Can you say "s#itty"?

Yes, Thursday I was happy, and happily out of focus with some good pals after a night of burgs (lettuce wrapped for the GF crowd) and fries (if Romer's does one thing really well, it's their fries)

And Friday, well, that was pretty great too - a siblings night out watching Maureen sing at the Cellar. I haven't seen her perform since I moved back from Toronto (come to think of it, I'm not sure I've seen any vocal jazz since I moved back) and she was great - right on her game, with a fistful of great new tunes and a fantastic backing band supporting her. A really great night.  And her new CD will be out in the fall, which is something else to look forward to.
And Saturday? Well, it started ok, with my regular weekend exercise and trip to Mum's. Well, with the caveat that my laundry tubs backed up. Mum and I took a closer look, and decided that once again, my sewer line had failed me. So - it spun into an afternoon of sewer line auguring and stress. And expense. And the realization that I have to decide whether to do one more repair on the line (another pipe section destroyed by the neighbours stupid f$&king red maple - no offense, tree, but I'm not your biggest fan), or bite the bullet and replace the whole line - which really does need to be done, in a perfect world. My sewer line is not properly graded (read: has dipping "belly" that collects water and gunk - I'm ok with my own dipping belly but the sewer line is another story), and has too many repairs between old crap pipe and new plastic pipe, and the joins and old pipe just keep on failing. Yesterday's plumbing company were pushy and annoying so I am going to get more quotes before doing anything, but to give you an idea, their quoted repair would be over 2K and the replacement, 7K. I do OK financially, but an unplanned 7K expense is enough to make me sweat. Particularly when I am bracing to spend a whack getting my chimney rebuilt in the next month or so. OH this is the reason people cohabit - to share the joys of home ownership? ;)
*SIGH*
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Control!

That word ("control!" shouted with gusto) always makes me think of my Dad.  I won't explain the reference, my family gets it, and that's good enough.

I've been think a lot about control - things I can't, things I can.  Right now, I know I'm really putting effort towards those things I can - mainly the house, and my health.  I'm focusing on taking care of both I guess - little improvements at the Bunkle as I chip away at the many things that need improving (I wonder when I will get around to to replacing the pane of glass in the kitchen window that has a 3/4" hole in it? 2014?), and little improvements in myself, as I focus on exercising more and eating better.  I'm starting to like both things a little bit more at the moment.  Much to my surprise, the closet downstairs has brought a great deal of calm to my life - disorganization stresses me out (a thought which will probably make anyone who has seen my office laugh - I am anything BUT naturally organized).  And the fact that I can now feel things that I believe are called triceps (I said feel, not see - we're nowhere near seeing, fear not), and get back into clothes that have been rejecting me for the past couple of years makes me feel like I'm doing some good for myself.  But I am well aware that this focus is in good part a way of dealing with all the things I can't change.  It's giving me the illusion of control, at least over something.  And I know that there is also joy in dealing with situations you can't control, but I'd really prefer not to right now.  But my tidy little life is very easy to control right now - it's my comfort zone.  It's selfish, I know that.  But I'm not ready to step out of that zone yet.  At least not until the chimney's redone, or the house is painted, or you can see my triceps, or something (ok the triceps thing will never happen so hopefully I won't be using that as a marker)

Canadian Gothic?

Gin, elderflower and cucumber.  So good.

Seared scallops with black quinoa and some foamy stuff - excellent (even the foamy stuff)

Responsible.  Or at least he's trying hard to be.

Bison carpaccio-induced happiness

Yes, she is singing...

In other news, my dear pals Martin & Maureen are out from Toronto for the week - Maureen is singing at the Cellar Friday and Saturday this week.  I'm looking forward to seeing her perform, it's been ages!  And it's been ages since the three of us have had a chance to catch up.  These two fed me many fantastic meals at their cute Toronto home when I lived in Ontario - they are both great cooks, and Maureen can make a killer pie blindfolded with one arm tied behind her back, singing a jazz standard or two while she does it.  And they have managed to raise two seriously gorgeous, seriously talented girls to boot.  So, last night we went out to Fraiche for a truly lovely meal.  Ostrich - NOM NOM! Who knew?! (other than cheetahs and lions I guess?)  The view is second to none, and the waiter was fantastic as well.  Then back to mine for some goat cheese ice cream with blueberry honey and toasted almonds (David Lebovitz you never fail me).  So great to see them both, and it just strengthens my resolve to take a bit of a TO holiday sooner rather than later.

Waiting for the plumber...

Actually, now I'm waiting for the plumber to finish and leave - he's been here almost three hours already (ka-CHING!).  The hot water pressure in my tub suddenly dropped, so I had to get someone in to look at it.  It took a fair amount of trouble shooting but it looks like the problem is the valve in the pipe coming out of my hot water tank - so, pipe has been sawed off, plumber now attaching a new pipe.  I am not looking forward to the bill for this one.  Not.  I have gone a bit crazy on the spending recently (Coach bag - whee! Plane fare to Portland - whee! My continually improving closet - whee! Clothes - whee!) and am also planning to rebuild my chimney this year (I'm waiting on a quote for that), so I guess the plumber is just one more expense ... nothing to worry about I guess, provided I don't lose my job any time soon?

If nothing else, Maggie enjoyed waiting for the plumber (she loves the bath mat these days).  Her expression will become even more glowering when we go to the vet for a nail trim later today...hopefully this time she won't try to recreate scenes from the Exorcist on the examination table.

Note the tail wag

On my desk ...

This made my morning - I sooo needed a laugh.  And I so need a Bobcats mug.

Meet the Bobcats here  

If you have more than one nemesis, do you have nemesi?

A quick post just because I haven't in a while - and it certainly isn't because I haven't had things to blog about (family reunion? Toronto pals' visit? The return of my brother's missing child...I mean cat...). I guess I just haven't had energy, because I've been expending it elsewhere, with gusto or reluctance, depending on the circumstance.

But back to the nemesis. Actually, Maggie's nemesis, not mine. I think I will call him Cecil, for no really good reason other than he looks like a Cecil. His days are spent, at least in part, making goofy faces at Maggie through the window. She is probably double his size, and has a face that does "indignant" extremely well, so she has been poofing herself up and attempting to look as indignant as possible a fair amount these days. From what I can tell, that's just makes it much more fun for him. And, truthfully, for me too.



The other big news is my closet - which is coming along really awesomely well, i LOVE it so far. Well, except the iron holder I just mounted isn't big enough for my iron (note to self: check these things before drilling holes into your wall). It's been a lot of work, and a fair chunk of money as well, but the calm I feel when I go in there and see everything so comfortably in its place makes it worth while.

And I will end off by saying this sunny weather is amazing. I love the rhythm of my weekend mornings in this weather, up while it is still quiet, out for some exercise before the rest of the world starts interfering with mine...it's good. My pal Ale and I had a discussion about happiness the other day, and how it seems to land on you for a while and then flee completely ... or land on you while you watch your friends go through terrible things. Right now, I'm somewhere in its outer circle - but I will take what I can get while it lasts.


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Closet case

Wow, another post so soon? Something must be wrong! Well, nothing is, not at this exact moment. I've been dealing with a summer cold for the last few days, and today is the first day I haven't needed sinus medication, so I figure things are looking up. I've been in my head a lot over the past few days - I spend too much time in that vacant room at the best of times, but more so when I'm sick I guess. My illness addled insights?

Orange - orange gets a bad rap.  It's not as hot as red, and not as cheery as yellow.  But it's awesome, as colours go.

To thine own self be true - I *think* I'm finally learning to listen to my intuition.  I have a very very  LOUD, persistent inner voice, and I've learned over the years to beat it down with complex flights of well intentioned but misguided logic - something else I'm very good at.  The problem is, I don't always want to hear what that voice has to say.  From now on, I'm going to try and do a better job of listening.  It will be worth it in the end, even if it doesn't necessarily feel like it at the time.

Bodies like to do stuff -  Eating better, exercise - apparently it really is worthwhile. I am finally getting back into a regular exercise routine (much of which is made so much more fun because it is disguised as social time with my deal pal L.), and I am feeling so much better.  Mentally, and physically.  It feels good to treat myself well. 

Bodies like change - there is some...modification...on the horizon, after years of contemplation.  Timing is everything, and the time is right, now. It's secret for now, sort of, but watch this space and maybe I'll talk about it when it happens.

It's easier with two - The closet space in the basement is in progress - phase one of clothing rack installation happened with Mum's help, phase two with the lovely L's hands holding the level.  It's coming together really nicely!  Thank you Rubbermaid Closet Solutions!

Things look clearer from the outside - It's been interesting recently, in my brain.  I have moments of going up/down/sideways with my thoughts, some crazy emotional stuff, but I also finding the ability to step outside myself and see exactly what is going on in a strangely dispassionate way.  I am finding that I know (at times) when I should know better, if that makes any sense at all.  The first sign of schizophrenia, or the first sign of sanity? Hmmm.

Cats have way too much fur - they should have just enough that shedding would be detrimental to their health. Enough said.

Other than that, I am enjoying the spoils of winning some free tickets to the Neanderthal Arts Festival (yay to the Georgia Straight and my repeated luck re winning their contests...), and I went to see the always delightful Beirut last night - I've blogged about them a couple of times before (with better footage) so I will just say they didn't disappoint, and Zach Condon is as impressive as always.

No undies this time

The last time I saw the Dirty Projectors, it was my last show at Richards (unbeknownst to me at the time, or I would have stolen a stool or something).  The last time I saw the Dirty Projectors, my brother and I also saw Dave Longstreth's undies as he changed on the street in front of our car - a bizarre and memorable moment.  Unfortunately, this year there is no street parking on Granville conducive to outdoor lead-singer outfit changes.  And no show venue can live up to Richards, let alone the Venue (the most poorly conceived balcony space anywhere, IMHO).  All that being said, the gig was still a joy.

I love the Dirty Projectors because they force you to listen - I realize that might sound a bit odd, but I mean actively listen.  There is so much going on in terms of crazy time signatures and complex harmonies, it all feels held together by a thread that could snap at any time.  But the thread never does snap, and I'm left marvelling at that fact.  It is so good to hear a band that really DOES sound unique - Longstreth moves to the beat of his own quirky drum, and the musical world is a better place because of it.

I did take three videos - they aren't great because the lighting at the Venue (bleh) wasn't great, but the sound isn't bad - a minor miracle as I was maybe 6' away from a huge bank of flown speakers.  The tracks I recorded are from the new album, Swing Lo Magellan -  perhaps a shade more accessible that some of the other Dirty Projector albums, but still complex and inventive.

My only regret?  That Fiona Apple was playing on the same night - a show that was apparently excellent but not that well attended (Vancouverites, shame on you).  Oh, if only I could be in two places at the same time.

Folk Festival 2012 ... burn baby burn

Good for Grapes - oh to be that young and have that energy

Sorry, no interpretive dancing in this shot....

Yes, the burn refers to my shoulders.  It's been years since I've let that happen, but at least it means there was some sun this weekend.

Last year's fest experience was a huge disappointment - to be honest, I've pretty much scrubbed it from memory, except a vague recollection of being wet, cold, and generally miserable.  Thankfully, this year more than made up for it.

Where to start?  Well, firstly to say that whoever is responsible for putting the workshop stages together did a truly kick ass job.  In terms of artists jamming together and making some truly special moments, I don't think I've seen a better year.  Who knew that Mali's Sidi Toure  would work so well with Oliver Shroer protige Jaron Freeman Fox and the bluesy Barr Brothers?  Apparently the programmers did. Brilliance.

And yay to the talented youngsters in Good for Grapes - I'm not certain that they are all out of their teens yet to be honest, but their talent and energy is frightening.  A little bit of Mumford & Sons, a little bit of Arcade Fire, and a little bit of Red Bull, and you've just about got it.  Oh - and an accordion player who has legs that deserve their own agent (you get a hint of that in the video below)

Royal Wood - yes, that IS his name...

Other highlights? Montreal's raucous Canailles (another impressive group of youngsters), and The Cave Singers, who brought something a bit old school to the mix.

Other than the music? Well, there was the audience, which really is a performance all on its own.  I saw a new "white guy dance" performed (step 1: put left hand in pocket; step 2: lean forward slightly from hips; step 3: shuffle feet from side to side; step 4: pretend to dribble a ball slowly and meaningfully with right hand); a beautiful topless blonde who walking with her lovely black girlfriend, who may come to regret her toplessness in the age of social media when she starts looking for gainful employment...well, depending on her career path I guess; and the drunken 35+ year olds standing beside me that contributed the self conscious clapping in the Cave Singers video below, who should know that they are lucky I curbed my desire to push my fingers into their eye sockets to SHUT THEM THE F&CK UP.

But enough of that.  The only other minor blip was slightly uncooperative weather Sunday morning - but if you were willing to brave the misty rain that hit until about 11:30, the rest of the day was fantastic.  And even the mist wasn't all that bad.  And as always, it is a delight to share this all with my BFF (Best Folkfest Friend) the lovely A, this year in our NEW matching chairs.

Great memories for sure.  Can't wait until next year!

Evening stage 

The Head and the Heart

The Cave Singers - personal fave from this year's outing

Dan Mangan (sorry Tui, he's getting married in the fall)

Yes, we are wearing raincoats - SO WHAT?! There are tank tops under there somewhere....

Canailles - the guy on the left has a voice like gravel scraping along the bottom of a well.   SO MUCH FUN

Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole - a serious washboard....

Canailles watch Bijou Creole across the stage

:D

YES IT IS THAT TIME AGAIN!!!

Folk Fest is here - and the SUN is here this year.  So very very pumped and happy.  The Fest is one of my favorite things, and last year was such a complete disappointment (rain, rain, rain...and more) that I'm ready this year to get back to a true, hot, exhausting weekend of music.

Really ready.  As in new chair, new FF hat (long live the $8 straw cowboy hat).

And once again, I will be attending with my FF "partner" the lovely A. (quotes intentional - we have matching shoes and matching chairs.  In FF terms, that is enough to define our relationship)

I'm sure you'll hear more soon.

And if you are wondering about the sweater wearing tree....well, that's another post :)

Take this Waltz - please

Finally a gorgeous sunny hot weekend, and I have, rather quietly, been enjoying it.  Quietly as I really have been ... quiet ... today.  No music or radio (apart from during some early morning exercise), not much interaction with the outside world, and only the occasional back and forth about something serious (like cat treats) with Maggie.  It's been really nice.  The rhythm of the day, which started early thanks to Maggie and the sun, has been pretty good overall.

But on to more interesting things.  I went to see Take this Waltz with my pal A. last night - this is Sarah Polley's latest directorial effort after the lovely Away from Her.  FINALLY a movie that has me thinking...it feels like it has been a very long time since that has happened.

The movie revolves around writer Margot (Michelle Williams), who is married to chef/cookbook writer Lou (Seth Rogan), and whose head has been turned by the handsome artist next door, Daniel (Luke Kirby).  It all sounds like a pretty simple, been-there-done-that plot, but Polley doesn't take the easy road.  Lou and Margot are not a dysfunctional couple, they are quite happy together; and we actually stay with the characters long enough to feel the consequences of what transpires.  At the heart of this film is that weird emptiness that we've all felt (I assume) at some point, that we mistakenly think someone else's presence will fill...and if you're feeling that emptiness with your current partner, well, maybe the guy next door will pack that void for you...

As I watched it unfold, I dreaded the inevitable betrayal...but I understood it.  The characters are beautifully written, and their relationships feel real. You're privy to the very particular intimacies between Lou and Margot - the way they talk to each other when no one else is around, and the moments of hurt and frustration that seem to materialize out of nowhere.  It's everyday life, and it is painfully familiar to anyone who has been in a long term relationship.

And cudos to Polley for creating a hyper-saturated, gorgeous look at one of my favorite neighbourhoods in Toronto.  The colour and art direction and the soundtrack are all fantastic.

I could go on, but I won't - go see it for yourself.  If I was back in film studies at University, this is one I'd want to write about.

Things that start with C

It has been a busy couple of "holiday" days (ha) since I came back from Penticton - the great news is that my kitchen ceiling (aka keeper of the wiring holes) is FINALLY repaired and looking fine, 5 (or is it 6?) years after I had the electricians rewire the place, thanks to the help of a drywall elf who came to repair when I was away (thanks Brad!).  So, I spent the last two days painting the ceiling and walls.  As I get older, I find my tolerance for painting has been ... diminished.   But, it is done, and as you see from the photos attached, I had company.  I include the light photo only to provide an update to the photo here.

Other than that, I've been listening to a lot of music.  I'm gravitating towards singer songwriters right now - hooked on the new Fiona Apple, The idler wheel is wiser than the driver of the screw and whipping chords will server you more than ropes will ever do.  Take a listen here.  It is tempting me to shell out for her concert at the Orpheum in a couple of weeks - I had written it off because the good seats are pricey, but now....hmmm.

Less poetic, but grabbing me maybe because of that (and because it deals with everything from antibiotics to back pain to cats to relationships - with women, his dad, guitar repair guys...) is the new Sun Kil Moon (Mark Kozelek), Among the Leaves.  Listen here.  Quite a lot less dark than earlier Sun Kil Moon, or the Red House Painters he fronted in the 90s, a much folkier vibe, but it is suiting my mood.

And that is all she wrote.  For now.

Wine weekend

Hello again, Naramata Bench.

Many things have changed since last year, but your beauty surely hasn't. And the joy I find in getting away from the city to this incredible landscape and spending time with dear friends hasn't either.

Embracing, and letting go. And trying not to drink too much as the designated driver on the wine route.

And remembering to savour every minute of it.

xo






















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Living life on Instagram

Having fun with Instagram - I know it will get tiresome eventually, but for now it's keeping me mildly entertained. 

If your life is boring enough to warrant it, you can find me and follow me.

Where I was, and where I am

I'm back from Ontario now, and getting back into the rhythm of the rainy west coast. Next time, I will stay out east a few days longer. It was good for me, in more ways than one. (see the first three photos below, including the portrait of handsome young Hamish!)

That being said, being home feels even better. The last two shots are from a walk I took yesterday - and they don't even scratch the surface of how beautiful this place is, even if it WONT STOP RAINING!

Sometimes it is good to remember there are bigger things than you.








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This post

... Starts with a big Hi to Rich's Mom - thanks for stopping by and reading!

A really lovely night out with my dear pals, a decadent meal at Nota Bene, and a nightcap at my hotel. So good to see them both- it's been far too long. Another belated Gemini birthday to celebrate (I'm a couple of weeks older than yesterday's birthday boy...and those two weeks make me oh so much wiser ;)





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Location:The end of the night...

Cutest. Cake. EVER.

And it came with the Best. Tea. Ever.






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The Big Smoke

I've been in Toronto since Wednesday night. The flight over was fine - except for the two hour delay in deplaning after we touched down. Oh Ontario electrical storms, how you like to toy with us! What I'd don't understand is why they don't seem to be able to air condition planes that aren't in flight - it turned into a sauna in there...no, that makes it sound too pleasant. Thank god for my trusty iPad, at least I had something to entertain myself with.

Overall it has been a good trip - work has gone pretty well, we did some dragon boating which was actually pretty fun, and for the first time in a long time I'm feeling a bit nostalgic about being in Toronto. Nostalgic in a good way, I think. I am sure it is in part that I'm really looking forward to seeing friends over the next few days - which I am, I am feeling a strong need to reconnect and regroup with my Toronto peeps - and in part just a product of my life shape shifting over the last little while. This I think will help me find my bearings again, at least a little bit.

One thing that is killing me is the weather - the stormy pressure changes have my head pounding, reminding me that this is truly the breeding ground of migraines and all sorts of other noggin pain. I will soldier on, tossing back Tylenol with codeine and hoping the wine I look forward to consuming with Rich & MM tonight will make things better, not worse (let me hang on to that delusion please)

Had dinner in the Distillery District last night...this snap was taken there. I think next time I'm out this way I'm going to stay for a bit longer and dig myself back into this city a bit more tightly once again. I would never move back, but a home away from home is a nice thing to have.


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