Little Ms. Laura Marling

I think my heart leapt across to England and back when I heard the news:

LAURA MARLING HAS A NEW ALBUM COMING OUT ON MARCH 22nd, 2010.

It's new content, ladies. Sorry, let me correct that -- it is fantastic new content. I am frothing at the mouth in anticipation. It's rumoured that her sound has become far more complex, rich, and even has certain exotic elements blended in, too. Hmm, seems she's carving a new path for the folk rock genre and stretching her alt pop influences to their furthest limits and beyond.

Oh, too much excitement for one evening.

The new album's titled I Speak Because I Can and the tentative track listing is thus:

• Devil's Spoke
• Made By Maid
• Rambling Man
• Blackberry Stone
• Alpha Shallows
• Goodbye England
• Hope In The Air
• What He Wrote
• Darkness Descends
• I Speak Because I Can

If you wander over to Laura Marling's official website, you can find details on ordering information, concert listings, and other delightful bits of information about our sweet English rose.

Oh, but the presents don't end there.

First off, I'd like to introduce you to Ms. Marling's official first single from the new album titled "Devil's Spoke." Readers first introduced to Laura Marling via Tunes for Tuesdays will notice it's quite a large departure from the music on her first studio album, Alas, I Cannot Swim. Trust me, though -- it's dynamic and demonstrates quite clearly that this musician is far ahead of her time.

She's got such a new power behind her voice and an extra shot of confidence that wasn't quite there on her first album. Cripes -- I have to wait until the end of March to get my hands on these tracks?! I will need to find some sort of distraction to make it through until then...

Speaking of which....

Anyone hankering for a melancholic, season-appropriate tune by Ms. Marling herself? I promise, "Goodbye England" is breathtaking and I am so incredibly upset that it's not available on the Canadian version of iTunes right now. Curse you, geo-blocking. I will have to wait (and seethe) until March. *Dramatic sigh*

The message of the song is hitting close to home at the moment -- I just need to replace "England" with "Canada" and I think we can call it even:

..... And even greater news (well, for me, at least):

LAURA MARLING WILL BE PLAYING IN TORONTO ON FEBRUARY 9, 2010, AND I THINK THERE ARE STILL TICKETS AVAILABLE.

What news to kick off another weekend with.

If you need me, I'll be floating among the clouds for the rest of the night.

QUEER: Helpful or Hurtful?

I want to tackle a subject that's spawned great debate within our community over the latter half of the twentieth-century and well into the twenty-first. It's a social identity issue that continues to raise debates across the generations that comprise our current culture and, who knows -- it might be an issue that continues to raise eyebrows and ruffle feathers well into the future.

I am talking about the word QUEER.

Now, I want to preface this post with a general disclaimer: I am not an academic and I am not well-versed in the historical context of this term. I'm aware that the original definition of the term "queer" was not related to sexual preference. I know it's a word that was reclaimed from negative connotations and it is now employed as a catch-all term to unite the disparate groups under the LGBT umbrella. Aside from that, the etymology escapes me.

Despite all of that, I find myself returning to this same discussion with each new person I meet.

When I first came out, I detested the word. I thought it was derogatory and strange and I did not see myself reflected in it. I'm not quite sure how this opinion developed, but I became aware of it once I entered my undergrad and heard it used throughout classes and social events on campus.

I remember meeting another woman in a coming out discussion group who explained that it took her about one year to come around to the notion she was Queer. It was a slow acceptance for her and she fought against her own internalized idea that identifying as "queer" connected her to a history of oppression and violence targeted toward individuals perceived as unconventional or questionable. In the end, she came to realize that Queer could be a uniting word. We could redefine it and create a linguistic space through which lesbians, gay men, trans people, bisexuals, two-spirited people, questioning individuals, or any other labels could connect and thereby belong to the same community.

Once I saw the word in this context, I adopted it for myself. I mean, I've even included the word Queer in the name of this blog. I feel more connected to it than I do with the term "Lesbian." I find it suits me and gives me a wider radius to define myself.

And yet, there are still others out there who see the use of this word as an acceptance of institutionalized hatred.

Again in that first year of my undergrad degree, I took a course in LGBT theatre and was exposed to further discussions on this same topic. Our professor was in his late forties and he supported the use of "Queer" to define the community. However, he told us about his other friends, all of his age group, who cannot rationalize the term. In their adolescence, same-sex relationships were illegal according to Canadian law. The word "Queer" held a great deal of hate and fear to it, connotations that are not easily shaken after decades of use. Our professor's friends could not ever bring themselves to identify with the word and they found it to be counterproductive now that it's used as an umbrella term for the community.

Heck, he even told us that his friends felt the younger generation was undermining previous efforts to erase the word from the Canadian vernacular.

It's quite the divisive term, it would appear.

I'm curious to know what readers think about this issue. Do you identify as Queer? If you do, what connects you to the term? If you don't, what leaves you feeling disassociated from it? What are your opinions about reclaiming once hurtful words or symbols, such as the pink and black triangles or the word "queer," for the community?

And for those straight allies out there, I'm curious to know your thoughts on the term. Do you feel comfortable using it to describe this community? If a friend referred to herself of himself as Queer, would it conjure up a different image for you vs. gay, lesbian, bi, pansexual, or other social identities?

Discuss.

Tunes for Tuesdays: Martha Wainwright

It is a rare trait for a musician to possess -- the power to mesmerize an audience with a simple acoustic guitar and a voice that transcends the song itself.

For Martha Wainwright, it's just another night on the road and another stage to dominate.

Now, I know this Tunes for Tuesdays segment of Cute, Queer, Canadian is rather dominated by folk-oriented, singer-songwriter types who are thoughtful, introspective, and hushed when it comes to their sound. Technically, Ms. Wainwright was born into this culture known as the North American folk scene. She is the daughter of the late Canadian folk singer, Kate McGarrigle, and American singer and actor, Loudon Wainwright III. If you follow the branches of her family tree a little further, you will also discover that she is the younger sister of the powerhouse known as Rufus Wainwright.

Music is fused into her genetic code.

But, I digress.

Though Martha Wainwright is often categorized as a folk musician due to her lineage, I would argue she far surpasses the genre's boundaries. Her lyrics are intimate and intense in their emotional clarity, though her language is modern and accessible. Her voice is filled with a palpable tension -- one moment she is delicate and sorrowful, the next she is resolute and unshakeable. She's one of the few artists out there who achieves her greatest potential live and under the lights of the stage. Now, that's not to discredit her studio albums at all. Instead, it proves just how formidable a talent she is.

Ms. Wainwright officially launched her career in 1998 when she recorded "The Year of the Dragon" for the The McGarrigle Album, a disc released by her mother, Kate, and her aunt, Anna McGarrigle. Martha Wainwright provided backing vocals on tours and recordings for her older brother, Rufus, before she decided to tackle her own studio album.

The first track I'd like to share with you this evening comes from her self-titled debut album released in 2005. I was torn over which song to post here -- there's the romantic, dreamy "When The Day Is Short" (which also has an official music video) and then there's the raw, unapologetic "Bloody Mother F***ing A**hole" (oooh, blog censorship).

I have opted for the second choice. I was floored when I first heard this track. Floored in the good sense. I'll let you test the waters for yourself:

I KNOW. I developed a massive crush on her after I heard this track. I mean, I love a woman who can balance that intense vulnerability with a sharp, unforgiving edge. Simply amazing, that's all I can say to that.

The second track to share hails from Leonard Cohen's music catalogue. The tribute-concert -meets-documentary, Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man, highlights the best of the poet-singer's archive through the voices of the Wainwrights, the McGarrigles, the Thompsons, and other impressive musicians. Yes, it was an extensive family affair when it came to the soundtrack and Martha Wainwright provided a fresh, exciting take on Cohen's collection. Here she is performing "Tower of Song" on Late Night with David Letterman:

Still need more of Ms. Wainwright? I would be remiss to mention her other credits for new fans reading this now:

• 2006: Featured on Snow Patrol's fourth album, Eyes Open ("Set the Fire to the Third Bar")
• 2008: Released her second studio album, I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings, Too. The album features music legends Pete Townshend (The Who), Donald Fagen (Steely Dan), Garth Hudson (The Band), and numerous family members
• 2009: Released Sans Fusils, Ni Souliers, à Paris: Martha Wainwright's Piaf Record. Yes! She sings in French, too! Hurrah for bilingualism.

Without a doubt, Martha Wainwright is a force to be reckoned with. Though, really, why reckon with a voice like hers when its far more fun to succumb?

Crisis Averted

Lesson Learned: Clarification --> Understanding --> Good Vibes

--> Possible New Friend.

... It appears I am a little too quick with the posting. Remember that whole Facebook fiasco I detailed yesterday? Well, I decided to attempt that whole "adults deal with issues and do not ignore them" perspective and, lo -- I am no longer deemed a creeper.

*EPIC RELIEF*

So there, kids -- don't feel intimidated or awkward when some clarification is needed. I think folks appreciate that extra effort and, who knows, you might even broaden your social scene as a result.

Facebook Fiasco

I appear to be challenged when it comes to first impressions. Or, rather, I am challenged when it comes to impressions made via the Internet.

Case and point: Readers will note that back on Jan. 16/2010, the Kyles recommended I send out a note to one of their friends over Facebook. Kyle C. knows me as "one of the nice lesbians" and he wanted to make sure that his best gal pal was treated well as she started her fabulous journey out the closet.

Now, I am also quite new to the queer scene in Toronto. I am fortunate enough to know an amazing, stunning, and drop-dead gorgeous group of gay men and straight allies who are more than willing to help a gay gal out. However, I'm not actually close friends with ANY queer women.

I know. Weird, eh? I seemed to miss out on that experience in those vital undergrad years and it's proving difficult to find a collective of open, kind, and relaxed gay gals in these parts.

So, I think the Kyles were of a sound mind when they suggested I introduce myself to another queer gal who is currently in the same position as me.

Alas, I've stumbled across another awkward situation it would appear.

The introduction was mistaken as a pass. I became a creeper without intending to.

I ignored the initial urge to write back and clarify my position. However, after discussing said issue with The Advocate and Ship Sharp this evening, it was agreed that perhaps another message was required. And send it, I DID.

Ah, first impressions in written form are such fickle things. I have the sinking suspicion I've blown the chance at a friendship with this particular girl. I know I shouldn't take it personally -- I mean, this WAS a Facebook message here. The forum is notorious for breeding creepers and I would have carried out the same screening process if I were in her position. Still, I hope that I haven't soured a future, in-person introduction. I mean, we're friends with the same folks -- I'm more than certain we'll meet at this year's Pride parade whether it's planned or not.

Weird -- if Facebook's meant to connect people, why is it helping to disconnect me further?

Lesbian Lit.: Suburban Style

I might have just stumbled across a new side project for myself -- and I have the local library to thank for it.

I was reflecting this evening on the utter awesomeness our local library has added to their collection. This awesomeness is known in the vernacular as "MANGA." I realize I've been hammering this point home for quite a few weeks now, but I cannot stress how progressive this is for a proper, buttoned-down town to list manga on its public library records.

I mean, if you have even a passing interest in graphic novels and manga in general, the collection is impressive. Titles include massive hits like Nana and Bleach, Naruto and Death Note. Heck, I even saw that the first 20th Century Boys title is on order. Whoever became the head librarian here gets MASSIVE points from me, let me tell you.

I let my thoughts wander and lo, I arrived at the inevitable: What about their lesbian-themed literature? How do those titles measure up?

The keyword "lesbian" yields 118 titles. Huh. It's quite the improvement from the ol' high school days. Can you imagine it? In the first few years of the 2000s, our local library had FOUR titles. Yeah. FOUR. All of them were books written for parents of queer youth (the whole "Your kid just came out, take a deep breath because it's all going to be alright" vibe).

I'm so glad that diversity reigns in the year 2010.

So yes, I propose a new challenge for myself -- I'd like to read and review a number of those texts for the purpose of said blog. Seems fitting. I'm a former English major, I've just been bitten by that reading bug again (I've got four books on the go at the moment -- it's like I've returned to the undergrad years), and I've now got a platform where readers could benefit from learning about the titles.

Book-induced coma, here I come.

The Birthday Blitz

It was quite the glamorous stretch this past weekend. It's an energetic scene in the city and, when paired with a cool crew of arts kids, well -- it's impossible to not feel charged. I spent two late evenings in Toronto celebrating the birth of two close friends and I am raring to go for the next round.

I'm sensing a point-form rundown, folks:

Friday, January 15/2010: Mr. Shirreff's 24th

• 5 pm: Met with The Advocate at Bathurst/Bloor for our own mini adventure prior to the shindig. Made the first visit to The Beguiling, the hub of Toronto's comic book scene. I was floored by this place. I mean, the rumours are true -- the second floor was wall-to-wall manga, people. The Advocate and I were prepared to set up camp and live there between the stacks of graphic novels and other goodies. Managed to resist buying... well, everything. Trust me, it was tough.
• Approx. 6:30 pm: Headed over to Future's for a dinner of cheesecake. SO GOOD. As we sat down, The Advocate realized she was taking me on one her patented First Date Excursions® (includes cheesecake, fine conversation, and a trek to the BMV). Scared The Advocate with that pesky adult logic I've developed in the past few years. I know, where the heck did THAT come from? Serious, though, it was a great location and I had a difficult time deciding which cake to try. Darn, guess I'll just have to go back.
• Approx. 7:30 pm: Arrived at the BMV to browse books, film, and music. Also encountered more manga (very appreciated). All those endless stretches of new and used books wore down my resolve -- I picked up two. Very Bad Poetry (collection) and Once Upon A Time In The North by Philip Pullman. The Advocate was a rock and avoided the allure of all those titles. I was impressed. Cashier laughed at the Very Bad Poetry title -- boasts the WORST poem ever written in the English language. Need an ego boost for your own writing? Well, there it is.
• Approx. 9:00 pm: Arrived at Molly Bloom's, decidedly late. I think books are a justifiable distraction, though. Our birthday boy was in fine form once we arrived -- the kid was already starting in on shots and beer to ring in that 24th year. Folks were trying to force disgusting shots on him, but Mr. Shirreff persevered. Worst Shot of All: Beer and relish. *Shudder* NO GOOD.
• Met The Advocate's gentleman friend. He is every bit as fabulous as the lady's let on. We recited/sang scenes from Labyrinth, so, um, my approval is complete. Those kids are too cute, I tell you. All I need now is a nickname which I will consult The Advocate over.
• Impromptu Coming Out: C1 showed up later in the evening. We were chatting about the dreaded Plenty of Fish site and I thought, "Well, I'd like to share those horror stories, too -- might as well tell her." She seemed chill with it, as did The Advocate's boy. Again, we're an arts crowd, so it's a liberal group. I love that I'm relaxed enough with myself now to treat it as a lack lustre bit of information about me.
• Parted ways with The Advocate and her boy after a street car ride, sang "Magic Dance" in hoarse voices. Definitely a magical evening, was quite serene on the subway ride home.

Saturday, January 16/2010: Ship Sharp's 24th

• EXCITEMENT ABOUNDS! She is the first of our tight collective to turn the big 2-4, so we had to celebrate in style. Alas, though -- the lady suffered a migraine earlier in the day and was still on the mend as we headed out the front door. She's a trooper, I tell you. (But that's why she's Ship Sharp)
• Surprised Ship Sharp with ALL of our MSN scripts from back in high school. That's about 340 pages worth of writing, in case you were curious.
• Tori arrived whom most of us kids haven't seen since high school. She was gracious and drove us into Toronto. Definitely amused by her firm, though panicked, GPS narrator. I feel I need to find more topics to gossip about, I don't have the gossip. Perhaps that's a New Year's resolution all on its own.
• End Destination: Super Market. Encountered Napoleon as we pulled up out front -- the gentleman has quite the distinguished goatee now. Lord, quite the blur after that. We were in a haze of delicious Thai dishes, smooth beers, and great company. I totally ordered a beer called Amsterdam Blonde because I'm a lech, apparently.
• Discovered that we were ALL channelling a Captain Jack Harkness vibe that evening. Hypothesis: Proximity to funk beats and a dance floor --> The 2010 Captain Jack Off. Oh yes. I kid you not.
• MUCH LOVE for the Kyles -- Kyle C. has decided I'm a cool lesbian and wants me to befriend one of his closest friends (who is just working through her own coming out, really). I'm still quite new to the scene and would love to make friends with queer girls. Ah, it was so great to catch up with those boys. I haven't gotten the chance to talk queer issues with a crowd for SUCH a long time, it was a refreshing scene. And yes, "Mo Money Mo Problems" came on and the Kyles told me the "I'm coming out!" lines were all for me. It's ridiculous how sweet those two are and I get the impression I'll be hitting the queer scene with those two and the crew in the near future.
• I think it's been decided by us ladies, too, that more outings to Toronto are DEFINITELY called for. We need to pull Ship Sharp onto the dance floor when she's feeling 100% healthy.

***

I think I'm finally at the point where I'm investing in myself and the happiness of others more. I'm conscious of the fact that I'm becoming more honest with those closest to me and it's a liberating sensation. I'm definitely in an optimistic head space at the moment and I'm looking forward to 2010 even more so.

Toronto -- you best prepare thyself.

Weekend Watch: Toronto Alert

So, it's a tall order for this weekend -- there are TWO birthday bashes lined up and both are located in the heart of Toronto. This is the year where most of the kids I hang out with (including myself) are turning 24 which is quite a nerve-wracking revelation.

Regardless, these next two evenings are poised to be perfection:

• Friday, Jan. 15/2010: Set out on a mini book tour of The Annex area w/ The Advocate, partake in some cheesecake also; Drink a round or two in honour of Mr. Shirreff's 24th; Meet The Advocate's gentleman friend (who I will have to create a nickname for... at the moment, I only know him as "that awesome guy who owns a Thundercats t-shirt.")
• Saturday, Jan. 16/2010: Break out the Big Guns to celebrate Ship Sharp's 24th. It will no doubt be amazing. And I violated her "No Gift" policy, but I know it's something she will dig. She's been dared to spend the evening channeling the 51st-century, omnisexual vibe of Captain Jack Harkness which should be interesting. I have the feeling The Advocate will receive most of the advances as she was the one to challenge Ship Sharp to this brazen flirtation.

***

I've spent this week as an extended vacation. Sent out a couple resumes, launched back into the ol' gym routine, dedicated myself to eating healthier on the home front.

I spent an hour yesterday walking through the suburban trails around the house and it was gorgeous. The temperature was up to 2C and there was a steady sunlight that made the last remnants of snow sparkle. I felt compelled to walk to my old elementary school which I did -- I'm not sure what it was tugging me in that direction, but I ceded free will to it. Despite the winter muck and the stark trees, it felt very much like The Wind in the Willows, which I appreciated.

On the way back, I came across this bizarre scene -- on one of the trails, huge swathes of the forested area have been gated off and are now private access...? I was surprised and confused all at once. Had someone else been there with me, I know I would have hopped the fence to explore some more. Hmm, I'm sensing a reckless adventure coming on....

Guilty Pleasures

Feral Geographer challenged me in December to divulge all those shocking guilty pleasures of mine to the Blogoverse at large and I am (finally) posting them for all present.

(If you're curious to compare notes, I would recommend checking out her original post right over --> HERE)

It took me some effort to brainstorm a list worthy enough for the topic. I figure if I like something, then why feel guilty over it? That, and I'm also a relative prude, so I don't have quite the same gossip that the other kids have got.

Regardless, I managed to create a list for you to peruse:

• Sprawling afternoons filled with strong tea, chocolate, and hours of animated television (either anime or shows from my childhood). Now, I will openly admit to this behaviour, so I don't quite know that it's a guilty pleasure. Though, it combines sloth and gluttony which are two of the Deadly Sins, if I do recall correctly.
• Music-wise: Beyonce and Lady Gaga. I know, it's the Diva component here. I come from a family of music snobs, so it is difficult for me to voice this adoration. I can't resist them, though. Beyonce was the voice of second-year binge drinking nights and Lady Gaga seems to stalk me when I'm driving late at night. And yes, I will crank the stereo if either of them come on. Ack, the shame...
• Speaking of driving -- I don't just sing at full volume in the car. No. I harmonize at full volume. And not very well, either. I do this despite the fact that I know full well other drivers can see me.
• I do photo shoots of myself after I get my hair cut. EVERY TIME. See, my hair is naturally wavy/curly and I tend to get it flat ironed when I get it cut. I feel I'm lookin' my sharpest then, so I take some modelesque photos. I'm quite good with a camera, too -- you can't even tell I'm holding the camera most of the time. Mmm, vanity much?
• I love waking up to a cold room.
• PUNS. Oh my God, I love them so much. I know a number of people who can't suffer puns, but I cannot adequately express the happiness puns induce for me.

Now, I'm sure most readers will find this list to be rather tame. Not much to feel shame over, am I right?

I left the absolute worst for last:

I READ HARELQUINS. Ugh, I know -- I read bodice rippers that reinforce gender stereotypes. I read cheap paperbacks that promulgate the idea that strong-willed women will always yield to a brawny, brooding man. I flip through books that reduce a woman's role to the baby maker of an often rich or over-privileged dude.

HOW?!

In my defense, I only read them maybe twice a year. I don't make them regular fare. It's mostly to boost my ego as a writer (e.g. "Pfft, I could write something better than THAT"). I think the whole genre appeals to that same part in me that draws other people to watch reality television shows or read celebrity gossip blogs or watch those mindless action flicks.

Still, it's a tough thing for a gal to admit.

So there, dear readers -- what's your fancy? What guilty pleasure do you hide from the light of day?

Tunes for Tuesdays: Inara George

Inara George is the absolute embodiment of all that is adorable in this world. I've developed a theory to explain these findings. I believe the Universe must have taken all the sweetness, all the quiet sparks of cute and wrapped it up in dense layers of dreaminess to create Ms. George.

I will not be persuaded otherwise.

She's got a hushed, often melancholic voice that floats so effortlessly through the scenic music she creates. At once she's coy and shy, the next she's tongue-and-cheek and kickin' it with an upbeat tune. Regardless of the attitude, her tracks are atmospheric, almost like little condensed worlds to roll across the tongue. Ha, look at me getting all silly and trying to wax poetic. I can't help it -- she renders me to complete, romanticized mush.

And I love her for it.

Inara George made her break into the mainstream music scene after her cover of Joe Jackson's "Fools in Love" was featured on the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack. I know, it's a tall order to be featured on such a Juggernaut of a television series and still maintain your claim on the indie scene. It's a delicate line that indie singer-songwriters cross. But, Inara George has maintained her distinct, dream-like sound and she revels in albums that blend a refreshing, free-spirited energy with electro-based accents.

Since it's been quite some time between posts for the Tunes for Tuesdays set, I thought I should share two tracks to even the playing field (and to nudge you a little closer to the sugary goodness of Inara George).

Song the First: "Fools Work," All Rise (2006). It's classic Inara George here. It's quiet and reflective with a gorgeous drop of sadness all mixed into a lush soundscape.

Song the Second: "Accidental," Accidental Experiment (2009). I only discovered this evening that Ms. George released a new album in October 2009, so I'm still getting acquainted with the new tracks. She's just as sweet -- I swear, I want to just carry her around in my pocket.

Oh, Inara George. *Floats away on the breeze* If you find yourself smitten, Ms. George's music catalogue doesn't end there. No, no. She's a driven gal and she's the member of numerous music projects at the moment. She's one half of the self-proclaimed "retro-electro" duo The Bird and The Bee; in 2008, she collaborated with Van Dyke Parks and a 24-piece orchestra on An Invitation; she's a member of the band Merrick and the trio The Living Sisters -- AND, you can even find her on YouTube singing "How Deep is Your Love" with perennial queer favourite, Sia.

*Sigh* Well, I know what I'm doing tonight -- Inara George and a world of cartoon hearts, here I come.

Mottled Thoughts

I've been pensive this evening. Another Saturday spent at home --> Thoughts wandering across all those subjects that aren't quite visible in the light of day. Once I shut off the constant stream of anime and once I laid A.E. Moorat's Queen Victoria, Demon Hunter to rest, all those thoughts swelled to the surface.

Since lists do justice to thought, I shall craft one now:

• Online dating: Someone smack me. I am considering it again. Now, I managed to avoid the urge to profile myself back in the fall. Remember all those discussions about the Major and Minor Archetypes of the Online Dating Realm? I thought I'd managed to scare my own self out of that trip. But.... well..... I kinda, sorta, maybe took just a quick glance at the women listed in my area. I was curious, it's been a while since I was last on PoF. I admit, there's quite a few women I'm interested in on the site. But that nagging voice keeps resurfacing and reminds me about those first two attempts and how negative they were. Maybe the third time's a charm? (P.S. -- I've noticed the urge to online date coincides with my unemployment. It's a little difficult to hit on a woman when there's no money there to even buy her a drink, though).
• Job Hunting: I'm putting the shine back on my resume and refining my cover letter skills for another round of self-promotion. Here's hoping my strange command of the English language can catch an eye or two out there in the Big World of Business. I'm also exploring the volunteer world. At the moment, I've seen listings for a feminist theatre and the year-round activities for a queer film festival. I've always used the Suburbs as an excuse for not getting active in Toronto (since it's a pain of a commute), but perhaps I just need to slide right in. I'm too young to bemoan distance and travel -- it's time to summon my energies and channel them to exciting new experiences.
• Anime and Manga: I'm delving in there and just about guzzling down every new series I have even a passing interest in. I'm starting to worry that I'm spending more time with drawn people than, you know.... REAL people. SO addictive, though.
• Reading: I need to do more of this. And it has to be literature. As much as I love, LOVE manga, it is sugar for the mind. I have two full shelves of books I need to read/re-read and I need to just tackle 'em when they're least suspecting it. (This will also help me to clean out my room of undesired objects since I have the sense that most of those two shelves will not be mine for much longer).

***

Before Chantal headed back for Scotland, she updated me on a gent we went to high school with. Over the past year, he found himself growing tired of Canada and the scene here. Now, he's got a British passport and he's got family living in the U.K., so escape was more than possible. But, rather than leaving life back here in tact, he up and sold ALL of his possession aside from the clothes that would fit in a backpack. And that's how he left Canada.

It's such a tempting, romantic idea. I thought I'd managed to clean out a bunch of stuff over the summer, but, even now, it still seems like so much.

Hmm, more and more thoughts keep crushing in here tonight. I don't know that this post can house them all. I've got quite the series of questions to pose myself in the next few weeks.

We'll just have to see where all that takes me.

Annabel Lyon's Still "Golden" To Me

I realise I left loose ends when it came to the talented Annabel Lyon and the rabid praise that pursued her first novel, The Golden Mean.

I admit, I'd put faith in the newspapers to alert me on the results of the numerous Can lit. awards Lyon was nominated for, and..... well, there was no word. Well, no conclusive word. I caught a glimpse of the 2009 Scotiabank Giller Prize winner back in December. He received, oh, a paragraph of font and a small photo? Odd.

Anyhow, the winners for the major Canadian literary awards are as follows:

• The Governor General's Award for Fiction (English): Kate Pullinger, The Mistress of Nothing.
• The Scotiabank Giller Prize: Linden MacIntyre, The Bishop's Man.
• The Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Award: Annabel Lyon, The Golden Mean.

So there -- she cinched one of the three awards in 2009. I was getting rather nervous when I hadn't heard word of the outcome. I mean, the press was causing such a ruckus following her literary hat trick -- it seemed odd there was such a hushed follow-up. In any case, I am proud to see Lyon's been recognised for such a stellar first novel and I am excited to see the course her professional writing career takes from here.

I mean, to have nominations/awards like those tacked on to your resume this early, there's not a publisher out there who would reject your second novel.

So, three cheers for our Golden Girl and for her ability to get Canadians both writing AND reading.

Fine with "Nine"

First order of business: Check out Nine with Chantal before she heads back to Scotland. I am glad to declare the mission was accomplished with great vigour and much drool on both of our parts.

I knew we would stake out cinema seats for this film the moment I hit "Play" on the Internet trailer months ago.

To start, Chantal is dedicated to Mr. Daniel Day-Lewis. When it comes to Harem hierarchy, he holds a golden place in her ranks. See, he doesn't have an official title within the Harem Proper -- no. He cannot be contained by the standard Harem rules. Instead, Mr. Day-Lewis sails to our villa where he chops firewood and instructs the members of Chantal's Harem on important issues like wooing a lady (and yeah, I occasionally ask for lessons, too. Hey, gotta stay sharp for the women of my Harem.) He travels with the wind and the fog, similar to Johnny Depp and the Irish river folk of Chocolat.

Anyway, I am rambling now.

Of course, the second reason to catch this film: Um, well, you saw that poster, right? Who needs to visit the concession stand with that much eye candy sprinkled throughout the film?

I know, I know -- I'm offline for all of two weeks and the first two posts back showcase my inklings toward all things debauch. What? There are sparkle-infused women belting out musical numbers like Sirens and compelling me to Be Italian and seduce them all. I am only one woman, I can't resist this.

Now, all that gushing aside, I did have certain issues with the film. Or, rather, I guess the plot. I admire Daniel Day-Lewis and I love the women featured in this film -- but, well, I'm getting tired of the whole one man + five trillion women flicks. Yes, I get it -- straight men are given the spotlight AND the bevy of women who should be unattainable to them but the script tells these ladies to throw themselves at him.

Yawn.

Show me something I haven't seen before.

Now, Daniel Day-Lewis is suave and commands quite a bit of respect from me, so I had an easier time suspending my usual irritation for this film. But still, it's frustrating for a single gay girl to watch, especially when she tends to fail at A) Meeting other queer girls and B) Convincing other queer girls that she is attractive and dateable.

But, I digress.

I think the greater part of this film's target audience was more than likely looking forward to one particular scene. If I mention Penelope Cruz, I imagine the first image to slide its way into your mind is this one:

And OH, GIRL -- I don't remember breathing throughout her number. In fact, I don't even recall blinking, either. Once I regained consciousness, I wondered how on EARTH the crew managed to hold it together during filming. Serious, I even wonder how the movie screen and the DVD did not spontaneously combust as a direct result of this dance. It's so odd because I never quite took notice of Ms. Cruz prior to Nine. I was mistaken and I have corrected all former opinions.

Despite the utter hotness that was Penelope Cruz as the Mistress, I found myself drawn more toward the subdued and delicate presence of Marion Cotillard as Luisa Contini, Guido Contini's dejected wife. Even while her character was treated as a walking joke and was continually lied to by her husband, she carried herself with such elegance. Protective Moffatt kicked in quite a few times throughout the film and I was wanting to leap through the screen and whisk Ms. Cotillard away on a cute little Vespa. But alas -- I have yet to perfect the Film/Reality Transfer. *Pout*

I know I'm a touch biased here, but I would still recommend Nine to all the ladies out there. I might even have a new Harem addition here with Marion Cotillard -- if that's not proof enough for you to check the film out, then I don't know what is.

So Be Italian and show those ladies what's what!

Super Hot AND Super Heroine

Is there anything Alicia Keys cannot accomplish?

I mean, she's the golden child of the R'n'B crowd and continues to garner respect from a diverse group of musicians and music lovers alike; she dedicates time and funds to invaluable social causes across North America and the globe at large; and, as regular readers will note, she has achieved one of the most elite statuses within the Harem of Miz Moffatt.

And then, she releases a queertastic video experience for her latest single, "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart."

I'm convinced she found out I was a lil' under the weather which led her to create this video:

Some general comments and first impressions:

• Purple, satin sheets --> *Drool*
• Is it just me, or did wardrobe intentionally dress her like a gay gal for the first part of this video? I mean, tank top: Check. Dog tags: Check. Rockin', studded jacket: Check. Aviators: Oh, sweet goodness, double check. Tough femmes -- you understand the attraction now, right?
• "Have you ever tried sleeping with a broken heart? Well, you can try sleeping in my bed" -- No need to ask twice, ma'am.
• It is a little known fact that Ms. Keys possesses the power to bring creatures back from the dead. I know. Those fingers aren't just magical with the piano, you know.
• Oh, motorcycle. Again, anyone else seeing those queer connections? Yes? I mean, you just need to tell me she's co-writing a song with Tegan and Sara and my head will explode from it all.
• PURPLE UNITARD. BRAIN.... SHUTTING DOWN... CAN'T ...CONTINUE.... TO WRITE..... *Enters a lust-induced coma* The woman has kickin' curves, what can I say?
• Wow, tears that can crush glass? Awesome.

I know the video never adequately explains WHY Alicia Keys commands the Gift of Life. And it doesn't provide details about why she leaps on top of buildings (perhaps to amplify her voice?) but.... well, I don't care. It's implied she's a super heroine and she wears a skin-tight unitard. I don't need further explanation.

Though, I find the inspiration for her character to be intriguing. I mean, she's quite literally the love child of Rogue from X-Men and The Phantom. She got her inability to touch her lover (and thereby drain his life force) from Mama and she got her idea for the bright purple unitard from Papa. Makes perfect sense in a weird, "I don't want to think about this too deeply" kind of way.

Hmm. Whatev. I ask rhetorical questions to amuse myself. Really, I should just press "Repeat" on that embedded video up there.

I suggest you do the same.

New Light, New Year

Whoa.

It's 2010.

.... When all did THAT happen?

***

At last, I awake from the Christmas coma and return to the Blogoverse with full force. I'm still shaking off the last remnants of a sinus cold/possible flu, but I do believe I'm on the mend at long last. I might not be at the gym-frequenting level of health yet, but I can keep foods and liquids down, so.... A+ for Moffatt.

It's been quite the trip over these last few weeks. Christmas was an absolute blur. I missed New Year's Eve/The Sister's wedding reception on account of a flu or a wicked migraine (I had symptoms for both so I can't confirm either). The Family's consoling me with the whole, "Well, you were there for the wedding ceremony and the photos and that's what counts" -- but, I mean, I missed the reception. I missed all the FUN. I missed out on all the parts that people are going to remember.

Bah. At least I looked hot. I even looked hot while I was hugging the toilet and praying for sleep to whisk me away from myself.

(Alright, that last one might be a bit of an exaggeration.... I mean, the whole looking hot while being profusely ill).

So, 2010 thus far:

• Still sick
• Unemployed
• Gained weight
• Cried over the Tenth Doctor's regeneration (NOOOOOOO!!)
• Discovering new anime and manga to dedicate countless hours to

Oooh, I'm quite the catch in 2010, aren't I? I know, few can resist my charms. Though, now that I am unemployed (the contract ended prior to Christmas), I have no excuse for skipping blog posts now, do I? Mmm, accountability. How I missed thee.

And how I missed all of you -- I've got quite the bit of reading ahead of me when it comes to the Queer Canada Blogs set and for all the usual online haunts I frequent. Let's get started then, shall we?