I *heart*....

...my new throw!


If you need to find me in the evenings, you'll find me hiding under this on my couch, pinned down by Maggie.
Thanks (knitting fiend) Mum!

Bunklelife Tops lists 2008 #1: Concerts

Yup, amazing but true, it is that time again. I will put out a tops album list soon enough - but I will start with the live stuff.

Looking back it is actually surprisingly hard to choose. But - here it is, my gig of the year:

Beirut at the Commodore. I have listed all the reasons here so I won't do it again. But I will post a video from that night - Sunday Smile followed by Elephant Gun:


I can only hope that Zach Condon will reappear soon in some form or another.

5 Honourable mentions:

Radiohead at Thunderbird. A better (smaller, less rainy) venue may have pushed this into the #1 spot.

Weezer at GM Place. Partly because I was a bit surprised at how much I loved it - so ridiculously entertaining.

Elliott Brood at Richards. I went really to see Dan Mangan, who didn't end up playing, and was completely blown away. Rock on banjo!

Joe Jackson at the Chan. Perfect combo of artist and venue.

Conor Oberst at Richards.

I could add more. A lot more (Sigur Ros, Hawksley, Blitzen Trapper....). Which would kind of diffuse the whole "tops" idea, so I'll stop...except to announce the

Audience of the year: Daniel Johnston at Richards. His performance style is ... delicate. Hats off to an audience that gave him the quiet, and the enthusiasm, that he deserves.

Will wait to see what 2009 will bring. I worry about Richards closing - that will be a slam on the live music scene that this city really does not need. But in the interim, a few interesting things are already booked, including Antony and the Johnsons and David Byrne....here's hoping for lots more.

My Hero(ine)

You don't need to know why. But she's totally my hero today. And I kind of think she's her own hero as well, judging by her strutting air of superiority.

Let's just say Thomas and I are happy that she is on patrol....because we both know we're pretty much useless when confronted with such things (though only one of us is really EXPECTED to be useful...but I love him anyway).

***Happy Holidays***

...from me, and you-know-who.

F&**^ng ENOUGH ALREADY

20 inches and counting.

REALLY. ENOUGH ALREADY.

What cats do when it's cold out

Who's kidding who, they do this when it's warm out too.

**SNOW**

Too much, even for Maggie.

And YOU are....?

IMGP7276
Originally uploaded by Yvonne Chew

She'd probably kill me if she knew I'd blogged this.

Too bad Ms. T! - call it auntistic license ;)

*home*

HOME.
Finally.
And so very glad to be here.

Halifax / Toronto trip was fine - lightning fast, but all in all it went OK as far as work trips go. Strangely, we have more snow here in Vancouver than I saw anywhere else.

Maggie flopped on my suitcase this morning - whether it is just her need to be on things or whether it is her way of indicating the suitcase is not leaving the house again for a while, I'm not sure.

And on my trip I found:

1) my new year's resolution: learn how to needle felt.

2) a new pair of short waterproof boots that I am maybe too excited about. Warmth? Waterproof? Non-slip soles? Super cushy comfort? Ahhh, I am getting old ....

Pretty from a distance...

A rare photo of Miss Mags (AKA Maggie, Miss Moo, Moo, Moo Kitty, and one half of For the love of God would you Two STOP IT). What I love is how pretty and fluffy she looks from a distance, and how much withering disdain is in that steely gaze when you get up close. I am currently in Halifax and miss being belittled by her glare (and no, she doesn't have one squinty eye, I woke her up).

Halifax is cold. Well, was. Tomorrow will be 12C, which scares me as it sounds like a migraine inducing change of pressure to me. It was f%@#g COLD at the airport last night at 11:30 waiting for the airport shuttle (because in Halifax, cabs don't go to the airport unless they are prearranged it would seem - ??! I went to the "taxi/limo" stand in the airport and asked about taxis, and the woman said "Did you prearrange one?" When I said No, she shrugged, turned away from me and said 'well...I guess you can wait for the next free one then", gazing outside at the completely empty taxi stand). It's been a long time since I've felt that kind of cold, from weather or a taxi stand employee.

It's going ok so far...my love of hotel living is carrying me through.

Thanks Miss L.!

MY ALLEGIANCE IS DECLARED!

yes...it is a little hootchie-tight for my non-hootchie form, but it doesn't stop me from loving it!