Brrrrr

Hi Linda,

How are you?

I’m glad to hear you had a weekend full of food and art. That’s what I call a good weekend. I’m also glad to hear that you got your computer fixed and a camera. I’ll be expecting photos soon.

I was wondering why the mentions of your sister were a bit low, but… maybe it’s ’cause she really came to Ottawa to see Steve? Ha.

I looked at the artists you sent me. I think I’ve seen Robert Davidson’s work at the Canadian Museum of Civilization – have you popped by there before? – but Ron Mueck’s body of work is entirely new to me. His work on the Body (I know, I just said “body of work” and then “his work on the Body”… I could not resist) is quite fascinating; the hyper-realistic detail must be fabulously interesting up-close. I would love to see the Pregnant Woman and the follow-up Mother and Baby. I also really like In Bed and Boy, the way they interact with the space and the viewer.

By the way, what is this “not so pleasant life-related situation in Ottawa” you mentioned?

I’ve been having a fairly quiet few days, but in a good way. See, I have managed to do all my work… not only on time… but some of it early. I even got an extension on something I botched up on. Besides redoing an assignment and basking in the joy of not having to do anything, I spent a lot of time doodling (something for my brother, a life drawing session) and other little experimental things (like making a mini sock and a sewing disaster).

I also watched a lot of Top Gear. Can you believe I’ve gotten addicted to a car show, Linda?

Also, I started reading Gone with the Wind. Have you ever read that, Linda? I had to put it down; the pre-Abolition, pre-feminism feel of it really bothered me. Plus, I can’t get past the part about Scarlett getting date-raped. I suppose I should really summon some courage to pick up “the American classic” again, but maybe not now. I so wouldn’t pretend to be American, lol. (That sounds so much worse than I mean, lol.)

Speaking of American, I was just reading an article from the New York Times, and good grief Linda, am I glad high school’s behind us! In particular, the freaking out over university… if I read this article two years ago, I’d have been in such a state. And this was shortly after researching a prep school out of curiosity… it’s so weird across the border, Linda… how does one decide on one of the gazillion colleges? And high school? We just chose the one closest to us, or had some special program. Here, “special program” just means “French studies” or “emphasis on art”… or at least that’s what I used to think. I don’t remember the gifted program being mentioned or recommended by our teachers, though maybe that’s just me being “average”, lol. Oh Linda, aren’t you relieved that you weren’t brought up think getting into the school with the best reputation was the be-all and end-all of the young adult stage? And then to worry over how cool you are (“cool jeans”? I only care that I have feel-good jeans that don’t have holes)… While we shared these concerns, I don’t think we got in this hyper-state. I didn’t at least – I think this comes from living in such a diverse place as Toronto and pragmatic as Canada. I’m also really glad that I read this article at a time when I’m feeling really proud and happy to be where I am – but maybe that doesn’t count as much when my faculty is one of the most competitive in the country…

That’s pretty much it for me lately. I just had my very last class of the school year, so now I guess I have little excuse not to crack down and study… but if it weren’t for the extreme chill and rain and my slight malaise, I’d be out shopping… maybe tomorrow though. Speaking of material goods, I also got a very lovely belated birthday present yesterday… luxury yarn! I’m very pleased. I’ll be blogging about its transformation to what I hope to be a sweater and its conception on My Other Blog. (I like how “My Other Blog” has a bit of a mischievous connotation. I’m very mature.)

Oh yes, about the weekend… well, I’m glad to hear that you’ll be in town and then hopefully having a great time back in Guelph. However, I’m not planning to go home myself. I’ll have to return in a few weeks anyway, and I’d like to enjoy one of my last weekends away from the parents. I also made tentative plans and wanted to stay on this side of town for the weekend. I suppose I didn’t mention that going home from York on the weekend is maybe a couple hours’ commute, and I don’t think my parents want me home either. However, if you have any plans outside of the east end, I could be up for it.

How’s the weather over in Ottawa/Gatineau? It’s kinda not-quite-winter-nor-yet-spring here… to be honest, I’d rather have winter back, instead of feeling constantly surprised by the cold…

Mary