Homesick

Sometimes I find myself searching for signs of Smithers online. Images, stories, formerly familiar faces. I see a denuded Hudson's Bay Mountain. Global warming in action. I watch the wonderful Alice, I Think (based on Susan Juby's fantastic books) and I glory in the glimpses of my town in the inter-scene splices. How did they find an actress who looks so much like Susan? But it's filmed in Langley, not Smithers, which is evident enough.

Sometimes I wonder if my daughter would do well growing up in a small town like I did. Smithers vs. Ottawa? It would be different now. A small example would be the availability of online radio (I'm a new fan of BBC 3), so not limited to BVLD, hosted as it then was by fellow high school students and their rebellious picks. I'm told that it is not so special anymore, just an ordinary small town with Tim Hortons and such. Still, my 20th (!) high school reunion is in a few years, so I should really make it out if they have one.

Renewal

So I am concentrating on breathing as I realize that the source of much tension is my inability to breathe properly. We went to a scandinavian spa recently and enjoyed a day of waterfalls, massage, wine and cheese. I now return to the site just for the music.

I have been continuing to explore Ottawa and discover places I enjoy. Shanghai karaoke and wonderful won ton. Clips of karaoke are online, too. Thanks for the photo Don!

And IFCO keeps me busy in my spare time. The recent gala was quite an event, with a very strong group of films, including the extremely impressive Mercy Seed by Anthony Seck. It's nice to see where the Co-op can take you when you work at it.

While I tend to stay away from politics, generally, this is interesting. At the very least, it is an interesting example of what a low-budget documentary can look like--keeping in mind that there is much unlicensed footage.

I've been on my "home" vacation for 10 days and I return in 20 days. This was definitely a good idea.