>the thoughts you once gave me sound like the wind in my ears that blows out the knots i’ve got in my long brown hair

check out my film review of Precious Life, a documentary that made the Oscar short-list . . . . was I a bit too harsh?

abigail keeso made this for me. she’s awesomesauce.

this past week, my panel discussion at York U was held, and it was a massive success. i thought maybe 10 people would show up, but between 80-100 students and alumni packed the house, all interested in picking my brain about the Writing & Publishing bidnizz. i was delighted to answer everyone’s questions, and delighted that, even with book sales in decline, people still want to carry the writing torch forward!

this was my name plate. Oh happyjaculations!

it was a bit of a mind-fuck returning to York after so many years have passed since I graduated. the campus has changed! what used to be farm land and fields are now bustling buildings and lecture halls. incredible.

and just the fact that my alma mater invited me to return to speak about my career as a writer was an incredibly flattering and humbling experience.

there were 5 of us in total on the panel, and we spoke very briefly about ourselves before opening it up to the floor to ask us questions…so for two lightning-fast hours, we answered questions about how what to expect when you become a writer (key phrases that were repeated several times were “you gotta hustle!” and “apply for grants!”)

after the panel discussion was over, there was literally a line-up of people wanting to talk to me, to ask specific questions, or even those who just wanted to come up and say hi. it was such a lovely environment.

i’m so glad i was able to participate in such an event, and would gladly do more in the future! shout out to Sara for hooking a sistah up!

* * *

the Next Stage Theatre Fest had it’s opening night this past week with delicious food provided by Smoke’s Poutinerie, Shanghai Cowgirl, Mariachis, Merci Mon Ami & Butler’s Pantry.

i was lucky enough to snag a few tickets to some of the shows (and let me tell you, tickets are selling out FAST so get tickets now) and hung out in the McAuslan Beer Tent set up in the Factory Theatre garden to hang out with some of the coolest theatre practitioners and enthusiasts in the country. seriously, even though i don’t drink, beer tents=TONS OF WIN.

the great thing about the festivals like Next Stage is that it affords the theatre community (local and international) an opportunity to support its hard-working artists. of course you have some infamous names in the industry mounting shows (judith thompson) but you also have fresh faces and emerging artists making their debuts (the entire cast of Sick), so you get a great blend of ideas, styles, and stories.

and, of course, tickets are redonkulously inexpensive for the quality theatre you are presented with! forget the mirvishes (seriously, i rarely patron the mirvishes, toooooo expensive!), go see some regional theatre by the blokes who live on the same street as you and drink at the cameron house. all your mates are waiting for you at the beer tent!

ps see Duel of Ages. seriously.

the fest is on until the 16th, so you still have lots of time!

* * *

so i’ve been going through a tough time lately, and i was a bit vocal about it in the public arena, which i felt silly about afterwards . . . that is, until a whole bunch of you messaged me to show your support. i guess broadcasting my life online isn’t so bad when you get support from your followers and mates who love you. one such message i received (who, of course, will remain anonymous to protect their privacy) made me flat out bawl (in a happy way):

” i hope you know that i’ve always enjoyed seeing you and talking to you, and that has been from years and years ago, long before twitter and blogging, back to tarragon spring arts fair and york and fringe vignettes in the dark and that victoria goring show in the club and you working at passe muraille and being (when i was first getting to know who you were) this young vibrant smart beautiful theatre artist who i knew would really make a mark for herself someday. and who has.”

this person was in the aforementioned beer tent the other night, so when i saw them, i pushed my way through the crowd and beeeeeeearrrrrrrrrrrrrr-hugggggggggged them.

this is literally the nicest message i’ve ever received. so thoughtful and caring. i didn’t even realize this person KNEW of all that stuff i’ve done. half of my best friends don’t even remember some of this stuff. so thank you, my friend, for giving a shit.

it’s been a really sad holiday season for me. lots of tears in realizing i’m disposable to a lot of people i deeply cared about. but, like the MAN said…