On Wednesday, I had my last hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, and I wanted to celebrate the occasion by doing something exciting and memorable.   

For some people, the celebration might be to treat themselves to a few cold ones at the pub.  For others, the choice might be shopping for something special to reward themselves. 

But the decision was simple: I will walk in Stanley Park this morning with my walking club friends.

It’s been a few weeks since I last walked with the Vancouver Venturers (my walking club) – and I’m getting lonely.

The club membership has more than doubled in the last two months, so I’m making new friends each time I go for a walk!  And with each new friend, there are always many things to discuss.

During my last trek in Stanley Park, I met a group of people from South Africa and a lady from Shanghai – all of whom had learned about our club on our new Meetup page.

We have a diverse membership – with at least one thing in common – and enjoy walking with others!

If you’re looking for a surefire way to get fit while making new friends, this club is for you!

And if you have a dog – all the better!

But if you’re worried that you’re a slow walker – you can walk with me – I’m usually at the ‘back of the pack.’

Here is a link to that page:  Venturers Meetup Page

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Yesterday, my agent called and told me I had a booking for a photo shoot! 

I’m not sure who the client is or where the photo will appear – I’m just happy to get a booking!

And although I’ve been averaging 3-5 auditions a month, this is the first I’ve booked this year. 

It’s another reason to never give up on your dreams, regardless of how big or small, the prize, or how long it takes!

The last person you should ever give up on is yourself.

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Next week, I’ll get new headshots done at Kevin Clark Studios in Vancouver.

In my humble opinion, Kevin is the most talented photographer in Vancouver.  And his wife, Trish, does my hair and makeup before the shoot.

I’ve been getting my headshots from Kevin Clark since 2007, and highly recommend his studio!

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Yesterday (December 6th), I drove to Vancouver for a walk in Stanley Park with my friends at Vancouver’s Venturers Walking Club. 

Each of our scheduled walks has attracted new members, and although it was very cold – we had 11 people show up, and 3 of them were new members!

You can read about our walk on my updated Bridges, Piers, and Seawalls page (top of page menu) or click this link:  Bridges, Piers, and Seawalls.

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I’ll be Santa Danny on Saturday at the City Square Shopping Centre at Cambie and 12th Avenue in Vancouver from 12:00 – 2:00 pm.  It will be my sixth year at this mall, one of Santa’s favorite shopping places.

Kids from 3 months to 80 will be lined up to see him – maybe you’ll be one of them!

Or suppose you’re interested in something even more exciting.

In that case, you should definitely consider joining my friends at Vancouver ‘Venturers on Saturday afternoon from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and walking through downtown Vancouver’s various Christmas Lights.

If you miss seeing the former Woodwards Department Store’s Christmas window – you can view it at Canada Place.

You will also visit various hotels to see their Christmas lights and displays.  I did this walk last year, and it was awesome.

Here is a video clip: 

For more particulars, please visit the club’s Meetup page – here is the link:  Vancouver Christmas Lights walk (2017)

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Update: 

Several minutes after writing this story, I made a cup of coffee and began reading my emails from yesterday.

I had one email that made me cry. 

It was from one of the gals at my dentist’s office who advised that Mouna’s husband was killed in a car accident a few nights ago.

Mouna is my dentist and a dear friend.  And although I never met her husband, I know that he was something special to have attracted Mouna to him.

I will write a note and send a sympathy card to dear Mouna.

Dedicated to Mouna at Croydon Dental.

I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.

Hugs and tears,

Danny

Today’s tune from Danny’s library (published):

Guess there are times when we all need to share a little pain
And ironing out the rough spots
Is the hardest part when memories remain
And it’s times like these when we all need to hear the radio
‘Cause from the lips of some old singer
We can share the troubles we already know

Turn ’em on, turn ’em on
Turn on those sad songs
When all hope is gone
Why don’t you tune in and turn them on

They reach into your room, oh oh oh
Just feel their gentle touch (gentle touch)
When all hope is gone
Sad songs say so much

If someone else is suffering enough oh to write it down
When every single word makes sense
Then it’s easier to have those songs around
The kick inside is in the line that finally gets to you
And it feels so good to hurt so bad
And suffer just enough to sing the blues

So, turn ’em on, turn ’em on
Turn on those sad songs
When all hope is gone
Why don’t you tune in and turn them on

They reach into your room, oh oh oh
Just feel their gentle touch (gentle touch)
When all hope is gone
You know, sad songs say so much

Sad songs, they say
Sad songs, they say
Sad songs, they say
Sad songs, they say so much

So, turn ’em on, (turn ’em on), oh, turn ’em on, (turn ’em on)
Turn on those sad songs
When all hope is gone
Why don’t you tune in and turn them on

They reach into your room, oh oh oh
Just feel their gentle touch (gentle touch)
When all hope is gone
You know, sad songs say so much
When all hope is gone
You know, sad songs say so much

Whenever little bit of hope is gone
Sad songs say so much
Whenever little bit of hope is gone
Sad songs say so much
When all hope is gone
Sad songs say so much
Whenever little bit of hope is gone
Sad songs say so much…

Songwriters: Bernie Taupin / Elton John
Sad Songs (Say So Much) lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group