Is anyone reading this?

hmmmm, no comments...

just made

The CD booklet for my brother's Christmas gift. He already knows what he's getting from me - the CD was made in the summer - but I didn't have any blank CD's to burn it on - so here it - a little late, but in time for Christmas (or just after).

mmmmm

We’re doing a slight variation of the traditional fondue our family always does (I guess you “do” a fondue) on Christmas eve. Not being big meat eaters –a cheese fondue followed by a chocolate fondue seems more fitting. People are always a bit confused (a little grossed out) when I mention the meat fondue – so I’ll explain it – there’s a pot of hot oil in the middle of the table surrounded by little plates of uncooked meat (usually steak, chicken and meatballs), you put a piece of meat on your fondue fork and cook it in the hot oil, once it’s cooked you then dip it in one of the many sauces in little bowls also on the table – my favorite was always the curry and béarnaise. We usually accompany this with a salad, bread and starting with French onion soup.

Tonight however we’ll be doing a emmental/gruyere/dry white wine mix with crusty bread, pears, grapes, roasted potatoes, par boiled broccoli and roasted mushrooms to dip. Then the chocolate – dark (of course)/heavy cream with pears, bananas, little cubes of sponge cake and kiwis.

On a different topic – Christmas always makes me want to be a little more naughty than nice. Maybe it’s a reaction to the expectation of family cheer and the commercialized peace/love ect – or maybe its that all these kitschy holidays go so well with a little pervey behavior. I guess it’s also a bit of a break from the ordinary – there’s time – and what better way to make use of that time!

I’m having a great day so far – some alone time reading, writing and drinking tea, a walk and now on my way to hang with the Roy – It’ll be nice to have this Christmas Eve just the two of us – it’ll be nice to carry on the family fondue tradition with our own twist, it also works well for the naughty bits.

Fondue night

Soft serve

Yvonne put it best

From http://www.rabblerocket.com/blog.html

"We rented that Leonard Cohen documentary last night before dinner, but were too tipsy to stay awake for it - Jim and I watched the rest this morning, and I sure do love that film -- there is a consciousness about the subject (Leonard) and his context (1960s Montreal) that makes it intriguing. There is also something lovely about the documentary style -- standard for the time, entirely earnest and not terribly innovative -- the piece itself is evidence of the times in which Leonard Cohen was writing, and provides contrast against which to judge him. His consciousness of his own greatness, and potential for greatness, is intriguing."

Another drawing of me by Roy

Here's random some bits fer ya

Angst bit.

The lovely and talented Yvonne is visiting, and as lovely as that is - I can't seem to shake this subtle underlying angst. The holidays always confuse the daily routine a bit. I want to go with the flow, roll with the punches and all of that, but the lack of schedule is difficult. This lack of structure seems to amplify my current situation of having so many things are up in the air in terms of my employment, pay the bills, academic and work future. It sucks - wanting to go out and experience all the great food this city has to offer as well as buy nice things - or material to make nice things for christmas gifts - but definitely not having the financial means to do so.

So I'm trying not to get get too wrapped up in feeling the angst - but taking the time to do what I need to do to enjoy the company, and take advantage of this time I have to take a break from thinking too much. It's an odd place to be. I know I feel my best when I'm involved with something outside myself - doing things, working at something that has some bit of importance or relevance where my talents and abilities are used and appreciated - bringing those experiences back to my time with friends and partner. We do find worth in the things we do - it's difficult when you aren't doing much.


Another (yummy) bit.

Going for yummy Sala Rosa dinner soon with Yvonne and Roy. mmmmm. Have I ever said how much I love food? Tonight will consist of the usual fare - garlic shrimp, fried spanish sausage in red wine, rapini with garlic and lemon, sauteed zuccuni peppers and tomatoes on a nest of fried potatoes (with that lovely sharp cheese), those little fried goat cheese with honey and caramelized onions, and lets not forget the potato and spinach croquettes with the spicy sauce. Loooove it. It's one of my fav places to go for a treat. It's my special christmas dinner.




And of special interest.




We'll be watching the 1965 National Film Board Documentary "Ladies and Gentleman...Mr. Leonard Cohen" I've been wanting to see it for a while, and because I wanted to inspiration for one I'll be making introducing Sarah Harmer - just you wait...I'm working on the pitch. Yvonne said it was great, and we've been talking about Mr. Cohen as his house is next to mine here in Montreal - so we got it for later.

Speaking of great films - Brokeback Mountain has stayed with me in ways I didn't expect. It's a beautifully sad film with a great final image which I'll talk about someday soon.




and speaking of Sarah Harmer, she's finally been pitched (for Escarpment Blues) as a track the nation should be listening to this week on CBC's National Playlist (which I listen to daily), I wouldn't have picked that particular song, but that album hasn't seemed to have left my stereo since I got it a few months ago. Here's the email I sent to the National Playlist a week ago:



Classic and lasting with a heartbreakingly honest voice, Sarah Harmer has been an important part of the Canadian music scene for over 10 years as the driving force between the indie band Weeping Tile and now as a successful solo artist – but that’s the key – having never reached the hype or the commercial success of the many “flash in the pan” bands frequenting the radio of show such as this one, this down to earth artist often gets over looked. She does her thing and she does it well.

If you’ve had a chance to catch Sarah live – it’s impossible to not be taken by her immense talent and songwriting ability. From rock to pop, folk and now a bit of bluegrass all framed by Sarah’s unique voice – Sarah Harmer is one of the best this country has to offer and an artist that definitely deserves a spot on the national play list.

Although hard to choose - I’d like to nominate the song Lodestar from the 2000 release “You Where Here” – the album that was close to topping so many critics lists of that year offers one of the most beautifully honest reflections of the complexity of love both present and past. “Lodestar” is a song that may best represent the talent of Sarah Harmer. Starting off as a dreamy repetitive poetic piece that slowly builds to the dizziest of heights – this song musically reflects the subtle country, folk and punk sensibilities of the artist in one track. The night landscape lyrically painting a picture starting with quiet introspection moving to a more bold assertion “listen – the darkness rings, take off your things – listen! – The darkness rings”.

I guarantee that Sarah will be making music and performing for many years to come, and will one day be seen in the same light as Neil Young, Lucinda Williams and Johnny Cash.

Fall into it, and put it on the list.

A Mass Post

As to eliminate the mass emails and the coming christmas "here's what I'm up to now" email, I have sent you all a link to this blog, so you can find out what's going on when you want to.

Going through a recent application and interview process (and not getting the job) has brought up a lot of life plan, where an I going type thinking again. I'm a little sick of school at the moment, and not speaking fluent french provides a definite block in finding meaningful work in Montreal. In a way - I feel I've been hiding here at school, not as involved in contributing in a way I felt I was in Kingston. Sure in class critiques and my interactions with other students and teachers, but all under a very specific context (with it's own rules).

It's a bit of the age thing. I know that if I were making a go of an art star career outside of school I might be recognized as an artist doing valuable things - but in the system at the undergrad stage, your work tends to undervalued until you have a masters degree or a name for yourself in the gallery scene. I'm not even sure if I want to play that scene anyways - I'm much more into community people stuff. I'm kinda tired of it and don't want to get more and more into debt for it. So I'm applying (and have been for a the past year) for Quebec residency status, which would lower my tuition and make me eligible for Quebec student loans - which have a huge grant potion for people as poor as myself. The process has been stalled by various blocks in the way (not ever being on a lease since I've moved here - having to track down previous landlords ect.), but once is done will make the option of completing some sort of degree way more attractive.

I'm working at the Concordia bookstore - which is another post.

I divide my time between my lovely centrally located apartment in which I have a work space to do the little more exciting photo or design jobs (that I want more of), and Roy's quieter place near the Jean Talon market in which I relax, make food and hang with my lovely lover.

We're staying around Montreal for christmas. We decorated the tree (a USED good lookin' fake tree - no death of a real one, and no production of a new fake one) a few days ago.

So there's been talk of a move to an new place, but all that will work itself out in the new year. Speaking of new year - let me know of the possible festive options - we might be on wheels, and in various Ontario locations around that time.

That's it for this morning, more later - I gotta get out in the snow.

Fussell's B - day

I love this new medium. no more sending mass emails, and the people that want to know what's up can do so at the leisure. It's gonna change the world people - it already has - the way we are made aware of information is so different than 10 years ago. I just want to post post post - get all that witty banter out of me (I promise there won't be too much of that). I'm no Carrie Bradshaw, or Hiister for that matter.

So this post is an excuse to post again today (cause I'm THAT excited) - and to think about a very dear friend who's birthday is very soon. Although I've known Fussell for about a year - I consider her to be one of my best friends. She super wise, honests, fun and real - AND we have great chats. Happy Birthday Fussell. We miss you here. Come back soon.

pic - of Fussell and Danny (lovely housemate) at the house - thanksgiving.

me - by roy

The First Post

So after deleting this whole thing a couple of times, I'm finally ready to post a bit of text - even though the layout of thing is far from what I had in mind. Mike was trying to explain some of the ins and outs of this new language - but it's not coming quickly to this left brainer.

I would absolutely love to have my very own full time tech support person. I often try to fit the lovely Roy into this role (sweet, sexy AND knowledgeable), but he fits better in other places - and he doesn't have the time to compensate for my lack of ability in these areas. So many ideas - I know EXACTLY how I want it all to look (or sound), I just can't seem to get there. I find this is often the case with many of my ideas. Maybe I should take a full year of tech classes. Or mabes I'll just come into a lot of money soon (that happens right...right?) - and pay for that tech support person. I'd treat them well.

Whatevs - here's the first installment. More to come - in content and look.