JIMMY BITS

private collection

2006-02-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

Lots of talk about jobs, moving, future and sharing spaces. Too much and too personal to write here for the world to read. All this in a time where I feel totally content doing what I'm doing. Like I said previously, something clicked a while ago about my project and my art in general. I'm excited and into it. Daily going to school to work on images - and PRINTING ! yup printing - getting away from little tests and web based imagery. It's such a treat. The project is coming along nicely.

Things have settled about job/moving talk - and there are some exciting options for life here in Montreal.

So the show/auction went really well. All the works were sold and the night was drunken fun. Oh - my piece is now a part of Genevieve Cadieux's private collection - right there with the Kiki Smith. Very very flattering (blush). I'll post pics of the night when some one gives me some. Here's the peice hanging next to Celias' - they look great together.

Context

2006-02-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

I guess this provides a bit of context and links the work to other work in art history - I had seen Sam Taylor Wood's image before, but not with the bottom bit - damn. I thought that bit was original. Both are totally referencing the Mantegna. Interesting. I always thought of the Mantegna with my image - I remember seeing it in Art History classes in high school - there's another one as well that I can't think of now - I think it's a Dutch painter, and I think there's a crown of thorns on the Christ figure. Let me know if anyone knows.

Soliloquy VII
Sam Taylor-Wood
1999
C-type color prints,
framed in two parts
87 1/3 x 95 1/4 inches

Andrea Mantegna
The Lamentation over the Dead Christ
c. 1490
Tempera on canvas
68 x 81 cm
Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan

Untitled Landscape # 1
Jim Verburg
2006
colour inkjet print
40 by 39 inches

Issues (and a print)

2006-02-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

I just had a meeting with my professor Genevieve Cadieux and TA Esther Choi - both very talented artists. This particular class has annoyed me for a number of reasons (which I'll go into another time), but what has also annoyed me is my indecisiveness with regards to my work and approach - things have shifted in the way that I work and the way I see photography - having so much in my head about the history, context, what's been done before, can be really debilitating (rather than inspirational). I'm working with graphic and color elements, but seem to be unable to make any sort of successful series or display - maybe I'm trying too hard - maybe I'm not trusting my instincts like I used to, or I'm just sick of photo. Whatever the case - it's been a frustrating experience.

Things seemed to come together in this meeting however. I feel good - the series and pairing came naturally. I was impressed with how both Genevieve and Esther worked with the mini images before them - seeing then in a way I hadn't before.

It was good. I'm on a good path now.

I'm now off to two art opening parties. It's gonna be a fun night.

We hang the Cash and Carry show on Sunday. I like the print I'm showing - it's big (40 inches by 40 inches).

Oh - don't get me started about Ol Stevie's cabinet choices. What an ass. That's another post.

poster

2006-02-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

New poster I did for a show I'm in. Click to enlarge. Resolution's not the greatest.

ok

2006-02-03T12:31:00.000-08:00

ok ok ok - I'll post a good one soon, been way too busy.

Hmmmmm

2006-01-25T18:56:00.000-08:00

Thank god it's a Conservative MINORITY and not majority. Ol Stevie will have a tough time peddling his backward, outdated (harmful, unconstitutional, extremist) social views in the new house.

NDP UP TO 29 SEATS !!!! (from 18 in the last election) with 17.49 % of the votes, and YAY for Olivia for winning her riding of Trinity/Spadina in Toronto. those two are such a cute couple. I remember seeing them at anti poverty marches in my earlier days. I'm so pleased they'll be working in parliament.

I'm hoping the crazy "Focus on the Family" and "Promise Keeper" elected will fuck up and scare everyone with their wacked out views and cause people to never vote Conservative again. Why do the christians vote for the party ideologically so far away from any christian value of importance. They all expect them to repeal the ruling on same sex marriage (which they can't) - wanting so badly to protect a "value" they believed to be of utmost importance - while other issues (talked about WAY MORE in the bible...feed the sick, care for the poor, take care of the earth) food and shelter for those in need, making sure everyone has access to good healthcare regardless of income, care for the aging population, affordable education, and a little issue called GLOBAL WARMING - but no, lets vote for a party "putting money in the hands of Canadians" (at the expense of all the important programs that make this country great), a party with roots deep in organization that want to protect words, labels and fundamentalist views that a very small group of people in this country hold. A little hypocritical me thinks.

check this out - http://rickmercer.blogspot.com/2006/01/conservative-cabinet-revealed_09.html

Enough of that rant. Here's some powerhouse cuteness for you all.

EVERYBODY GO OUT AND VOTE !!!!

2006-01-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE.
By law employers need to give you 3 hours to vote. Polls close at 9:30 pm. check out Elections Canada online for you local voting station, or call 1 800 463 6868.

BIRTHDAY !!

2006-01-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

A totally relaxing do what I feel like day complete with a breakfast dates, stop by visits, lots of coffee and phone calls, afternoon hours in bed (roy took the day off), and plans for dinner at a surprise location ("a place we've wanted to try for a while") - turns out my closest friends where waiting for me at my house with lots of wine, cheese, gourmet dinner, dessert and presents - my very first surprise party ! A perfect scenario - a small group, no planning (or knowledge of plans on my part), no organizing and no expectations. Thank you my friends.

Thanks for the emails, calls and visits (Mom, Dad, Jason, Anita, Liz (as if I forgot YOUR birthday), Joseph, Caners, Mikie, Hiister, Robyn, Dominique, Emma, Eric (there in spirit - GET BETTER SOON!), Fussell, Matt, Deebs and the Roy.

YAY 29 !!

And the GIFTS !! beautiful drawn and designed poster, bookmarks and a card from Roy - that'll look great in a light box (oh yeah, and a CORNER ROUNDER!), necessities and card from Danny (all wrapped with notes and fun), a beautiful portrait of Emma and I, and a ticket to BELLE AND SEABASTIAN (!!!!!) (New Pornographers opening ! - two for one man) - whatever - only one of my absolutely favorite bands ever.

Chile elects its first female President !

2006-01-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

This is so great. I was so happy to read this news this morning. wow wow wow - a woman and a socialist/activist/single mother and not from a political rich family. I gotta put it on the blog. I love good news.

SANTIAGO — Chileans exploded in joy on the streets of Santiago yesterday, celebrating a milestone for all of South America: the continent's first legitimately elected female president. Michelle Bachelet, a socialist and pediatrician imprisoned under General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, won 53.5 per cent of the vote, to 46.5 per cent for her rival, Sebastian Pinera, a conservative multimillionaire businessman....At last night's giant street party, supporters tooted horns, waved flags, blew whistles and chanted feminist slogans, joined by Chilean intelligentsia and local rock stars and artists, there to endorse the new darling of the left....While her victory consolidates a shift to the left in Latin America -- leftists have been elected in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and Venezuela -- she is considered a free-market socialist who will follow the same line as Mr. Lagos.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060116.wxchile16/BNStory/International/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4087510.stm

I just realized that you can't click on these links - so if you want to key in Michelle Bachelet, chile, BBC and theglobeandmail in google you'll get the goods.

so good.

Photo Reward for Reading the Last Post

2006-01-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

Here's some new images I've been playing with, not in this order - but I thought I'd give you all something to look at after reading the last long post, and because Michael wants more pictures. If you didn't read the last long VERY IMPORTANT POLITICAL POST - read it now.

Important Election Bits

2006-01-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

I read about this group in the Globe and Mail this morning, and found the following article online - I'm encourage that such a group (by such great people and organizations) has been formed in light of the recent polls suggesting that a Conservative government may be a possibility. Let's not make that happen. VOTE VOTE VOTE on January 23rd.

here it is.

Think Twice on January 23

Representatives from the child care, Aboriginal, women's rights, health
care, equality rights, environmental, arts, trade union, and advocacy groups
have a message for all Canadians.

What would Conservative policies mean for Canadians?

- They mean privatization and deregulation, and more cuts to social
programs.

- They mean the end of the national child care programme, and the
rollback of the $5 billion deal between ten provinces and the federal
government. This is the beginning of the first new national social
programme since Medicare, but Harper says he will cancel it in
exchange for a dollar a day sent to Canadians, burdened with securing
and financing their own childcare.

- They mean abandonment of the agreement just achieved with First
Nations at the Aboriginal Summit, and reneging on promised spending
to alleviate a housing and health care crisis for some of Canada's
most vulnerable citizens, women and children.

- They mean more greenhouse gas emissions, the end of the domestic Kyoto
plan to reduce emissions by 2012, and moving Canada from a strong
supporter of further emission cuts to supporting George Bush's camp.

- They mean a health care system based on commercialization, not patient
needs; based on competition between health care providers, not
collaborative practice; a health care system that would allocate
public health care dollars to for-profit business, rather than
improving primary health care for our families; and a continuing
absence of national standards for home care and inadequate long-term
care for our seniors.

- They mean the loss of at least $1 billion for affordable housing,
and the potential loss of a Canadian housing framework.

- They mean no commitment to the income measures and services needed
to reduce poverty.

- They mean abandoning efforts to protect workers' wages, pensions and
benefits in cases of corporate bankruptcy.

- They mean massive tuition fee increases for university and college
students.

- They mean greater trade and foreign policy integration with the U.S.,
particularly joint military ventures (including participation in
foreign conflicts and space-based military systems).

- They mean new risks to Canadian women's right to reproductive choice
and access to abortion.

- They mean abandoning plans for new pay equity legislation.

- They mean abandoning plans for a new national strategy for people
with disabilities.

- They mean less government support for the arts and for public
broadcasting.

- They mean re-opening the debate over equal marriage rights for same
sex couples, and the introduction of unconstitutional legislation.

- They mean re-opening the Charter to protect private property rights,
which have major implications for environmental protection, labour
rights, and equality rights.

- They mean big tax cuts for corporations, and less pollution
regulations.

We are very concerned about the future of our country. Many of the
victories Canadians have achieved over generations, and many important new
programs and initiatives that are poised to become reality, are very much at
risk.
We are standing up for Canada. We want a Canada with strong social
programs, environmental protection, and fairness for everyone. Canadians need
to think twice.

Endorsed By:

Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada
Council of Canadians
Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions
Canadian Federation of Students
Canadian Auto Workers
Egale Canada
National Association of Women and the Law
Prevent Cancer Coalition
Shelagh Day, Human Rights Advocate
Elizabeth May, Environmentalist & Officer of the Order of Canada
Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women
National Action Committee on the Status of Women
Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter
Canadian Coalition for Health and Environment
Cathy Crowe, Street Nurse, housing advocate
Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford, International Physicians for the Prevention
of Nuclear War, Victoria
Vincent Calderhead,Legal Aid Lawyer, Halifax
Professor Martha Jackman, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa
Catherine Frazee, Professor of Distinction, School of Disability Studies,
Ryerson University
Michele Decottignies, Founder and Artistic Director, Stage Left
Productions
Helke Ferrie, science writer and publisher, Alton, Ont
Nicola Ross, writer & co-founder, Caledon Countryside Alliance, Caledon,
Ont
Loretta Michaud, Workers Health & Safety Centre, Toronto
Lissa Donner, freelance writer and health activist, Winnipeg
Karen DeKoning, breast cancer survivor, Chatham
Diane Saibil, Toronto
Phyllis Creighton, Toronto
Linda Pim, environmental activist, Inglewood, Ont
Beth Mairs, ED, Wild Women Expeditions, Espanola, Ont
June Sommers, realtor, Toronto
Margot Young, Associate Professor of Law, University of British Columbia
Janet Mosher, Associate Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School
Alison Dewar and Diana Majury, Ottawa
Wendy Barrett, Burnaby, BC
Meg Sears, PhD
Paul Leduc Browne, Professeur, DÃ©partement de travail social et des
sciences sociales UniversitÃ© du QuÃ©bec en Outaouais Gatineau, QuÃ©bec
Rose Jacobson, Project Manager, Picasso PRO and professional artist and
community activist
Linda Christiansen-Ruffman, Professor of Sociology, Saint Mary's
University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

walky walk walk

2006-01-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

I'm going for a walk - It's freakishly warm out (misty, lovely) and I'm tired of doing stuff at the computer. Doing a lot of little things that may or may not contribute to bigger things, went to kingston, saw some of the people, raided the charity shops, got lots of stuff for roy, school doesn't seem to be working, student loans are taking money out of my empty account, just ate papusas, excited about a new cook book, feeling in the groove after not for a couple days, not sure what I want to do for my birthday.

HOT AND NOT (part two)

2006-01-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

HOT - Gentleman Reg "Bundle" - don't know the rest of the disc well enough to comment yet, the song appearing randomly on shuffle mode made me want more - catchy little hooks and interesting instrumentation.
HOT - M.I.A "Galang" - I've heard a bit of M.I.A here and there, Mike put this on his best of 2005 disc that he just sent (THANKS MIKE WHITE !!), and just this morning while running, it got me - fun fun fun - I want more.

HOT - Going to the gym again.
NOT - Not going for most of the fall/winter.

HOT - Foods this year - Kale and Flax - not combined (I guess you could), both "miracle foods", kale - loaded with calcium, potassium, indoles (cancer-fighting substances), beta-carotenes, and other antioxidants, and flax - full of great omega 3 and 6 fats and cancer fighting lignans (and of course regularity).

HOT - Books - "The Diviners" Margaret Laurence. Being controversial and pegged (negatively of course) as a feminist in high school I was intrigued - after reading a 50 cent copy of "The Fire Dwellers" I moved on to "The Diviners". It was an absolute pleasure to witness the growth and awareness of Morag Gunn through the various stages of her life. A wise, reflective and important read - especially at a cabin in the middle of nowhere this summer - I felt so Canadian - just myself, the lake, Roy, Catherine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie and Morag Gunn.
NOT - Books - "The Da Vinci Code" Dan Brown - ok ok ok, a page turner for sure, and an interesting theory that has honest links to history - BUT MAN ! - the soap opera writing complete with blank stares returning to blank stares (where some important piece of plot development is explored in flashback), little hints - then reminders of those little hints - constant recaps assuming the reading has retained nothing. Page turner - but bad soooooo bad.

HOT - Harry Potter books.
NOT - Harry Potter films (especially after reading the books) - just can't capture the magic.

HOT - the Enneagram personally type system - honestly helpful and complex - good for relationship stuff too.

HOT - $5 dollar burger plate (with fresh cut fries and veggie salad) at Patati Patata - again, a block away from the homestead.

HOT - Saturday Morning "Globe and Mail and coffee on a blanket with Roy" events in Jean Mance park this summer/fall.
NOT - getting out of the city as much as I wanted to.

HOT - Brokeback Mountain - This deserves and entire post - I feel like I have so much to say about it, but it's still a bit of a feeling rather that an intelligent discussion at this point. I think I'll see it again. As I said before - It's stayed with me in ways I didn't expect. It's an important movie about love, choices and how that effects everyone involved. Hmmm - more on this later.

HOT - Christmas card greeting from Susanna in Philly, "Many wishes for a new year filled with adventures, laughter, peace, love and the impeachment of George W. Bush"

I THINK MIGHT BE HOT - I really want to see "Good Night and Good Luck", "Syriana", I want to give M.I.A more of a listen, also the Magic Numbers and the Ravonettes (have been lovin' "Love in a Trashcan" all summer).
I THINK MIGHT BE A NOT - Sufjan Stevens - there's something about this guy that annoys me a little, but I don't know enough to fully comment - maybe it's the christian overtones, or the the smug sentimentality, got to check this guy out a little more. He's cute - I'll give em that.

HOT AND NOT 2005 (part one)

2006-01-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE !!!

So here's a random HOT and NOT list of some of the aspects of 2005.

HOT - Album, Kings of Convenience, "Riot on an Empty Street" A beautifully subtle continuation of "Quiet is the New Loud" with all of what I love so much about this band. Although released last year, it makes the HOT list due to the amount of play in 2005 and providing one of the best live shows I have ever seen this past February. Shy, geek, cute, acoustic, harmonies, the sixties and talent to spare.

HOT - Album, Sarah Harmer, "I'm a Mountain" Released late in the year, a sparsely instrumented acoustic record giving Sarah's inner country gal centre stage. A breathe of fresh air contrasted with the contained over production of last years "All of Our Names". Her voice has never sounded so good. Touring the album playing small venues with a killer acoustic band (and GREAT backing vocals from Julie Fader) - the 2 and a half hour November show was the best I've ever seen of Sarah. Swoon.

NOT - Band "The Go Team" - sorry hipsters...I want to like them, I really tried. Some catchy, fun stuff, but ultimately not lasting (and I heard the show sucked). Maybe it's a bit like how the Hidden Camera's have developed - really great for a while, but by the time the rest of the world caught on - a bit annoying and tired (just for clarity I LOVE the Hidden Camera's first disc "The Smell of Our Own" - there was such and energy and excitement around this time for the band, but rumored infighting and a poor second disc lost my interest).

HOT - The kid in film "You, Me, and Everyone We Know" - the most heartbreakingly cute kid I have ever seen in a film. I enjoyed the rest of it too (except the "relationship in our first walk down the street" bit). Could have been art school pretentious shit, but wasn't.
NOT - Arrogant pretentious rich art school students who have no idea about anything.

HOT - Film "C.R.A.Z.Y", One of the best films I've seen out of Quebec. Jean-Marc Vallee's beautifully shot, magical, heartfelt, drama of family life from the 60's through the 80's. My parents should see this, also Eric Lamoureux (you look a little like the guy Rico)
NOT (or more appropriately SUCKED) - the packaging of the DVD for this film - in NO WAY reflecting the fine aesthetic of the film - what were the people thinking? (same goes for the new Sarah Harmer)

HOT - Random gifts for no apparent reason - gifts like, oh, um, let's think...that little silver ipod mini that Roy showed up at my house with in the spring.

HOT - Killer dance songs on Gorillaz "Damon Days" - "Dirty Harry" gets it groovin', "Fell Good Inc." carries it through to get ya shakin'.

NOT - Nickleback (hate hate hate)

HOT - Pupusas - "thick, hand-made corn tortilla (made using masa, a maize flour used in Latin American Cuisine) that is stuffed with cheese (queso) (usually a soft Salvadorian cheese called Quesillo) and refried beans (frijoles refritos), usually served with curtido (a type of spicy coleslaw) and a hot or medium sauce. Filling, fast and cheap at a whopping $2.25, made by the minxy spanish ladies less than a block away from my house. Mmmmm.

HOT - Doing text in Adobe InDesign.
NOT - Doing text in Word.

HOT - Panczki (pronounces punch-key) Traditional Polish filled doughnut type sweet - the most delicious fluffy tasty things I have ever had - EVER - and I don't usually like doughnuts. I thought the fresh Krispy Kremes were good... whatever. The batter is made up of yeast, flour, rum, butter and eggs - filled with either a custard type creme, apricot or plum filling. One block away form Roy's house (our weekend treat).
NOT - Tim Hortons (for everything)

HOT - having a boyfriend whom I talk with, laugh with, feel equal too, have the best sex ever with, deal with things with, hang out with, get through various stages with and love.

HOT - new friends this year most notably Fussell.

HOT - new roommate, space and cheap rent.

NOT - shitty minimum wage paying jobs with coworkers that let me do all the work (because I was the last one hired) while they browse ebay, play computer games, eat chips and take as many smoke breaks they want.
HOT - working so close to Fussell that we can always have lunch when I work.

HOT - the treatment we got on our one year anniversary at the restaurant "Rumi". Great service, great food, and lots of things on the house.

HOT - the possible NDP swing vote in a minority government.
NOT - George Bush being elected again - the people who aren't going to vote NDP cause they're scared of the Conservative party (way ta go Buzz Hargrove - shit man)

HOT - Same sex marriage finally.
NOT - right wing conservative backlash.

That's enough to read for now MORE TO COME LATER !

Responses

2006-01-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a HOT and NOT list for 2005, but until then - comment responses.

Anita - thanks for reading ! I hope your Christmas was good despite all the accident stuff - we missed you at home.
Michael Catlin - you want photos eh? I'll see what I can do. I'll be updating the website soon - I'll let you know when that is - and YES, I would love to go to Sala Rosa with you, I like it better than the Spirit Lounge. I hope you're well.
Mary Helen - you've got pretty nice bits yourself.
Roy - I'm glad you like my bits, yours aren't bad either - and your tech support - the best ever
Tracey - what mug is the one I gave you?
Damien - thanks for tackling the blog thing - how's the states treating you? I think you need some Jimmy headshots.
Fussell - where are you?
Jeffy Jeff Jeff - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Mom - yay! you're using your computer !

from now on I'll respond on the comments page (where y'all commented)

Is anyone reading this?

2005-12-26T19:24:00.000-08:00

hmmmm, no comments...

just made

2005-12-26T11:57:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

Soft serve

2005-12-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

Yvonne put it best

2005-12-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-22T21:34:00.002-08:00

Here's random some bits fer ya

2005-12-22T15:51:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

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

2005-12-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

The First Post

2005-12-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

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.