Tomes to Travel Through with Miz Moffatt

Lo, the crush of recent experience leads to an epic collection of stories from the city and stories from the suburbs to divulge. I chose the image of archaic tomes for a reason -- the narrative for the past week can only be measured against the thick, dense ramblings of weighted texts.

In a nutshell: OH dear goodness, I have crammed a whole lot of life into a meagre span of time.

Hence, point form updates will be called upon to breeze through these stories for posterity's sake:

Thursday, June 17/10

• Booked it into Toronto post-work to catch Ship Sharp's latest directorial project. She took the helm of the Fly By Night (FBN) Theatre Company's performance of Dog Sees God at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People (165 Front Street). The verdict: AMAZING (as per usual). Perfect casting, compelling performances from all cast members, and clever choices made by Ship Sharp herself. The Advocate and I shared a giggle over the mannerisms this cast adopted from Ship Sharp -- also amused over the random "Bad Romance" outbreak that shared eerie similarities to our own group's tendencies....
• Fell in love with city life all over again, even in the presence of the infamous G8/G20 fence marring the front steps of Union Station. Dazzled with street lights, pulsing with the lives around me -- I belong there. I decree it now.

Friday, June 18/10

• First off: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, O'NEILL! Cheers to another brilliant year for a brooding gentleman.
• Accompanied The Advocate to the graduation party of her close friend/fellow Pilgrim. Headed out to Moxie's for a night of carousing and catching-up. Broke out into songs from the Simpsons more than once, discussed manga and/or violent anime more than once, too. Devoured a massive, knee-weakening, and delicious plate of nachos with The Advocate. Alas, no beer and breakfast, though cheese-smothered chips are a close favourite as well. Called it an early evening to prepare for a Toronto-based adventure to RULE THEM ALL.

Saturday, June 19/10

• Started with two plans in mind: Visit the Toronto Small Press Book Fair at The Great Hall (1087 Queen St. West) and find a black dress for The Advocate in time for next week's alumni chamber choir performance. All other activities and adventures were ours to choose.
• First off: The Advocate and I + Gorgeous, old building + Ample selections of zines, chapbooks, and other indie lit = COMBO FOR EXCESSIVE, EXCITABLE COMBUSTION. We talked with each vendor, poured over their work, and made the difficult decision to limit our purchases (as best as possible, of course). Imagine it: local writers and small presses selling their work for an average of $10 or less. Hot discoveries include: a how-to guide for zine-making, a first collection of poetry by an author who has all but fallen off the face of the Earth (according to her press), and an alternative version of Toronto where a housing market crash creates a city ruled by warring factions of artists. INTENSE.
• With the sun splitting the clouds and a warm afternoon in front of us, The Advocate and I decided to walk the entire stretch of Queen St. West to Younge St. Yes. We were that giddy on Saturday. And oh, what adventures we found.
• Surprised a high school friend at his current job. "Excuse me, would you happen to have Labyrinth in?" Ah, it was such a perfect and genuine reaction of surprise. I love that our high school created such long-lasting bonds between us all. Also: Need to get our grade 11 flick, Sickle Hand, up on YouTube. Serious. I would link to it from here.
• Stumbled across Nadege Patisserie (780 Queen St. W.) for lunch. Our noses led us to a gorgeous selection of gourmet treats, colourful macaroons, and lavish sandwiches to pine after. I opted for a grilled veggie sandwich with brie and pesto while The Advocate selected a delicate, posh ham sandwich. Nadege has a cool, Parisian atmosphere with an attentive and relaxed staff. With their treats lit under glass cases, it felt like gazing in on jewelry. We ate al fresco at Trinity-Bellwoods Park and pondered over the contestants of an Amazing Race-style activity (partners were helping one another cross a tight-rope...?)

• It was a crush of images all after that: Sanko Japanese Market (730 Queen St. West) with the delicious, Kirin iced tea I first had while visiting a friend in Japan; discovering the Red Tea Box (696 Queen St. West) with a Mad Hatter's selection of treats (all poised for a future trek into the city); a random storefront with half-naked women dancing in the windows (though I believe I know what the "store" was about); accidentally stumbled through a crowd in front of Much Music, all awaiting the presence of *Shudder* Justin Bieber *Shudder, shudder*; Laughed over the oddities found in stores catering to the antiques crowd (so many mannequins, so many gaudy and matching lamps); Popped into the Silver Snail (367 Queen St. W.) to take a quick spin through the manga section.
• We trekked through stand-alone stores and through the Eaton's Centre to find a black dress to fit the strict guidelines of The Advocate's chamber choir ensemble. Esprit holds the key, it appears. Also caught sight of the Silver Elvis doing his thing in front of the mall's entrance.

• Once at Younge Street, we parted ways for the evening. I made it to Union station with moments to spare before the GO Train doors slid closed on another Toronto trek. Ah, that city. I need to roam its streets more often. I know I've missed out on detailing all these moments from Saturday, but, seriously, we took in a LOT of the scene. We covered a 4 KM stretch of the downtown core and managed to find material for, oh.... at least four future trips to Toronto. Case and point: we need to move downtown. Ah, I felt so sparkly and amazing all night. This is definitely something we will need to do again.

Sunday, June 20/10

• More celebrations to be had: Lil' brother turned 21 (staggering -- I feel so ancient by proxy, now) and also high-fived Dad for Father's Day. Spent the morning running a few small trips to get food-based gifts for the menfolk and reveling in the gorgeous weather.
• Went to the local, suburban mall to find a new tea store opened just on Saturday. As a self-professed tea loon, I was thrilled with the new proximity to premium loose leaf. But, the kicker? Apparently you must be an incredibly attractive woman to work there. I am so returning to this store as soon as possible. Readers: If I know you personally, I am stating now that I will drag you to this location once you are in my grasp. Serious, mark the calendar.
• Spent the afternoon in full relaxation mode, revolving the idea of a zine or a more professional, self-published work through my mind. I think the world needs more confessional sci fi, don't you?

Monday, June 21/10

• Work = Tedious, maddening, exhausting. Dreamt of writing and publishing for the entire shift, imagined what a future surrounded by the arts and with other writers would look like. Yes, I had a head full of dreams with me.
• Instant uplift: O'Neill called. Launched into another of our epic, catch-up phone conversations. I find it amusing how blunt we can be, especially when it comes to queer topics. Or, perhaps "candid" is the more posh-sounding term. In either case, I think we were both able to give voice to the stresses of our current situations and we even got some gossip in about idealized crushes and all the fun stuff. Fingers crossed that the kid can come visit this weekend -- there needs to be a personal summit with O'Neill, The Advocate, Ship Sharp and I. It'll be edgier and cooler than the hype surrounding the G8/G20 combined, just you wait.

Tuesday, June 22/10

• Met up with Ladies in Writing for another rousing night of self-penned stories, book reviews, political discussion, and goal-setting. I know, all that in two hours. Since our regular note-taker was absent, the group voted I take the minutes and send out the e-mail to the rest of the ladies who could not attend. Louise told me my writing is "outrageous," in the best possible way. More that I come out with twisted, amusing plots as opposed to offensive, disturbing content. Ha, I was over the moon with that one considering Louise is a brilliant writer herself.
• MUST. WRITE. MORE.

***

So, as I said, it's been a week where I out-hustled the bustle. I've hit the right stride in seven days and I want to hold on to it. With summer bursting down the doors, it is about time I get out there and explore with those nearest and dearest to me.

I can sense the adventure out there -- let's see how much I can capture in the next few weeks, shall we?

THE BEST TRAVEL JOB EVER!!

Readers, prepare thyself. I call upon you all to help out a dear friend of mine who is in line to win THE BEST TRAVEL JOB EVER.

Did I mention she is the infamous Advocate who populates these posts on a regular basis?

She's an adventurer at heart and allows her wanderlust to take her across this great globe of ours. She's full of spunk, has a penchant for finding fun, AND she does it all on a thin dime. And she still manages to find the time to blog about it at (No)things (Ad)ventured. Impressive, to say the least.

Check out her profile over yonder at Telli's BEST TRAVEL JOB EVER for all the delicious voting information. Oh, and don't even bother looking at the other videos. Serious. It would be hard on the other hopefuls for you to judge them after watching her. I'm just thinking of the children, honest.

Here's the video of her about town, talking travel and adventuring with a camera in tow.

Like what you saw? Oh, I know you did. She's even posted some teasers and other thrilling videos to thank her supporters. The first leg of the contest is open until April 30th so vote now and vote often. Make sure to click over to THE BEST TRAVEL JOB EVER and support The Advocate with all your voting might!

This post has been approved by Miz Moffatt, Cute Queer Canadian, and a legion of hot ladies who will fawn all over you if you vote. So, you know, vote. *Impish grin*

Drama-rama Redux

Thus begins our tour of Toronto's numerous theatres -- as of last night, The Advocate and I are now officially stalking Ship Sharp like the eager fangirls we are. She's thrown herself into the wide world of auditions and is owning the stage like a feudal lord owns the world.

(Ah, archaic similes.)

So yes, another trek into the city calls for a point-form update:

• Reunited with The Advocate after her month abroad. Got to gossip about Team Canada's athletes and other delicious tidbits.
• I took the longest route to the subway. We arrived in Toronto to meet The Advocate's Boy at least.... one hour late? *Pulls collar* Eek. And oops. Our plan involved browsing through the Silver Snail (another comic book/manga-related store), however we were cutting it too close with the time. Ah, one day I will explore its crowded shelves like the nerd I am.
• Headed to The Black Bull Hotel and Tavern for a quick dinner. (I believe that's the name of the spot -- it's across the street from the Silver Snail in any case). The Advocate and I split a wicked plate of nachos. Mmm, classic. So fulfilling despite its poor health.
• Hopped a cab to The Alumnae Theatre to commence praise of Ship Sharp's stage skillz. March = The New Ideas Festival at the venue. Playwrights are encouraged to stage their new work/work-in-progress/experimental theatre for an audience. In addition, the festival is a juried affair, so I imagine the exposure for writers/actors/directors is an excellent CV credit. Our group arrived ten minutes after the show started. Alas. We had to wait for intermission before we could take seats -- luckily, Ship Sharp's play was in the second half, so we were still covered.
• Commence tension: An ex girlfriend and a one-date gal of The Advocate's Boy were cast members in the first play. Eek.
• Spent an hour lounging in the foyer nursing beers tasting of soy sauce. The Advocate's Boy read sections of Anne of Green Gables for our amusement. Voices: Christopher Walker, pleasant Scottish accent, creeper voice. Good times.
• Ship Sharp's play was the first featured in the second act. Ashes to Ashes -- Three siblings gather for their mother's wake, awaiting the arrival of her ashes. Dark hilarity with ample quirk ensues. Serious, it was a well-written piece. Sharp, quick-paced, brimming with humour, and supported by a strong, fun ensemble cast. And Ship Sharp played a character far removed from her usual roles which was wild to see. The cast was a solid one and it was obvious everyone appreciated each other's work.
• Last play: OH. NOES. Picture: an emotional/plot flatline, awkward stage (mis)direction, unnatural dialogue phrasing ("When I left, which was seventeen years ago, I...."). Painful, indeed. There was quite the circular logic with the play, too: "You left." "But, I wanted to be a rockstar--" "You left." "But, I couldn't support--" "You left." "I'm an alcoholic--" "You left." "Hey, long-lost Mom, I am angry at you--" "Grandson, you will RESPECT your mother, even though I made it evident throughout the play I will never forgive her for leaving us. P.S. worthless daughter, you can sleep over here in your old bedroom tonight."
• Congratulated Ship Sharp and took our group out to Betty's. Sleep-deprived shenanigans stalked our conversation. The Advocate tried to purchase a picture from their wall (a man and a woman riding a fish, Renaissance-style), but alas -- the staff would not budge. It's a nice location with a fantastic beer selection. And their menu was quite detailed despite their kitch appearance. You could order Pad Thai, nachos, or breakfast -- where else is this possible?
• I returned home at 2:00 AM after the subway and a car ride. On a Wednesday night. Ah, the life of the unemployed. Glamourous? Maybe?

It was a full evening with the nearest and dearest, I must admit. I like the sense of adventure there, the knowledge of great potential. We might have set plans for a night, but we know full well the course of the wind might change and take us in a new direction. Brilliant.

I spent most of this afternoon/evening with Ship Sharp and The Advocate. We sipped tea, ate a pile of junk food, and nourished our minds with the random fare of YouTube. It's astounding how addictive random videos can be. We were all subdued after our rambunctious night, but, hey -- that's how we should be at this age.

I feel I've had the weekend shuffled into the ol' schedule earlier than anticipated. It's weird to think tomorrow is Friday. Maybe it's a sign I should spend the next few days cleaning and completing writing projects. You know, get down to the grit of the grindstone.

We shall see.

December Social Goals

Oooh, girl -- I am on the wire with this entry. I made a daring sprint back to the lair after another stunning evening with The Advocate and Ship Sharp.

But first, I have a list.

I have decided that I will squeeze every last ounce of fun, adventure, and magic out of December and keep it all for myself... and also for those nearest and dearest to me. I have compiled a list of the Social Goals I hope to achieve this holiday season and, should each one occur, I am set to have a stunning time.

So, in typical list format, here it is:

• Sushi night with The Advocate and Ship Sharp
• A David Tennant as Casanova Tea Party with The Advocate, Ship Sharp, and The Cuz
• Coffee house Can. lit. reading hosted by an old teacher of mine (Dec. 8/09)
• Toronto Small Publishers' Show @ The Gladstone Hotel (Dec. 12/09)
• Ladies in Writing meeting (Dec. 16/09)
• Attempt the Second for the Lord of the Rings Marathon with the Greatest People on Earth
• Sister's New Year's Eve Wedding/Epic Celebration

Hmm, not a bad sample at the moment. I'm sure other new possibilities will present themselves as the month marches on and I hope I'll be receptive to as many invitations as possible. I'm getting all ramped up for 2010, now -- I want to take hold of this new year and make it my own for once.

Had an incredibly inspiring conversation with The Advocate (after we all finished filming ourselves impersonating Captain Jack Harkness and Rhys from Torchwood. TOO much fun). We talked about London and travel throughout the U.K. and I can feel all that Brain Crack surging back into my mind from every angle. Oh, the lure of it all. The sweet longing for a new city to explore and a chance to find a life surrounded with energy, purpose, and excitement. And to tackle that with some of your closest friends? Um, why am I still discussing this and not DOING it?

2010: It's time to punch some holes through that money fort I've been crafting. I need to get myself out there and paving a new life with all that cash I've saved. No use looking at it through a glass case anymore. Though, the security therein is quite seductive. But no -- I want that money to start working for me.

It's time to jump in and see where the river takes me.