Right, well, it looks like it's going to be another beautiful day, sunny, warm and not too humid. This is good for me since I'm going with Carrie to visit some bridal shops to look for bridesmaid type dresses. I'm still all for using Sandra of Heretic to make the actual gown, but we'll see.
Last night, Carrie and I went down to the Dome where we met Rick and Al for the ball game. A&C had won four free tickets to see the Jays play the Yankees. Happily, the players' strike was averted and the game played on. It was an excellent game, despite the fact that the Jays lost. Not really a big surprise, though we did whomp the Yanks the night before. It looked like it was going to be carnage after the Yanks had leapt into a rather pronounced lead within the first inning, but steadily, the Jays caught up. It ended up being really exciting with the final score being 9-7. I haven't been to a ball game in at least four years, so this, with the excellent seats not far past third base, nine rows up from the front, we all had a really good time. Carrie and I also looked adorable in our animal ears, which I'd bought at the zoo earlier that day, she in koala ears and me in white tiger ears.
And, indeed I was at the zoo. I met Gwyn, from RoD, for the first time and we had a great time. Gwyn is a very nice person with a good sense of humour and an incredibly cool wheelchair. In about four hours we did most of the zoo, skipping over the African Savana and the Canadian Wilderness. A lot of the animals were asleep, but some favourites like the elephants and rhinoseri (dictionary.com has the plural as being rhinoseroses, which is INCORRECT, stupid Americans killing classical language), the giant octopus, the clouded leopard who insisted on sleeping between the big water pipe and ceiling rather than its tree, and the otters. Always the otters. They always look like they're having a lot of fun. I'd be happy to be an otter, frankly. Anyway, it was a good time and the weather was great. The butterflies in the indomalaya woodland pavillion were out in the sunshine flitting through the trees like something out of a children's book, like art-nouveau book illustrations come to life. Simply beautiful.
Tonight we're playing D&D at Ryan's which will be a nice tight squeeze in his tiny appartment, but he insists on us playing there and we're humouring him, I guess. Tomorrow, I think we're going to do a small scale belated birthday dinner for me, and Rick would really like it if we went to Whisky Saigon for retro night, and maybe we will. I don't know. Maybe I've grown out of clubbing but I just can't bring myself to find this as something I want to do. I plan to work on my web stuff tomorrow and Monday, too, though on Monday I'm going to drop by Derek's new place (which is practically around the corner) and hang out for a bit. I really want to get web stuff done. I've been meaning to work on Ray's page for ages. Anyway, I'm feeling kind of sulky for no apparent reason, so I'll go before this gets me down.
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Today I've actually had the pleasure of acting as a proper Union Steward. Whee ! Mostly this has entailed me shlepping all over the museum looking for the president in order to ask questions, Wilson (with his broken arm) in tow. Questions about leaves of absense and/or extended sick time foremost. And then giving some sort of council to Wilson about his insurance and what the ROM will and will not cover. I got to meet the Membership Dept.'s representative in HR and he's as much of a slime as people made him out to be. As one woman said to me on our way out of HR, "He looks evil." Anyway, maybe he's not, but he's all about saying things like, "Well it's really up to the union," and, "I can't really say, it depends on what the museum and union work out." Yeesh, a break... give me one, please. However, it's a useful experience and I got to take Wilson into areas of the ROM he's never been before. It's BIG. Anyway, now I should really get some work done since I've been doing this for the better part of two hours.
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Another thing that happened on the weekend was Nadine's going away party. Yes, that's right, my jazz-singing friend has left for England. She found the Canadian scene a real bitch to break into and so, with a couple of leads in London, she decided to up and go. It can't be worse there, plus it puts her closer to the not insignificant jazz culture of continental Europe.
Anyway, my intention was to visit for only a little while, but when I arrived at the place the party was being held and was given food and drink, extricating myself became more difficult. You should only know what this condo was like. It was hosted by Nadine's friend Shauna and my goodness was her place incredible. It was three levels with the kitchen, dinning/living room on the first level, her bedroom on the middle level, and a lounging area on the third, which also happened to open onto a fantastic L-shaped balcony overlooking downtown Toronto. *drool*
I talked a lot to Errol, Nadine's cousin, who I'd met on at least one other occasion, and to this other fellow named Louie who has a band. Louie, I think, dug me, but I left him with no contact information and took off (eventually) when he was distracted by the arrival of his friends. I'm so evil. *cackles* Anyway, it was fun. It was a lovely send-off for a cool, cool chick. I hope she does well in London.
Last night, skipping ahead to the very near past, I went to Paul's house. Paul being the boyfriend of Tracy. You see, Tracy, the night before, had visited me (and we'd both visited her Mom) and left her wallet/day-planner thing at my house. It was hiding under the Arrow-launching Action Aragorn (or whatever it is called) that she had given me for my birthday. So, after work and dinner, I drove up to Paul's neighbourhood to return this very important article to its rightful owner. Silly Tracy. I haven't been to Paul's house in at LEAST five years, but probably more.
Anyway, I got to meet her parrot, Coral, who tried to bite me, and then sat very quietly on my finger. When Paul arrived, he demonstrated how much Coral doesn't like him. Coral screams at Paul and tries to get away from him. It's quite funny. Then Paul and Tracy introduced me to the myriad of creatures residing in the house. Aside from the three cats, the dog, and Coral, there are countless spotted geckos (quite cool), a larger lizard that feels like a small pinapple, some fish, and two cameleons, male and female. I left smelling very much of animal, especially after hugging Paul goodbye after he'd worked all day in a barn. *laugh* It was a very nice visit and a very long time coming.
Anyway, my intention was to visit for only a little while, but when I arrived at the place the party was being held and was given food and drink, extricating myself became more difficult. You should only know what this condo was like. It was hosted by Nadine's friend Shauna and my goodness was her place incredible. It was three levels with the kitchen, dinning/living room on the first level, her bedroom on the middle level, and a lounging area on the third, which also happened to open onto a fantastic L-shaped balcony overlooking downtown Toronto. *drool*
I talked a lot to Errol, Nadine's cousin, who I'd met on at least one other occasion, and to this other fellow named Louie who has a band. Louie, I think, dug me, but I left him with no contact information and took off (eventually) when he was distracted by the arrival of his friends. I'm so evil. *cackles* Anyway, it was fun. It was a lovely send-off for a cool, cool chick. I hope she does well in London.
Last night, skipping ahead to the very near past, I went to Paul's house. Paul being the boyfriend of Tracy. You see, Tracy, the night before, had visited me (and we'd both visited her Mom) and left her wallet/day-planner thing at my house. It was hiding under the Arrow-launching Action Aragorn (or whatever it is called) that she had given me for my birthday. So, after work and dinner, I drove up to Paul's neighbourhood to return this very important article to its rightful owner. Silly Tracy. I haven't been to Paul's house in at LEAST five years, but probably more.
Anyway, I got to meet her parrot, Coral, who tried to bite me, and then sat very quietly on my finger. When Paul arrived, he demonstrated how much Coral doesn't like him. Coral screams at Paul and tries to get away from him. It's quite funny. Then Paul and Tracy introduced me to the myriad of creatures residing in the house. Aside from the three cats, the dog, and Coral, there are countless spotted geckos (quite cool), a larger lizard that feels like a small pinapple, some fish, and two cameleons, male and female. I left smelling very much of animal, especially after hugging Paul goodbye after he'd worked all day in a barn. *laugh* It was a very nice visit and a very long time coming.
Tuesday, August 27, 2002
Before I tell any more stories, here are two pictures taken by my friend, Brian (from Seneca), on Friday at the expo. Here's the first (with Nicole on the side). Here's the second, a close up of some of my stuff. Keen, Brian, thanks !
Now for the fun. Well, basically, it was all fun, except Friday night when it was hard to take the amazing lack of sales. That was not fun. But on Saturday, things picked up a lot. Sunday was smashing, though. Due in part (the sales, sure, but more importantly) to my friends and family coming to show their love and support. Eric came, Tracy and her mother, Nicki (my other mother), my mom and Ray came, and most surprising of all... Ryan came. I'm sure I'm missing at least one person, but honestly, the whole weekend is a bit of a blur. One of the keenest things to happen on Sunday took place while I was coming back from the Independent Artists section with my mother was when I spotted this strange man whom I thought I recognised.
"That guy," said I as I stopped and turned, "looks a lot like Ed Greenwood." So, with much encouragement by my mother to go and find out if it was indeed him, off I trotted. He covers a lot of ground - he's a lot taller than he looks.
Me: Excuse me, is your name, by any chance, Ed?
Him: Why yes it is.
Me: And also Greenwood?
Him: Yes. But don't tell anyone, I'm in disguise.
Anyway, he remembered me from way back in high school when I was still going out with Jon (who was a family friend of Ed) and we started to chat. I explained that I had a booth and he wanted to know what I was selling. When I said my art, he nearly bounced, or maybe he did bounce, and said, "Well, let's take a look !" He ended up hanging around my booth for about 20 minutes and even bought my pack of six cards. I threw in a print for free. Anyway, he's a delightful man, a six foot tall gnome, as I called him, which made him laugh merrily, and also a dirty bastard. He takes pride in all these things. Perhaps the dirty bastard most of all. I gave him a business card, too, and asked him to write me fan mail, which he agreed to do, and who knows, maybe he will. That would be keen.
As Ryan said, which I will reitterate here and make them my own sentiments, "I owe a lot to that man."
Now for the fun. Well, basically, it was all fun, except Friday night when it was hard to take the amazing lack of sales. That was not fun. But on Saturday, things picked up a lot. Sunday was smashing, though. Due in part (the sales, sure, but more importantly) to my friends and family coming to show their love and support. Eric came, Tracy and her mother, Nicki (my other mother), my mom and Ray came, and most surprising of all... Ryan came. I'm sure I'm missing at least one person, but honestly, the whole weekend is a bit of a blur. One of the keenest things to happen on Sunday took place while I was coming back from the Independent Artists section with my mother was when I spotted this strange man whom I thought I recognised.
"That guy," said I as I stopped and turned, "looks a lot like Ed Greenwood." So, with much encouragement by my mother to go and find out if it was indeed him, off I trotted. He covers a lot of ground - he's a lot taller than he looks.
Me: Excuse me, is your name, by any chance, Ed?
Him: Why yes it is.
Me: And also Greenwood?
Him: Yes. But don't tell anyone, I'm in disguise.
Anyway, he remembered me from way back in high school when I was still going out with Jon (who was a family friend of Ed) and we started to chat. I explained that I had a booth and he wanted to know what I was selling. When I said my art, he nearly bounced, or maybe he did bounce, and said, "Well, let's take a look !" He ended up hanging around my booth for about 20 minutes and even bought my pack of six cards. I threw in a print for free. Anyway, he's a delightful man, a six foot tall gnome, as I called him, which made him laugh merrily, and also a dirty bastard. He takes pride in all these things. Perhaps the dirty bastard most of all. I gave him a business card, too, and asked him to write me fan mail, which he agreed to do, and who knows, maybe he will. That would be keen.
As Ryan said, which I will reitterate here and make them my own sentiments, "I owe a lot to that man."
The Fangirl.
Okay. It's becoming a thing. *grin* I kind of like it. Each time it happens, it's a different person, which makes it that much cooler. A young woman, maybe early 20s, came to my booth, where I'd pinned two prints to the tablecloth, one being the illustration from Waterloo (Obi in leather pants with microphone, being backed up by Mace, Qui-Gon, and Yoda in platform boots). She stopped, cracked up and the dialogue went much like this:
Meagan: That looks like -
Me: It is.
Meagan: From the -
Me: Sith Academy.
Meagan: Ya ! It's from -
Me: Ishyko's "Waterloo".
Meagan: Are you...?
Me: Maya, Mad Mambolica. Greetings.
Meagan: Wow ! I love your stuff !
It went from there and, ultimately, she bought the print and asked me to sign it. Cool eh? I rather thought so. She was actually a lot less gushy than my other two fangirls (ever) have been. But boy, was she ever pleased. Me too.
I will finish this progression of stories sometime later.
Okay. It's becoming a thing. *grin* I kind of like it. Each time it happens, it's a different person, which makes it that much cooler. A young woman, maybe early 20s, came to my booth, where I'd pinned two prints to the tablecloth, one being the illustration from Waterloo (Obi in leather pants with microphone, being backed up by Mace, Qui-Gon, and Yoda in platform boots). She stopped, cracked up and the dialogue went much like this:
Meagan: That looks like -
Me: It is.
Meagan: From the -
Me: Sith Academy.
Meagan: Ya ! It's from -
Me: Ishyko's "Waterloo".
Meagan: Are you...?
Me: Maya, Mad Mambolica. Greetings.
Meagan: Wow ! I love your stuff !
It went from there and, ultimately, she bought the print and asked me to sign it. Cool eh? I rather thought so. She was actually a lot less gushy than my other two fangirls (ever) have been. But boy, was she ever pleased. Me too.
I will finish this progression of stories sometime later.
Today, I had an interview (again) in New Media. It wasn't so smashing an interview as the last one, but hey, it's hard to blow the mind twice in a row. Afterall, it was the exact same people sitting in on the interview. It went alright. Hopefully, I'll get it.
Okay.
The guy I haven't seen since high school... Adam Lewis. He used to intimidate me and I had a memory of him as being over six feet tall and built like a house. He's like, I don't know, 5'9" max. And not scary. We figure it was because he was high all the time. Ya. That and the piercings. Piercings scared me back then. In truth, he's just a huggy-bear and he happened to have the booth beside Nicole and I.
Wow, that was a lame story.
Pirate cookies. VERY important. Not only are they full of oatmealy goodness and peanut butter (mmm, protein), but they can sustain a person through an entire day of hard work at a trade show. I know this because on Sunday, I had some crappy yogurt, a bite of cake (supplied by Nicole for my birthday) - and I do mean a bite, a coffee, a juice box, and six Pirate cookes. These cookies, single-handedly, saved my life. Or at least made the hunger pangs bearable. And they're tasty. Not just alright, but darned good. Thanks to Nicole for bringing them.
That's enough tonight. I'll finish the stories tomorrow. Now I'm tired.
Okay.
The guy I haven't seen since high school... Adam Lewis. He used to intimidate me and I had a memory of him as being over six feet tall and built like a house. He's like, I don't know, 5'9" max. And not scary. We figure it was because he was high all the time. Ya. That and the piercings. Piercings scared me back then. In truth, he's just a huggy-bear and he happened to have the booth beside Nicole and I.
Wow, that was a lame story.
Pirate cookies. VERY important. Not only are they full of oatmealy goodness and peanut butter (mmm, protein), but they can sustain a person through an entire day of hard work at a trade show. I know this because on Sunday, I had some crappy yogurt, a bite of cake (supplied by Nicole for my birthday) - and I do mean a bite, a coffee, a juice box, and six Pirate cookes. These cookies, single-handedly, saved my life. Or at least made the hunger pangs bearable. And they're tasty. Not just alright, but darned good. Thanks to Nicole for bringing them.
That's enough tonight. I'll finish the stories tomorrow. Now I'm tired.
Monday, August 26, 2002
So... hm. I'm at the ROM, and am about to head out for cheap Chinese with Stacey. But before I do, here's one of the many stories from this past weekend.
The Ringwraith.
Remember my encounter with the Nazgul at Toronto Trek, back in early July? Well, the same costumers were at the expo, too, and there again, was the Ringwraith. I got all excited as it (he) headed past the booth and said, "Nicole, look, it's the Ringwraith ! The Ringwraith !! YAY THE RINGWRAITH !" the latter being said with muppetatious waving of arms above my head. Needless to say, the wraith turned around to see who was causing such a commotion. I swear I heard it chuckle and I even think I saw it's shoulders lift at the same time. I might be wrong. Anyway, it paused there a moment and then raised it's gauntleted hand and wiggled its fingers at me with a lovely clinking of armour. I think it remembered me. Whee !
The Ringwraith.
Remember my encounter with the Nazgul at Toronto Trek, back in early July? Well, the same costumers were at the expo, too, and there again, was the Ringwraith. I got all excited as it (he) headed past the booth and said, "Nicole, look, it's the Ringwraith ! The Ringwraith !! YAY THE RINGWRAITH !" the latter being said with muppetatious waving of arms above my head. Needless to say, the wraith turned around to see who was causing such a commotion. I swear I heard it chuckle and I even think I saw it's shoulders lift at the same time. I might be wrong. Anyway, it paused there a moment and then raised it's gauntleted hand and wiggled its fingers at me with a lovely clinking of armour. I think it remembered me. Whee !
Sunday, August 25, 2002
So, the SFX was a success. I won't go into it now because I'm more tired than I've been in a long, long time. Details to follow soon, including stories about the ringwraithe (same one from T-Trek), the importance of Pirate Cookies, the guy I haven't seen since high school, the fangirl, and... the fun.
What else, what else? Oh, new stuff at my Lothlorien gallery at Elfwood. Updates to my portfolio will occur soon, as will updates to Ray's page.
Today is my birthday. All celebrating is off until I have the time. I have to prep for an interview tomorrow, and still I have not opened my presents (from Mom and Ray). Food was simply more important. Now I shall do that and then prep. Then bathe. Then prep. Then go to bed. The end.
What else, what else? Oh, new stuff at my Lothlorien gallery at Elfwood. Updates to my portfolio will occur soon, as will updates to Ray's page.
Today is my birthday. All celebrating is off until I have the time. I have to prep for an interview tomorrow, and still I have not opened my presents (from Mom and Ray). Food was simply more important. Now I shall do that and then prep. Then bathe. Then prep. Then go to bed. The end.
Friday, August 23, 2002
Well, just a quick entry to start. Hopefully I'll get back to this sometime this crazy-busy weekend. I'm off to set up for the Sci-Fi Expo, with Rick's help, sometime in the near future. I've managed to get everything on my list done and, hopefully, I haven't forgotten anything. I spent an obscene amount at Kinkos, which stunned me, but my mother assured me that it's money for my future, and I feel marginally better about it. Sort of. Whichever way you look at it, $277 is a LOT of money. Both she and Rick assure me that I'll make it all back. There are moments when I think so too, and moments when I despair that anything will be sold at all.
In other news, last night, Willi caught a mouse in the house. Willi the Huntress ! I was photographing my dioramas with Nick's digital camera and I'd just finished when I heard something behind me. I turned around, camera still in my hands, and lo, there was Willi bopping the mouse on the head. I took some pictures of her flipping the poor thing about before getting a paper towel and picking it up. I threw it into the neighbour's yard (the one that doesn't like cats) and went back inside. Much praise for Willi-bee and then I cleaned my hands. Feh. If I thought she was actually going to bother killing it, I'd have let her, but, it was tiny and she was only half interested.
In other news, last night, Willi caught a mouse in the house. Willi the Huntress ! I was photographing my dioramas with Nick's digital camera and I'd just finished when I heard something behind me. I turned around, camera still in my hands, and lo, there was Willi bopping the mouse on the head. I took some pictures of her flipping the poor thing about before getting a paper towel and picking it up. I threw it into the neighbour's yard (the one that doesn't like cats) and went back inside. Much praise for Willi-bee and then I cleaned my hands. Feh. If I thought she was actually going to bother killing it, I'd have let her, but, it was tiny and she was only half interested.
Wednesday, August 21, 2002
I'm back ! Huzzah !
I wish I weren't back, but I am, because real life has to happen no matter how we try to stall it. I love my cottage. There is no other place on Earth that I would rather be. We've called it many things, including Paradise, and for me, that is truly what it is. Paradise with distant chainsaw sounds. My cottage is nothing like the typical 'cottage'. There are no motor boats on our lake, only one other cottage (albeit owned by crazy people, though mostly they don't bother us), and a wide expanse of forest and overgrown farmland surrounding us. Up the road there are three other cottages (including our lake neighbours) and one permenant residence. Below us, there is another year-round house (owned by our close friend Jean and her son, Michael). My oldest friend lives around there, Kristina, the one who I visited in May. Anyway, it is quiet, beautiful, and technologically unburdened.
I was there for two weeks, about a third of which I devoted my time almost entirely to producing artwork for this weekend's SFX. I brought my cat, Willi, who got to be a real cat for a change, going outside, catching mice and other things. She was so happy up there. I have never seen her so totally thrilled and excited. She and Mom's cats, Chester and Melody, got along well, for a change, and she followed Chester around in the bush learning how to hunt. It was like he had a little shadow. There were no mice in the house, and seemingly there were few in the house through the winter. The damage was nil, but cleaning was still a priority as the old tenants didn't do much of a job worth mentioning. Mom bought a vacuum for the cottage and made good use of it, filling it with tons of the tenants' dog's hair. Ew. One thing that Mom did (of a few notable jobs) was to put up a shower.
Yes. A shower. This is a big thing for us. Previously, all bathing was done at the kitchen sink or in the lake as we have no bathroom per se, just a rather pleasant outhouse. The shower is a long-handled gardening tool affixed to the side of the covered work table in front of the brick barbeque. A coiling hose is attached to this tool and run into the house to the kitchen sink where you can adjust the hot and cold water. I suggested a large piece of plywood to make the shower floor, and Mom hung a curtain from the clothesline. My gosh, what an innovation !! While lake bathing is fun when the weather is hot and the water is nice, it's a good deal less so when the weather is inclemant and the lake is frigid. Also, because the weather up there had been so hot and muggy (far moreso than in just about any other year), it was super nice to have a quick shower to scrape off the sweat.
There was a great deal of damage in the bush this year from windstorms. Last year was a horrible drought that weakened a lot of mature and otherwise healthy trees. I took a hike around the camp in the first week up and I counted no less than 27 trees that were down, roots-up in the air, moss and soil peeled right off the rock. Many of these were mature oak and beech trees, as well as a few pine. It's a real mess. Many other trees have come down on the point around the path to the swimming point. Michael's cut up some of it and cleaned aside other bits, but even while we were up there, an oak tree that had fallen against another tree came down taking the other with it. Add to this the amount of beaver damage of half-girdled trees and it just gets worse. Anyway, sad as the damage is, it's testimonial of the ever changing state of nature.
Rick joined Mom and I for the last four days I would be there, arriving in Ottawa by bus and leaving with me on the 20th and driving back to Toronto. This year was more smooth a visit than last year. My mother is more comfortable with Rick, and he is more comfortable with the space up there, enabling me to go off and do my own thing once in a while. He even borrowed a tackle box in order to go fishing, though, I must say, he spent more time talking about fishing than he actually did doing it. *laugh* Maybe next time he'll bring his own stuff and he can start fishing right away, that way he can have 'his own thing' to do up there like Mom and I do. For her it's doing things and swimming, for me it's hiking and canoeing. We played uchre (sp?) on two nights, on one night myself winning, the other Mom (I'm sure this was irksome for Rick), and a game of Scrabble, too, which I won and much to my mother's horror, she came last. It's okay, though, because before Rick came up, Mom had pretty much flogged me in several games.
Anyway, I'm home now, and though I have lots of other stories to tell, I can't really go into them now. I'm late for heading to Kinkos to make prints for this weekend. I'm exhausted, having slept very badly the night before, too. I'm currently getting Willi used to a harness so that she can maybe go out on the porch in a leash. I don't trust her not to jump off, but this way she can sit outside and stuff. We'll see. Maybe, if it works out, she can do it in Peterborough, too. It can't be bothering her too much, though initially she was slinking all over uncertainly, as she's just finished washing herself and has now gone to sleep with the harness on.
I wish I weren't back, but I am, because real life has to happen no matter how we try to stall it. I love my cottage. There is no other place on Earth that I would rather be. We've called it many things, including Paradise, and for me, that is truly what it is. Paradise with distant chainsaw sounds. My cottage is nothing like the typical 'cottage'. There are no motor boats on our lake, only one other cottage (albeit owned by crazy people, though mostly they don't bother us), and a wide expanse of forest and overgrown farmland surrounding us. Up the road there are three other cottages (including our lake neighbours) and one permenant residence. Below us, there is another year-round house (owned by our close friend Jean and her son, Michael). My oldest friend lives around there, Kristina, the one who I visited in May. Anyway, it is quiet, beautiful, and technologically unburdened.
I was there for two weeks, about a third of which I devoted my time almost entirely to producing artwork for this weekend's SFX. I brought my cat, Willi, who got to be a real cat for a change, going outside, catching mice and other things. She was so happy up there. I have never seen her so totally thrilled and excited. She and Mom's cats, Chester and Melody, got along well, for a change, and she followed Chester around in the bush learning how to hunt. It was like he had a little shadow. There were no mice in the house, and seemingly there were few in the house through the winter. The damage was nil, but cleaning was still a priority as the old tenants didn't do much of a job worth mentioning. Mom bought a vacuum for the cottage and made good use of it, filling it with tons of the tenants' dog's hair. Ew. One thing that Mom did (of a few notable jobs) was to put up a shower.
Yes. A shower. This is a big thing for us. Previously, all bathing was done at the kitchen sink or in the lake as we have no bathroom per se, just a rather pleasant outhouse. The shower is a long-handled gardening tool affixed to the side of the covered work table in front of the brick barbeque. A coiling hose is attached to this tool and run into the house to the kitchen sink where you can adjust the hot and cold water. I suggested a large piece of plywood to make the shower floor, and Mom hung a curtain from the clothesline. My gosh, what an innovation !! While lake bathing is fun when the weather is hot and the water is nice, it's a good deal less so when the weather is inclemant and the lake is frigid. Also, because the weather up there had been so hot and muggy (far moreso than in just about any other year), it was super nice to have a quick shower to scrape off the sweat.
There was a great deal of damage in the bush this year from windstorms. Last year was a horrible drought that weakened a lot of mature and otherwise healthy trees. I took a hike around the camp in the first week up and I counted no less than 27 trees that were down, roots-up in the air, moss and soil peeled right off the rock. Many of these were mature oak and beech trees, as well as a few pine. It's a real mess. Many other trees have come down on the point around the path to the swimming point. Michael's cut up some of it and cleaned aside other bits, but even while we were up there, an oak tree that had fallen against another tree came down taking the other with it. Add to this the amount of beaver damage of half-girdled trees and it just gets worse. Anyway, sad as the damage is, it's testimonial of the ever changing state of nature.
Rick joined Mom and I for the last four days I would be there, arriving in Ottawa by bus and leaving with me on the 20th and driving back to Toronto. This year was more smooth a visit than last year. My mother is more comfortable with Rick, and he is more comfortable with the space up there, enabling me to go off and do my own thing once in a while. He even borrowed a tackle box in order to go fishing, though, I must say, he spent more time talking about fishing than he actually did doing it. *laugh* Maybe next time he'll bring his own stuff and he can start fishing right away, that way he can have 'his own thing' to do up there like Mom and I do. For her it's doing things and swimming, for me it's hiking and canoeing. We played uchre (sp?) on two nights, on one night myself winning, the other Mom (I'm sure this was irksome for Rick), and a game of Scrabble, too, which I won and much to my mother's horror, she came last. It's okay, though, because before Rick came up, Mom had pretty much flogged me in several games.
Anyway, I'm home now, and though I have lots of other stories to tell, I can't really go into them now. I'm late for heading to Kinkos to make prints for this weekend. I'm exhausted, having slept very badly the night before, too. I'm currently getting Willi used to a harness so that she can maybe go out on the porch in a leash. I don't trust her not to jump off, but this way she can sit outside and stuff. We'll see. Maybe, if it works out, she can do it in Peterborough, too. It can't be bothering her too much, though initially she was slinking all over uncertainly, as she's just finished washing herself and has now gone to sleep with the harness on.
Tuesday, August 06, 2002
Well, I have rather a lot to say, but less time in which to say it than I would desire.
This weekend was the Realms of Despair 8th annual reunion. As always, it was great fun. I don't know what I should say. Gosh. So much happened.
Friday was the first official night, being held, as usual at the Fox and Fiddle in stunning Mississauga. Okay, that was sarcasm, for those who don't know. Mississauga is far from stunning. The usual faces were there, plus some new ones and the lovely pleasure of having both Lindsay and Deanna there as well (two of my favourite roleplayers from the game). Rick got quite looped before we headed to the airport to pick up Ben. We returned to the Fox for more merriment and did not leave until after last call. Ben seemed more than happy to sleep on my less than comfortable futon couch and Willi was more than happy to keep him company there.
Saturday was the Renn Fest and we arrived a bit late, but that was okay. We threw our friend, Kelly's, stuff into my car and all piled into the fair. Naturally, the Mud Show (the theatre in the ground) was a hit and we watched both of their shows, Beowulf and Dante's Inferno. Two plays that only barely resemble the works they portray. We separated and came back together through out the fair, now pairing up with Lindsay and Deanna, now breaking apart again. We ate tasty things (the broccoli and cheese soup in a bread-bowl was a highlight as well as their delicious smoothies), and laughed a lot and got a lot of sun. I caught one and a half jousts, the final one fully, which was quite dramatic though there was no unhorsing.
That night there was a slave auction in order to benefit Moonbeam (an immortal character on RoD) who will be running for the cure (breast cancer charity). Kelly and myself were auctioned as a pair and Rick spent 80$ on us. Here's the best part - we're considered a charitable donation and therefore are tax deductable. Neat, ya. I did a fantastic rendition of Grease Lightning with this guy named Chuck, the two of us acting out the entire song while twisting up a storm. There was much positive (and slightly less so) male attention and generally, everyone was in good spirits.
Sunday was the picnic at the Kelso Conservation Area. There was a quest that had a test of speed and constitution (which Rick placed second in - Go Rick !) which was a race down and up the bunny hill behind the picnic area. Two people wiped out on the uphill run, one of whom would otherwise have won. Too bad Rick didn't get anything for coming second. There was a RoD trivia challenge and I, knowing NOTHING of the game, despite playing it for three years, won a consolation prize (of nothing, I'll have you know) for the best humourous bullshit answer. There was also a scavenger hunt for which everyone who made it up the BIG FUCKING hill at the start got five in-game glory. Rick, Ben and I wandered through the woods for at least two hours giving our bodies quite the work-out. Today I feel more than a little stiff. *laugh*
In fact, I was so beat after the scavenger hunt that when I returned to the picnic, I just kept going and headed straight for the lake. Lindsay, Deanna, Kelly, and a bunch of other people were already down there and shortly after we were joined by Chuck. Feeling so much better, I went back up to get myself some dinner. There was, among other vegetable items, steak, lamb, turkey, rabbit and quail. YUM. Let me repeat that: YUM !!! Following dinner, there was a tug-o'-war which was also a lot of fun. And then, sadly, the day came to an end and neither Rick nor I would be returning to the Fox.
Rick was a good guy and came with me to my house and helped me pack the car with stuff for the cottage, and he lay down for a nap with me where we were neither properly rested, nor comfortable since we were both still racing from the exersion of the day. Then we were both crabby when we got up. I hate the post-nap crabbiness. Bleh. I packed Willi into her box and we set off. I dropped Rick at his place and then continued to Peterborough.
Tomorrow, Mom and I will be leaving for the cottage. We're being not terribly environmentally good, though, each taking her own car, but since I'm probably going to have to leave before her and head directly to Toronto, it just seems best. Rick will be joining us up there on the 16th and we'll leave together on the 20th. I wish I could be staying longer, since I feel I desperately need this holiday, but since I'll be working SFX the weekend of the 23rd to the 25th (my birthday, coincidentally), I have to get back in time to continue my love-hate relationship with Kinkos as I have art reproductions printed.
Anyway, now it's much later than I meant it to be and there's still laundry sitting in the machine. *sigh* I wish you all a good most-of-August. Enjoy it.
This weekend was the Realms of Despair 8th annual reunion. As always, it was great fun. I don't know what I should say. Gosh. So much happened.
Friday was the first official night, being held, as usual at the Fox and Fiddle in stunning Mississauga. Okay, that was sarcasm, for those who don't know. Mississauga is far from stunning. The usual faces were there, plus some new ones and the lovely pleasure of having both Lindsay and Deanna there as well (two of my favourite roleplayers from the game). Rick got quite looped before we headed to the airport to pick up Ben. We returned to the Fox for more merriment and did not leave until after last call. Ben seemed more than happy to sleep on my less than comfortable futon couch and Willi was more than happy to keep him company there.
Saturday was the Renn Fest and we arrived a bit late, but that was okay. We threw our friend, Kelly's, stuff into my car and all piled into the fair. Naturally, the Mud Show (the theatre in the ground) was a hit and we watched both of their shows, Beowulf and Dante's Inferno. Two plays that only barely resemble the works they portray. We separated and came back together through out the fair, now pairing up with Lindsay and Deanna, now breaking apart again. We ate tasty things (the broccoli and cheese soup in a bread-bowl was a highlight as well as their delicious smoothies), and laughed a lot and got a lot of sun. I caught one and a half jousts, the final one fully, which was quite dramatic though there was no unhorsing.
That night there was a slave auction in order to benefit Moonbeam (an immortal character on RoD) who will be running for the cure (breast cancer charity). Kelly and myself were auctioned as a pair and Rick spent 80$ on us. Here's the best part - we're considered a charitable donation and therefore are tax deductable. Neat, ya. I did a fantastic rendition of Grease Lightning with this guy named Chuck, the two of us acting out the entire song while twisting up a storm. There was much positive (and slightly less so) male attention and generally, everyone was in good spirits.
Sunday was the picnic at the Kelso Conservation Area. There was a quest that had a test of speed and constitution (which Rick placed second in - Go Rick !) which was a race down and up the bunny hill behind the picnic area. Two people wiped out on the uphill run, one of whom would otherwise have won. Too bad Rick didn't get anything for coming second. There was a RoD trivia challenge and I, knowing NOTHING of the game, despite playing it for three years, won a consolation prize (of nothing, I'll have you know) for the best humourous bullshit answer. There was also a scavenger hunt for which everyone who made it up the BIG FUCKING hill at the start got five in-game glory. Rick, Ben and I wandered through the woods for at least two hours giving our bodies quite the work-out. Today I feel more than a little stiff. *laugh*
In fact, I was so beat after the scavenger hunt that when I returned to the picnic, I just kept going and headed straight for the lake. Lindsay, Deanna, Kelly, and a bunch of other people were already down there and shortly after we were joined by Chuck. Feeling so much better, I went back up to get myself some dinner. There was, among other vegetable items, steak, lamb, turkey, rabbit and quail. YUM. Let me repeat that: YUM !!! Following dinner, there was a tug-o'-war which was also a lot of fun. And then, sadly, the day came to an end and neither Rick nor I would be returning to the Fox.
Rick was a good guy and came with me to my house and helped me pack the car with stuff for the cottage, and he lay down for a nap with me where we were neither properly rested, nor comfortable since we were both still racing from the exersion of the day. Then we were both crabby when we got up. I hate the post-nap crabbiness. Bleh. I packed Willi into her box and we set off. I dropped Rick at his place and then continued to Peterborough.
Tomorrow, Mom and I will be leaving for the cottage. We're being not terribly environmentally good, though, each taking her own car, but since I'm probably going to have to leave before her and head directly to Toronto, it just seems best. Rick will be joining us up there on the 16th and we'll leave together on the 20th. I wish I could be staying longer, since I feel I desperately need this holiday, but since I'll be working SFX the weekend of the 23rd to the 25th (my birthday, coincidentally), I have to get back in time to continue my love-hate relationship with Kinkos as I have art reproductions printed.
Anyway, now it's much later than I meant it to be and there's still laundry sitting in the machine. *sigh* I wish you all a good most-of-August. Enjoy it.
Friday, August 02, 2002
I forgot to mention my jeans ! I bought a rather nice, if slightly large, pair of jeans from the store just a little west of Heretic called Alkatraz. I don't usually buy things there because the things I do like are overpriced, or not in my size. Ever. Anyway, they usually have a sale rack out on the sidewalk and today was no exception. There were a ton of blue jeans with red stitching. And lo - a pair in my size ! The mind boggles. Anyway, here's the best part: 7.99. I kid you not. Including tax, I did not pay ten bucks. That's right, $60 jeans for less than $10. *cackle* I win !
Thursday, August 01, 2002
Today, at Heretic, I choked so hard that I coughed up water and lung juice all over the floor. John (who happened to be there with Sandra) ran to my rescue as my choking didn't seem to want to let up, and I couldn't breathe and I couldn't talk. But, just as he was about to perform some heroics, I spluttered wetly, "I *cough* I'm *cough cough* I'm okay *hack hack cough*" It was actually quite frightening.
I applied for the other New Media job at the ROM. I'm quite excited. Hopefully there won't be a problem with me interviewing at the end of August. I hope, I hope, I hope. I have to call the HR representative and let her know that I'll be away and what my phone number there will be. Also, I got 30 prints each of "Waterloo" and "Kenobispotting" done at Kinkos for less than I thought it would cost. I feel secure that other printing needs will be met upon my return from the cottage.
Mark brought 'round the shirt Nicole made for me. Nuh ! So sexy ! I was going to wear it to the Reunion, or more specifically the Renn Fest, on Saturday, but I fear it will be a bit too hot. I may have to make do with wearing it tomorrow. The fabric is soft and light, but quite warm, but in an airconditioned pub, I should be fine. So, what will I wear to the fair on Saturday, you may ask (or you may not, but whatever). I'll be wearing the shirt that Sandra made for me - a lovely little number she calls the 'willow' shirt. The key characteristic are the dangly faerie bits that hang over the shoulder rather than sleeves. Mine is black with red danglies and it looks so cute ! They flip and flop when I hop about. Gah, at moments like this, I am such a girl.
Tomorrow is going to be a bit sad, as it's my last day at Heretic, but also keen ! The Reunion starts tomorrow night and I'll be there. With Rick, of course. Shortly after 11pm, I have to be at the airport to pick up Ben (my friend in Philly) who will be flying in for the Saturday, Sunday, Monday festivities. He'll be staying at my place tomorrow night and Saturday night. Also, on Saturday, Kelly will be crashing at my place as well, since she's being abandoned by her much less social boyfriend. Whee ! So much Reunion fun to be had. I hope I don't have a migraine or something.
I applied for the other New Media job at the ROM. I'm quite excited. Hopefully there won't be a problem with me interviewing at the end of August. I hope, I hope, I hope. I have to call the HR representative and let her know that I'll be away and what my phone number there will be. Also, I got 30 prints each of "Waterloo" and "Kenobispotting" done at Kinkos for less than I thought it would cost. I feel secure that other printing needs will be met upon my return from the cottage.
Mark brought 'round the shirt Nicole made for me. Nuh ! So sexy ! I was going to wear it to the Reunion, or more specifically the Renn Fest, on Saturday, but I fear it will be a bit too hot. I may have to make do with wearing it tomorrow. The fabric is soft and light, but quite warm, but in an airconditioned pub, I should be fine. So, what will I wear to the fair on Saturday, you may ask (or you may not, but whatever). I'll be wearing the shirt that Sandra made for me - a lovely little number she calls the 'willow' shirt. The key characteristic are the dangly faerie bits that hang over the shoulder rather than sleeves. Mine is black with red danglies and it looks so cute ! They flip and flop when I hop about. Gah, at moments like this, I am such a girl.
Tomorrow is going to be a bit sad, as it's my last day at Heretic, but also keen ! The Reunion starts tomorrow night and I'll be there. With Rick, of course. Shortly after 11pm, I have to be at the airport to pick up Ben (my friend in Philly) who will be flying in for the Saturday, Sunday, Monday festivities. He'll be staying at my place tomorrow night and Saturday night. Also, on Saturday, Kelly will be crashing at my place as well, since she's being abandoned by her much less social boyfriend. Whee ! So much Reunion fun to be had. I hope I don't have a migraine or something.
Tuesday, July 30, 2002
Okay. The Internet is amazing. While searching for a Dancing Shiva image in order to have a referrence for my Dancing Astroboy (a work still in the design stage), I ended up finding dancingshiva.at, which seems to be a pot-smokers' site. In German. Wacky.
Anyway, let me tell you a bit about my excellent weekend. I picked up Carrie a bit later than intended on Saturday morning, arriving shortly before noon. The roads were all closed or packed because of the pilgrims and my way was mighty hampered. We got on the road and had a boisterous and enjoyable ride to London and we were both very happy to have Scarlette's air conditioner working properly again. Joy ! We arrived a Tanya's after a series of right turns (which should have been left turns) and were greeted at her appartment by a very excited hostess (and clean, since she JUST got out of the shower). We talked, and talked, and talked, and headed to the Fanshawe Conservation area, which happens to boast a lovely little pioneer village. We enjoyed it, though some of the signage could use an update and the print shop and blacksmith were closed. We talked to some of the interpreters and Tanya called me a freak when we were in Paul Peel's house (you know, that Canadian artist obsessed with painting naked children) because I knew who he was and the names of his most famous works. Hah. She can talk about psychological disorders that are lost on me, so who's the freak now? Anyway, we also talked to a nice guy who told us about some very nice oxen in a field. None of us had every seen oxen before, at least not to our knowledge. Also, stick candy was greatly enjoyed. Mmm.
We left the village at closing time and discovered a hedge maze with hedges that were actually taller than us and we threw outselves into it with the full intention of getting lost. Well, Tanya was a remarkable leader and we took what was probably the most direct route out only to find ourselves confronted with a bride. A stunning bride ! It seemed that we'd stumbled upon a Carribean-styled wedding about to happen at the edge of the little lake on a public beach. The bride, who was black, was stunning in her classicly beautiful gown and trailing head scarf of lace. The groom was a beaming white guy in summery clothes and the whole wedding party was breezy and nice. All the women had their shoes off, including the Justice, and the men were all in sandles. There was even a steel band ! The one thing that marred an otherwise lovely wedding were the slug-men in their low-riding bathing suits sprawling too near the guests. We took photos and cheered when the ceremony was over (along with all the bathers on the beach).
That night, we feasted on a delicious dinner of mashed potatoes, baked chicken and candied carrots. Following that, a mad race to the liquour store, before heading to a friend of Tanya, named Jackie, who was hosting a small party with a campfire in her back yard. That was good fun, too, and Carrie and I, feeling no compunction to sobriety, decided to make merry. The weather was silly, threatening rain, drizzling enough to make everything moist, and then being sticky and humid, but when the storm blew in, we hoofed it before the downpour. My voice was hoarse from all the laughing and talking, and to make it worse, when we got back to Tanya's, which was blessedly cool thanks to subversive air conditioner use, we talked more. Not even when her male cat peed in my suitcase could bring down the jovial mood. In fact, it was kind of humourous. I don't think I now own a suitcase or bag that hasn't been peed in by a cat. Good thing I like cats.
Sunday was very laid back (with one substantial misadventure that threw Tanya's brand new television to the floor) with us not getting up until around 11:30 in the morning or something. Breakfast was nothing exciting - cereal and coffee and things. We lounged around with books and had showers (not together, you dirty bastards), and then mid-afternoon we piled back into Tanya's car and took a tour of London. We walked around the campus of Western, which was sprawling and vast, but mostly quite stately in the manner that university campuses ought to be. We went into a little art gallery on the campus and looked at the small collection currently on view. They seem to rotate them every month, or so. There were a couple of pieces I liked, one, an abstract work dating from the '50s appealed to me quite a bit, and another that was simply amazing by how it appeared three-dimensional even though it was painted on an utterly two-dimensional surface. We also went to a mall (whee?), but the coolest stores were closed. There was one that looked very neat that was full of celtic-styled art and clothing, which I definitely would like to see from the inside.
Following that, we returned to Tanya's and when her boyfriend, Chris (who is a lovely, cute, charming fellow who made me think of a gigantic hobbit), arrived, we had a barbeque of burgers and whatnot. Delicious. Then, Carrie and I, who were intending to leave by 7pm, ended up getting engrossed in conversation (yet again) and we didn't get out of there until twenty past eight. Naturally, more talking occured on the drive home and good fun was had by all. Tanya is a superb hostess. Thanks for having us ! Also, one bit of important wedding business was determined. Burgandy bridesmade gowns. Yay ! No seafoam for me !
Today, I met Mom and Ray at the ROM in order to see the "Images of Salvation" exhibition, which has a wide selection of interesting and inspiring works from the Vatican Museum in Italy. There were still plenty of Pilgrims not yet heading home who were enjoying the exhibit, too, including a group from Germany that was being led by a very artistically knowledgeable priest. The high point for both Mom and me were the sculptural pieces, though the Cistine Chapel ceiling sketches by Michelangelo were pretty amazing as well as a stunning piece by Guido Reni were amazing, too. The absolute pinacle of the exhibit, however; was the full plaster cast of Michelangelo's "Pieta". It was mind-blowing. I cannot adequately describe how it made me feel. I did not burst into tears as I did before the van der Weyden in Philadelphia, but I was definitely moved. And awe-struck. To see the awesome skill that moulded such completely human figures is beyond expression. How one figure, Christ, can be so utterly without life, while the other, Mary, can be so completely alive is beyond me. It was just incredible. I am very pleased to have gotten to see this exhibit, it was absolutely worth it.
Anyway, let me tell you a bit about my excellent weekend. I picked up Carrie a bit later than intended on Saturday morning, arriving shortly before noon. The roads were all closed or packed because of the pilgrims and my way was mighty hampered. We got on the road and had a boisterous and enjoyable ride to London and we were both very happy to have Scarlette's air conditioner working properly again. Joy ! We arrived a Tanya's after a series of right turns (which should have been left turns) and were greeted at her appartment by a very excited hostess (and clean, since she JUST got out of the shower). We talked, and talked, and talked, and headed to the Fanshawe Conservation area, which happens to boast a lovely little pioneer village. We enjoyed it, though some of the signage could use an update and the print shop and blacksmith were closed. We talked to some of the interpreters and Tanya called me a freak when we were in Paul Peel's house (you know, that Canadian artist obsessed with painting naked children) because I knew who he was and the names of his most famous works. Hah. She can talk about psychological disorders that are lost on me, so who's the freak now? Anyway, we also talked to a nice guy who told us about some very nice oxen in a field. None of us had every seen oxen before, at least not to our knowledge. Also, stick candy was greatly enjoyed. Mmm.
We left the village at closing time and discovered a hedge maze with hedges that were actually taller than us and we threw outselves into it with the full intention of getting lost. Well, Tanya was a remarkable leader and we took what was probably the most direct route out only to find ourselves confronted with a bride. A stunning bride ! It seemed that we'd stumbled upon a Carribean-styled wedding about to happen at the edge of the little lake on a public beach. The bride, who was black, was stunning in her classicly beautiful gown and trailing head scarf of lace. The groom was a beaming white guy in summery clothes and the whole wedding party was breezy and nice. All the women had their shoes off, including the Justice, and the men were all in sandles. There was even a steel band ! The one thing that marred an otherwise lovely wedding were the slug-men in their low-riding bathing suits sprawling too near the guests. We took photos and cheered when the ceremony was over (along with all the bathers on the beach).
That night, we feasted on a delicious dinner of mashed potatoes, baked chicken and candied carrots. Following that, a mad race to the liquour store, before heading to a friend of Tanya, named Jackie, who was hosting a small party with a campfire in her back yard. That was good fun, too, and Carrie and I, feeling no compunction to sobriety, decided to make merry. The weather was silly, threatening rain, drizzling enough to make everything moist, and then being sticky and humid, but when the storm blew in, we hoofed it before the downpour. My voice was hoarse from all the laughing and talking, and to make it worse, when we got back to Tanya's, which was blessedly cool thanks to subversive air conditioner use, we talked more. Not even when her male cat peed in my suitcase could bring down the jovial mood. In fact, it was kind of humourous. I don't think I now own a suitcase or bag that hasn't been peed in by a cat. Good thing I like cats.
Sunday was very laid back (with one substantial misadventure that threw Tanya's brand new television to the floor) with us not getting up until around 11:30 in the morning or something. Breakfast was nothing exciting - cereal and coffee and things. We lounged around with books and had showers (not together, you dirty bastards), and then mid-afternoon we piled back into Tanya's car and took a tour of London. We walked around the campus of Western, which was sprawling and vast, but mostly quite stately in the manner that university campuses ought to be. We went into a little art gallery on the campus and looked at the small collection currently on view. They seem to rotate them every month, or so. There were a couple of pieces I liked, one, an abstract work dating from the '50s appealed to me quite a bit, and another that was simply amazing by how it appeared three-dimensional even though it was painted on an utterly two-dimensional surface. We also went to a mall (whee?), but the coolest stores were closed. There was one that looked very neat that was full of celtic-styled art and clothing, which I definitely would like to see from the inside.
Following that, we returned to Tanya's and when her boyfriend, Chris (who is a lovely, cute, charming fellow who made me think of a gigantic hobbit), arrived, we had a barbeque of burgers and whatnot. Delicious. Then, Carrie and I, who were intending to leave by 7pm, ended up getting engrossed in conversation (yet again) and we didn't get out of there until twenty past eight. Naturally, more talking occured on the drive home and good fun was had by all. Tanya is a superb hostess. Thanks for having us ! Also, one bit of important wedding business was determined. Burgandy bridesmade gowns. Yay ! No seafoam for me !
Today, I met Mom and Ray at the ROM in order to see the "Images of Salvation" exhibition, which has a wide selection of interesting and inspiring works from the Vatican Museum in Italy. There were still plenty of Pilgrims not yet heading home who were enjoying the exhibit, too, including a group from Germany that was being led by a very artistically knowledgeable priest. The high point for both Mom and me were the sculptural pieces, though the Cistine Chapel ceiling sketches by Michelangelo were pretty amazing as well as a stunning piece by Guido Reni were amazing, too. The absolute pinacle of the exhibit, however; was the full plaster cast of Michelangelo's "Pieta". It was mind-blowing. I cannot adequately describe how it made me feel. I did not burst into tears as I did before the van der Weyden in Philadelphia, but I was definitely moved. And awe-struck. To see the awesome skill that moulded such completely human figures is beyond expression. How one figure, Christ, can be so utterly without life, while the other, Mary, can be so completely alive is beyond me. It was just incredible. I am very pleased to have gotten to see this exhibit, it was absolutely worth it.
Thursday, July 25, 2002
Okay, I put my old template back up because that other one just stank and frankly, I like this one the best.
Last night, Carrie and Al joined Rick and I for the Dream in High Park (A Midsummer's Night Dream) and it did not disappoint. It amazes me just how many times they can do this play and it never gets tired. Each time, just about, they do it differently, and it never stinks. Ever. This time they used a child to play Puck, something I've never seen before, and you know what? It worked. It worked well. The boy was excellent, truly. It had music, as always, and wacky costumes, and generally, it was really good. If I have any complaints it's that the lord of Athens (I forget his name) was stiff and spoke his lines in a manner that did not reflect the punctuation, rather the lines as they were printed in the book. The other complaint was that the woman playing Titania lacked ALL the grace of a faerie queen, truly. Her voice, however; was marvelous, so she can be forgiven somewhat. Sadly, the whole event was marred by my low-grade migraine that sat in my head the whole day. It waited until the play was over to get worse, though, so that's good, or at least, better than it might have been. Everyone should see the Dream, though, if they can, because it was great. Go !
Today at Heretic it was mostly boring, though Rick dropped in mid-day and was quite buzzed from running into someone he was friends with in Hamilton and going for beer together. He's so ... cute when he's buzzed. All kissy and inappropriate for a place of business. *teasing*. I had a crazy person, though, which certainly wasn't boring. He wasn't the nice sort of nutjob we usually get. I don't mind them; no, this guy was a crazy jerk. First he pretended to pee in one of the chalices, then he molested the manequins, and then when he put a skirt on his head, I cracked. I've had it was jerks in the store. I told him to take the skirt off of his head. When he gave me attitude, I told him again. When he said he was planning to buy it, I said, "Fine, when you give me the money, you can wear the skirt anyway you want, but while your in the store and it's not yours, it comes off your head." He then muttered something and finished whatever he said with, "...or would you just rather have sex with me?" I said, "I would rather you take that skirt off your head and get out of the store." He introduced himself as though talking into a microphone ("Hi my name's Joe, what's yours?") and I said, "My name is take off the skirt and get out. Now." So, he did. I've never been mean before, not to the crazies, not to the jerks (at least not that mean), Hell, not even to the neo-nazi. This one, though, was a real offensive little prick. And since the store's closing anyway, I didn't give a rat's ass. Anyway, both Sandra and Nicole agreed with how I handled it. Go me !
I walked home after work, in order to get good exercise, to Dufferin. Hahahaha. Big mistake. All the good fun stuff for the World Youth Day pilgrims is happening at the Exhibition grounds, where the Dufferin bus goes. Well, to make a long story short, I walked most of the way up Dufferin, too, because the buses were all full of pilgrims. I walked with some Canadian pilgrims (with the exception of one girl from Florida), a girl whose name escapes me, a Franciscan monk who never told me his name, and a guy from Salmonarm BC named Tyler Piccini. The surname was on his flag, which is how I know. *grin* We had WONDERFUL conversations about faith and Judaeism as the foundation for Catholocism and wow, they were awesome. I'm not talking about the girls, they weren't interested, but Tyler and the monk were amazing. People who think that faithful Catholics must be walking through life with their eyes closed are fools. Sure, there are plenty of ignorants, just like there are in secular life, too, but there are plenty with eduation and open minds. My Om Steen in Holland would have been pleased. It was wonderful and I had a lovely time with them. I hope they enjoy the rest of the week and Mass with the Pope. I think it's amazing.
Last night, Carrie and Al joined Rick and I for the Dream in High Park (A Midsummer's Night Dream) and it did not disappoint. It amazes me just how many times they can do this play and it never gets tired. Each time, just about, they do it differently, and it never stinks. Ever. This time they used a child to play Puck, something I've never seen before, and you know what? It worked. It worked well. The boy was excellent, truly. It had music, as always, and wacky costumes, and generally, it was really good. If I have any complaints it's that the lord of Athens (I forget his name) was stiff and spoke his lines in a manner that did not reflect the punctuation, rather the lines as they were printed in the book. The other complaint was that the woman playing Titania lacked ALL the grace of a faerie queen, truly. Her voice, however; was marvelous, so she can be forgiven somewhat. Sadly, the whole event was marred by my low-grade migraine that sat in my head the whole day. It waited until the play was over to get worse, though, so that's good, or at least, better than it might have been. Everyone should see the Dream, though, if they can, because it was great. Go !
Today at Heretic it was mostly boring, though Rick dropped in mid-day and was quite buzzed from running into someone he was friends with in Hamilton and going for beer together. He's so ... cute when he's buzzed. All kissy and inappropriate for a place of business. *teasing*. I had a crazy person, though, which certainly wasn't boring. He wasn't the nice sort of nutjob we usually get. I don't mind them; no, this guy was a crazy jerk. First he pretended to pee in one of the chalices, then he molested the manequins, and then when he put a skirt on his head, I cracked. I've had it was jerks in the store. I told him to take the skirt off of his head. When he gave me attitude, I told him again. When he said he was planning to buy it, I said, "Fine, when you give me the money, you can wear the skirt anyway you want, but while your in the store and it's not yours, it comes off your head." He then muttered something and finished whatever he said with, "...or would you just rather have sex with me?" I said, "I would rather you take that skirt off your head and get out of the store." He introduced himself as though talking into a microphone ("Hi my name's Joe, what's yours?") and I said, "My name is take off the skirt and get out. Now." So, he did. I've never been mean before, not to the crazies, not to the jerks (at least not that mean), Hell, not even to the neo-nazi. This one, though, was a real offensive little prick. And since the store's closing anyway, I didn't give a rat's ass. Anyway, both Sandra and Nicole agreed with how I handled it. Go me !
I walked home after work, in order to get good exercise, to Dufferin. Hahahaha. Big mistake. All the good fun stuff for the World Youth Day pilgrims is happening at the Exhibition grounds, where the Dufferin bus goes. Well, to make a long story short, I walked most of the way up Dufferin, too, because the buses were all full of pilgrims. I walked with some Canadian pilgrims (with the exception of one girl from Florida), a girl whose name escapes me, a Franciscan monk who never told me his name, and a guy from Salmonarm BC named Tyler Piccini. The surname was on his flag, which is how I know. *grin* We had WONDERFUL conversations about faith and Judaeism as the foundation for Catholocism and wow, they were awesome. I'm not talking about the girls, they weren't interested, but Tyler and the monk were amazing. People who think that faithful Catholics must be walking through life with their eyes closed are fools. Sure, there are plenty of ignorants, just like there are in secular life, too, but there are plenty with eduation and open minds. My Om Steen in Holland would have been pleased. It was wonderful and I had a lovely time with them. I hope they enjoy the rest of the week and Mass with the Pope. I think it's amazing.
Wednesday, July 24, 2002
Well, damn. This new look blows. I'll maybe play with a new one at some other time. *sigh* Oh well.
Tonight, a bunch of us (Rick, myself, Carrie, Al, and possibly some others) will be seeing A Midsummer's Night Dream in High Park. I go every summer, just about, and this is the signature play. Every few years they do a new version of it. And it never sucks. Unlike this template. Gah. Anyway, a bit of a digression.
I found out today that I did not get the Online Interactive Producer position in New Media, despite rocking out the interview. My disapointment is enormous, though I knew I wouldn't get it. Just as I suspected, my weakness was a lack of web publishing skills. I guess my own sites don't count. However, the manager in the department asked the human resources woman to let me know that another position will be opening. It's an admin assistant job, a one year contract. I don't want to be an admin assistant. But, if it will pay me more than data entry, watch me be keen. It's a foot in the door, too. Come September, my job search begins anew, hardcore, with applications to all the game and film companies under the sun. I kid you not. But, for now, I'll just enjoy the time I have at my cottage and get stuff done for the convention. Cards. Must get cards done.
Anyway, that's enough for now.
Tonight, a bunch of us (Rick, myself, Carrie, Al, and possibly some others) will be seeing A Midsummer's Night Dream in High Park. I go every summer, just about, and this is the signature play. Every few years they do a new version of it. And it never sucks. Unlike this template. Gah. Anyway, a bit of a digression.
I found out today that I did not get the Online Interactive Producer position in New Media, despite rocking out the interview. My disapointment is enormous, though I knew I wouldn't get it. Just as I suspected, my weakness was a lack of web publishing skills. I guess my own sites don't count. However, the manager in the department asked the human resources woman to let me know that another position will be opening. It's an admin assistant job, a one year contract. I don't want to be an admin assistant. But, if it will pay me more than data entry, watch me be keen. It's a foot in the door, too. Come September, my job search begins anew, hardcore, with applications to all the game and film companies under the sun. I kid you not. But, for now, I'll just enjoy the time I have at my cottage and get stuff done for the convention. Cards. Must get cards done.
Anyway, that's enough for now.
Monday, July 22, 2002
This is an entry I've been trying to publish since Monday the 22nd. Silly Blogger. Maybe by changing my template, it will work. Here's hoping, though I rather liked the old one.
I still haven't really felt like writing of late, which I'm certain is more than a bit apparent. Anyway, I'll do my duty and enter a bit of something.
I'll tell you about the interview. Basically, it went really well, lasting an hour and fifteen minutes with a lot of back and forth question and answer. I was so nervous going in, but soon warmed up to the whole thing. My interviewers were extremely nice, well spoken and not lacking in humour. I think I really impressed them and, as hard to believe as this is, apparently, I was the only candidate (up to that point) to bring in a portfolio. When I came out, I was so pleased, nauseous, but pleased. I thanked Richard and Peter profusely for their help with the mock interview - it was invaluable. Then I persuaded Stacey to eat sushi and have some sake with me in celebration of a good interview. Regardless of whether or not I get the job, the interview was excellent and I am pleased.
I will probably hear back about this job sometime this week. Do I think I'll get it? To be honest, no. That said, I was asked if I were only interested in that specific position or whether, should another become available, I would consider a different position in the same department. Duh, of course ! Well, I said it a little more eloquently than that. ;)
I'll just skip ahead now, because I can't really remember all that went on last week. I went home after Heretic on Thursday night, packing up Willi and my laundry (not together, mind you) and stuffing them into the car. Scarlette got a new blower motor put in on Friday so I have the luxery of air conditioning once again. Joy ! Then, basically, my plan was to work on art. I went to Ridpath's, an art supply store in the Petes, and picked up some Sculpey (polymer clay that hardens when cooked in the oven) and some illustration board.
I started with the sculpey that night, sitting down and trying to figure out how to do a head. It has been a very, very long time (like ten years, at least) since I worked with clay (FIMO doesn't count) and it was a bit of a challenge remembering how to do it. It's a question of building up, not carving out, but once I got it, I was flying. I created a little head, then left it at that for the evening in order spend some quality time with Mom.
I went riding at Kerri's on the Saturday. That was fun. Twice in a month ! Woo, amazing. I rode Velvet for the first time in a long time. She's newly pregnant again, something that makes her rather moody personality quite pleasant, but she's out of shape because thanks to her arthritis, mostly only newbies ride her. She was happy to be worked, but she didn't have the stamina to keep it up. Then again, neither do I. The nice thing about riding Velvet is that I don't ride in a helmet when I ride her. For one, she's lower to the ground than the other horses I ride, and for another, I know her so well that I have no fear of her being unpredictable. She just... isn't.
I got a bit of sun stroke, though, and when I came home, I passed out on the veranda recliner for an hour and a half, and when I woke up, I hadn't the energy to do anything. I drew in the garden, but that was about it. I don't even know how I spent that night. It's a haze.
Sunday, I gave my sculpey man a body, using wire to add strength to some of his limbs. The whole sculpting process took about seven hours and then I cooked him in the oven for a little over an hour. I figured that when the top of his head was starting to brown, he was ready. *laugh* I'm extremely pleased with how well he turned out. Heck, I'm proud. For a first attempt, he's more than good. Go me ! I spent that evening scanning old photos for Mom and printing them on photo paper. She's putting together an album for Jean at the cottage. It's going to be a lovely gift.
Anyway, I'll leave you with this link to my new Elfwood page. Ya. Another one. This one is sci-fi stuff. I'll probably get one for my written stuff, too. Heh. This week, though, I have GOT to get Ray's page worked on. Grr. I just haven't had the energy. I hope this entry was satisfactorily lengthy and now I won't have people whining. What? My friends whining? Impossible. *grin*
I still haven't really felt like writing of late, which I'm certain is more than a bit apparent. Anyway, I'll do my duty and enter a bit of something.
I'll tell you about the interview. Basically, it went really well, lasting an hour and fifteen minutes with a lot of back and forth question and answer. I was so nervous going in, but soon warmed up to the whole thing. My interviewers were extremely nice, well spoken and not lacking in humour. I think I really impressed them and, as hard to believe as this is, apparently, I was the only candidate (up to that point) to bring in a portfolio. When I came out, I was so pleased, nauseous, but pleased. I thanked Richard and Peter profusely for their help with the mock interview - it was invaluable. Then I persuaded Stacey to eat sushi and have some sake with me in celebration of a good interview. Regardless of whether or not I get the job, the interview was excellent and I am pleased.
I will probably hear back about this job sometime this week. Do I think I'll get it? To be honest, no. That said, I was asked if I were only interested in that specific position or whether, should another become available, I would consider a different position in the same department. Duh, of course ! Well, I said it a little more eloquently than that. ;)
I'll just skip ahead now, because I can't really remember all that went on last week. I went home after Heretic on Thursday night, packing up Willi and my laundry (not together, mind you) and stuffing them into the car. Scarlette got a new blower motor put in on Friday so I have the luxery of air conditioning once again. Joy ! Then, basically, my plan was to work on art. I went to Ridpath's, an art supply store in the Petes, and picked up some Sculpey (polymer clay that hardens when cooked in the oven) and some illustration board.
I started with the sculpey that night, sitting down and trying to figure out how to do a head. It has been a very, very long time (like ten years, at least) since I worked with clay (FIMO doesn't count) and it was a bit of a challenge remembering how to do it. It's a question of building up, not carving out, but once I got it, I was flying. I created a little head, then left it at that for the evening in order spend some quality time with Mom.
I went riding at Kerri's on the Saturday. That was fun. Twice in a month ! Woo, amazing. I rode Velvet for the first time in a long time. She's newly pregnant again, something that makes her rather moody personality quite pleasant, but she's out of shape because thanks to her arthritis, mostly only newbies ride her. She was happy to be worked, but she didn't have the stamina to keep it up. Then again, neither do I. The nice thing about riding Velvet is that I don't ride in a helmet when I ride her. For one, she's lower to the ground than the other horses I ride, and for another, I know her so well that I have no fear of her being unpredictable. She just... isn't.
I got a bit of sun stroke, though, and when I came home, I passed out on the veranda recliner for an hour and a half, and when I woke up, I hadn't the energy to do anything. I drew in the garden, but that was about it. I don't even know how I spent that night. It's a haze.
Sunday, I gave my sculpey man a body, using wire to add strength to some of his limbs. The whole sculpting process took about seven hours and then I cooked him in the oven for a little over an hour. I figured that when the top of his head was starting to brown, he was ready. *laugh* I'm extremely pleased with how well he turned out. Heck, I'm proud. For a first attempt, he's more than good. Go me ! I spent that evening scanning old photos for Mom and printing them on photo paper. She's putting together an album for Jean at the cottage. It's going to be a lovely gift.
Anyway, I'll leave you with this link to my new Elfwood page. Ya. Another one. This one is sci-fi stuff. I'll probably get one for my written stuff, too. Heh. This week, though, I have GOT to get Ray's page worked on. Grr. I just haven't had the energy. I hope this entry was satisfactorily lengthy and now I won't have people whining. What? My friends whining? Impossible. *grin*
Wednesday, July 17, 2002
Ya, I know. I haven't written. *sigh* I just had so much going on last week that I haven't had the time or energy to write in here. I hope I'll get back into the swing of things soon. There was a mock interview... the REAL interview. There was me DM'ing a campaign for the first time in three years... I don't know. Somewhere in there sake was imbibed. It was busy.
And there were nuns at the ROM today. The World Youth Day calebrations are going to start up soon and it's like they're practicing at the ROM at the Images of Salvation exhibit. It's going to be insane. Oh, also, opening tomorrow, at the Textile Museum will be Moral Fibre, an exhibit where both Sandra and Nicole (of Heretic and Nocturnalia) will have pieces on display. Apparently, my dragon masque will be featured in a photo, too. Hey neat.
Okay, make due with that. I'm going to bed.
And there were nuns at the ROM today. The World Youth Day calebrations are going to start up soon and it's like they're practicing at the ROM at the Images of Salvation exhibit. It's going to be insane. Oh, also, opening tomorrow, at the Textile Museum will be Moral Fibre, an exhibit where both Sandra and Nicole (of Heretic and Nocturnalia) will have pieces on display. Apparently, my dragon masque will be featured in a photo, too. Hey neat.
Okay, make due with that. I'm going to bed.
Monday, July 08, 2002
I went to Court today and... won? Sure. My case was dismissed because the ticketing officer (yes, he actually came) couldn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that I was in the wrong. Especially with me being in the possession of a notice of cancelation for previous tickets. The judge was a surly gnome but he liked it quick and for every case I saw, though is tongue was less than kind, he suspended every sentence or dismissed the cases outright. Was I stung by his rapier tongue. Nope. I just was polite and went on my way. John came with me, rather than Mark, which is good. John provided a most calming presence.
Before I went to Court, though, Mark came by with a present, I suppose, for being so awesome as to watch the Nocturnalia booth for 4.5 hours - 3.5 of those on my own. That's another story. Anyway, the thing about Saturday was that I had to miss Amber Benson's (Tara on Buffy) autograph session. It was the only one I really wanted to go to and Nicole was very appologetic, since it was Mark's inability to prioritise that left me there for so long. Happily Stew had been with me, but anyway... So, Mark came by with a present and it was a very nice present. Someone either he or Nicole knew who happened to be there, and happened to be an actress, was able to go get Amber to sign an autograph for me. He brought it over and I was thrilled.
While I'm on the subject of Saturday, I'll talk about the much happier things that happened. For instance, the AMAZING Ringwraith that just happened to be walking around. He was part of a costumer's booth and he strolled about in a reproduction costume including real articulated armour (yes, even the claw like fingers) and sword. I had to leave someone I was tying into a corset with someone else in order to get a picture of him. He got part of his robe tatters caught on one of the edges of his leg armour and with his armoured fingers, he couldn't get it off, so I bent down and unhooked it, at which I said, looking up at the people with the cameras, "OOOoooOOoo I'm touching it's leg !" and then pretended to swoon. It was pretty swoony as far as costumes go, and when I posed for a photo with it, Stew said it had totally checked out my cleavage (from it's seven foot vantage point). I have trouble believing this, but unless it's IN the photo, we won't know, but it's a funny idea. Actually, since the face was invisible, we can't ever know for sure. *cackles* So, that was very cool. Also, listening to Amber Benson's talk was excellent. She is delightful, and very down to earth. She even drove from Los Angeles to Toronto with her mom... she's a star and she had a roadtrip with her mother... how cool is that?!
Anyway, Saturday night, I bundled Willi back to Peterborough for a couple of days in order to ride with Christopher Todd out at Kerri's. Chris doesn't do clinics if he can avoid them because he can't stand people who think they can ride but can't (and they are often the ones most in need of his attention and least likely to listen). For Kerri, an old student of his, he will make an exception and does every year because he likes her so much and because, as he said to her, "I like teaching out here, Kerri, your students all know how to ride." Mom and her friend Heather came up to watch, too, Heather taking photographs with her fancy digital camera. Mine was the last ride of the weekend and I think that not only I, but he as well, thoroughly enjoyed it. I impress him because I don't ride for a year between his lessons and I don't lose it. Sure, I'm out of shape, but basically, I can get on and do what he wants me to do and succede at it. Plus, we're both so very irreverant. He's great. If I had the money and time, I would definitely go and stay up at his barn for a few weeks in order to ride. If only. I miss riding very much. It has always been so important to me, but I just can't see how to reorder my life to include it again.
Nick is bitchy about my cat, who he is apparently alergic to (he might have considered this before we moved in), and keeps his door closed, which makes the rest of the house hot. He said that at least the downstairs neighbour's airconditioning was coming up through my vent, but it's not true. My vent is dead when there's no heat coming through it. I haven't even smelled the basement tennant's cigarette smoke lately. Somehow, I doubt it's because he's not smoking. Anyway, this is something that will definitely need to be sorted out, because we share the front porch and if he continually closes his door, that means any cross breeze that might exist with it open can't. I'm not sure what can be fixed, frankly, other than vacuuming more to pick up stray hair or getting rid of the cat, which is really not going to happen. I don't know.
Anyway, my Elfwood page has been updated again, and that's probably it for the next while, as I get work done on my real webpages, but there's some fun old art up and some fun new art up too. Have a look.
Before I went to Court, though, Mark came by with a present, I suppose, for being so awesome as to watch the Nocturnalia booth for 4.5 hours - 3.5 of those on my own. That's another story. Anyway, the thing about Saturday was that I had to miss Amber Benson's (Tara on Buffy) autograph session. It was the only one I really wanted to go to and Nicole was very appologetic, since it was Mark's inability to prioritise that left me there for so long. Happily Stew had been with me, but anyway... So, Mark came by with a present and it was a very nice present. Someone either he or Nicole knew who happened to be there, and happened to be an actress, was able to go get Amber to sign an autograph for me. He brought it over and I was thrilled.
While I'm on the subject of Saturday, I'll talk about the much happier things that happened. For instance, the AMAZING Ringwraith that just happened to be walking around. He was part of a costumer's booth and he strolled about in a reproduction costume including real articulated armour (yes, even the claw like fingers) and sword. I had to leave someone I was tying into a corset with someone else in order to get a picture of him. He got part of his robe tatters caught on one of the edges of his leg armour and with his armoured fingers, he couldn't get it off, so I bent down and unhooked it, at which I said, looking up at the people with the cameras, "OOOoooOOoo I'm touching it's leg !" and then pretended to swoon. It was pretty swoony as far as costumes go, and when I posed for a photo with it, Stew said it had totally checked out my cleavage (from it's seven foot vantage point). I have trouble believing this, but unless it's IN the photo, we won't know, but it's a funny idea. Actually, since the face was invisible, we can't ever know for sure. *cackles* So, that was very cool. Also, listening to Amber Benson's talk was excellent. She is delightful, and very down to earth. She even drove from Los Angeles to Toronto with her mom... she's a star and she had a roadtrip with her mother... how cool is that?!
Anyway, Saturday night, I bundled Willi back to Peterborough for a couple of days in order to ride with Christopher Todd out at Kerri's. Chris doesn't do clinics if he can avoid them because he can't stand people who think they can ride but can't (and they are often the ones most in need of his attention and least likely to listen). For Kerri, an old student of his, he will make an exception and does every year because he likes her so much and because, as he said to her, "I like teaching out here, Kerri, your students all know how to ride." Mom and her friend Heather came up to watch, too, Heather taking photographs with her fancy digital camera. Mine was the last ride of the weekend and I think that not only I, but he as well, thoroughly enjoyed it. I impress him because I don't ride for a year between his lessons and I don't lose it. Sure, I'm out of shape, but basically, I can get on and do what he wants me to do and succede at it. Plus, we're both so very irreverant. He's great. If I had the money and time, I would definitely go and stay up at his barn for a few weeks in order to ride. If only. I miss riding very much. It has always been so important to me, but I just can't see how to reorder my life to include it again.
Nick is bitchy about my cat, who he is apparently alergic to (he might have considered this before we moved in), and keeps his door closed, which makes the rest of the house hot. He said that at least the downstairs neighbour's airconditioning was coming up through my vent, but it's not true. My vent is dead when there's no heat coming through it. I haven't even smelled the basement tennant's cigarette smoke lately. Somehow, I doubt it's because he's not smoking. Anyway, this is something that will definitely need to be sorted out, because we share the front porch and if he continually closes his door, that means any cross breeze that might exist with it open can't. I'm not sure what can be fixed, frankly, other than vacuuming more to pick up stray hair or getting rid of the cat, which is really not going to happen. I don't know.
Anyway, my Elfwood page has been updated again, and that's probably it for the next while, as I get work done on my real webpages, but there's some fun old art up and some fun new art up too. Have a look.