One of the greatest actors of our generation died today. I don’t have a whole lot to say. I mourn the loss of his life, I think of his kids and wife, I think of all the artists he will not nurture, I think of all the plays he will not direct, I think of all the films he will not make. Though Philip died of addiction and my friend of a brain tumor, I have to admit this reminds me of Jeremy Tow, who died near this age, way too young, and one of the most talented people I…
Today Nora says, “Mom, we need a pajama party.” And she’s right. So we head down to Memphis blues and order something slow cooked and Elvis, minus the peanut butter and the pussycats. Then we bag the 101 Dalmations at the Black Dog video store (if only because we can) get home and snuggle up in our tackiest fuzziest plaid pajammies with our chosen libations: hot chocolate and marshmallows for Nora, Temptations for Licorice and 1.5 oz of Bookers bourbon on ice for Mommy. I enjoy the evening 80%. 20% of me is very anxious that I spent money I…
I am writing to you half corked. A bit of an experiment. I didn’t expect to be blotto this evening, but it has been quite the adventure. A very busy day was followed by a mad cap evening. I picked up Serwa, a mother of a child Nora plays with at school, and I took her to the Arts Club opening of The Odd Couple. To my understanding, she had never been to a live theatre production before. She thought I was taking her to a movie and was very surprised to learn we were seeing live actors. And because…
My cat is in heat. This is not a euphemism. Being a first time cat owner, this is a whole new world for me. I was going to get her fixed this next week…but I missed the moon and the witching hour is upon us. This fur ball is hormones on roller-skates. She’s purring a deep low rumble: Barry White with claws. Then a yearning yowl as intense and wanting as any cougar stuck alone at the bar at last call. She presses her little fuzzy face against the window “let me out, LET ME OUT, my destiny is waiting!”…
I amble towards the sweet little brick school house and expect the usual flounce of scrappy ringlets to bound down the stairs begging for a playdate or another twenty minutes in the park…but today…she glides. She has the most serene expression I’ve ever seen. It’s pure ecstasy of Santa Theresa d’Avila. I don’t want to interrupt her rapture. She glides past me, a grade three vapour of delight, even her huge backpack seems weightless. She radiates homeworklessness. But more than that… “You seem…well…” I say. My eight year old daughter sighs, eyes dreamy, all hazel heavenwards. “Mom, I have never…
I experienced some fine art this week that made me tired and cynical. So tired and cynical I haven’t felt like writing today. I know, like any selfish critic, I could use my words to mock the work instead of analyze it. Art is an easy target because it stands in front of us naked. Shooting down art is like shooting puppies in a basket. That said, we want fine art to be identifiably “fine” if it is going to get a government grant, public donated resources and my ticket money. The trick is, who defines “fine”? I’ve been on…
I decide to go to a town hall meeting tonight. The only reason I am taking time out of my busy busy life right now, with three scripts due by the end of January, is because a nice rather handsome fellow asked me if I was going, since it was about the film industry. And I never make time to connect with people outside of my circle. I should. I should make an effort. So, I write to tell him “I’ll go!” Of course, you know how this story goes…I rush dinner to put effort into looking effortlessly beautiful and…he…
My new naturopath is German. I will call her Dr. Hildegaard von Stingen, and I’m telling you, that is not an exaggeration. She is wiry and strong and likely in her sixties. Urbane ethically sound clothing, cut beautifully simple. Sharp white hair. Aquiline nose. Efficient with all her movements. She asks my name and I get the impression that’s about as personal as she wants to get. “Why are you here?” When I start in explaining my elimination diet and suspected allergies and chronic skin irritation she interrupts me. “And how is the self diagnosis going?” (subtext: you are a…
If one can’t be the best wife ever…one can aspire to be the best ex-wife ever. When I met Michael I knew I wanted him to be part of my family. If you know him, you know why. He’s an incredible guy and a terrific Dad. I am so grateful. Of course we have a whole history that is private. That is tragic. But unbelievably, we’ve come through the other side as loving supportive respectful co-parents who genuinely like each other. It could have gone another way. We could have easily decided to hold a grudge and feel justified in…
Writing and prayer have always meant the same thing to me. When I was a little girl and things got dark or lonely or frightening, I would line up words like a little boy might line up toy soldiers, and I would build a beautiful fortress with them. I’d create a “better place”. I’d make dreams come true. And I always took care to give myself a lead role and a terrific costume. Nothing has changed. I was largely unchurched growing up. Perhaps that is why I’ve never felt the need to rebel against my faith because it was never…
