Yes, it's true. A short while ago, I shut down my twitter contributions.
I know some of you will be disappointed - thanks for staying tuned as long as you did. But I am temporarily bailing for practical reasons, and I thought I'd tell you about that.
A little while ago, I embarked on a sabbatical so I could completely focus on parts of my work that had been seriously neglected. Speaking and writing are my passions; I feel incomplete without them and want to give them a chance to shine again. As much as I love book editing, it had steered me a little off track, while, ironically, inadvertently convincing me that now was the right time to tap into those other parts of my persona - the chatty, quirky, fanciful remnants of a previous life - that have lain dormant for way too long.
And now, two months in, the only real issue is time, especially if I'm to meet my self-imposed deadline. A few too many peripheral things, external expectations and unnecessary complications meant that some things had to give, and twitter was one of them (even though it's only a modest 140 characters to convey in each contribution).
While I am sidelined, I will still watch but won't play, and when I come back, there will be more to offer anyone who wants to follow along.
In the meantime, there is this blog to keep you amused and intrigued. Blogging serves as an excellent vehicle for impromptu writing, especially if you think that someone is reading it, and provides an avenue to publicly stretch myself, even if they're not.
So, please keep doing your thing and I'll keep doing mine. When we cross paths again, we'll all be the better for it.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
And along comes an opportunity ...
Or I could take myself off to the Toronto International Film Festival next month, where a record 17 Australian movies, including "The Last Ride" and "Beautiful Kate", will be screening. Now, that would be something!
A quick check of the schedule reveals some incredible productions from a whole heap of countries. Could you imagine being glued to various screens for 10 days straight, from early in the morning to very late at night, watching as many of the more than 300 movies as you can? Yes, it's the Aussie ones I'm keen to see, but to be fair, some balance would be so very exciting.
Oh well. There's always next year. And in the meantime, I have a list of Aussie films that will at least tide me over for a while. If I can find them anywhere here.
And to those who are going to the festival? Happy tiff-ing to you all!
A quick check of the schedule reveals some incredible productions from a whole heap of countries. Could you imagine being glued to various screens for 10 days straight, from early in the morning to very late at night, watching as many of the more than 300 movies as you can? Yes, it's the Aussie ones I'm keen to see, but to be fair, some balance would be so very exciting.
Oh well. There's always next year. And in the meantime, I have a list of Aussie films that will at least tide me over for a while. If I can find them anywhere here.
And to those who are going to the festival? Happy tiff-ing to you all!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Score one for Aussie movies!
When I was in Oz recently, I did everything I planned to do except for two things - see "The Last Ride" and "Beautiful Kate". Two Aussie movies that were screening at the time. Trips downunder always include at least one Australian flick - I actually saw three in one day a few years back!
That I didn't see the two films in question was certainly disappointing, but even more so when I read Rachel Ward's commentary in the Sydney Morning Herald today.
Now, I'm not a filmmaker, so I can't speak directly to Rachel's perspective, but as an audience member, I feel her pain, albeit for a different reason.
I love Australian films, but one of the drawbacks of living in central Canada is the minimal access to them. Some make their way into independent cinemas, others turn up as DVDs, but that only accounts for a small percentage of the ones that are out there. Maybe it's the fact that I'm so far from home, but Aussie films make me feel proud and connected, and I will jump at any opportunity to see one - here or there.
So, if someone is "dumping doom and gloom and threatening to squash" any productions before I get a chance to see them, well, that's just not on. I happen to think that, in one way or another, there is something to be gained from every film, which, in my book, makes them all "enlightening, redemptive, inspiring, compassionate, beautiful, transformative, intelligent, human, engrossing, tender, confronting and, yes, entertaining", even the "'dark' and 'bleak'" ones. And if you don't mind, I'd like to see everything on offer and make up my own mind, instead of someone else trying to do it for me.
Like Rachel, I, too, am "calling a penalty kick for the niche product", especially because they "demand and confront and haunt an audience", and stay with me long after the final credits have rolled.
I just hope that "Beautiful Kate" and any others that want to come with 'her' make their way to central Canada soon so I don't have to wait until my next trip downunder to see them.
That I didn't see the two films in question was certainly disappointing, but even more so when I read Rachel Ward's commentary in the Sydney Morning Herald today.
Now, I'm not a filmmaker, so I can't speak directly to Rachel's perspective, but as an audience member, I feel her pain, albeit for a different reason.
I love Australian films, but one of the drawbacks of living in central Canada is the minimal access to them. Some make their way into independent cinemas, others turn up as DVDs, but that only accounts for a small percentage of the ones that are out there. Maybe it's the fact that I'm so far from home, but Aussie films make me feel proud and connected, and I will jump at any opportunity to see one - here or there.
So, if someone is "dumping doom and gloom and threatening to squash" any productions before I get a chance to see them, well, that's just not on. I happen to think that, in one way or another, there is something to be gained from every film, which, in my book, makes them all "enlightening, redemptive, inspiring, compassionate, beautiful, transformative, intelligent, human, engrossing, tender, confronting and, yes, entertaining", even the "'dark' and 'bleak'" ones. And if you don't mind, I'd like to see everything on offer and make up my own mind, instead of someone else trying to do it for me.
Like Rachel, I, too, am "calling a penalty kick for the niche product", especially because they "demand and confront and haunt an audience", and stay with me long after the final credits have rolled.
I just hope that "Beautiful Kate" and any others that want to come with 'her' make their way to central Canada soon so I don't have to wait until my next trip downunder to see them.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
My biggest fan
Ah, in this modern age of technology, with all the communication tools at our disposal, it's easy to get trapped in the "what's wrong with me" cycle.
Got any followers for your blog? No.
Does anyone reply to your twitters? No.
Friends comment on your comments on Facebook? No.
Could make a person feel neglected, trivial, even boring.
From my experience, time, content and engagement seem to be the keys to success here, but ultimately, that depends on your measure of success and your original goal. Striving for popularity? Promoting yourself? Getting your message out? Letting others' messages in? Connecting with family? Casting a wider net? Wanting to be heard? Just because?
When I began blogging, twittering and facebooking, it was intended as a public outlet for spontaneous writing and quirky brain spurts, with a dash of curiosity on the side. That is still the course, but, I admit, lately I've let myself get trapped in the "what's wrong with me" cycle. Definitely a creativity killer, especially if I start down the "what should I be writing" road.
Positive action was required, so after spending too many hours checking to see who was 'following' me, I decided to cast off the blues and grays and sign up as my own biggest fan. Instantly lessened the pressure and allowed me to get back to what I originally set out to do - write.
If you're feeling a little neglected, trivial, or even boring, do what you can to break the cycle, stay the course, and free the creativity. Your fans will love you for it, no matter who they are!
PS If you would like to follow me, that would be great. If not, also great. I'll happily continue doing what I do with the ultimate goal being ... well, you'll have to stay tuned if you want to find out what that is.
Got any followers for your blog? No.
Does anyone reply to your twitters? No.
Friends comment on your comments on Facebook? No.
Could make a person feel neglected, trivial, even boring.
From my experience, time, content and engagement seem to be the keys to success here, but ultimately, that depends on your measure of success and your original goal. Striving for popularity? Promoting yourself? Getting your message out? Letting others' messages in? Connecting with family? Casting a wider net? Wanting to be heard? Just because?
When I began blogging, twittering and facebooking, it was intended as a public outlet for spontaneous writing and quirky brain spurts, with a dash of curiosity on the side. That is still the course, but, I admit, lately I've let myself get trapped in the "what's wrong with me" cycle. Definitely a creativity killer, especially if I start down the "what should I be writing" road.
Positive action was required, so after spending too many hours checking to see who was 'following' me, I decided to cast off the blues and grays and sign up as my own biggest fan. Instantly lessened the pressure and allowed me to get back to what I originally set out to do - write.
If you're feeling a little neglected, trivial, or even boring, do what you can to break the cycle, stay the course, and free the creativity. Your fans will love you for it, no matter who they are!
PS If you would like to follow me, that would be great. If not, also great. I'll happily continue doing what I do with the ultimate goal being ... well, you'll have to stay tuned if you want to find out what that is.
Monday, August 24, 2009
It's a dog's life
One thing I enjoy about our neighbourhood is the residents. The canine residents. Cooper, Copper, Shadow, Sam, Jakes, Scrappers, Harley and Mikey. Our girls, Annie and Sydney, made sure we all got to know each other, and even though, for the most part, we don't know their owners, it doesn't matter. In a dog's life, loyalty is extended to anyone who is kind and gentle and makes them feel part of the family.
Unfortunately, both our girls are now gone. Annie stayed with us for 17 years before deciding it was time to go, and shortly afterward, when Sydney was barely 10, she was stricken with lung cancer and had no choice but to leave. At first, it was awful for us. Walking was painful, the old routes were abandoned, visiting was no longer part of our equation.
However, as time passed and grief subsided, we succumbed to the call of the neighbourhood and ventured out, reacquainting ourselves with our canine friends. It was good to know they hadn't forgotten us, and spending time with them reminded us how much better our life is when dogs are a part of it.
Some people can welcome new dogs before or shortly after the loss of a faithful friend. Sadly, we are not those people. Until now, the best we could do was to live vicariously through our neighbourhood's canine residents, but I sense that the time is coming. There are a few things we need to do first, but we are just being careful, making sure we can give them what they need to feel loved and safe.
A dog's life is meant to be with people. People who are kind and gentle and will make them feel part of the family. We can do that. We will do that. It's what our girls would want us to do.
Unfortunately, both our girls are now gone. Annie stayed with us for 17 years before deciding it was time to go, and shortly afterward, when Sydney was barely 10, she was stricken with lung cancer and had no choice but to leave. At first, it was awful for us. Walking was painful, the old routes were abandoned, visiting was no longer part of our equation.
However, as time passed and grief subsided, we succumbed to the call of the neighbourhood and ventured out, reacquainting ourselves with our canine friends. It was good to know they hadn't forgotten us, and spending time with them reminded us how much better our life is when dogs are a part of it.
Some people can welcome new dogs before or shortly after the loss of a faithful friend. Sadly, we are not those people. Until now, the best we could do was to live vicariously through our neighbourhood's canine residents, but I sense that the time is coming. There are a few things we need to do first, but we are just being careful, making sure we can give them what they need to feel loved and safe.
A dog's life is meant to be with people. People who are kind and gentle and will make them feel part of the family. We can do that. We will do that. It's what our girls would want us to do.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Reality bites
I gave it until today, but alas, nothing. And I doubt it's going to happen now.
Early yesterday morning when I went to the store to post some letters, I found a wallet lying next to a very big truck. Since there were hardly any other vehicles in the lot, it was pretty obvious that it belonged to the driver of that truck. A quick check of the ID, and the wallet and its very relieved owner, Dylan, were reunited without delay. Everyone was happy.
Unfortunately, the same did not happen for me and my wallet. The last day I was in Australia, somewhere between the Darrell Lea chocolate shop and the rendezvous point with my mum, my wallet disappeared. A small amount of money (thank goodness I bought my chocolate supplies before I lost the wallet!), credit card, bank card, and various other bits and pieces of no value to anyone else - all gone in an instant. My mum reimbursed me the money (thanks, Mum), and the cards were cancelled, so in the end, it wasn't too great a loss.
Except for two very important personal items. A photo of my dad that I have had with me since he died 25 years ago. A bit tattered and torn now, it had been trimmed down over the years to fit ever-decreasing wallet sizes. But it was a great photo, the way I remember him, full of life and good humour. The other photo was snapped by an American serviceman on R and R leave about 38 years ago - another story in itself, but suffice to say it was a special memento from a difficult time.
With no trace of the wallet anywhere, self blame quickly set in - "So stupid! How could I have been so careless?!" - and then reality took over - "It could have been worse, and I do have other photos." But now, two weeks after the fact, it's not the loss of the contents that continues to bug me; it’s the missed opportunity for someone to step up.
Presuming the wallet was actually found, it would have been so easy to hand it in to security at the shopping centre, or call my brother’s mobile phone number, or even send it - intact or otherwise - to my Canadian address. Simple acts that would have meant so much.
Regrettably, not everyone wants to step up, but oh, what a world this would be if we did. And we could start by returning lost things to their rightful owners.
There is a slim possibility that the wallet with turn up, but I’m not holding out much hope. In the end, I can attest to the fact that when reality bites, it leaves an impression, a reminder, a mental note to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It makes for a much nicer world and a much happier ending.
Enjoy your returned wallet, Dylan!
Early yesterday morning when I went to the store to post some letters, I found a wallet lying next to a very big truck. Since there were hardly any other vehicles in the lot, it was pretty obvious that it belonged to the driver of that truck. A quick check of the ID, and the wallet and its very relieved owner, Dylan, were reunited without delay. Everyone was happy.
Unfortunately, the same did not happen for me and my wallet. The last day I was in Australia, somewhere between the Darrell Lea chocolate shop and the rendezvous point with my mum, my wallet disappeared. A small amount of money (thank goodness I bought my chocolate supplies before I lost the wallet!), credit card, bank card, and various other bits and pieces of no value to anyone else - all gone in an instant. My mum reimbursed me the money (thanks, Mum), and the cards were cancelled, so in the end, it wasn't too great a loss.
Except for two very important personal items. A photo of my dad that I have had with me since he died 25 years ago. A bit tattered and torn now, it had been trimmed down over the years to fit ever-decreasing wallet sizes. But it was a great photo, the way I remember him, full of life and good humour. The other photo was snapped by an American serviceman on R and R leave about 38 years ago - another story in itself, but suffice to say it was a special memento from a difficult time.
With no trace of the wallet anywhere, self blame quickly set in - "So stupid! How could I have been so careless?!" - and then reality took over - "It could have been worse, and I do have other photos." But now, two weeks after the fact, it's not the loss of the contents that continues to bug me; it’s the missed opportunity for someone to step up.
Presuming the wallet was actually found, it would have been so easy to hand it in to security at the shopping centre, or call my brother’s mobile phone number, or even send it - intact or otherwise - to my Canadian address. Simple acts that would have meant so much.
Regrettably, not everyone wants to step up, but oh, what a world this would be if we did. And we could start by returning lost things to their rightful owners.
There is a slim possibility that the wallet with turn up, but I’m not holding out much hope. In the end, I can attest to the fact that when reality bites, it leaves an impression, a reminder, a mental note to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It makes for a much nicer world and a much happier ending.
Enjoy your returned wallet, Dylan!
Friday, August 14, 2009
So many books, so little time!
When I come back - not that I'm planning on going anywhere soon - I want to come back as a reader. To go to various locations - coffee shop, a train, mountaintop, favourite chair by the window - with a book - good or otherwise - and read. No interruptions, no distractions, no agenda other than to consume as many titles as possible in as many genres as is practical. I may need to be wealthy, or I may only need to be dedicated to the cause. Either way, as a book editor and a prorogued bibliophage, I feel compelled, called even, by the endless supply of books already published and those waiting to see the light of day. Pick me, they demand. Read me, they implore. Live here, they tempt. Wait for me, they beg. Alas, I am only now trying to make up for lost time, mocked by shelves overly stacked with countless fiction and non-fiction titles that document, explore and foretell the then, the now and the morrow, standing as testaments to my intent, as well as indicators of my failure to read faster, or sooner. In amongst the good, the bad and the ugly, of late I have discovered some gems - The Inkheart series, The Book of Negroes, Lord of the Rings, For the Term of His Natural Life, The Herasaga - and many other titles worthy of the declaration "a fantastic read". All strong, yet meagre contributions to the list of must read/have read books. Regrettably, I will likely go to my grave with too many books - good or otherwise - left unread, perhaps even some that would have guided me much earlier in my desired profession as a reader. Ah, so many books, so little time, but I'm working on it!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Home away from home
A week back from Oz and already feeling the pangs. For Oz? Yes. For here? Yes. Confusing? Definitely!
They say that home is where the heart is, but what if the heart is split and the loyalties are evenly divided?
My guy is here, my friends are here, my life is here, my work is here. My family is there, my friends are there, my life is there, my history is there. More years spent there than here, but I'm not sure that really matters. Ideally, my guy and I would spend alternating three months in both places - winter and summer in Winnipeg, spring and autumn in Sydney. Of course, you need money to do that sort of thing, so not right now, but perhaps down the line ...
Funny how when I go back there, I slip right in as if I'd never been away. The family is always the priority - well, other than the Aussie bush and the chocolate - and the first port of all. Come down for dinner, stay a few days, can you help me with my homework, wanna play Snakes and Ladders, this is my new boyfriend, I can drive now and I'm taller than Mum, let's go shopping, let's go to the movies, let's go for a walk, anyone for a cuppa? Life as we know it.
Friends are the same, although this time some of them went one step further with a belated 50th birthday sleepover that involved little sleep, much laughter and frivolity, and some Aussie swag, lollies and biscuits - that's souvenirs, candy and cookies for those unfamiliar with Oz lingo.
This last trip, there was more time to see relatives I'd missed on previous visits, to catch up with people on several occasions, to travel further than before (and more often, given that I had a car the entire six weeks - thanks, Howard!), to get my website updated (thanks, Peter!), to stock up on chocolate and other assorted treats (enough to fill almost an entire suitcase!!!!!), and to just sit and chat. A very relaxed and successful trip. Thanks to everyone for adjusting your schedules and making time for me!
By the way, those of you who have experienced the idiosyncrasies of both countries will be happy to know that I still got confused from time to time with the light switches, windscreen wipers, money, and crossing the streets, but I have mastered the art of driving on both sides of the road - not at the same time, of course!
Ultimately, you know you are at home in a place when you can slot right in regardless of how long you've been gone. And since I generally manage a return visit every year or so, I guess I'm never really gone from either place for very long at all.
For now, wherever I am, it's my home away from home, and that's just fine with me! But if I get that chance to split my time, well, that will be a whole other story ...
They say that home is where the heart is, but what if the heart is split and the loyalties are evenly divided?
My guy is here, my friends are here, my life is here, my work is here. My family is there, my friends are there, my life is there, my history is there. More years spent there than here, but I'm not sure that really matters. Ideally, my guy and I would spend alternating three months in both places - winter and summer in Winnipeg, spring and autumn in Sydney. Of course, you need money to do that sort of thing, so not right now, but perhaps down the line ...
Funny how when I go back there, I slip right in as if I'd never been away. The family is always the priority - well, other than the Aussie bush and the chocolate - and the first port of all. Come down for dinner, stay a few days, can you help me with my homework, wanna play Snakes and Ladders, this is my new boyfriend, I can drive now and I'm taller than Mum, let's go shopping, let's go to the movies, let's go for a walk, anyone for a cuppa? Life as we know it.
Friends are the same, although this time some of them went one step further with a belated 50th birthday sleepover that involved little sleep, much laughter and frivolity, and some Aussie swag, lollies and biscuits - that's souvenirs, candy and cookies for those unfamiliar with Oz lingo.
This last trip, there was more time to see relatives I'd missed on previous visits, to catch up with people on several occasions, to travel further than before (and more often, given that I had a car the entire six weeks - thanks, Howard!), to get my website updated (thanks, Peter!), to stock up on chocolate and other assorted treats (enough to fill almost an entire suitcase!!!!!), and to just sit and chat. A very relaxed and successful trip. Thanks to everyone for adjusting your schedules and making time for me!
By the way, those of you who have experienced the idiosyncrasies of both countries will be happy to know that I still got confused from time to time with the light switches, windscreen wipers, money, and crossing the streets, but I have mastered the art of driving on both sides of the road - not at the same time, of course!
Ultimately, you know you are at home in a place when you can slot right in regardless of how long you've been gone. And since I generally manage a return visit every year or so, I guess I'm never really gone from either place for very long at all.
For now, wherever I am, it's my home away from home, and that's just fine with me! But if I get that chance to split my time, well, that will be a whole other story ...