Category: People
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Not Your Folks’ NFB, For Sure
In early elementary school I distinctly remember seeing the National Film Board (NFB) production of Nahanni on one of those days, I’m guessing, when the teacher needed a break from the usual. The black and white images of buddy chasing his dream of striking gold on the Nahanni river in the Northwest Territories stuck with… Read more
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New York’s Flophouse Voyeurism
Maybe I’m just being overly sensitive, but I’m revolted by this article from The New York Times. It’s about the gradual gentrification of an age-old flophouse in The Bowery, where marginalized tenants who pay less than ten dollars per day and live in cage-like accommodation, are used as marketing pawns to attract upscale hipsters to… Read more
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Restoration
One of my favourite summer experiences took place in one of Winnipeg’s roughest neighbourhoods. On a drive around town, I spotted the most amazing mosaic mural under construction in a most unlikely location. I made an illegal left turn into an empty parking lot and jumped out with my camera in hand. I happily snapped… Read more
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These Boots Were Made for Walking
I finally connected to Toronto. I think four key factors shaped the positive outcome. First, I trained in so was car-free and walking everywhere; the weather was unbelievably gorgeous; I stayed with a friend well outside the downtown core; and I almost exclusively walked and took public transport to get around. Read more
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Bon Echo: Natural Inspirations (and Aspirations)
My foothold is tenon’d and mortised in granite/I laugh at what you call dissolution/And I know the amplitude of time. – WALT WHITMAN, 1819-1919, carved on a rock face at Bon Echo Provincial Park, Mazinaw (Massanoga), Ontario I am intrigued by, and not a little envious of, the concept of an artists’ retreat anchored deep… Read more
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Prairie Love
My father’s 80th birthday and a 2,200 kilometre drive brought us to a family reunion in the middle of Canada. We’ve tooted around the province and Winnipeg marks the finale. Another day of relentless blue skies and the city continues to surprise me with its ubiquitous public art, wealth of classic architecture, and intriguing tapestry… Read more
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Cottage Dreams
This province always deceives. We drive and drive, the hours pass and the odometer spins but we are in a time warp on the northern route above Lake Superior. We call the number from Nipigon, as we’re advised to do, and arrive at the cottage as dark closes in. Half the occupants are abed and… Read more
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Parks (By and) For the People
New Ruralism is as applicable as New Urbanism for creating usable, meaningful public spaces and associated public life which suit a variety of purposes for people at varying stages of their life. It is not an ‘and/or’ proposition, but about enrichment for everyone. Read more
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And So the Bounty Begins
Feeling our European roots on this steaming summer day, Husband and I sat down to a very civilized midday meal. Pesto penne. Baby eggplant fritters. Parboiled green, yellow and purple beans. Mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and broccoli. A glass of red wine and a baguette. The grapes, apples and melons are ripening beautifully, the… Read more
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Picture Perfect
Patricia McCarney and I are related and unrelated at the same time. Three summers ago she knocked on my front door. “I’m Patricia McCarney,” she said. “This house was in my family for more than fifty years.” “I know,” I replied, inviting her in. “I’ve been expecting you.” She told me that she woke that… Read more