Scribblings and scrabblings

What does that even mean, you ask? Well, the next stop on my "western tour" as I like to call it (heheh) was Edmonton, and I had the privilege of experiencing art of both the written and visual kind. It was balm to my soul...did I say that already?...and I started to feel like I could really join this world, this type of genre. Isn't it crazy to think that we can actually pursue our dreams? For some reason it's a radical thought sometimes for me.

Anyways, I got to spend some time with my cousin Julie and her family, and attend a poetry reading as part of the Edmonton Poetry Festival, which she is involved with. Not sure what to expect, as last time I had been to one with her, I was so much younger, insecure and not really able to take in the poetry as well. This time, I felt like a peer, like I belonged here, and the poetry was punctuated by a harpist playing between readers; it was enriching, inspiring, and I went home and wrote three poems out of it.

That's what art should be, I realized then- it should make you want to create something yourself. Art begets more art, then.

We ate at a vegetarian restaurant on Whyte Ave and had a wonderful conversation about our lives, our likes and so on. She's brilliant, and profound, and I appreciate her insights and advice.

Julie and me

My friend Sharlene, with whom I stayed, was a wonderful host. We lived together in first year and have stayed in touch (you may remember her from when she came to Toronto and we went to the CN Tower). I have to say, she really spoiled me in humouring my whims, which resulted in trying to find one poetry reading location in a sketchy part of the city- I owe her for that one!One evening, I met her at her workplace, and we headed downtown to the Alberta Art Gallery. If you get a chance to go, I would highly recommend the experience; the glass and metal structure is remarkable, and I love how the staircase is situated.

When we went, there was a special exhibit on Degas («je raffole de Degas!»), and it was incredible! The bronze statue of the 14-year-old dancer was highlighted as part of it, and I so badly wanted to take a picture but I don't think the museum employee seated just next to it would have been too thrilled. I've seen photos of it, but they don't do it justice- you have to see it from all angles, in my opinion.

The view from the top floor, at the top of the stairs

Sharlene, striking a pose

Sweet staircase

Another friend I got to see was Lacie- we lived on the same floor on second year. It was a treat to see her again, and see her husband, and meet their cute kids. We had such a great chat at her house, and walked down the street to meet up with one of our profs who lives there now. I think we both have that spark when we get together, of just being able to pick up where you left off, and encourage each other in our goals. She's a great parent and I hope that she will pursue some of the ideas she shared with me; we both like to write and she's terrific at it.

That's my visit to Edmonton in a nutshell!