National Adult Literacy Database

May 3, 1999

Our story this week is a special event, because we are launching two learners stories on the Internet, and you can read their stories as well as hear them. Both people are doing upgrading at Carnegie Learning Centre, Vancouver, BC

The following story was written by Irene Louise Schmidt, from Vancouver, B.C. Irene was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan and grew up on a 1280 acre farm. Even though her Dad only had a grade three education, he taught her how to read and write before she started school. Irene started to create stories when she was six and it has been her passion ever since.

Play an audio version of this story

Dreams Do Come True

by Irene Schmidt

After years of playing on the Carnegie Theatre stage and working on the Labor of Love CD project Wayne and Alistair finally launched their "Luxuries of Youth" Album. Their band is called "Nomadic Sanctuary".

First of all I would like to apologize for not having the time to invite everyone who would have liked to come. We intend to have a huge party with plenty of food when the CD sales get off the ground.

The talking garage is at the back of the house where we had the launching. That is where Wayne did the drumming for the CD. The miserable neighbours left a nasty note complaining about the noise, even though the garage was well insulated. It had to be because previous tenants had a pot plantation in there.

I shall never forget the Christmas Party at that particular house. The neighbours called the police because of the noise from the music. The policeman said that he could not see anything wrong and if he was off duty he would join us. If you want adventure just follow me around for a day. No grass grows under my feet.

The CD is done by two young men who have been close friends since they were seven. At that particular time Alistair was obtaining treatments because he had cancer and all of his hair fell out. The other children made fun of him, however Wayne felt sorry for him and they spent a great deal of time together. Even at an early age Wayne had compassion for others. Wayne and Alistair are also known as Salt and Pepper.

Alistair plays bass, Wayne lead guitar, rythm guitar, drums and did the recording engineering. They both sing their original songs on the CD.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who came to the CD launching, also those who supported and encouraged Wayne and Alistair throughout the years. They received a great deal of practice time around the Camp Fircom campfires on the beach.