There isn't always an explanation for everything ...

Now that I am finished ‘Town & Country’ (the writing part of it anyway), I have started paying attention to the rumblings of some new characters of the male persuasion, Alf Minor and Joshua Fox.  There are other faces also appearing but I am taking the time to pay attention to Alf and Josh’s whispers first.  I’ve been listening to them actively.  Alf woke me from my sleep last night to tell me a few things so I’ve tonight I plugged my headphones in, turned on some old music and started surfing and researching some of the things that will take their story to the next phase, the actual meat and potatoes, the writing.

Alf is the older of the two characters but I can’t tell if this is his story or Josh’s tale.  They are both vying for my attention and so I need to be certain as to which angle I take.  It has to be the right one to stay true to the story they want to tell me so I can re-tell it to you.  I have a feeling it’ll take some time to sort out but I have nothing but so I’m good to go.  And, now that I have the proper tools for my craft, I can be as prolific or as relaxed as I want to be.  The forecast for this coming Saturday is rainy, so guess what I’ll be doing during the day?  You guessed it, creating!

This Sunday I have a special artist date planned for myself, a play.  I’m going to see ‘Having Hope At Home’ at Neptune Theatre.  John Dunsworth, widely known as Mr. Lahey on Trailer Park Boys is among the cast.  I’m really excited to take my seat in the balcony and get lost in it.  Nothing more amazing than a story playing out live and in person, right in front of you.  It’s truly amazing.  I’ve also got a week before I get to see Blue Rodeo live.  It feels like it’s becoming a tradition to see them in the cold winter months.  Our seats for this show are incredible.  On the floor, in front of the stage, only a few rows back.  The following night I’ll be off to see Wintersleep at The Marquee.  What a busy weekend that’ll be!  And, then it’s Vince Neil and Platinum Blonde.  My 2014 is off to a great start when it comes to live shows, theatre and music.  Those experiences will all build my confidence and my passion for writing, sounds corny but it really does.  The energy, the lights, the action, the sweaty crowds – they feed me, make feel whole and alive.  Some people feel zen when they do yoga or make smoothies, I am zen, right in the core of my being, when I’m present at a show, watching artists make history and add to the soundtrack and chapters of my life, fuel me, so that I may be able to come sit here at this table and bang out a story.  It’s all full circle.

So yeah, Alf and Joshua are next.  It’s brewing, percolating, forming into something I will eventually be able to share with you.  And, if I haven’t mentioned it yet, the working title: ‘Elder Hemingway’.  That’s all I’m giving up so watch this space!

Must retire to my boudoir and drink red wine.  That’s what you’re supposed to do on Thursday night, right?

In propinquity,

Nic

Saturday Solace

So, here I am in my neighborhood Starbucks.  I am drinking coffee, writing on my laptop and feeling the weight of the world separating from my psyche.  This day, a grey Saturday, is vital for re-energizing my creative spirit.  I am moments away from finishing the first draft of my epistolary tale (still struggling to title the beast) and I am both elated and terrified.  It is the first piece of prose that I have ever finished that is over ten pages.  It clocks in at thirty one.  I’ve been working on it so long I feel like I need eyes so I’ve enlisted a friendly reader for a test run, someone whose opinion I trust.  I think sharing this monster will be helpful, to see what I’ve missed and what I should omit.

It took a long time to realize the story’s ending.  And, when it revealed itself I was quite taken aback.  I hadn’t expected that kind of ending but alas it is not my story it is Imelda and Brucha’s tale and I have to be true to their days.  But, the burning question STILL remains, what the blazes is this story called?!  It will come, it always does but I am so used to writing with something that is already titled.  This is something new for me.  I already have the title for my next piece so you can see why this is such a conundrum.

This whole life with a laptop thing is most excellent.  I bought a travel bag for my goods last night, something shiny, red and swanky.  In addition to the freedom it brings from being chained to a desk, it allows me to be outwardly inspired because I can write in coffee shops and wherever the wind blows me. 

I think I may try my first ever fish taco today before I venture home.  It’ll give me more time to muse on a title and today is one of those days where something new is just what the doctor ordered.  It’s been a long week of work and worry and restless nights so I am taking comfort in the little things, the creative things and new tastes, experiences and not missing the moments.  I may even dance tonight.  We shall see.

In propinquity,

Nic

Meet Victoria

She's my new writing partner!  Yep, she's shiny, efficient and everything I've ever wanted in an 'at home' writing pal.  Now I can blog until my guts fall out, write until my heart is content and surf endlessly.  On the internet that is.  I couldn't be happier.  I acquired a wireless printer/scanner/copier with her but it is vexing and I am a tech tard so I'm not sure why it isn't printing since there was a test print in the box when I opened it.  The good folks at Future Shop set everything up for me but the printer situation eludes me.  I called and the young girl who answered told me I needed a USB cord.  That would have been useful information to know when I was there picking everything up.  I will have to get a cord or wrangle someone in my circle who is tech savvy to lend a hand.

Tonight I shall celebrate by drinking coffee while exploring and maybe a bit of live rock 'n' roll before retiring with something Netflixy.   

I am a happy Bean today!  Those few who contributed to this cause by way of birthday and Christmas generosity, I am forever grateful for your love and support.  It is safe to say that when I am finished typing this, I am going to shut down and give Victoria a BIG welcome home hug (one that extends also to my lovely people who made her happen).

Happy Friday!!

In propinquity,

Nic

Destined Woman

Destined Woman

(for Colleen)

in the midst of the original tremble

comes a rough draft of a classic lyric

with sounds as sweet as spontaneous colour

cultivated and managed by a Destined Woman

and set on fire by stars that line up precisely 2x2

reviews decant fluidly from a cluster of caustic critics

lost in a world of deep kisses and beach umbrellas

they say, 'her allure lies in the confines of glorious disarray'

they say, 'she's precocious, thoughtful, an evocative girl'

many are enamored with the Destined Woman

many follow her faithfully into uncharted territory

they harmonize quietly with her melodious message

in the midst of daring to dance in the dark

comes the heart of an Affectionate Witness

a cheery talkative woman wearing a friendship bracelet

caught between calm delight and the things she knows

she reminds the Destined Woman she's as cool as a summer breeze

that 'freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose'

that the dialogue of the faithful and of the Heavens truly exist

that she will elevate high above the hurt and heartbreak warfare

that her destiny is the embrace and gleam of perpetual goodness

the Destined Woman is as loved

as a celebrated and timeless song

the Destined Woman is cadence

the Destined Woman rises and commands an ardent few

the Destined Woman stands in allegiance with thunder

the Destined Woman is surrounded by every particle of pure love

every speck to wash away the regretful melancholy of yesterdays

this poem for the Destined Woman is an occasion 

written by an entertaining raconteur for a heartfelt casue: love

**

This poem was written for my oldest, dearest friend, Colleen.  She turns 40 today, exactly one month after I did.  It can be difficult to choose the perfect gift for someone you've known so long for such a milestone, so I did what comes naturally and I put it down in words.  My life is full of wonderful friends, fabulous women and I celebrate them always for the gifts they give, not on special occasions but each and every day.  I'm happy that my first blog post of 2014 is dedicated to one of them.

Love your people.  Tell them so and celebrate them, not just for the big things but the moments because they add up to something called kinship.

In propinquity,

Nic