mompoet's brain gets stretched

Last night I attended the opening of a conference about Asset Building. My work is sending me. I'll be there all day today and Saturday morning. The conference is in Burnaby, and I expected people from parts of BC, but last night I met people from other parts of Canada too. Public sector people and not-for-profit types mostly, but also people from VanCity, Western Economic Diversity, The Vancouver Foundation and SEDI (Social Enterprise and Development Innovations).

Someone asked me yesterday what "asset building" is. I admitted that I'm not really sure, but I think of it in two ways. When I am optimistic, I think of it as tapping into all of the power and good in the community that lies dormant when we don't invite people to participate or when people and agencies don't work together. When I'm being cynical, I think of it as making the people and agencies who are still standing during tough times work together to pick up the burden laid down by those who could not go on.

Last night we heard from 3 women who have particpated in asset building programs in their communities. In this case the programs were sponsored and supported by VanCity. In each case, people were invited to begin Individual Development Accounts - basically bank accounts where they could save $15 to $50 per month for up to 3 years, saving for a specific goal (home ownership, education or small business startup). They attended monthly financial management meetings and received individual mentoring. VanCity matched their savings 3:1. Each woman was able to save enough to start something new: One, who is an immigrant with a degree that doesn't count in Canada went back to school for a year and now has work. Another started a home-based business that blossomed. A third impressed the VanCity people and ended up getting a full-time job with their company. Programs like this are being piloted all over the world. What impressed me in what the women said was how the experience changed their convictions about their own potential to participate and be successful and independent. One said, "I just wanted someone to give me a chance. Nobody did that before."

I.D.A.s are just one form of asset building. I'm going to learn about other models and case studies and meet other people from other organizations interested in doing this kind of work. My work thinks it's my job to do this, which is really cool.

I am curious and warily impressed. I know this can't be the panacaea for poverty and financial accessibility, but just the fact that 200 people have got together to find out more about what they are calling "an investment economy" as in investing in people's potential, is very compelling. The keynote speaker last night woke up my brain by saying that in order to do this we would have to "get into bed with people who we hadn't considered before." He talked about people setting aside political differences and public sector/not-for-profit and business working together. For someone like me who is very suspicious of anything big companies do, this is an uncomfortable stretch. I will go to the sessions with my optimism turned on, but my skepticism running in the background. I would love it if we could continue our social welfare system to take care of people, and at the same time, developed policy and practice to effectively enable more people to participate in productive and self-sufficient living. Are there really companies with hearts? Is there the political will to make these changes? Can I (and should I) drop my prejudice against rich people and their corporations and give each one a chance on his/her/its own merits?

Question: That is the question

Mompoet: wanting a paradigm shift, not a bait and switch

Our Competition

Thanks to my Dad, here's the list of the cities against whom Port Moody competed:

Port Moody will go head-to-head against 14 other cities with populations between 20,001 and 75,000. Those cities include Ballyfermot, Ireland; Camden, Australia; Celje, Slovenia; Coffs Harbour Local Government Area, Australia; Fayetteville, U.S.A.; the Municipality of Kamnik, Slovenia; City of Kladno, Czech Republic; Commune of Nabeul, Tunisia; Port Stephens Council Area, Australia; Ptuj, Slovenia; Qian Dao Hu, China; Salekhard, Russia; Westmont, U.S.A.; and Znojmo, Czech Republic.

This is from our local paper on September 31 via Google. So far no word on who came in first and second. I will award a lovely prize to anyone who can find this information and get it to me first. Guess if you like, but for the prize, you need verification.

Personal opinions will be interesting too, in case anyone has actually visited any of these places. Come to think of it, it would make a great theme trip - around the world to see the places not quite as nice as Port Moody. Hmmmm

Question: WHO WON????

mompoet - inquizzzitive

We're Number 3!

Port Moody, the beautiful little city, was voted a whole bunch of awards in a "most liveable community" competition. Over all we came out 3rd world-wide. I'm still trying to find out who-all competed and who came in first and second. Here's a news clipping.

Not that we need an award to know that this is a great place to live. I love this city for so many reasons. We look out the window at the ocean and can walk to it and walk around it whenever we want. We have a great community theatre and arts centre, museum, artists' studios open to the public and lots of community groups including a film society and a writers' group. We have only one library, but it's like a house in a dream - small on the outside, huge on the inside. There are churches and martial arts schools, two outdoor pools for our kids and parks, trails and woodsy spots. We have a community garden, even "faux Whistler" at Newport Village. There are pubs and restaurants and so far no big box stores. By car or transit you can be downtown in 30 minutes. Everywhere you go in Port Moody, you know somebody. No wonder we won!

When my husband and I bought our house, we thought we'd live here for a couple of years, until we could afford a bigger house, probably farther east, in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows. Thirteen years later, we have not budged. This is a great place to live.

Question: Why would we live anywhere else?

mompoet: nesty

Voting

Posting postponed for tonight while I read voluminous pages of instructions and mark my ballot for the US elections. Gonna mail it express post tomorrow morning.

Vote, give blood, spend time with your kids, be nice to dogs and cats, share you snacks, let cars in, object to the objectionable, hold the elevator door, say thank you to the bus driver, tip the server, that's all I ask.

Question: What would you add to the list?

mompoet - happy to oblige

Too Much Week, Too Little Me

Accckk. Long days, hard work - all good stuff but too much. I'm working Monday through Saturday this week because of a conference, and only Friday evening at home with the family (I think - better check that conference schedule). And at work it's meeting-meeting-meeting-meeting-meeting so the list extends and the pile grows higher. Good thing I love my job!

Went to a Poetry House meeting last night which was fantastic. We got to work on actually planning the 2005 Canadian Spoken Word Olympics. It feels good to get started and make some decisions. It'll be a lot of work, but fun and rewarding, and an opportunity to do something with a group of very good people.

My mom told me one day that she thinks we have some kind of energy that most people don't have. When I look at weeks like this (not even unusual) and at the pace of her days too, I believe her. Is it genetic? learned? conditioned? Why do we not sit down? Why do we get revved up by more work and excited by complicated projects? I'll never know why, but I'm glad I can do it. It's like going to the gelato store and being allowed to have 8 flavours when other poeple can manage 1 or 2 tops. Delicious, if sometimes a bit overwhelming.

Off we go to today now....tarump, tarump, tarump.

Question: How much work can a worker work if a worker likes her work?

mompoet: wound up at 6:30 in the morning

Corporations in Schools - Good new Tyee Article

This article by Judith Ince of The Tyee is right on the mark. I'm sad to see so many examples from my own school district used in it. More food for thought for our intrepid Consortium 43.

Question: What about your $chool?

mompoet - pushing this one up on the priority list

Happy Fallout

At Shoreline Writers' Society's monthly meeting today we welcomed two new members. Both came to us after participating in our October 2 workshop at the Port Moody Library. New members are always exciting, and they want us to do more workshops. We want to do more workshops. We'll look at the calendar next month and plan more workshops (along with our other half-dozen events that we do each year). Shoreline is small (about a dozen active members) but mighty, and mighty happy too.

Question: What's good?

mompoet - exzuberated

In the Newspaper this Morning

In case you didn't know all this important stuff:

• Purple is the new black
• Guys in parking lots knocking out women with perfume samples that are really ether is an urban myth
• The recipe for shrunken heads is available on page A3
• There are 30 or 40 "active bears" on the North Shore
• Goth culture is less about death and more about cool clothes
• Telus just made a sponsorship deal with Science World which will now be renamed "TELUSphere"
• There's a real crisis in the US around the flu shot shortage

This information does not reflect the beliefs or opinions of mompoet. In some cases it does not reflect reality. But it's in the paper this morning. Gotta go to the library today and get a good book.

Question: Do you buy it?

mompoet - wondering whether to shred it or forget it

Oh Barf!

I watched Supersize Me on video last night with the family. If you haven't seen it, it's worth a watch. Our kids aren't into McDonalds food anyhow (one likes sushi, the other likes bagels, both love szechuan) but now they won't go, they tell me. Hey, that's good!

Question: Are you what you eat?

mompoet - omnivorous, but in moderation

Some Days Beauty Just Gets in your Face

What a day. Not just because it's Friday. Mostly because of unexpected beauty. Today at lunch I went for a neighbourhood walk with my friend Louise. She spotted some beautiful spider webs on a gate. Then we noticed them on a hedge, a tree and everywhere. There were hundreds of them - seemingly all the same size, shape and design, and all covered with jewels of rain. They were so evenly distributed and obviously placed it was almost like someone had put them there for set decoration in a movie. Scientifically thinking, the spiders are probably genetically programmed to build webs a certain distance from each other to maximize their feeding and avoid damaging each other's work - but from an aesthetic and emotional point of view, it was magic.

Walking the dog through the green belt behind our house I saw about 8 different kinds of wild mushrooms. The variety and abundance is like nothing I've ever seen around here. They looked like pictures of mushrooms in a fairy tale book - or maybe marzipan mushrooms at a European bakery. I guess the hot dry summer and this gentle, misty rain make for ideal conditions. Wish I knew which are edible and which are deadly, but then again, I love just seeing them where they are. So far no fairy sightings, but I'll keep my eyes open.

And finally, a carpet of red. The broad leaf maple dropped her entire walloping glory on the hillside tucked up between two rows of our houses. Chestnut and scarlet wherever I looked. Magnificent.

Sometimes beauty is visible only out of the corner of your eye. Sometimes it comes upon you slowly, as perception develops and matures. Sometimes, like today, it pokes you in the belly and says "Boing!" You have to love when it does that.

Question - Got beauty?

mompoet - dazzled

Activist Moms

The fall season for grassroots political action has begun in the Coquitlam School District. On Tuesday night I attended a forum at the University Women's Club called "Our Schools, Our Future." One of the panelists was Gwenda, a founding member of our own Consortium 43. She did a fabulous job. The whole evening was very interesting. We heard from a school administrator, ministry rep, teachers' union rep, parent advocate for children with learning disabilities and Gwenda, our own advocate for education funding.

That was a powerful kickoff for last night when we worked late to get our submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance before the deadline (midnight). Jennie, another founding member, compiled a very good financial analysis of the funding province wide from 2001-2008. Basically she demonstrated that even with "surprise" funding additions, local districts have been running with smaller real "per pupil" funding amounts since 2001 and will likely continue to do so until 2008. We added to this a description of some of the resulting changes in services in our district and in specific schools.

Our report will be just one of hundreds received by the government, coming from all parts of the political spectrum and all kinds of interests. It feels good to get it done, and a bit easier because we sumbitted a report last year also. We are learning as we go, raising a bit of awareness and sharing and networking with other interested citizens (whether or not the government pays attention to what we say). Oh yeah, that reminds me: send a copy of the submission to the local papers. Last year we got some good coverage of the issues that way - one more thing for the list!

If you want to know more about Consortium 43, you can contact us at consortium43@yahoo.ca

Oh yeah, and mark your calendar for May 17, 2005, when we know we can make a difference.

Question: What's happening at your school?

mompoet - finding spare molecules to point toward another critically good cause

The Voice

Me and the cold are neck and neck. I am insisting that I will win.
The voice is caving to the cold. Maybe I will get that happy laryngitis thing where I just sound awful and get lots of sympathy, but basically feel okay.
Pluses: Taking echinacea and zinc and drinking water, heading to bed now (early)
Minuses: Skipped the gym this morning, glass of wine now (cancels out echinacea?)
Benefit: The voice - oh la la - call me on the phone tomorrow, it's a good voice!
Deficit: The ears - cottonful uselessness mmmfff
Oh well: whole day in the office tomorrow (finally) with only one meeting at 5pm and a szechuan lunch promised at work. Chili is good for stuffy noses.

Question: what about the wine? Do you think it'll hurt? Maybe not if I whine while I drink it?

mompoet - snuzzled but not defeated

ps Thankx Mom. I will add vitamin C to the mix. Ate about 20 little tomatoes at lunch - does that count?

Republicans First Off the Mark

The Knox County Elector's Office must have received my request to be registered as an absentee voter, because I just received airmail campaign literature from the Ohio Republicans in the county where I lived when I was 4 years old, just before moving to Canada. Now I know who not to vote for.

I became a Canadian citizen when I was in university and Ronald Reagan was elected president of the US. I assumed that I would cease being American at that time, but it didn't work. The guy at the US Consolate said that unless I joined the Canadian Armed Forces or something equally extreme, I would continue to be an American. So I still vote in the presidential elections, not that it has worked lately.

(Un)fortunately?? my children are not American. They would be if I had spent a minimum of 2 years past the age of 14 living in the US. So if your mom goes through puberty after leaving the country, you are not a citizen, even if she is. Still, I can live and work in either country, so could probably get us all down there if I wanted to. Now that Andrew is working for Technicolour, it's not impossible, but it sure wouldn't be my choice.

I will vote. In big old Republican Ohio, it might make a difference, if only a symbolic one.

Question: Whoda Thunkit?

mompoet - citizen of north america once I figure out how to join Mexico

Sngggrrrrkkk-gak-cccchhhhheeeewww!

Tumbleweed is growing in my throat. Nose is balking at simple breathing activity. I'm gobbling echinacea and sucking zinc lozenges, and I blasted a full hour, hard and hot in a cycle class this a.m. to try to simulate a virus-snuffing fever. Alas, I think despite my efforts, I am getting a cold.

Last hope is positive thought. Send me some white light, please if you read this. Picture me hoovering lungfulls of fresh air, singing, "The hills are alive...." (if you prefer, you can imagine it with the mute button on) I will think positive too. Don't have time for this right now, no way!

snuffle

Question: What's your remedy? I can use all the help I can get!

mompoet - viral spiralling

How to Help?

Thanksgiving was peaceful and plentiful for our family. Two desperate situations came to light, however. I'm adding them to my online journal on the outside chance someone who can help may read this.

Rachel Adams and Mark Rempel are missing. You may have read the story in Sunday and Monday's Vancouver Province. If not - here is a photo of Rachel. There's a photo of Mark in the Province. I just couldn't get a link to work. They have been missing since Thursday. There are signs of a struggle at Rachel's apartment. Their families and friends have been searching and there's been a media blitz, but so far nothing. Their families think they may have gone up to Whistler, so if you know anyone who lives there, or who spent Thanksgiving weekend there, will you please forward this information? They may be driving a white 1988 Nissan 300ZX with a missing bumper. If you have any clues, please call the Vancouver Police.

At church on Sunday morning, our minister told us that a woman is living in the church because she has run out of resources and lost her home. The woman's name is Linda. She lost her job, ran out of EI, cashed in her RRSPs and sold her car. On September 30 she was forced to give up her apartment that she has lived in for 30 years. She has begun receiving Income Assistance, but that's only $525/month for a single person with no dependents. She is looking for a furnished room with access to kitchen and bath. I'm sure cash donations would help too. If you know of an opportunity or if your family has some extra to share with her, you can contact Reverend Mary Duncan at St. Andrew's United Church in Port Moody 604 939-5513, or call me. If you're the prayerful type, please add Rachel, Mark and Linda and their families to your list for the next few days.

Last night in the car on the way to Thanksgiving supper I thought I was in a cactus patch. My husband was exhausted and stressed from work, and not at his friendly best. The kids were being 11 and 14 and sniping at each other and us. For a moment I wanted to be somewhere else. But then I thought of all of the somewhere elses that are really bad and sad, not just temporarily irritating, and I was truly thankful.

Question: Can you help?

mompoet - sobered

Turkey Turkey

Our family will celebrate Thanksgiving today. There's a Thanksgiving service at church, but the kids have opted out because there's no Sunday School or youth group. Andrew is a Christmas-only goer, so it's just me heading down there. I'm looking forward to participating in Mary's service right through. Teaching Sunday School is very rewarding, but I miss what's going on upstairs.

Supper is at Andrew's Mom's place. My parents are still in Cranbrook, so it will be a small gathering, with a big bird I'm sure. Andrew's mom cooks a complete, traditional supper on such occasions. She is so gracious, she has incorporated my Mom's favourites into her meal. So there'll be little shrimp cocktails, V8 juice, mashed potatoes and a pickle tray (her traditions) and also brussels sprouts and yam casserole ( my mom's). Even though my parents won't be able to come this time, she still does it that way. Dessert is dedicated to the kids. There will be 4 in all, our two and Andrew's brother's two grown sons. Each one will find his or her favourite pie or ice cream, plus the famous can of whipped cream (which we don't splurge on at our house). I think the kids look foward to force-feeding aerosol whipped cream to each other more than anything else. Adults have to look out or we get attacked too. Actually, it's a lot of fun. "Hey Mom, open your mouth, close your eyes and be ready for a BIG surprise...."

I'm not crazy about the big English style meal. I like the leftovers better. Andrew's mom will send us home with a care package, so we'll have turkey stir fry (including brussels sprouts) this week. Then we'll make soup with the bones, which is really the best part. I could live on homemade soup of various kinds. mmmmm

Question: Why do I spend so much time thinking about food?

mompoet - I yam what I yam HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Can I try that again?

Sean and Chrystalene of the West Coast Poetry Festival and Ten Dollar Words invited me to record a poem for a CD they are putting together. The spoken word artists who featured at the festival are each recording a poem. I'm very grateful to be asked, as I wasn't a feature. I did host a couple of shows, so was included on that basis.

The recordings are being made at Western Front, a really cool gallery/performance place in Vancouver. I've never been there before so it was really interesting to have a look. We recorded in a big open space, rather than a little booth, which felt good. I've been in the little booth at Co-op Radio, and it's so weird - especially the sound. The room just gobbles all of the sound before it has a chance to go anywhere. I know that's the way it's supposed to be when you are recording, but it is weird to talk in a room where invisible sound-suckers capture and devour the vibrations. I am tempted to shout, just to find out how loud it would have to be to make a lasting impression.

My husband, Andrew, came with me. That made me happy. He doesn't come to the slam partly because of the late hours. Also, the spoken word scene just isn't his thing. That's okay. We do a lot of things separately. I was glad he wanted to come this time, to hear my poems other than hollered around the house and to meet some of my poetry friends.

Anyway, I sucked at it. Totally, big-time. I know Sean and Chrystaline, and Sara, who recorded,were very kind and said I did just fine, but honestly, I was awful - forgot my words, mispronounced, ran out of breath. I stopped short of channelling Porky Pig, but I was pretty close. I couldn't figure out why it was so much more difficult than when I am on stage. I hardly ever forget my words of lose my momentum when I perform. Why was I such a vocal gimp in this new setting?

As we drove away, I figured it out. The room was set up with the microphone facing away from where the people were seated, so I could see them only out of the corner of my eye. I was staring into the flyswatter screen that goes in front of the mic, so I closed my eyes part of the time - but either way, there was nobody to look at. No contact, no response. I need to see faces because when I perform my poems I am communicating. I practise a lot on my own, but I always picture an audience. It's not enough to know people are listening. I have to see in their eyes that they hear me.

If I get a chance to do this another time, I'll know to ask someone to sit in front of me. I bet it will work. I hope I get another chance. Except for sucking big-time it was fun.

Question: Did you ever discover you couldn't do something that you thought you could do?

mompoet - breathing out

Something about a Shovel?

Stupid BC Liberal comment of the day that proves they are just Socreds with a new label:

On the way to work this morning I heard a sound bite on the news that was so outrageous I stopped and wrote it down. I can't find the quote anywhere on the web tonight, but I promise you I heard him say these words.

Lorne Mayencourt, touting his new Safe Streets Act, on "squeegee people:"

"If somebody wants to hop between cars they should get down to the A&W."

I know I am not the first to draw the parallel, but we have to keep reminding ourselves, and everyone we know. Our opportunity to make things better is coming in May 2005.

Arrrg

Question: Should I even be surprised?

mompoet - still holding on to the concept of compassion and human decency

Go Team(s) Vancouver

The first ever Canadian Spoken Word Olympics are happening right now in Ottawa. Vancouver sent two teams to compete. I hope they both win (but I'm really voting for team 2). I came close to making it onto that team, and will work hard to improve my chances for next time. I wish I could be there to cheer on our teams, and soak up the talent and energy that must be buzzing around this event. Also, it must be interesting to be in Ottawa during the first days of the minority government. I bet there will be less bickering and more sporting behaviour in the halls of slam than in the halls of parliament this week.

Yay Vancouver! Hurray Slam! Come home happy Teams 1 & 2!

Question: If Jean Charest isn't Prime Minister of Canada after all, could he maybe be a judge at a poetry slam?

Mompoet - keeping the faith

Count me in with the "Negatives"

This article in the online newspaper The Tyee illustrates how our public schools are becoming "haves" and "have-nots" according to the wealth and financial savvy of their parent communities. I have never met Jeff Bickerstaff, The King of Parent Fundraisers, but I do know Patty Bacchus, Julianne Doctor and Maureen Bayless, from my school funding advocacy work. If they are "The Negatives," I'm on the Negative team for sure.

Question: How much would you pay for a ride to hell in a handbasket?

Mompoet - laughing at the irony, crying about the reality

Hi Mom, Hi Dad!

My parents drive up to Cranbrook today to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with my sister and her husband and kids. I miss them already.

I don't know why I always feel this way when they are away from home, but I do. I'm not worried for their safety. I'm not jealous that they got to go and I didn't. It's no trouble, really. They don't even ask me to feed their cat. It's more like my world is a bit off kilter when they are not where they're supposed to be. It's like my big picture of "all is well" has a piece temporarily out of place. There's a word for it. I'll find it and post it later.

When they're home we can go for days without a phone call or visit - it's not like we're the kind of people who check in even if we have nothing to say. It's more about knowing, "Yup, they're there. Good." I've talked to them about about it so they know. They make an extra effort to stay in touch because of it. They take along their computer notebook and check email and send me reports on how the trip is going. We probably talk more about the details of their day when they are away than when they are home.

I wonder if it's because I'm the first child, and I've never quite let go of all of my identification with them. Maybe it's my stubborn streak - not wanting anything to happen that I didn't plan. But I don't think so.

Gestalt - there it is.

Oh well, nice to know I'm weird in more than one way. But this is a nice part of weirdness, mostly to do with loving, I think.

Hi Mom, Hi Dad. I hope you're having a good trip.

Question: Is that the right word?

mompoet - balancing on a three-legged chair

Kirsi made me do it

Kirsi says I forgot to say that I came in second at the Vancouver Poetry Slam Monday night. She says if I don't post this information she will reveal to the world that I copy all of my poems off the back of cornstarch boxes and skytrain tickets.

Question: Is that good, Kirsi?

mompoet - slam-happy yeah!

Things that made me laugh

Feeling itchy, restless and distracted. Shouts, tears, laughter and inappropriate snorts all near the surface on a day just too busy for low-level impulse control. Luckily laughter prevailed. These things made me laugh out loud (and those who know me know what that sounds like):

*That was not a smileycon just there. It was a bracket and a colon. I don't do 'cons.

• A skeleton. Don't ask me why - about 40 cm tall, dangling over a hanging basket on a neighbour's house, as I walked the dog this morning.
• A German Shepherd sitting in the middle of the street while it was still sunny. Just sitting there. I drove my car around him v e r y s l o w l y, laughing. He didn't even crack a smile.
• A beagle, singing a sad song outside the video store, and a man, standing inside the video store shaking his finger at the beagle singing outside the video store.
• An email from a friend telling me that families at the Preschool Fair spoke languages from every continent except penguin. It was only funny because I didn't get it and had to email her back to ask her to explain it, then I laughed at how stoopid I was not to get it.
• Then I thought, is the opposite of a continent an incontinent? and I thought I was funny.
• "Pumpkin-scooping kits" at Walmart. I didn't know what's funnier, the idea, or the sound of the words. (Luckily store security was not nearby)
  

Okay, you can detect that these are not hilarious things. But laughing at them felt good.

Question: Ha ha ha ha ha...right?

mompoet - "I'm a little teapot!"

Poet on Call

Mompoet stayed out late Monday night at the slam. Taking her place for today's post is a Poet On Call..

Click here for notmompoet.

Question: Unquestionable

notmompoet - prancing and spitting, and wearing paniers

Big Goofy Grins

So we stood outside of the church holding signs telling bikers that Jesus loves them. A few ignored us, or at least rode by without seeming to notice. Most got big, goofy grins on their faces as they passed. Whether some of them thought we were a joke doesn't matter. We touched them anyway. There were hundreds of them - mostly rough looking characters on Harley Davidsons. Some were dressed as Santa. Some had toys strapped to the handlbars. One had a chihuahua in his jacket. Watching their faces crinkle up was too much fun. The kids got a kick out of it too.

After the parade we went in for Communion, the first served by our new minister. She seems to be good stuff. She brought her bread machine and set it up beside the communion table before the service, and the bread was ready just in time. Very cool. Afterwards I talked to her about the biker parade and told her that I saw a moral dilemma in my decision to take my class to greet the bikers. She said she felt the same way when she heard that it was the plan for the morning. She said her perspective is that Jesus loves everyone, even if he doesn't love everything they do. The way things timed out, I didn't get to talk with the kids about the issue. Next week we will start with that conversation.

Big goofy grins. Ha! I just kept thinking, no matter what's in a person's heart, or what a person has done or will do, there are reasons in that person's heart for what he or she has done. Also, there's a chance that some time in the future, that person may have an experience or a change of heart and end up taking a turn towards goodness. In the meantime, why not remind that person that he or she is loved?

Question: Did anyone tell you today?

mompoet - feeling okay about loving probable participants in organized crime

Parallel Universe

Check the new Weebl and Bob animation entitled parallel. I love Weebl and Bob.

Question: Do you?

mompoet - not purple and mostly not egg-shaped, but I do like pie

Workshop Worked

Jody, Jim and I put on a workshop today at the Port Moody Library. We planned and promoted it to people who are "closet writers," ready to take the first step and dare to call themselves writers and do it in public. We kept it simple: introductions, a 5 minute free-write, round table discussion of why we write, some writing exercises and a book talk by the librarian. We don't see ourselves as experts. Our objective was to share some of our enjoyment of writing and perhaps attract some new members to our writing group.

What a wonderful, amazing time we had. Thirteen people came, 11 women and 2 men. Most told similar stories: I've been writing since I was little. I stopped writing because life got busy. Now I've started again, and it was frightening for me to come here, but I just have to find a way to get going with this thing I have to do. For a moment I felt way out of my depth, like I was unexpectedly presiding at some 12-step meeting, only nobody told me the steps or something. (Lucky thing Jim's a counsellor!) Then I remembered myself just 8 years ago, scared silly walking into my first meeting with the Shoreline Writers. I remember that I felt like such an idiot presuming that anyone might be interested in my poems and stories. But I was brave, I brought and read a story called Dinosaur Mom that I made up to convince the kids to eat their broccoli. Everyone at Shoreline was friendly and encouraging and told me I had to keep going with my writing. When I listened to the other writers there that day, I knew that I could learn from them and that I did belong there. I was worthy of this.

Witnessing some of the women going through this experience today was an unexpected joy and very special privilege. They came in tight as the buds on November rhododendron bushes, then began opening. Only they popped open like popcorn. Something like magic happened. They were laughing and reading out loud and saying things like, "I really want to be with other writers. Listen to me...other writers! I've never said that before." We did some writing exercises and they shared some of their spontaneous work, which was very very good. By the end of the three hours the room was filled with such a good feeling. For Jody, Jim and me, it was like some surge of wonderful power. Who knew it would be so awe-inspiring? But it was.

Now Jim wants to plan a series of workshops. I wonder if the Library would accommodate us? What fun it would be to watch this garden grow!

Question: Have you been waiting to do something?

mompoet - lucky, lucky, lucky

Angels at Sunday School

On Sunday morning I'm planning to take my Sunday Church School class outside to watch the annual motorcycle toy run. Every year about this time, hundreds of motorcycle riders collect money and toys and go for a ride from Coquitlam Centre, along the Barnet/Lougheed Highway, through downtown Port Moody and Burnaby, out to the PNE. For as long as I've attended St. Andrew's United Church it has been a tradition for the Sunday School teachers and kids to stand out in front of the church and wave at the bikers. We hold signs that spell out, "St. Andrew's Sunday Church School says Jesus loves bikers."

Reading this morning's article in the Sun about the local Hell's Angels chapters and their ongoing conflict with local police, I wonder about the implications of taking the kids outside to watch the parade. Are we buying in to a warm fuzzy PR effort to polish the image of organized criminals? Or are we saying, "Love everyone like Jesus does." Or does it work out to be some of each?

Not all of the bikers are Hell's Angels, although more than half appear to be. Most of my 9-11 year olds probably haven't heard of the Hell's Angels, or if they have, they don't know much about who they are or about the ongoing controversy: violent organized criminals vs. unjustly persecuted motorcycle enthusiasts.

I think the answer is to enjoy the parade, but also talk to the kids and find out what they know and how they feel about the issue. The Sunday School curriculum that we work with is based on questioning and discussion, and encouraging the children to think independently. There are no answers in my teacher resource book, only lots of questions and ideas for guiding the children to deepen their thinking and make personal connection to issues of morality, social responsibility and truth, in the light of a liberal Christian theology. As a new Christian (3 years in November) and rookie Sunday School teacher, I'm learning right along with them how to connect all of this together.

I'll check in with the minister and Sunday School coordinator too. Their experience and wisdom will help me with this one. In the meantime, I'll count myself lucky to be working with these kids, who remind me to stop and think about things more than if I was deciding only for myself.

Question: Any thoughts?

mompoet - believing in angels all over the place

Not an Urban Myth After All

I read what sounded like a very silly story in this morning's Vancouver Sun (There's Cocaine in your wallet, probably by Chad Skelton, Oct. 2 Vancouver Sun p. C4). I looked it up on the Urban Legends website and found out that it is true. Most $20 bills have traces of cocaine stuck to them. You have to read it to believe it. The Sun website is now locked up tight to all but daily subscribers, but there's more detail on the Urban Legends page anyway (although the latter's content is American). Read it and snort.

Life is more complicated than we could ever imagine.

Question: Could my habitual sobriety be directly proportional to my continued insolvency?

mompoet - straight from the suburbs after paying for karate, musical theatre, private voice and a couple of field trips already!

Boing Protest Lodged in Burnaby

Mompoet's parents (grand-poets?) have lodged a formal protest about my previous post. They have accused me of being purposefully obscure, which is something I frequently criticize in the work of other poets. In an effort to de-mystify "Boing" I will now provide notes for this post.

Boing = the sensation of being tightly sprung and bounding and rebounding, with little control and even less care for control
Boing is a happy feeling.
Boing as a verb indicates the motion made by Tigger.
Boing sounds funny.
Boing is an all-consuming, pervasive sensation experieced most commonly on Wednesdays at 3pm, but sometimes earlier in the week.
Boing is not spiritual or intellectual. It is the body laughing at nothing in particular.
Boing is contagious.

Try this at home. Walk up to someone and stand right in front of him/her. Step a little closer. Say, "Boing," then just stand there. You will both laugh really loud for a long time.

There it is.

Question: Boing enigmatic or Boing parsed?

mompoet - post-boing

Pushups

I did 15 pushups today. I know that might not sound like much, but I have never done pushups before this month, and never ever 15 before today. I mean the real kind of pushup with only hands and toes on the floor and the rest of me like a board, or a door off its hinges. I can do a million lady pushups, with knees on the floor. These were not lady pushups, they were army pushups.

I have been lifting weights since last November, getting to the point where I can do pushups. Before that I was doing yoga, but it was too difficult for me and I was having trouble fitting the classes into my schedule. Whenever I practised at home the dog would pant on me and the cat would sit on me.

Ectomorph - the praying mantis body-type (not me)
Endomorph - the over-stuffed chair body-type (sometimes me)
Mesomorph - taking-up-space-with-functional-mass body-type (me more and more these days)

I have some practical reasons for this (prevent bone loss in my middle-to-later years, develop core strength for ease of movement and less aging-related pain, regain strength lost to a couple of year's struggle with hyperthyroidism) but really I like having big muscles. So there it is. I'm not planning to turn into some muscle magazine woman's head on a man's body - I'm too curvy for that to ever happen. I just like being strong. I like saying to the guy who's just finishing on the leg press, "That's okay, leave it loaded. I'll use it like that." Upper body is still more of a challenge, but it's coming along. I don't need to ask for help lifting things nearly as often, and I can finally do pushups. The exercises don't take long, and the routine is almost like a meditation. I go to the gym when it's quiet, and just move through the progression almost like a yoga flow. I feel relaxed and energized when I'm done, and more aware and respectful of all of my major parts.

I also love that my daughter is doing sports even though she's not a super-jock type. Acting, singing, drawing and writing are her favourite things, and she's really talented. But she also plays volleyball and basketball, on actual teams at school. I never did that - always thought of myself as too awkward or slow, a liability to any team. I'm very happy she doesn't feel that way. By doing some activity myself I'm hoping to show her that I am inspired by her example, and also to set an example too, by not gradually giving up exercise just because middle age has arrived and life is very busy.

I'll be 43 in November. I will probably never be able to do 43 pushups. I will probably live at least another 43 years. Wouldn't it be cool to be 86 years old with good, big muscles? I can just hear the little ones say, "Grandma, show us some pushups."

Question: Why the heck not?

mompoet - pumped in a mom sort of way

boing

BOING!!!!

Question: boing?

m B o O m I p N o G e G t G !

On Top of the World

Oh my goodness, what a day. Word on the Street was tremendous fun and I loved being a feature poet. Lots of friends showed up from work, the neighbourhood and Shoreline. Mom and Dad came too, which is a bonus. They were supposed to be in Rupert but my brother's family has the flu, so they stayed home.

It was just incredibly, wonderfully, exciting and exhilarating to be on stage. I love it at the slam for sure, but even more when I get to do a whole set, without strict time rules. The Liars of Orpheus played gorgeous musical accompaniment that enhanced the poems very well. Those guys sure know how to do it! Performing with musicians was the part that made me most nervous. Here's what I did to get over it: On Saturday I picked out the most distracting music I could think of - a Michael Kaeshammer cd - and played it nice and loud while I practised my poems. At first I kept losing track of my words and looping phrases and missing sections, but then I got used to it, and tried working the rhythm of the poem around the music. After about half a dozen tries throughout the day it was working. So when the band played at Poet's Corner and they were playing along to what I was saying, it was easy and fun.

Afterward I got lots of recognition, hugs and congratulations. Lavish praise and appreciation. That feels spectacularly good - like flying, actually.

Lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky me. Ahhhhh

Question: What was good for you today?

mompoet - blessed magnificently and blissed maximally

Stories

Just finished Oracle Night. The end is brutal, but worth it. I fell asleep reading it sometime around 1:30am, and got up to finish it at 7. Good book. Paul Auster has 8 novels (I read the jacket notes after finishing the story). I will read some more.

Publication Committee meeting in Whonnock was excellent. We chose our cover art and design and had some fun writing our bios on the spot, in haiku and limerick form. Here's my haiku bio

oak leaf shout HEAVEN!
moving rock pairs and triads
sun-warmed gully splash

I tried to do a limerick bio but I couldn't get past the word Nantucket.

We have shortened the title to Road to Hell, and I got my first look at the story by that title. It's surreal and wonderful. This will be a very good book.

Today is Saturday. Fast-growing boy needs haircut. Winter clothes lurk in attic. Litter box is singing a loud nose-jazz from its room in the basement. Better deal with it before the cat breaks out to scat-sing in random corners.

Question: how would you tell yourself in 17 syllables?

mompoet - not enough sleep but energized by autumn air

Dynamite

I took the kids to see Napoleon Dynamite today. Wow! We loved it. My 11 year-old got bored for a few minutes in the middle, but was very happy with it by the end. Fourteen year old son and I loved it from start to finish, including the extra scene that runs after the credits. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend it. The movie is about a boy named Napoleon Dynamite who is the ultra-misfit in his Idaho high school. It doesn't have a conventional plot arc, which is a plus in my books. It's less like the Mad Mouse and more like the Dumbo ride, with weird and wonderful characters riding in all of the elephants. There's some grim humour, including a scene with a farmer shooting a cow in front of a school bus full of children, but on the whole it's optimistic and sweet. My Shoreline friend thought it was funny that I called the movie "sweet," but I told him he is not somebody's mom, so I can understand why he wouldn't see it that way. I think there's a bit of dynamite in all of us, and you should never pass up a movie where the big romantic breakthrough is the boy saying to the girl, "I brought you a delicious bass." It'll be out on video pretty soon I bet, but go see it at Tinseltown while it's still there, if you have a chance.

I am up really late, so I'll go to bed now and read some more of Oracle Night before sleep.

Question: Did you ever try the Dumbo ride?

mompoet - loopy, but not yet droopy

Really 42 (I see)

For the very first time in my life I had to take my glasses off to read. Sure, it was dim light (we were waiting for the movie to begin) but yes, I took them off, and I could see clearly again. Old eyes. Lucky though, to have seen so many things along the way to this day, and looking forward to seeing many more. Lucky also to have extended medical coverage (bifocals are expensive).

Question - Are your arms still long enough?

mompoet - aging gratefully

Good good good

Many good things today...

Shoreline Publication Committee tonight. We'll drive out to Whonnock to have supper at Helmi's and work on our chapbook together. My poems are shaping up just fine, as well as the stories that I am involved in readying for the book. It's going to be our best yet. The whole evening is always very nourishing physically, intellectually and spiritually. It's a long drive out, so we laugh and relax together. The meal is always fabulous. Then the conversation, working together on the book and sharing impressions of life in general. ahhhhh

Eggplant last night. By the time I got home, my husband had cooked supper, so the kids ate at 6:15, but I spent some time with a certain eggplant that I bought the other day, and made my fall favourite. The recipe is in Moosewood Low Fat cookbook. It is simple and good, basically a pasta sauce made with onions, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, mushrooms and roasted eggplant. mmmmmm

Two days until Word on the Street. I have my set prepared and poems memorized. Last night I worked on a surprise. hee hee hee

A new book. I am reading Paul Auster's Oracle Night. It's very good. There's a story inside a story, inside a story (!) and some kind of metaphysical mystery happening about a writer who seems to disappear when he writes in a particual notebook. I'm discovering it as I go. For the first time in a long time I have picked up a book about which I know nothing. Nobody I know has read this book. I have not read a review. I didn't even read the jacket notes. I began reading it the other night very late. My husband was sleeping so I tiptoed into bed and used my little book light to read. I went straight to page one, skipping any synopsis-peek, which was very cool. It was such a mysterious way to begin a new story - silently, in pitch darkness, with a small light revealing one page at a time. Now I'm determined to enjoy this read all on my own. So if you have read it, don't talk to me about it please, until I'm finished. shhhhhh

Day off work. Both kids are home on Pro-D, so I arranged the day off. I love my job for many reasons, but its flexibility is at the top of the list. I worked a couple of longs days earlier this week, so can take this day off for free. The kids and I plan to go to a movie, which will seem extra decadent because the sun is shining today. But first, I have to bake a plum cake for Helmi's place. Tra la la

Question: No question today - if you would like to write a question and answer it, please feel welcome to do so.

mompoet - unwinding

Urban Myth?

By now you have probably received the email that tells the story of Maya Angelou's 74th birthday and her comments on the Oprah Winfrey Show about aging gracefully. You may even have forwarded it to five amazing women, as instructed. After all, who would dare tempt fate and suffer the dire consequences promised in the email?

I am running a personal test. I have received this particular email at least a dozen times now and I never, ever forward such things (well, except maybe that one with the man in the over-the-shoulder yellow brazilian thong bathing suit - but that was funny). I have made a point of not forwarding the Maya Angelou email. Despite this refusal, the elastic on my underpants is still working just fine.

Question: Do you dare join me in this dangerous experiment?

mompoet - snug and safe from chilly breezes

Pear Honey Missed Instruction

Peel and core the pears. (ahem)

Question - How most post would a compost post, if a compost could post com?

mompoet - sometimes careless, never pear-less

Talking to myself?

Did you wonder why I'm posting all of the comments? It seems that you have to have your own blog on blogger to be allowed to post a comment. I'm toying with the idea of setting up a dummy blog and giving everyone I know the password so you don't have to go to the trouble.

Question: Can anyone think of a better way?

In the meantime, email me your comments and answers to question of the day. I'll post 'em as mompoet.

I bought 20 pounds of apples and 18 pounds of pears on Sunday. They have been sitting in boxes, getting eaten as we pass, but not all of them. Today the pears were at the beginning of their rype cycle so I canned some "pear honey" (recipe from Louise). It's pretty yummy and does indeed taste like honey. Gonna make me some applesauce too, and some pear sauce. Yum.

Pear Honey

9 cups finely chopped pears (Thanks for the Cuisinart you gave us when we got married, Mom and Dad. It still works great.)
1 cup finely chopped pineapple
juice and grated zest of one lime
5 cups sugar (hey, it's okay, it has pears in it too)

Stir and bring to a boil. Boil for 20 minutes. Can - process for 20.

Here is a poem:

Bartlett

Curving flare of supple yellow green
Skin yields
To biting edge without snap
Sweet middle slide
Forever wish inside
Catches
Grinding stop

To chew again
Find middle juice
Echoes
Of wiry tree

Flesh
Too fine to bear
Until only core is there

Jam is done. Good night. Remember to listen to the radio on Wednesday: 2pm 102.7fm Coop Radio - Wax Poetic. (but don't listen to the snap of lids - never!)

mompoet - earwax prophetic

New Season, New Look

Hey wait! It's me! mompoet! I just look different. There are a couple dozen templates from which to choose, so I'm changing my blog's look for fall. I like to change things frequently so that I continue to actually see them. If it's the same for too long my brain sort of glosses over and I miss interesting details. It's not like I move everything around in my kitchen cupboards, or put my pillow at the foot of the bed, but I do like to sit in a different seat at the table, switch my telephone and pencil jar around on my desk and take a different route when I go for a walk. There are so many ways to see the world, why would I always choose the same perspective?

So Tuesday is the first day of fall. In one way that's very exciting - new beginnings, new projects, groups re-forming, kids grown taller over the summer, and that tang in the air of authentic ripening, fermentation and glorious rot. Before everything freezes it gets very damp mushy and aromatic in such an intriguing way.

In some ways I dislike fall, but not for the usual reasons. My dislike has to do with the equinox versus the solstice, and a fundamental disdain for balance. I don't like delicate things, or fine things. German wine is boring. Subtle nuances are confounding. Enigmatic smiles are annoying. I like big, bold and intense, so I crave the solstice, high acidity, big personalities and black/white dichotomies. I can handle the in-between, but given my druthers, I'll go with the definite. I'd even rather listen to someone be adamantly wrong than tentatively correct. Yeah!

September 21 is just fine. Only 90 or so days to the real day - December 21 - long dark night, mystery, stark contrast between indoor and outdoor atmosphere. Yes. I can hardly wait.

Question: Fulcrum or precipice?

mompoet - not in the middle if I can help it

Lists

Woke up Saturday with so much to do. It had been three weeks since I have cleaned the house, and the dog is shedding again, so obviously, I had some mucking out to do. Husband and kids help of course, but I am the captain of the bucket brigade. 11 year old daughter needed clothing for beginning of dance auditions Monday so we had to go to the mall too. There were about a googolplex other things from sending in claim forms for this month's orthodontist bill to planning my Sunday Church School class program from now until the beginning of Advent. I resorted to my tried-and-true and made a list. It works every time. Helps me stay on track and gives me satisfaction as I cross off, cross off, cross off. Somehow it makes me feel like I'm on top of things more.

I did get lots done including the most satisfying: working on my three pieces for this year's Shoreline Writers' Society chapbbook. I will contribute three poems, and I had feedback from one of my editors. I also did some work on the short stories given to me by the two members for whom I am editor. The stories are so good and so funny that I was giggling and shouting while I sat at the table, and my kids kept saying, "WHAT!!???" until I stopped and read them the works in progress, then they understood. My friends have written two great stories. The book will be ready in December. I'll have gift and sale copies ready for Christmas, and we'll try to do some promotional readings in the new year.

The toaster just said "ding" and there is peanut butter, a banana and fresh coffee waiting. I know what I want to do.

Question: Do you list?

mompoet - turning away from bla bla and toward yum yum

One more stab at shameless self-promotion

I will perform at the Poets' Corner at Word on the Street on Sunday, September 26 at Library Square in downtown Vancouver. If you like books, magazines, reading and writing, the whole day will be so much fun for you. It's all free, and there's so much to do and see that you'll wish you were three people.

This will be my third year at Poet's corner. In 2002 I was chosen to read as an emerging poet. I was part of a group of 4 poets who where invited to read along with an established poet during one of the 5 sets that day. My friends Irene Livingston and Jim Thompson read too. I had so much fun that I asked if I could volunteer the following year. Steve Duncan, one of the venue's organizers, asked me to be venue coordinator. For Poets' Corner 2003, I spent pretty much the whole day at the tent, welcoming hosts and poets, taking photographs, handing back submission packages, making sure hosts had bios, and making sure the features got their cheques and everyone got thank-yous and any support or hospitality that they needed. It was great. The previous year I had felt a bit overwhelmed by the largeness of the event. I don't do well with sensory overload. I hate smorgasbords, detest shopping malls and do not like to listen to music while I read or write. One thing at a time, full blast, best-you-can-get and really do it. That's me. Not some of this, some of that, not enough to even get an idea then on to the next. Staying at the Poet's Corner I felt like the pivot of a glorious pinwheel of poets, writers, readers and friends. It was busy and exciting and filled me to the brim with one excellent variety of happy and good.

So this year I have volunteered again to be venue coordinator. Then Steve asked if I would also like to feature. I felt scared at first. The other features have books of poetry published. They are well-known names in the poetry/lit community. Who was I to be a feature? I even emailed Steve to tell him if he changed his mind that was okay. But he very quickly and kindly said that he was sure they wanted me to feature.

So I am volunteering all day, then on at 4pm to perform some of my poetry, along with 4 talented poets, host RC Weslowski and even a back-up band! Johnny Frem phoned me earlier this week to ask if I would like his band, The Liars of Orpheus, to play along while I do my poems. Again, I felt frightened. What if I look like an idiot? But then I remembered that I like to do new things that I haven't tried before. I don't bungie-jump or rock-climb or gamble. So this is my chance to take a step beyond my comfort zone. And Johnny is such a good guy and a talented musician. I know for sure it will be very cool.

So I hope you'll come to Word on the Street and for sure to Poets' Corner and maybe even to see me perform at 4pm. It will be fun.

Question: Do you like smorgasbords or small plates? Bungie jumps or leaps of faith?

mompoet - creating new self-perception

Radio Me Soon

Steve Duncan invited me to be a guest on Wax Poetic this coming Wednesday. The show is on Coop Radio 102.7fm at 2pm every Wednesday. It's always fun to listen to this show. Local poets, visiting poets, long poets, haiku gurus, anarchists, eyebrow worshippers...everything except bureaucrats and hallmark card writers. But maybe they have had those and I just missed those shows. But I try not to. Anyway, please tune in to hear me say:

I thought it was a ZIT!

and other totally scintillating and mostly anti-lectual poetry. I get to talk for about 25 minutes which can be dangerous. Steve and Diane are the hosts. RC works the sound and does the announcements. It's a friendly place for a poet to play. I'm glad they invited me.

Question: Do you watch the radio? Do you listen to television?

mompoet - going to watch 7 day videos from the coupon book before September is over

TV Me

I made it onto CityPulse news tonight. Their education reporter Mike Bothwell called me for a parent's perspective on Christy Clark's resignation. He remembered me from when our school was threatened with closure two years ago due to funding cuts. The story looked really good, and my comments were edited into the beginning, middle and end of the piece. I sure appreciate the opportunity to talk about how this government's actions have affected families.

Question: What would you say if you could say whatever you wanted to on television?

mompoet - media magnet, dust mop, enigma velcro

Surprised I'll Miss Her

Christy Clark announced her resignation from Provincial Cabinet and from her position as Deputy Premier last night and declared that she will not run for re-election as our local MLA in 2005. I should be jumping for joy, but surprisingly, I feel sad. I have thought of her as the embodiment of everything bad for our schools and social programs in BC. I have met with her, I have written letters to the editor directly criticizing her words and actions. I should be over the moon to see her go.

But I feel sad.

Minister Clark's explanation for stepping down is that she is choosing to spend more time with her husband and preschool age son. Maybe this is part of why I have this surprising sadness. I can understand the pressure to balance home and family with responsiblities in the outside world, and I know too, as a parent who has fought against cuts to education and social services, that getting out into the community and speaking up takes time and energy that have to come from somewhere. It's ironic that we must neglect our families in order to work for the changes that will benefit them.

Also, I have always had this sneaking suspicion that it must be hard for Christy Clark to preside over cuts and policy changes (both in the Education and Children and Family Development ministries) that have hurt so many people. I have heard her saying that it's all for the best, that we'll just have to work smarter and more efficiently, and that funding is actually increasing (hey, that's a whole other story). But my heart tells me that she knows better. Maybe she's just tired of having to be responsible for all of this hurt. Maybe, just maybe, even she doesn't believe everything she has been telling us all along.

So besides feeling sad I feel hopeful. And mostly I feel glad that I have chosen to get involved in these issues, get to know Christy Clark, become an activist parent. The one place where the duty to home and to the outside world has not conflicted is in the example I can show my kids. They watch me writing, phoning, attending meetings, conferences and rallies. Whoever's political view prevails doesn't matter so much as the fact that the kids see that we do have a voice and a responsility to use it. I know that Christy must feel that way about her son. I sure feel that way about my children. My son is excited about helping to support our NDP candidate in the coming election. My daughter talks about the issues with me at supper and in the car. So that's where the hope is. I know, long after we all forget who Christy Clark was and what I wrote in the local paper, those kids of mine, and hers too, will know that this world is theirs.

Question: Were you ever surprised like this?

mompoet - stopping short of sending a hallmark card

Hellzapoppin'

Some weeks are fast and swervy. This is one. I'm working all five days this week (managed to swing 2 on and 3 off without taking a holiday last week) with work, meetings and parents' night at the high school filling up most of my weeknight evenings. The kids are really back to school full force, and all of my volunteer commitments that slumbered over the summer have just awakened. I love roller coasters. I love ice cream. But too much racing and plunging and too many flavours to contemplate are not good. I know it's just the jolt that always comes at the end of summer, but yikes!

Some of the sights and sounds are exhilarating, though:

Dropped in to Burnaby Writers' Society's Poetry Contest Awards Night. My friend Irene Livingston won first prize for her spectacular poem, Satin Blue. I also got to hear her daughter, Lenore Angela, read her poem, Magnolia Hide, which won an Honourable Mention.

Before that I was at a meeting of the Vancouver Poetry House - a group that has been formed to promote and foster poetry in the Vancouver Area. We're planning the second Canadian Spoken Word Olympics for September 2005. To find out what that's all about, check out the website for the inaugural CSWO, that will take place in Ottawa this October.

I just realized I'm sticking in all of these links to point in any direction but at myself. So before I sign off, here goes...

Things that make me happy despite feeling overwhelmed by pace, volume and intensity of current days:

• Loving husband and children, awesome parents, sister and brother and their families (including my brother-in-law whose birthday I just missed but who I know still loves me and I'll phone him tomorrow because it's already one hour later in Cranbrook)
• Mush puppy and long brown cat
• 17 best friends (at last count)
  
• energy to stay on top of even the crazy days, even when I'm not crazy about them
• Everything is still funnier than it is annoying
• God

Things I will do in the next 24 hours to distract myself and catch some relief from way-too-much-plain-old-everyday:

• Wear pajamas until the last possible minute before I have to shower, dress and go to work, and wear pajamas as soon as I get home and can get away with it without husband and kids saying, "You're in your pajamas already?"
• Drink tea in the afternoon
• Hug everyone who will stand still to be hugged
• Read something funny and laugh laugh laugh without explaining to anyone who hears me why I am laughing (they're used to it already)
  
• Take some photographs
• Sing in the car

Wow. That feels better already.

Question: What do you do when the world is spinning like one of those gyrotron vomit rides?

mompoet - positively discombobulated but optimistic about the day after tomorrow

interactive or inert?

So now that I've given the mompoet url to about a million friends, well, 16 or 17 at last count, I'm wondering who's actually reading the darn thing. So please let me know by posting a comment. That's different from emailing the link as some friends have done. You have to register with blogger, but I have done so and I'm still getting the same number of spam ads as before for university degrees and penis enlargement. Now, if somebody would just combine those two offers, I think I might be interested.

So please consider posting a comment. Just go down to the bottom of my post where it says "0 comments," click on it and then click on "post a comment." It will lead you through registering. You can use an assumed name or a presumed name or a subsumed name. It will be fun. I'll know you are there.

Question: Why the heck not?

mompoet-oet-oet-oet-oet-oet (echoing in the void)

Dunk Dubya

Try this fun e-card:

Dunk George Bush

mompoet - annoyed and irritated, having just balanced the chequebook and paid the bills - where did it go? where did it go?

ps: dunking bush made it feel better

Overthrow the Government with Jam

Check this animated piece:

Weebl and Bob

Question: if now why, how?

mompoet - cryptic and running to teach first Sunday School class of the season

BC Liberal Government Speaks the Truth at Last

Seen on a highwayside sign, posted by the Provincial Government:

MOVING BRITISH COLUMBIA FORWARD
End of Project

mompoet - counting the days

Great Post on Defective Yeti

What would you do if you spotted Saddam Hussein on a Seattle City Bus? Check out Defective Yeti for a great story.

mompoet - catching up on internet before dressing for the wedding

Missed the Bride

Phew. I'm home from Whistler, but I missed the wedding. An accident on the highway stopped traffic for an hour or so. By the time I got back to Port Moody it was just past 1pm, and the ceremony was underway. Luckily I had a cell phone, so I could call my family and nobody worried about me. If I'd left Whistler 15 minutes earlier, I would have been home early. If I'd left 10 minutes earlier, maybe I would have been part of the accident. It was pouring rain and the wind was gusting, and that highway is tricky. When the traffic finally got moving I drove past the scene: a big truck down on its side and two cars, pretty well smashed. I hope everybody was okay, but it looked bad.

So I'll make it to the reception this evening, but I won't see the wedding itself. I've never met the bride and groom. The bride is my husband's boss's daughter. The boss has been really good to us. He's a super nice guy, and treats my husband like a member of the family, so I'm delighted to be part of the celebration.

Friday in Whistler was a hoot. I predicted right. I can barely talk today I laughed so much. I drove up in time for brunch at the condo. Then we played mini golf which became extra fun when it started to rain so we simultaneous speed-golfed the last 3 holes. Then we sat at the pub for a while, then came back to the condo for the hot tub, supper and some goofy games. We stayed up past midnight just talking and laughing our guts out. My neighbour, one of the ladeez, was so silly I could not stop laughing at her silliness. Worse, when we finally hauled ourselves to bed, I was sharing a bed with her and she wouldn't stop talking. We'd just get settled down then one of us would say something again and we'd start giggling. Finally I said, "Now I'm going to dive head first into sleep. Good night." She said, "Okay, me too." and we slept.

I am blessed to know these women whose company nourishes my soul. We're part of each other's lives every day. Our September weekend is a treasure. Together we speak a language of words and actions that belongs to us, bonds us and strengthens us as individuals and friends.

Question: who feeds your soul?

mompoet - tired, hoarse, happy, and ready to put on a party face

Whistlin'

I am driving to Whistler this morning to spend some time with the Ladeez in the 'Hood. We will laugh consecutively and simultaneously for our waking hours and giggle when we sleep. They're staying up until Sunday afternoon but I'll drive back down in the morning to get home in time for another friend's wedding Saturday afternoon. I'm looking forward to the solo drive. I practise memorizing and saying my poems in the car.

Ha ha ho ho hee hee

Question: What do you do all by yourself in the car?

mompoet - ready to launch

William Carlos Williams

The Three Graces

We have the picture of you in mind,
when you were young, posturing
(for a photographer) in scarves
(if you could have done it) but now,
for none of you is immortal, ninety-
three, the three, ninety and three,
Mary, Ellen and Emily, what
beauty is it clings still about you?
Undying? Magical? For there is still
no answer, why we live or why
you will not live longer than I
or that there should be an answer why
any should live and whatever other
should die. Yet you live. You live
and all that can be said is that
you live, time cannot alter it--
and as I write this Mary has died.

William Carlos Williams

Question: none today

mompoet - reflective and appreciative

The Soft Squishy Part Between

I got all excited today when my friend told me she's had a palm pilot since June, but hasn't used it yet. "Oh! Oh!" said I, "I can come over for coffee and show you how to use it!" Thing is, I really enjoy helping people get comfortable with technology. I don't understand how it works at the program-building level, and I can't fix it when it's broken, but I'm not afraid of it. I love to play with computer programs and find out different things I can do with them and how to make them work. So many women in my generation are intimidated by computers, so it's really fun to help them jump in and play around with whatever it is, a palm pilot or a software application or even a yahoo account. You can't break it - it's usually created broken, and anything you do is reversible or re-doable so go ahead and use the darn thing! If it doesn't do what you want it to do, well that's proof that we still need real people, and computers will never rule the world. At work, people ask me for help all the time, but they ask in quiet voices like "pssst...I don't know how to do this...can you show me?" Never fear! Pseudo-geek is here!

I sometimes think about what I would do for a living if I didn't do the jobs I do now (mom, recreation programmer, community volunteer). Well, I'll always be a mom, and probably also a volunteer, but if I ever leave recreation work, I'd like to be a computer trainer - but not a shiny corporate whiz-bang trainer. I would be a warm-fuzzy "yes you can!" trainer. Rich ladies would hire me to come over and teach them how to use Excel or do a halfway decent internet search. Timid Grandmas would get me to help them email their grandchildren and set up their own blogs. Men and women whose offices had automated around them and left them behind would call me to help them catch up and gain confidence so nobody would notice that they weren't born doing this. Weird, huh?

In a strange way, I think this is very creative, like making a sculpture out of two materials that nobody would ever put together. Making a soft, natural fit between a technophobe and the world of micromania is an art. I like to think about being the soft squishy stuff in between the two worlds.

Question: What would you be if you weren't what you are?

mompoet - merging left and right brain with a chisel and a bag of marshmallows

Falling into It

First day of school went smoothly. Our 11 year old spent an hour at middle school. Our 14 year old spent 2 1/2 at secondary. Both are at new schools this fall, with new routines to learn, a step up for each in terms of independence and academic challenge and opportunities for new activities, new friends, and new anxieties. Both children seemed pretty positive today. Tomorrow may be another story as classes will begin. We're hoping no homework until next week, but you never know.

I'm super-tired, and not too inspired to do my journal tonight because of all the fun I had last night at the poetry slam. there were some great new poets on stage and an enthusiastic crowd. Graham, the regular slam host, was back after spending some time away from the stage nesting with his wife and their new baby. Barbara Adler was the feature poet. She is so good! Check out one of her poems here. Her cd is out now and it's great. You can get a copy most nights at The Vancouver Poetry Slam. You'll notice from the listing, the slam begins at 9pm, which is early evening if you are 22 or something but makes for a late night for someone like me, almost twice that age. I got home around midnight, and fell into bed at 12:30, but it was worth it!

The tile floor looks great! The guys will put in the grout on Thursday, then the furniture can go back and the dining room is done (except for molding around the edges which will come later). My husband showed me a couple of mistakes in the tiling that I never would have noticed. I suggested that he just not show them to anyone, and accept the compliments he's sure to get. It's phenomenal what he and his friend did all on their own. They should enjoy people's appreciation and not worry about insignificant imperfections. But most of us are like that, aren't we? For example:

Mr. Admiring: Hey, long time no see! You're looking good!
She: Not really, I've gained a few pounds.
(Now what is poor Mr. Admiring supposed to say? "Hmm, I beg to differ. let's step over to the scale." or "Oh yeah, baby, that's what I meant. I love voluptuous women." or more likely "Errrp!" followed by a hasty retreat.)

Here's another one:

Nice Neighbour: Your kid is really playing that saxophone better and better. We hear him practising at night.
Mom: Oh, I'm sorry. Is the noise bothering you?

Here's another:

Gracious Gourmand: MMMMM! This is the best chili I've ever tasted. What's your secret?
Faux Chef: I bought it at Costco.

Get over it! A compliment is a gift! Practise this:

Mr. Admiring: Hey, long time no see. You're looking great!
She: Thank you very much. What a nice thing for you to say. You're looking pretty good too. How's your new job?

Nice Neighbour: I enjoyed listening to Bobby's saxophone last night. He's getting better on that horn.
Mom: Wow, he'll feel so good when I tell him you said that. Thanks for the encouragement!

Gracious Gourmand: Mmmmm..this is the best chili...
Faux Chef: I love it too. Thanks! You want some more?

Try it. Accepting a compliment is like giving a gift in return.

How did I get here from the first day of school? I don't know. I will compliment myself and say that whatever I start on, I get somewhere else, even if I'm not sure how, but that's good.

Hello pillow, goodby keyboard. Happy beginning everyone.

Question: are you better at dishing or catching compliments?

mompoet - scattered, tattered and back in the September groove.

Peace

My husband and his friend have been working on the dining room floor since 8:30 this morning. It's looking really good. When the job's done it will be spectacular! This day is more placid than I thought it would be for a few reasons:

• The kids overdosed on "out of the house" at the PNE yesterday, so they are content to stay home, read, play computer, watch tv, walk the dog, label school supplies etc. with a minimum of mom-tertainment.
• The men-folk decided to focus only on the dining room. They moved the bookcases and table and chairs to other parts of the house, but they left my kitchen exactly as it is. I can cook, send email, feed the animals etc. When they do the kitchen they'll have to move the fridge and stove and disconnect the computer. Then I'll be out of sorts. This won't happen until some time in October as our handy friend is going to Japan and China next weekend. Hmmm, maybe if we offer him turkey dinner at my Mom's house he'll spend Thanksgiving here, finishing the project.
• We must be ready for school because the kids are being friendly and helpful. This is a sign of feeling okay with the world.
• I'm happy because I'm going out to the Vancouver Poetry Slam tonight. I always feel good when I'm looking forward to something.

With no prospect of the mall (shhhh...don't say the word out loud) in sight I am puttering happily, listening to bad puns, cooking grill cheese sandwiches and enjoying my home and family.

Tra la la

Question: What does a peaceful day sound, look, feel like to you?

mompoet - blissful in a non-imposing sort of way

Today the PNE - Tomorrow the Mall

Today the corniest, most expensive mish-mash of everything under the sun. I love the PNE. We'll spend the day there, from opening to the end of Bring on the Night dance and firework extravaganza. (We'll skip the rides. We spent a day in August doing just rides for 8 hours.) The SuperDog Show, the demolition derby (or whatever they're calling it this year), community dancers, talent search, mop and knife miracle demonstrations, ultra-corny but wonderful Cirque Pop, Equestriana and the smiling, beautiful sturdy ladies on their dancing Clydesdales. I'll pack sandwiches for lunch to save money but we'll buy way overpriced nitrate and grease-loaded supper (well, I'll probably have dicey dangerous don't know who made it sushi) and ice cream for sure. My kids always talk me into letting them eat the giant cube of curly fries while we watch the horse show. The people-watching is the best: always people we know all over the place but also people who we would never see anywhere else. People come into town for the PNE. It's a big day for everyone. We'll all be shiny and excited and a tiny bit scared by the grubby grabbiness of the whole thing, but Hooray!

Tomorrow my husband and his friend will rip out our dining room carpet, tear up the kitchen linoleum and commence re-flooring that whole area with ceramic tiles. It's going to be beautiful when it's done, but I have to get the kids out of the house for the day. I fear we will end up where they want to go, the mall. It's not only that I hate spending money on over-priced stuff, but that's part of it. I really miss the days when Value Village had the same allure for my kids as Old Navy does today. I also feel sad to see people who are stuck working at the mall, and worst to see people who actually go there for enjoyment. They're easy to spot, zombie-walking slow to make it last because maybe it's the best thing available for them to do with their time. What a sad sight. I'll try to make a mall sandwich tomorrow. Something outdoors like taking the dog to Rocky Point to get her out of the way of the destructo-guys too. Then the mall. Then maybe a movie? Or maybe I'll just pick up pizza since my kitchen will be a disaster, and we'll picnic in the basement and label school supplies. I don't know. We'll make the last day sweet and only 50% mall-crawl if it works out the way I want it.

Question for today: What's the best thing you ever found at V.V. Boutique?

mompoet - packing a plastic tablecloth to sit on in case the ground is wet

What Next

I finished The Book of Illusions by Paul Auster last night. It was a totally satisfying novel. Pretty dark most of the way through, but believable, thought-provoking and hard to put down. I recommend it.

Question of the day: What should I read next?

mompoet - between books which is not as bad as adrift at sea, but something like it

Last Weekend of Summer

I don't know who is more anxious about school starting, me or the kids. We have enjoyed 2 months of no homework, no karate classes or rehearsals, no lunches to pack, and if it takes an hour to find the shoes, that's okay, nobody is waiting. Evenings have been, "Supper, yeah, maybe I'll think about what to make in an hour or so, right now I'm drinking a glass of wine with the neighbours and the kids are down at the pool anyway." This has been followed by, "Sure you can watch The Simpsons and King of the Hill and Family Guy until 11pm. I'm going to read a book until 11 and I'm going to read it some more at breakfast because you're sleeping in again, right?" Weekends have been tons of fun too, with camping, family get-togethers, Theatre Under the Stars, just basically a lack of structure, emphasis on spontanaeity and a gentle slide towards nocturnal living - at least on the kids' part. I've read that the teenage brain needs extra sleep, and it prefers to get this sleep between 1am and 11am. Some schools are even experimenting with "late start day" one day a week, so the kids can sleep in and start class at 10:30 or so. Except for the fact that most teachers don't like the later day, it's been successful. On Tuesday morning, both schools open at 10, but on Wednesday it's back to business with secondary school classes beginning at 8:30 and middle school at 8:50. At least both children will be transported to school by means other than parental propulsion. Our 14 year-old will walk about 2km to the big school, while our 11 year old begins middle school, a 4km bus ride provided (for this year at least) by the school district on a big yellow school bus. This makes my husband dance with joy. He'll still have to drive kids around in the evening, but no more having to make it to the elementary school by 3pm for pickup time. Hooray!

While my husband does most of the chauffeur work, I do the study helper/enforcer role in our family. This is the dreaded part for me. There is always homework, and sometimes it is fun and interesting and the kids can do it on their own with a bit of help, but sometimes it is horrible and perplexing and they come home without understanding what it is they are supposed to do, or they leave their book at school, or they just hate the assignment, then one or the other has a meltdown. My most dreaded moment happen when two tired, grouchy kids are sitting at the dining room table bickering over who needs my help most and hurling insults at one another. But fortunately that does not happen often. One benefit of being the homework coach is that I am re-learning all of the material that needs to be studied for tests. I will be qualified to receive a Dogwood Diploma all over again in 2008. That's good, because when these guys finish their days in the public school system and move on to university or college, I'm going back too. Then they can help me with my homework. I have a degree in history from SFU, and I'm a certified teacher, but I did all that before I was 23 years old. I'd like to go back and take some more courses with my new and improved middle-aged brain. I think I'll understand them better, or at least differently.

So for our last weekend of summer-ish living, we'll have some fun. It's my best friend's 40th birthday celebration tomorrow, families invited. We'll all go to her place for supper and presents and cake. On Sunday we have to go to the PNE or we'll miss it altogether. On Monday we will do whatever we want to do. It's not like our last day on earth, but it will be our last day of summer. Maybe we'll go hiking or watch a movie or bake cookies or go for one last swim at the outdoor pool, or maybe we'll sit around the house and practise bickering (but I hope not!). Oh yeah, the kids mentioned something about buying new clothes for school at the mall. I'd better go hide now. I hate the mall. But that's a story for another day.

Question: How will you spend your end of summer days?

mompoet - calm on the outside, freaking on the inside

More Funny

Read this article about "Tricks of the Trade," by Matthew Baldwin, whose amazing blog, Defective Yeti, got me interested in online journals in the first place.

mompoet - that's all for now, honest

Very Funny

Check this "dress up dubya and make him say stoopid things" site.

Click here for weapons of drass mis-truction.

mompoet - embarrassed to be an Ah-murrican

The Bear Came Back

Forgot to mention. The bear was roaming again last night. I didn't see it this time, but it left a gigantic heap of bear crap right outside of our back gate. I sure hope that bear stays out of trouble. Back to the woods Mr. Bear!!!

mompoet - fretting about vulnerable urban wildlife

How to Remember

My Mom had us all over for supper tonight to remember my grandma, who died a week and a half ago. There was no funeral. Grandma was buried with my grandpa in Ohio, and it just didn't make sense for us all to fly there and have a funeral. The supper at Mom and Dad's was just right. My sister flew in from out of town and my brother tried, but couldn't get anyone to cover his small town family medical practice so he couldn't come, but he's been in touch with Mom by phone, so that's okay. There were 7 of us: Mom, Dad, my sister, husband, 2 kids and me. After supper, Mom read some of the memoirs that Grandma wrote when she was about 83 years old, in a memoir-writing course in the seniors home where she lived. What a life she led, and so many changes. She was born on a farm in Ohio in 1903, where her father grew corn and wheat and hay. Anywhere they couldn't walk they took a horse and carriage. Grandma went to college and taught school for a while, then worked in a library. Then she married my grandpa and became a middle class wife. He was an insurance company executive. They lived in Michigan, Ohio and Massachusetts and raised my mom. In her lifetime my grandma saw so many changes in the way people lived and saw themselves and the world. The changes during our lifetimes seem so small in comparison. So we can remember when there were no VCRs of personal computers..so what? It's nothing compared to going from kerosene lamps, water pumps and "father knows best" to life in the 1930s, 40s, 50s, 60s and on to today. I see my grandma in a new light when I think of her that way. I'm glad our family celebrated her life this evening by drawing a collective memory picture of her, and I'm glad my children were part of it. Our lives are blessed, in no small part, because of the stories lived and created and shared by all of us together.

Question for today: Who is the oldest person whose stories you know? Do those stories affect your understanding of your place in the world?

mompoet - happy and connected

After I am Dead

Okay, with my grandma dying and now my friend's father dying and two days in a row of memorial/remembering events I have been thinking about what will happen in the days after I die. My grandma's remains have been flown to Ohio and buried beside my grandpa's grave as was her wish. My friend's father has been cremated, and his ashes will be buried in a cemetery, with room for his loved ones to join him at a later date.

I've talked to my husband, and neither of us feels a need to buy a plot. This little townhouse of ours is sufficient real estate for now and probably ever. Also, the idea of taking up space perpetually isn't that attractive, what with the living people using up the earth so much already. Then there's the cost. We are cheapskates who don't mind spending money, but we'd rather enjoy it now with our family. So that means cremation and dispersal (??) or whatever you call throwing what's left out into the wind. Okay, maybe it's a fancy and sentimental form of littering, but it can have meaning and it is efficient.

Everyone who loves me knows I am an organ donor and I mean than in the full extent of the word. I believe in heaven and I know the minute I'm dead my body will be a husk that might have some useful parts for other people, but none for me any longer. In fact, if somebody wants to use me as a medical cadaver I don't care. I'm still working on my husband about this one. He's not crazy about the idea, but I've promised not to die first so it won't matter. So whether my parts get doled out to lots of people who need ones that still work or if Drs. New, Learning and Bumbler want to take me apart before they work on living, breathing subjects, well that's good, at least I won't be going to waste. Whatever is left, burn it down to the minimum remainder and do one or more of the following:

1) Toss it off the top of the second hill on the coaster at the PNE (I still want one last ride on the first hill).
2) Pet 100 dogs and rub a little bit on every one of their heads.
3) Drop it off the bridge between Whidbey and Fidalgo islands at Deception Pass State Park.
4) Bury it in the gardens across the street from my office, where the neighbours grown zinnias and dahlias that are near to Paradise on Earth.
5) If I die at Christmas time, bury it in the snow in front of the absolutely gaudiest Christmas-lit house you can find, then stand outside for half and hour singing at the top of your lungs and laughing.
6) Sprinkle it in the meadows up above Lightning Lakes at Manning Park (within lurching distance of a larch tree, please)
7) Dump it from a kayak into the middle of Sasamat Lake

I hope if you read this and you have recently lost a loved one that you won't take this as insulting or inconsiderate. I'm seriously thinking about how I'd like to be remembered and where I would like my physical self to end up.

mompoet - not planning on dying anytime soon, but forming a plan, like always

ps Question du jour: What do you want done with you after?

Celebrate Words

Word on the Street Vancouver is less than a month away. It's the biggest and best celebration of reading and writing you could ever imaging. Sunday, September 26, 11am-6pm in downtown Vancouver at Library Square and the surrounding area. There are books and magazines, stuff for kids, readings, workshops, stuff to buy, free stuff, info about writing programs and contests, everything! Don't miss it.

You can look at the program using the link I've set up, or go pick up a program at your local library or community centre or at Starbucks. On second thought, skip Starbucks!!! Here are some community friendly alternatives:

Il Pappagallo Cafe - Hastings at Sperling in North Burnaby
This is a family run coffee shop. It was located at Kensington Square for 8 years until Starbucks moved in and the shopping centre management ended Papagallo's lease. Pat, the owner, and his family relocated one block to the east on Hastings Street. It warms my heart that everyone followed them to their new spot. This is no wonder, it's the kind of place where they know your name and how you like your coffee and what you were chatting about last time you came in. They have awesome sandwiches, gelato in the summer and fat cheesecakes and tiramisu. Coffee is mighty fine too.

Newport Cafe - Newport Village in Port Moody
It used to be a Bagel Street Cafe but now it's Newport Cafe. Still serves bagels with cream cheese, good sandwiches and pizza. Coffee and lattes. Also, it's licensed. Good outdoor seating (you can even sneak your dog around the perimeter if you walked down) and entertainment on weeknights.

Bagel Street Cafe - Kensington Square in North Burnaby
Survived even with Starbucks spitting distance away. Good bagels and creamcheese and great coffee. Healthy and hearty sandwiches. The owners remember your favourite sandwich if you come in more than a couple times. Downside: In the summer they open the front windows so if you "eat in" when the breeze is blowing, smoke from the tables outdoors drifts into the restaurant. The owners will close the windows if you ask them.

So maybe you should pop into Starbucks if you're not near a library or community centre, grab a Word on the Street program, then walk over to the nearest heroically independent coffee shop and enjoy a coffee or lunch while you plan your visit to Word on the Street.

Question for today: Where do you like to drink coffee? If you don't like coffee, where do you like to drink something else?

mompoet - righteous and coffee-loving