There is one art of which man should be master, the art of reflection. -Samuel Taylor Coleridge, poet (21 Oct 1772-1834)
Up at 5:15 am to find Jo-Anne in the kitchen having a bit of breakfast. She made me a java and we set off for YVR just after 5:30 am. Very little traffic and I think we made every light on Granville so had her at US Departures about 5:55 am. Unloaded her suitcase, a kiss and a hug and then a quick snapola and I wished her Bon Voyage. She wished us safe travels in India and then we waved goodbye. Back home by 6:30 am as traffic was a bit heavier by them. Sarge was pulling out of the parkade just as I was walking to the door so we chatted briefly, making plans to see them this evening, after our shift finishes.
Back upstairs to tip-toe around kitchen as I made myself some breakfast. Zapped some delish overlefs from JT's fridge and started to work my way through all the messages I have neglected since leaving Penticton. Cora Lee was off to he dentist, for a 9:00 am appointment, so after a scrumptious bowl of overlefts, enjoyed while answering messages, I suited/lubed up and was on the road by 10:00 am. Knew I had but a limited amount of time as I wanted to attend a 1:00 pm session, Against All Odds. This being the case, I set out to do another "flat-lander" ride as I imagined I could discharge the required distance in around an hour and twenty minutes if I could keep my AVG above 22 kph. Was quite cloudy and overcast when I set out for Science World and after I had dipsy-doodled my route regulare there, clocking 20 km, a very light rain started as I made my way, along the Seawall, towards Stanley Park. Thought I was in for a bit of a soaking but took comfort in the fact that the precipitation would keep all those pesky tourists and dangerous recreational bikers off "my personal cycle path"! This turned out to be the case so I whizzed along, in more or less, splendid isolation, doing but one loop of Lost lagoon, with an extended foray along the Coal Harbour Seawall, as far as the Seaplane Terminal, before retracing my steps home. Back at just befoer 12:30 pm so had time for a quick mug of java and a shower/change before heading off to Performance Works, arriving shortly after the session had barely started. Stats for ride:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/934384896#.VighEqXkEIs.email
The session was listed as being suitable for grades 5-8 and what a session it was, featuring Michel Chikwanine, who, at five, was kidnapped by Congolese rebel soldiers who hauled him into the jungle to be trained as a child soldier. He was playing soccer with his friend Kevin, when abducted, and the first thing he was forced to do, when he and the other children were trucked to the rebel camp was to shoot Kevin! Talk about a harrowing tale yet two weeks later he managed to escape, somehow surviving this nightmare, to be reunited with his family. He and his mother and two sisters, (His father, a lawyer, was killed for his social activism and one sister "disappeared" while they were refugees in Uganda.), landed in Ottawa in -42º C, (Michel had the audience howling with laughter as he described "smoke" coming out of his mouth and nose as he descended the stairs onto the runway tarmac.), to begin a new life.
Growing up, as he did, amid the terror of the Great War of Africa, it is almost impossible to believe that he is now an accomplished motivational speaker, addressing audiences across North America. He left us with a new perspective on life, a sense of hope through social responsibility, and a desire for change. In large part, he collaborated on his graphic novel Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War to be used as an educational resource to help students, and adults, of course, everywhere understand what is still happening to hundreds of thousands of children across the globe. [Michel began his presentation with a remarkable, visual presentation which provided the audience with a most informative overview of Africa, its size and the complexity of its languages and culture, a much needed counter-balance to what is, unfortunately, often the stereotypical view of this amazing continent.] What strength! What courage!! What a tale of love and hope!!!
While Tanya Lloyd Kyi has not experienced the incredible, true stories of survival, (Like 17-year old Juliane, who lived through a plane crash, falling 10,000' out of the sky when the plane was struck by lightening, into the Amazon jungle.), her book, When the Worst Happens, chronicles the same fierce courage, tenacity and will to live of "ordinary" individuals faced with the same impossible, life-threatening odds that were forced upon Michel. Both speakers were riveting and certainly uplifting. The student groups were held spell-bound, as was I, and their questions, posed towards the end of the session, were impressively articulate and insightful. What a testament to humanity! In spite of doom everywhere, (global warming, famine and horrendous conflict, to name but a few of the cataclysms which bombard us), there is hope and we, as individuals, can act to make a difference.
Home to have a bite to eat and change before leaving at 4:45 pm to set up bar for the first session at Studio 1398, Shock and Awful, focusing on horror fiction, not a genre, incidentally, I'm at all fond off. Nevertheless I wanted to listen to Yrsa again as I was so taken with her articulate manner and wonderfully droll humour. Was not at all disappointed either as it appears that horror fiction seems to be changing "as authors who work in other genres turn their hands to this genre. Samuel Archibald lectures on fiction and horror movies at the University of Quebec, and his latest stories feature wild beasts and ritual mutilation. Giller Prize-nominated Craig Davidson has also published three horror novels, which Stephen King raved 'scared the hell out of me.' Iceland’s Yrsa Sigurðardóttir writes crime and children’s fiction, but her stand-alone horror novels are reviewed as 'stomach-churning' and 'genuinely bone-chilling.'
Was delighted to listen to the panel discuss their attraction to horror as well as speculating upon the reader’s fascination with horror. Think I'll start my foray into this genre with Yrsa's I Remember You but I've plenty of other books to read before then! After the venue had been emptied we set the bar up again for the next session. I had been awarded a complimentary ticket, (much to Lady Mary's significant annoyance!), to Sisters in Crime, next door at the Waterfront Theatre. Since it didn't start until 8:30 pm, I helped at the bar until just before it was to be closed and then high-tailed it to Waterfront. Ended up sitting with good friends, Angela and George McWhirter, (former Poet Laurette of Vancouver), so it was great to be able to catch up with them.
Only author on panel I didn't know was Sara Blaedel, "voted Denmark’s most popular novelist, (Her detective, Louise Rick, is known in 23 countries.), for the fourth time in 2014. Even as a child this “queen of crime” found peace with crime novels. Detective Inspector Alex Morrow, the creation of Glasgow’s Denise Mina, (She was at the VWF two years ago and we have been reading her work for sometime now. Denise, in addition to being a fabulous writer, is an absolute delight. Both she and Yrsa share a truly remarkable sense of humour so it is almost like a comedy routine listening to them!), and knows first-hand the social evils that create criminals, having encountered some of the worst through five novels so far. Mina is praised by Ian Rankin as “the most exciting crime writer to have emerged in Britain for years.” At the summit of Nordic crime writing is Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, whose Thora Gudmundsdottir crime novels have been translated into 30 languages."
The Sinister Sisterhood, as I dubbed them, certainly did not disappoint and it was a rollicking romp through crime fiction that had the audience sitting on the edge of their seats or rolling in the aisles, wanting more! I chatted with the three when having their books signed and almost feel as if I know them slightly, certainly Denise and Yrsa, given previous contact, as they are so friendly, warm and engaging. Lonnie Propas, the moderator for the session, is the Artistic Director of the new Vancouver International Crime Fiction Festival, Cuffed, to be held next year, in March, from the 11th-13th, so I "insisted" he have them all back! They agreed so who knows!
Back home before Mme Coriandre so I started to re-arrange my luggage. Need to start paring down my overseas bag as we have to be concerned about weight restrictions, particularly on the number of internal flights we will be taking once in India.When she was back we chatted about our sessions over a bite of late supper and a bottle of wine, 2007 Domaine du Pourra, La Reserve, Gigondas, 15.5%, a wonderful jam bomb I brought back from our trip to France in 2013! Both of us were tired by close to midnight so we brushed and flossed, read for a bit and then turned off our bed-side lamps for Dreamsville.
Hi Pat Sorry for lat reply. I just saw your email today and thank you very much for your kindness and generosity as always.
I have been sick off and on since I came back from vacation Oct 1/15 and on medication since beginning of October. My doctor advised me to rest and exercise and I am on sick leave until Oct 31st. I am feeling much better today. I did not have a chance to get outside today. Just rested at home.
I can see you and Corinne either on Wed Oct 21 at 11 am-2 pm OR Saturday Oct 24: 11 am-2:00 pm Best, Tip
Hi Tip! Thanks for your reply. So sorry to learn that you have not been well. Cannot even imagine what you have been through but it certainly isn't surprising that your body had reached a point where it simply couldn't go on. Do hope that your recovery will be soon and in full.
Unfortunately, it looks as if we may well not be able to connect, given your schedule and ours. As I think I mentioned, we are volunteering at the Vancouver Writers Festival until Sunday. Our assigned shifts are such that we are pretty busy, often until 10:00 pm, and what with errands, (Corinne is at the dentist as I write.), needed for coming trip to India, (We leave on October 27th), we are jam-packed. I do feel quite badly as we certainly hoped we could see you.
Nonetheless, we send along our love and warm regards to you and Jim and family. We will be back in Vancouver, from time to time, and perhaps on one of these visits we might be able to see each other. Until then, please take care of yourself. Fondest of fond regards, Corinne and Patrick.
Glad you are settling in. We are in the midst of our volunteer time at the writers festival. Off to the dentist this morning. And then some errands. Getting excited about India. enjoy Penticton Best Corinne
Hi Jo-Anne! Thanks for your reply. Mad Hatter's Tea Party sounded wonderful! Unfortunately, it looks as if we may well not be able to connect. Nonetheless, we send along our warm regards and best wishes to you and Colin. As you might expect, we will be back in Vancouver, from time to time, and perhaps on one of these visits we will be able to arrange to see each other. Until then, take care of each other. Fondestos and Cheers, Cora Lee and Patrizzio! Pics" Gloria from Pemberton Distillery; George; Cora Lee and Julia; Anne, Hannah and Ysra
Hi had a good flight. Best welcome ever! The girls were waiting for me on the driveway jumping up and down calling meme. Having so much fun & lots of hugs. Thanks Patrick for getting up so early and driving me to the airport. Enjoy
Joanne That's great! We are busy with festival but enjoying your place. Have a great time, Hugs Corinne
Hi JT et al! Thanks for letting us know you arrived safely to The Red Carpet Treatment! What a reception!!! Life here goes well. We've had an offer on your apartment already and have signed for $1,000,000. Sarge said you could bunk with them when you are back. The sale will really help with the modest renovations we are planning , once back from Inja!
The overlefts have been fabulous. I had the shrimp for dinner and am just waiting for the ambulance. I think I'll be fine once they pump my stomach at VGH Emergency. Thanks for leaving them. I don't feel quite so badly now about selling your place! VWF has been wonderful so we are delighting in being here with such easy, quick access to the venues. Sell date has been finalized for the morning we fly to Chennai so we will have plenty of rupees to spend there. Thanks so much for trusting us. Sorry to leave you in the lurch, so to speak, but life with Clan Sutherland won't be all bad.
On another note, key you left for your storage locker is not the one that opens the lock so I took a chain-saw to the door and Mme Coriandre started painting this evening. The Chartreuse looks pretty spiffy, at least in the living room, where Cora Lee did a large test patch! A few drops on the carpet and couch but nothing that a little sulfuric acid won't fix.
I suggest that you think about staying in Phoenix, JT, for a few months, only until the dust settles, and we have time to move the money from the sale of your place into an offshore account. Trust this missive finds you well. Thanks again for the entrepreneurial opportunity. Knowing you, JT, I know that this won't, in any way, affect our enduring friendship. Fondestos and Best Wishes from Mme Coriandre, already thinking about new shoes. Cheers, from an undisclosed location, Patrizzio!
This is followup to tonight's text message. Sue can't meet with us at 3:00 on Friday. She could be at a meeting by 5:00 but that is the start of Patrick's shift and maybe interrupts Nancy's other plans.
It would be best if all of us could meet at one time but if not, it's most important that Patrick, Nancy and I get together. Sue says she'll meet with me later if she can't make the group meeting. Please let me know as soon as possible whether you could meet at 5:00 or should we three meet at 3:00. Reply by email or call me at home tonight or tomorrow morning. Thank you.
I prefer 3pm Friday but can do 5pm if you prefer. J Hello One and All! On Friday, I can meet at 3:00 pm or 5:00 pm, or both, (as I'm a slow learner!), so let me know where and when and I'll appear at the appointed time(s)! Cheers,
Patrizzio! Grazie, Patrizzio. Will let you know when/where soon as I know! C
This coming Monday we will be on Campbell Mountain, near the Penticton dump. Gill and Phil will be taking us up a trail near the beginning of Spiller Rd. We will be 3 hours or less. We will be leaving Home Hardware in Penticton at 9 am and Summerlanders can carpool from the IGA parking lot at 8:40am. Afterwards we will have coffee or whatever at OPUS.
Dear friends! I hope I am not totally blocking your mail! Just got these out of my mobile. We thank you so much for taking care of us during our travel. Just great seeing you all again! I hope we will return soon. Boys have gotten great appetite on returning to North America. Los Angeles and Canada were top of the trip! Penticton was very nice and no wonder you' settled thrre, Patrick and Corinne.
I wish you a wonderful and exciting trip to India. You will experience things you'd never seen/eaten/smelled/sensed before. AND - Have a safe trip! Yesterday peter and Johan celebrated their 15th birthday. We'll peter was home with illness and Johan insisted n taking af day off because he was tired... Fortunately Johan is working harder at school this term, and is taking a little more responsibility. I We stay in touch - and - how went the election Monday? A big hug from each of us...Margareta
This coming Monday we will be on Campbell Mountain, near the Penticton dump. Gill and Phil will be taking us up a trail near the beginning of Spiller Rd. We will be 3 hours or less. We will be leaving Home Hardware in Penticton at 9 am and Summerlanders can carpool from the IGA parking lot at 8:40am. Afterwards we will have coffee or whatever at OPUS.
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