An Eye’ Read More »
Fly Straight Like a Honeybee
The idiom make a beeline for is a bit of a mystery as we watch the erratic dance of bees – So, what’s with bees and beelines?
Fly Straight Like a Honeybee Read More »
A ‘fish’ called (insert your name here)
Living in your comfort zone feels better than feeling like “a fish out of water.” Do you know the idiomatic origins of the phrase?
A ‘fish’ called (insert your name here) Read More »
Idiomatic Origins: Bye-bye, birdie!
Never would a canary be seen in a coal mine, unless under duress. Find out what canaries under duress have to do with “bye-bye, birdie”
Idiomatic Origins: Bye-bye, birdie! Read More »
Idioms that irk me (and I’m not easily irked)
There are two idioms that have been bothering me for weeks, months even. But let’s talk about something more pleasant—cookies.
Idioms that irk me (and I’m not easily irked) Read More »
It’s raining, it’s pouring (but it’s still all right)
If it’s right as rain, it’s as it should be; it’s normal and expected; it’s right on track, exactly as anticipated. It also refers to a congenial frame of mind, or even a state of physical comfort.
It’s raining, it’s pouring (but it’s still all right) Read More »
Crossing your fingers is more than just child’s play
A promise made is a promise kept, as they say. However, as a child, promises that were made were not always kept. And sometimes, shamefully, promises were made with fingers crossed behind our backs, a move that rendered the promise null and void.
Crossing your fingers is more than just child’s play Read More »
If Bob’s your uncle …
The idiom Bob’s your uncle is commonly heard in Britain. Perhaps you’ve heard it watching British mysteries or British sitcoms.
If Bob’s your uncle … Read More »
Should auld acquaintance be forgot?
Truth be told, I had always thought that “Auld Lang Syne” was some saintly old soul and it was just this year that I realized and appreciated, for the first time, the depth of meaning beneath these lyrics.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot? Read More »
The writing’s on the wall…
They’re ookey and they’re spooky … and perhaps one of the ookiest and spookiest of the household was Thing T. Thing, the disembodied hand affectionately
The writing’s on the wall… Read More »
Not my circus…
Josephine explores where people started giving up their circus Send in the … elephants. I can’t help it; as a little girl I disliked clowns.
Three letters that could save your life…
SOS. Many of us know (or think we know) what these familiar letters stand for. We may have even sent out an SOS, a time
Three letters that could save your life… Read More »
Here’s mud in your eye…
I had cataract surgery; you know, where they pop out your lens and pop in a new and improved one. Out with the old, in
Here’s mud in your eye… Read More »
Not new, but still brave
What’s it like to share the heart and soul of something you’ve written? Peter Jickling, the new host of Brave New Words, said, “It’s right
Not new, but still brave Read More »
For those who answered the call …
“Yukon soldiers are buried in more than 50 cemeteries on four continents.” –Michael Gates Lest we forget … This is why Michael Gates (Yukon historian
For those who answered the call … Read More »
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
How do you like being told what to do? (Wait a minute … let me tune in to me telepathic powers …). You don’t? I
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Read More »
Extraverts and Introverts
There are extroverts and there are introverts—equals in life, just with different ways of having their “batteries” recharged. The extrovert is energized in social gatherings
Extraverts and Introverts Read More »
For starters, try eavesdropping
Rude? Normally, yes. Eavesdropping is never in vogue, unless, of course, you’re a writer. Eavesdropping involves observing, listening and perhaps inhaling details, without being obnoxious.
For starters, try eavesdropping Read More »
Crossing borders with jazz fusion
Jennifer Scott has several loves—wine tasting, reading, cycling—and one in particular that brings the Vancouver-based artist to Whitehorse for the first time: her love for
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Musing about the muse
The muse is a mysterious woman, pursued then waited for, enticed then pleaded with; until she is loosed in our imagination. She is sometimes elusive
Musing about the muse Read More »
A ‘little something special’ in the Rotary Music Festival
For the past 40 years, the Rotary Music Festival has been as dependable and as anticipated as the advent of spring to the Yukon. “We
A ‘little something special’ in the Rotary Music Festival Read More »
Turbulence
She unscrewed the cap on her Coke and it “fff’ed” as air escaped. Inflight turbulence, she reckoned. The captain had warned them at takeoff. People
Fred Astaire, meet the street dancers
It’s Boys in the Hood and “Singin’ in the Rain” combined with what Nicolette Little describes as a “Sinatra-y feeling.” Little is an instructor for
Fred Astaire, meet the street dancers Read More »
Metaphorically speaking, it’s like this …
In the days of LPs, when groovy was used to describe a wonderful feeling, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were also singing about a rare
Metaphorically speaking, it’s like this … Read More »
Relay for Life celebrates, remembers and fights back
“It’s one day, one night; one community, one fight,” says Donna Hogan, co-chair of the Relay for Life steering committee. “It’s the largest cancer fundraiser
Relay for Life celebrates, remembers and fights back Read More »
Vain jangling, a lullaby for readers
At about that time, Jack was learning that a stitch in time, saves nine. Although it’s an extreme example, the above sentence will no doubt
Vain jangling, a lullaby for readers Read More »
A musical journey through time
Two weeks: that’s all Hank Karr came for, and that’s when his love affair with the Yukon began. But, as a clock chimes (his wife,
A musical journey through time Read More »
Easy as 1, 2, 3!
At What’s Up Yukon, it’s as easy as one, two, three. That’s right, this one’s about numbers. And … it gets complicated. Again, this is
There’s a party goin’ on!
Here’s a taste of how Yukon communities, from B to W, will be celebrating Canada Day on July 1: Beaver Creek festivities will kick off
There’s a party goin’ on! Read More »
It’s better to give than to receive
Why is it that some people have an insane amount of money while others have very little? This question popped into my head when I
It’s better to give than to receive Read More »
Write around the Globe
A 75-year-old flees from his home and now lives in a refugee camp. Children disappear, some as young as seven years old, and are later
Write around the Globe Read More »
Seeking joy and finding peace through song
“What if I cannot play my guitar?” Nicole Edwards has asked herself that. In a voice as gentle as her eyes and the movements of
Seeking joy and finding peace through song Read More »
Go where the music takes you
From the gritty, primal rhythms to the lingering, sweet slide of steel guitar; and from the soulful roots of jazz to the vintage romance of
Go where the music takes you Read More »
The long and the short of it
“Jesus wept.” That is the shortest verse in the Bible and one of the most powerful. It has a subject and a verb, and that’s
The long and the short of it Read More »
Hearts on the move
She removes her glasses, needle between thumb and forefinger, lifting another translucent gold bead from the white dessert dish in front of her. Suzanne Picot,
Hearts on the move Read More »
Music talk in surround sound
The Whitehorse United Church basement is filled – amidst chatter and laughter – with the sounds of setup. Somewhere a guitar is being tuned; elsewhere
Music talk in surround sound Read More »
A balancing act
In a world where imagination is the only contender and where the laws of physics are hotly contested—in the circus world—the act of balancing rivals
What a difference a day makes
What difference can one day possibly make? To the homeless, to the poor, to those who have fallen on hard times, a day can make
What a difference a day makes Read More »
It’s ‘sick’ to be healthy
Adrienne Marsh is pumped. The interview takes off like a sprinter from the starting block. In a voice charged with enthusiasm, Marsh explains SOGO Active,
It’s ‘sick’ to be healthy Read More »
Seeing what you don’t see
What is behind this curious display? What thoughts or intentions are these objects meant to communicate? What part of the larger whole do they play?
Seeing what you don’t see Read More »
In the ‘language’ of belly dancing, Raqs rocks
It’s not I Dream of Jeannie—not even close. “The North American image of I Dream of Jeannie is so ‘Hollywood’,” Nita Collins chuckles, but acknowledges
In the ‘language’ of belly dancing, Raqs rocks Read More »
Take the lead
Nothing says “lead” like a top hat, white tie and tails, a walking stick and leather-soled taps. Nothing says “lead” like Fred Austerlitz (Fred Astaire).
A tsunami of love
How do we stem the tide of AIDS in Africa? Linda Hallet of Victoria, B.C. is working with the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) and with
These are a few of my favourite things …
Before your vocal chords burst into the chorus from Julie Andrews’ “My Favorite Things” (dash it all, I hate to spoil your fun), I’m not
These are a few of my favourite things … Read More »
Spring is on the move (in trunks)
Georgi Pearson says she’s “a Mom with a serious sewing problem,” a stay-at-home mom and part-time seamstress with “spring and a little bit of Mother’s
Spring is on the move (in trunks) Read More »
An invitation to ‘Come and See’
From somewhere nearby, bird songs are heard along with the continual soft shushing of wind through trees and the sounds of water trickling in streams
An invitation to ‘Come and See’ Read More »
Putting hope in the hands of children
Imagine children, some as old as 17, who have never held a book – never read a book in their own language … Liesel Briggs
Putting hope in the hands of children Read More »
You are invited … to a ‘no-troublesome-thoughts’ evening
Serenity is set in subdued mauves and pinks as the sun sets above the Yukon River in a mural where trees and plants are alive
You are invited … to a ‘no-troublesome-thoughts’ evening Read More »
Reaching out, at home and abroad
It was a proud moment for 17-year-old Mauricio Ruaz, Grade 12 student at Vanier Catholic Secondary, when someone said, “I’m glad you put Colombia’s name
Reaching out, at home and abroad Read More »
Her mountain glories; Her alpine angels
They are not mountain goats to Shirly Ambrose, who, in her own words is an “amateur professional photographer”, they are her “Mountain Glories”. “All of
Her mountain glories; Her alpine angels Read More »
A week jammed with jammin’
Yukoners are an inclusive bunch and the Yukon Summer Music Camp is no exception. According to Steve Gedrose, camp coordinator for his second year, the
A week jammed with jammin’ Read More »
An extraordinary way of living with the ‘ordinary’
This isn’t about an extraordinary family—not even about an extraordinary child (because all children are extraordinary). Rather, it’s about living with an “ordinary” disease in
An extraordinary way of living with the ‘ordinary’ Read More »
Take a walk on the wild side
Imagine taking a roller coaster ride and then writing about it as if you were still on the ride. That is an example of the
Take a walk on the wild side Read More »
Down by the riverside
Throughout history, rivers have been associated with life. It seems appropriate, then, that those who create would celebrate alongside the Yukon River. The Yukon Riverside
Down by the riverside Read More »
The view from the ‘terminal’
Laying out the paper is like a controlled plane crash,” my editor said across the table from me at A&W, pausing with a knowing-turned-quizzical look
The view from the ‘terminal’ Read More »
Smoke that serves us well
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire: an idiom seen this summer around Whitehorse. While it seems obvious, it’s amazing how frequently we miss the “smoke signals”
Smoke that serves us well Read More »
For the love of Mexico
Keith and Betty Dye describe the face of need in Lagunitas, Mexico. The couple, Yukoners for 31 years, are coordinating fundraisers through a Whitehorse-based organization
For the love of Mexico Read More »
Walking to make a difference
What difference can 20 minutes make? Patricia Bacon, executive director of Blood Ties Four Directions (which hosts the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life) says, “It’s
Walking to make a difference Read More »
All about band
Interruption after interruption—welcome ones—grab Bruce Johnson’s attention as students seek him out. One student strides in, snapping her chewing gum while looking confident and comfortable
Your first thought is …
I say, “Fall.” You think … ? OK, hard to play that game here, but I would guess that your word associations may include such
Your first thought is … Read More »
Little hands are ‘Kreative’ Hands
Take one child or a group of children, add some art supplies and mix it with limitless imagination and what do you get? Kreations. One
Little hands are ‘Kreative’ Hands Read More »
Blue Christmas
Blue is more than a colour. And that is why Whitehorse United Church minister, Beverly Brazier, is planning another Blue Christmas service. “Often when your
The editor’s Christmas Wish List
Over a mug of root beer, the editor of What’s Up Yukon, Darrell Hoo key, extols his particular Christmas Wish List. Topping the list, Wish
The editor’s Christmas Wish List Read More »
Lights of Life … for everyone
A four-foot-something tree, adorned with angels, captures my attention as I enter Hospice Yukon. The lighting is soft and I am greeted warmly as I
Lights of Life … for everyone Read More »
Dance to sounds of the Big Band
The hallowed halls of learning are hushed, today. “It’s exam week,” Rebekah Bell, band teacher for Porter Creek Secondary School, says, explaining the surprising silence.
Dance to sounds of the Big Band Read More »
Celebrating hockey and love
Hockey and Valentines. Although it doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as “love and marriage” and it doesn’t seem to go together like
Celebrating hockey and love Read More »
The ‘Brave New Words’ of filmmaking
Creative magic—the kind that turns charcoal-pencilled drawings into animation—that’s the magic of KINO (the German word for “film”). Edward Westerhuis says he’s the “official unofficial
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Just how far does friendship go? As far as it takes.
Darcy Laliberty is living proof that friendship goes as far as it takes. The Yukon Brewing Company sales rep is organizing the Jessica Frotten Mobility
Just how far does friendship go? As far as it takes. Read More »
Protecting our fine feathered friends
Who among us hasn’t, at one time or another, gazed upon a bird in flight and marvelled at it … or even wondered what it
Protecting our fine feathered friends Read More »
What comes after ‘Squeak & Squawk’?
Face plants in spaghetti, snow wars and, in “more peaceable times”, snow angels … It’s all part of the fun at the band retreat for
What comes after ‘Squeak & Squawk’? Read More »
Travelling hearts
What is it that keeps a heart going? Well, aside from the obvious flesh-and-blood answers, it’s spirit … spirit that lives on when loved ones
All I ever need …
Sometimes the muse doesn’t just find you; sometimes she follows you, haunts you, tracks your every move and invades your quiet moments, ticking away inside
Three deadly letters
“Three letters that will change your life forever: ALS. “And that’s what it does,” says Donald C Watt, world-class snow carver and walk coordinator for
Three deadly letters Read More »
Christmas treat sales help seniors
Finnish sweet buns with finely ground cardamom, shortbread, chocolate-chip cookies and Finnish sugar-cinnamon cookies — Ann Dibbs’ husband Al delivers a plateful to the table
Christmas treat sales help seniors Read More »
Ode to ‘Of’
How do I love thee, Of … There are so many ways … gee, let me count them I love thee about as deep and
The legacy of legends
There are legends – those men and women who left their mark on the Klondike – and that is the theme of this year’s Yukon
The legacy of legends Read More »
Mining for missions
When it came time to retire, Yukoners Keith and Betty Dye decided it was time to start the hands-on work of placer mining. For six
Mining for missions Read More »
Begin, then begin again!
That’s right; the beginning (where else to start?). Let’s look at some creative, perhaps unconventional ways to begin sentences:
Begin, then begin again! Read More »
Speed bumps 101
Our neighbourhood has speed bumps (and more than a few potholes) that make slow driving an easy choice. As annoying as they may be, at
Knowing when to begin again
If you were to write about the northern hairy-nosed wombat, each paragraph would reveal something new about it. A paragraph contains one facet of a
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It’s not just a part of it; it’s the heart of it
The heart continues to inspire us: it is the cornerstone of religious thought, the muse for artistic expression and the stuff—practical and otherwise—from which love stories are born.
It’s not just a part of it; it’s the heart of it Read More »
; (No, I’m not winking at you.)
The semicolon has three major functions: to link thematically related thoughts, to introduce conjunctions or transitional phrases and to avoid confusion in lists.
; (No, I’m not winking at you.) Read More »
Immigrants remind us of Canadian values
I’m reading the newspapers and the magazines and I see that many Canadians have only qualified support for immigrants. I ignore the bigots, pretty much
Immigrants remind us of Canadian values Read More »
The colon: Abracadabra!
Rising just above the horizon, the moon appears larger than it actually is, much larger than when it’s overhead. The colon is like that—abracadabra!—appearing in a way that has a sometimes-magical affect.
The colon: Abracadabra! Read More »