Saturday, April 26, 2008

Back to the Praries

WEM- short for WEST EDMONTON MALL.
To deal with the weather we go to the waterpark.
We rock out. Because it's too cold to walk out--side.
A keg + some snow + heels = FUN.

When I arrived in Edmonton two weeks ago, I gloated to Paul on the phone that the weather was wonderful and spring like, while Toronto sat in a dreary cloud of rain. Karma bit me in the ass. By the time I was about to board the red-eye back last Tuesday, Edmonton was in a thick tizzy of snow, making the drive to the airport next to impossible. How did we even take off?

The weather in Edmonton, for those who have not had the pleasure to experience it first hand, is the "big brother of the city." It is an ominous part of everyone's life, and all the citizens must abide by its rules and laws. It is the only place I know where one may be wearing sandals in the morning, and a parka in the afternoon.

It is my observation, that Edmontonians, unlike Torontonians, are much more adaptable people. During some of the winter storms here in Ontario, Toronto seemed all but paralyzed - later boasting proudly it DID NOT have to call in the military "this" time. In Edmonton, the April storm--the severity of which appeared to the untrained eye as relatively more intense than any of Toronto's storms, didn't really affect much.

People said things such as, "Oh shit, look at the snow" or, "Look it's snowing" and then they put back on their winter jackets (which most times they were smart enough to not have put away), brought out their shovels, and went to work on their driveways. They went to work as they always do. They went to the mall. They went for brunch on Sunday morning.

I have to say, I'm proud of Edmonton. It's building some tough citizens. Much like cockraoches and pegioens, I'm of the opinion they can survive anything.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Nick and Sheila

SWAY - A LIFE OF ERRORS
chromogenic print, 2006
48 by 48 inches,
Edition of 5,
2 ap20 by 20 inches, Edition of 5. 2 ap



I attended my first Timeraiser this past Saturday at the Distillery District. It was quite honest one of the coolest events I have been to in a long time.Hosted in the fermenting cellar, it was full of beautiful people and beautiful food. The premise was to bid on art work from emerging and mid career artist. The bids,however, were not monetary but rather in number of volunteer hours pledged to contribute to various organizations in the coming year.

Recently, I have been very interested in the works of Nick and Sheila Pye, a Toronto based couple married,who graduated from OCAD. Their work deals with the toils of marriage and commitment and the boundaries we push with each other, and ourselves when in relationships. The work is mostly photographic and installation based and has been receiving a great deal of buzz as of late.

Amazingly, a piece tiled " A Life of Errors" was featured at the time raiser, and after a long biding war, I won. In 150 volunteer hours, over the next year, the piece will be proudly displayed in my home. What a way to start my art collection.

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Spring is Here





Finally after a long hard winter, I find myself on my back deck with the sun on my face. I swear I picked up a few freckles on my nose this morning as I sat outside sipping my coffee, watching the rabid squirrels chase each other on the leafless trees. The pigeons were doing their mating dance, the racoons were making "noises" in alley, my crazy neighbour who bangs on my walls was out on her patio, and my friend Sarah sat with a belly full of baby. (She's pregnant) . It's official-- Spring is here. To celebrate I am posting photos of just a few weeks. Back at the cottage winter was still in full swing. I need to remind myself, that I should not yet put away the winter jacket and pull out the flip flops, just yet.

My contract with Elections Ontario has officially ended and I am currently unemployed. Next week I am heading back to Edmonton, to see family and friends and regroup. I have a feeling the next few months are going to be extremely busy.

Right now it's time to step back outside to enjoy the sun. Fans of mine who feel like they are not getting enough of my witty banter can rest assured. I am trying to remedy the problem, and become a more consistent blogger. (It's on my long list of things to do. # 31. Become a more consistent blogger- you can not disappoint your fans). If that still isn't enough of a promise, check out Paul's blog www.sinceyoudidntask.wordpress.com
I'm certain some of my fabulousness has rubbed off on him over the years.