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Day by day
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day

~Saint Richard of Chichester 1197-1253

Advent venit!

This week I will be attending the Toronto reception and book launch by one of my heroes, Kathleen Norris, author of The Cloister Walk and Amazing Grace. You can learn more about her contributions to a new book called God with Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas, which includes other authors such as Eugene Peterson (The Message). Her talk, Remembering, Waiting and Hoping: The Countercultural Pursuits of Christmas, will be right up my alley. I will feature products and thoughts in future posts based on the same ideology. This event, after the New York launch and before the Vancouver one, is sponsored in part by Imago (http://www.imago-arts.on.ca/). You can check out the exposition of the book by clicking on this link: http://www.rediscoverchristmas.com/the-book.aspx.

Because Advent is just around the corner--yes, three Sundays from now!--a reminder to buy the Christian seasons calendar I recommended a few weeks ago. I received mine and it is a keeper. Go to http://www.thechristiancalendar.com/ to order; they also have some cool ideas about using it, which they send with your order.

And if Advent starts in 21 days, then two weeks from today is 'Stir Up Sunday', a fine Anglican tradition. Put the plum pudding ingredients on your grocery list soon!

Call for Sponsors

I am seeking a corporate or individual sponsor for the production of my donation to the 2008 Design Hope Toronto art auction and gala; this would involve a very modest investment, but is crucial to the professional developing and mounting of the photography by Toronto Image Works. The venue is moving this year to Modern Weave on King E. and the event is the evening of February 8th. I need confirmation of support by Christmas to make my production deadline. If you can support my contribution, please contact me via info@beautifulfeet.ca. If you would like to view my previous entries and learn more about the 2006/2007 events, in which over $17,000 was raised for Dixon Hall's homeless, hostel and housing programming, please go to http://www.designhopetoronto.ca/artists_pages/vanessawells6.html and http://www.designhopetoronto.ca/artists_pages/wells7.html. FYI, corporate or individual sponsorship is eligible for publicity online, onsite and in the auction catalogue. Many thanks!

A Cool Photo by Jan

Memento Audere Semper 2, © Jan Neal, 2007. You can visit her Studio Journal here: http://digitalartadvocate.squarespace.com/studio-journal/

An Unfinished Life Premiere

I am a huge fan of Canadian 'classical' music and was looking forward to the premiere of Brian Cherney's oratorio, An Unfinished Life, last week at Metropolitan United. Unfortunately much seemed to conspire against this event: errors (e.g., labeling Dutch as German)
in the already poorly laid out concert programme, a cell phone ringing during the CBC recording of this (!!), a sense of underrehearsal (it was only composed this summer) or at least hesitancy or nonconfidence, and worst of all, the sound set up made hearing the narration by Marilyn Lightstone completely unintelligible. The audience was restless, several walked out before the midpoint, and it became something to sit through out of politeness. You might suggest that this modern classical piece was too challenging or deep for me to understand: after over 30 years of singing, I feel comfortable forming opinions about choral music. I'm not Jewish and didn't get the profundity of the piece? Just finished teaching an in-depth and emotional unit on the Holocaust: I don't think I am uneducated in this area. I just felt there was a disconnect between the music and the selected text, and it is hard to make a connection to cacophony. Aside from the redemption at the end of the borrowed Bach motif, I felt jarred and lost rather than moved and drawn into the life of Etty Hillesum. I would like to give this Soundstreams Canada commission another chance one day; maybe the gods were conspiring against this premiere. But I did find the evening unsatisfying: the advertised 'works by Jewish composers of the Renaissance' amounted to psalms set to music by Palestrina and Lassus (whom I understood to be very Christian) and the only Jewish composer represented was Solomon Rossi (1570-1630), of whom I had never heard, so I was interested to learn something there. So, alack, no raves here, but hope for a better experience next time.

For Kids up to 35

On Saturday November 17th, Sound Ministry hosts another night of DJs, electro and techno beats at the Sanctuary, 25 Charles St.E. just off Yonge St, south of Bloor. This time they have guest DJs from the British club scene! I believe these wild and crazy kids start at 8pm and go half the night. They request $5 cover to go towards expenses. If you go to their MySpace page, there's some YouTube footage you can check out (the ones in dark with the glo stix).http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=209260624

Also, please note there is a new internet Christian rock radio station on the permalist at left; the old one folded for regulation reasons. This one has rock, hard rock, hip hop and other listening options. Check it out.

The Sugary and the Hard to Take

Something made me watch Simon Birch (1998) recently, although I think it was just insomnia and it was on TV; I wished I had tried another soporific remedy. Yech: sacchrine and preachy, and worst of all, exploitative of Ian Michael Smith for the purposes of making us feel smug for our normalcy via lecturing us about being grateful. Towit: have we seen him in another movie? No. Anyhow, clearly not sucked into this vortex of the Feel Good genre. However, I do recognize the didactic worth of the movie for perhaps the Tween set if one is looking for an illustration of the importance of love, acceptance and true friendship. Hmmm
On the other hand, The Last King of Scotland (Kevin Macdonald, 2006) is good stuff and definitely not for the Tween set.

Well, Bust my Buttons!

Ok, I will toot my own horn: Just got wind that yours truly is on an online exhibition by ECVA called Feasts for the Eyes. You can see my and others' contributions on the theme of church feasts at http://www.ecva.org/exhibition/feasts/Wells1.html (and click on 'next' at the bottom of that and the following pages) and be sure to read the curator Judith McManis' statement via the link on that page.

Gotta love it

COC Marathon

Had my companion and I known that Don Carlos would be a 4 hour 20 minute ride, we would have supped on straight espresso aforehand. However, the COC--thankfully--offered yet another modern production that was worth the eyelid toothpicks the next day. Conductor Paolo Olmi had very large shoes to fill with our absent Richard Bradshaw, but was warmly received. While performances of this Verdi classic are done, there is a whole season of others to look forward to. To see if there are any non-subscription seats still available (!), go to http://coc.ca/performances/0708.html .

Concert Recommendations

Three beauts coming up next weekend:

On Friday Nov 9 and Saturday Nov 10, the Toronto Consort will present "The Queen" with music of the period (the I, not the II monarch) for voice, lutes, bandora, cittern, gambas, violin and keyboard with actor Karen Woolridge. This, at the Trinity-St. Paul's Centre, 427 Bloor St W, for $14-40. 964-6337 or http://www.torontoconsort.org/season/tickets.html for more info.

Then on Sunday Nov 11, Thomas Fitches plays a recital at 4:30pm, 'Heroic Music & Songs of Peace' by Franck, Langlais; freewill offering. This is at St. Clement's Church, Briar Hill and Duplex Aves. 483 6664 ex 26 for more info. You have just enough time to beetle over to hear the Aradia Ensemble performing Handel's Israel in Egypt, with artistic director Kevin Mallon. The concert begins at 7:30pm at Blessed Sacrament Church which is just south of Yonge and Lawrence. Email info@aradia.ca for more details.

Thanks to Paul Jenkins for bringing these events to my attention.

To order the Toronto Consort's cd, pls visit http://www.torontoconsort.org/recordings/recordings.html . There is also a review by Rick Phillips there.

" "

Most people never know the God they reject.

~Fr. David Belyea

Absolutely Scary

I'm really hoping I am misunderstanding this, but I think it is a new trend:
http://www.lifesongs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=149&Itemid=77
The world is truly insane.

It's Raining Prodigals!

I recently mentioned Jason Hildebrand's The Prodigal Trilogy film premiere. There is also an exhibit at the Museum of Biblical Art in New York City on until February 7th called 'The Art of Forgiveness: Images of the Prodigal Son'. This show features Rembrandt, Tissot and others' works on this theme. For more info, pls see http://www.mobia.org/ if you are headed to the Big Apple. Or, you can enjoy the theme from home by flipping to Luke 15.

Bold Steps

There are highland dance classes, and then there are FUN highland classes. Meghan Bold is a teacher who not only excels at the traditional steps, she choreographs the old and new and makes the class time whip by. This is my daughter's umpteenth year in highland, and this is the first time she has had fun doing it. Meghan also teaches step dancing, and her infectious laugh makes adult beginners feel comfortable right away. Should you know of someone looking for a no-stress dance teacher who knows how to bring out the best in her students, ck out the Bold Steps Dance Studio website for contact info and further details, http://www.boldstepsdancestudio.com/classes.html

Keyboard Versatility

I blogged about friend John Kameel Farah before (see cd release post, Sept 9th). You can see him Friday at the Music Gallery at 8pm; that's at St George-the-Martyr Church, @ Stephanie & John St. $10/15. Two pianists fusing improvisation and electronica, towit: solo piano, harpsichord, organ, computer, synth. Presented by the Music Gallery and CBC Radio 2, John is joined by Hauschka of Dusseldorf.

That's John's art on his cd cover, btw.

Oh, Who Needs Drugs?!?

Oh, lovely Opera Atelier! I saw Monteverdi's The Return of Ulysses last night. It's such luxury. The lilt of the music and the stylized gestures are so seductive. Then there's the top notch Atelier Ballet artists, the likes of Paul Jenkins and Boris Nedicky on harpsichords with the Toronto Consort, the whole shebang. They really do have the perfect venue in the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre. I'm not normally a fan of the soprano voice, but Carla Huhtanen is so lovely; mezzo Stephanie Novacek not only has a gorgeous voice, but is probably the only person who can express sorrow convincingly. [Do I sound like a crazy stalker woman? I just believe in pumping up all good performers, not just those of the opposite sex.] They have a banner year lined up, so get to one of the five remaining performances of Ulysses, and order now for the spring's Idomeneo by Mozart. Here again is their link: http://operaatelier.com/

Soundstreams World Premiere

A really exciting premiere is approaching which I can't wait to see and hear. An Unfinished Life is the new work by Brian Cherney 'based on text by extraordinary Dutch author Etty Hillesum. Hillesum, whose wartime diaries have become a classic of 20th century spirituality, died at Auschwitz in 1943.' With a Young Artist Overture @ 7 pm, the concert takes place on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 @ 8 pm, at Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. It features the British Hilliard Ensemble, the Tafelmusik Chamber Choir conducted by Ivars Taurins, a chamber orchestra and Marilyn Lightstone as narrator. The program will also include Jewish composers of the Renaissance. $37/$29sr/$10st through the St. Lawrence Centre box office 416 366 7723 or online at http://www.stlc.com/.

Can't Come Up with a Heading Better than the Website:

As a Christian, this site is really the antipathy of my faith, but I confess I laugh my head off at it all the time. Check out Despair.Com and their products, but only if you have a sense of irony: http://despair.com/ I love it coz I am so not into all the pc butterflies and rainbows garbage out there, and this stuff sticks its tongue out at hypocrisy and bs. Here's an example (applicability???):It makes you not take things so darn seriously.

Jazz Vespers

Next Sunday, November 4th at 4:30pm we are back for more Jazz Vespers at Christ Church Deer Park (1570 Yonge St). The Kevin Turcotte Quartet leads worship with a tribute to Clifford Brown. Come chill with us.

Des Stuffs Très Cool

Pour les francophones ou ceux/celles qui aiment le français:

INVITATION CINÉMA—UNIVERSCINÉ
"Salut Cousin ! "
Mardi 30 octobre à 19h30
95, Sheppard Ave. W, North York.
for more info call 416 922 2014 ex 35
Entrée gratuite
Sous-titrage en anglais

Hero of the Week

Architecture Corner

Did you know about this? If you are a movie fan, it will be your mecca. (Unless you are an opera fan, and then you'll have to divide your loyalties between it and The Four Season Centre for the Performing House, called the Opera House by normal people). Check out the future Light Box, to be home for the TIFF and other fine things cinematic: http://www.belllightbox.ca/design/default.aspx

St. Clement's Concert

A reminder about a post from last week: Today, Sunday October 28th, we at St. Clement's host a concert by Elizabeth Fraser, a leading young Canadian flautist from Vancouver. She is a performer with the McGill Symphony Orchestra and the Contemporary Music Ensemble Montreal. The program will include her solos as well as works with harp and organ. Like all concerts in our Sundays At Three Series, it will include refreshments and an opportunity to meet the musician afterwards. Tickets are $20, $15 for students and seniors, but subscription to the series offers discounts. For more info call 416 483 6664 ex 26 or see our website, http://stclements-church.org/whatsnew.html

Movie Reviews: New Symbols

I am instituting symbols for the hits and misses of movies I see. One each this week!





The Phantom of the Opera. I had sort of put off seeing this because I had done it to death around the time I saw the Toronto stage premiere in 1989--although that was cool; I even had chandelier earrings for the occasion (hey it was the 80s). So here we have Gerard Butler (of 2005 Beowulf and Grendel and 2006 300 fame, both good in their own weird ways) playing the tortured phantom of the opera house--they actually did manage to ugly him down. Then we have this chicky who honestly looks like a muppet half the time playing the apparently oscillating innocent waif/object of lust figure. I could go on about the cheating in set design, the continuity issues, the (in my opinion) not-up-to-scratch singing for pete's sake, the synchronization problems and the absolutely schlocky graveyard scene with anachronistic sculpture, etc etc but I won't.... Leonard Maltin gave it 2 1/2 stars, with good reason. The only fun bit is Minnie Driver playing the impossible Carlotta. Skip the 2004 Joel Schumacher and put on the cd if anything.


Okay, the next one rates popcorn but hold the butter. Conversations with God was extremely hard to watch but that's not the problem. I'll get to that later. This 2005 film by Stephen Simon, filmed in Oregon, was about an average Joe who ends up homeless through a series of circumstances beyond his control: there but by the grace of God go I. Watching the pain of his humiliation was terribly difficult, testimony to Canadian Henry Czerny's acting. One cries along with him and rejoices with his tiny victories and steps forward. Then a bad thing happens: the movie gets happy. More specifically, the main character, who is based on real life author Neale Donald Walsch, is suddenly inspired by God/the Holy Spirit? to write bestselling Answers to Life, becomes a millionaire and then when he has an apparent revelation bordering on paranormal access, I got very uncomfortable. It went from real life to puh-lease! So here's my snack bar recommendation: use the first 2/3 of the movie to spark a youth group service project or bible study conversation, then skip the dumbness at the end. Other than that, it's a great story about tenacity, faith and transformation. Bring kleenex.

Creativity Stuff

Michael Bungay Stanier has yet another interesting issue of Outside the Lines available for your perusal: ck out his discussion about Creativity at http://www.boxofcrayons.biz/outside-the-lines/07-10-25.html. Michael is the creator of the 8 Irresistible Principles of Fun, highlighted on a hyperlink to the right.

Oooooooo, a racy photo!

Thought that would get your attention. If Tapestry is the coolest opera company in TO, then Opera Atelier is the most sumptuous opera experience on offer. If you have never been to an Opera Atelier production, you are missing out big time. This company specializes in Baroque opera theatre, and provides the instrumental accompaniment, costumes and choreography to match it. (Even non-opera-lovers--if there be such a thing--would love it). It is always an exquisite experience for the senses, even without the hot young cast! But seriously, some of the best young operatic talent around, like Stephanie Novacek and Olivier Laquerre, is directed by some of the most intelligent artistic directors around, i.e. Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Zingg, and the outcome is always fab-o. Add Artists of Atelier Ballet, David Fallis conducting Canada’s finest renaissance ensemble on period instruments, the Toronto Consort, and waddya get? Monteverdi's The Return of Ulysses, that's what. From their site: 'This deeply moving opera recounts the story of the Greek king Ulysses and his return to his homeland after a twenty year absence fighting in the Trojan War. Ulysses’ reunion with his heroic wife, Penelope and his son, Telemachus makes for some of the most poignant moments in operatic history.' If John Terauds likes OA, you know they've got to be impressive (I always trust his musical judgment).

The Return of Ulysses runs October 27, 30, November 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30pm, and October 28 at 3pm. Find out about regular and special ticket prices via (416) 872-5555, in person at the Elgin Theatre Box Office, 189 Yonge St. (Yonge & Queen), or online at http://operaatelier.com/home_ulysses.htm.

Trust me, this is one art offering you can't go wrong with. Do yourself a favour and go. Next week I will report on my experience. (Gee, do you get the sense it will be a positive review?....)

Sneaking Opera into Kids' Lives

I LOVE my COC, but the coolest opera company going is Tapestry New Opera (they're the cool ones I mentioned in Nuit Blanche). One of their many projects for this year is a collaborative effort with PREVNet and sponsored by TD Canada Trust Music, a touring production in Oct/Nov and April in Toronto schools. Here is info on their fundraiser this Tuesday the 23rd (and please note the opportunity to sponsor a child from the Regent Park School of Music to attend):

Elijah's Kite
Camyar Chai, librettist / James Rolfe, composer
October 23rd Special Performance & Fundraiser
Tapestry's opera for young people about bullying prevention will tour Ontario schools in the fall of 2007 and the spring of 2008. Tapestry's development partner, PREVNet (Promoting Relationships Eliminating Violence Network), is pleased to announce a joint fundraiser in support of the TD Canada Trust Music Elijah's Kite School Tour and of PREVNet's ongoing research. The performance will be followed by a catered reception and will be recorded by the CBC for an upcoming broadcast.
Join us for a special performance of Elijah's Kite featuring children from the Regent Park School of Music on October 23rd at 7pm at the The Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front St. W., Toronto.
TIX: $95 at http://www.prevnet.ca/
A tax receipt will be provided.

Book Madness

A few days remain of the 32nd Annual Trinity College Book Sale, an insane event if ever there was one. It is open today til 8, Monday 10-8 and Tuesday 10-8. All forms of payment are accepted. Risk the bruises and get some serious bargoons! 6 Hoskin Ave, 978 6750 or www.trinity.utoronto.ca/Library_Archives/Friends_of_the_Library/

Sundays at 3

Next Sunday, October 28th, we at St. Clement's will host a concert by Elizabeth Fraser, a leading young Canadian flautist from Vancouver. She is a performer with the McGill Symphony Orchestra and the Contemporary Music Ensemble Montreal. The program will include her solos as well as works with harp and organ. Like all concerts in our Sundays At Three Series, it will include refreshments and an opportunity to ‘meet the musician’ afterwards. Tickets are $20, $15 for students and seniors, but subscription to the series offers discounts. For more info call 416 483 6664 ex 26 or see our website, http://stclements-church.org/whatsnew.html

Get Animated!

This coming Sunday is World Animation Day, and the NFB hq is highlighting animation shorts, free to the public. You can get more info by clicking here: http://www.nfb.ca/webextension/animation-day/ to see what is going on in the Toronto area this week.

" "

"Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future."

~Jan Karon

Hero of the Week

As friends will know, I am not a political person in the least. However, I wanted to have a shout-out for someone who has restored my faith in politicians: Lillyann Goldstein, recent runner in the provincial election. This lady impressed my son when she visited his school (while her opponent was condescending to young people), and she went out of her way for me right in the middle of her campaign. A lady of integrity. Just so you know.

Friends Plug Each Other!

To read the small print, right click on 'open link in new window'. On now!

'Prodigal' Delivers Big Time!

We went to the premiere of Jason Hildebrand's film, The Prodigal Trilogy, this week and were blown away! This is one powerful film! So, so cool. Jason has produced a modern re-telling of the story, which has evolved over eight years of his performing it, and which is sure to become a classic. We wish him the best of luck in marketing this piece. It ended with silence, sniffles and a standing ovation in the theatre. I loved it theologically and artistically, and my filmmaking daughter loved the cinematography. I am working on having it shown at my school, and would strongly recommend it for youth, Bible study and film groups. You can get info about obtaining a dvd at info@jasonhildebrand.com. In case you missed my last plug before the premiere, ck out the trailer here: http://www.jasonhildebrand.com:80/prodigal_trailer.htm Ck out his other doings at his eponymous website.

Hero of the Week

I think I have recommended this website before, but as Nic Askew is back from a move and pseudo-sabbatical/travel, I thought I would give him another shout-out. Nic has a knack (!) for finding what is important in people and putting it on film. Sometimes in unexpected ways. For instance, watch last Monday's film, Beyond the Words. Then sign up for your weekly delivery. It's always food for thought and truly a great way to start your week.
http://www.monday9am.tv/monday9amblog/film_of_the_week/index.html

"Subverting Secular Time"!

The Salt of the Earth Christian Seasons art calendar is just that: it maps out the year based on the church year, starting with Advent. A really cool indicator of your Christian orientation. It's only $11.95, and is the work of the University Hill Congregation (United Church) in Vancouver. Call 604 696 1295 or ck it out at http://www.thechristiancalendar.com/uhill.htm. Be a rebel: use a different calendar than the rest of society!

Jazz Vespers!

Next Sunday, October 21 4:30pm at Christ Church Deer Park (1570 Yonge St). The Brian O'Kane Quartet leads worship with a tribute to Dizzie Gillespie. This early evening office gets increasingly beautiful as the days shorten and one emerges from the church into less and less sunlight. Come park on a pew for an hour or so.

OFF THE MAP

Saw a quiet but big movie this weekend: Off the Map (2005, Campbell Scott director). This quirky film is about loss, grace and resurrection, and manages to address the holy in life without being hokey. Oh, and for once, a homeschooled child was represented realistically--creative, imaginative and poised--rather than as some social freak or oddball which is usually the way in the media (recall Dharma?). It was also about art and its power in the human psyche. Great performances, artistic integrity, Christian worldview themes--what's not to love? Rated PG for some dumb reason (you know the MTV rant). Highly recommended.

" "

This is my Father's world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world;
I rest me in the thought--
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
his hand the wonders wrought.


~Maltbie Davenport Babcock 1858-1901

Discussion on Art

Did you tune into Cross Country Check-Up on CBC radio with Rex today? They were asking people what constituted art to them. There were lots of myopic views shared. I thought it was very interesting that one of the most apt comments about modern art was via an email from a 13-year old. There's hope for the future yet.....

Hey, Faith Really Can Move Mountains!

Francis Alÿs, Still from When Faith Moves Mountains, 2002

A Belgian based in Mexico City, Francis Alÿs often creates art on religious themes. In 2002, he filmed 500 volunteers digging in single file to literally move a 1600 ft. sand dune over 4 inches from its original location.

Francis Alÿs: Politics of Rehearsal, is a major exhibit of various media, and will be on view at the Hammer Museum in L.A., September 30, 2007 through February 10, 2008.

I want them!

Happy Thanksgiving!

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above; then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for all his love.

~Matthias Claudius (1740-1815), tr. Jane Montgonery Campbell.

UPDATE ***For the Spirit-Filled Young 'uns

All you crazy kids into breaks, DJs, spoken word, techno etc can head down to The Loft, 619a Queen St W just east of Bathurst Saturday night from 8am til 1am! Bring a cash donation if you can. And the next praise and party will be November 17th, FYI.

Every Churchgoer's Dream...

AGO closes today

If you want to get to the Art Gallery of Ontario, this is your last chance for the next year or so. It is closing to complete their transformation, although some programming will be offered in other venues in the meantime.

And my thanks to Aaron in the education department for comping my class when I took them on Friday. They were totally turned on by their experience!

architectural thrills

An exhibit of architectural posters is at the U of T's Eric Arthur Gallery at 230 College St. until December. Graphic Virtuosity explores the printed poster as a crucial tool in disseminating the image and idea of architecture to a wider audience. For more information and for gallery hours, contact the al&d at enquiry.ald@utoronto.ca.

Nuit Blanche

Our family and friends spread out across the city to check out the various offerings of Nuit Blanche with varying degrees of satisfaction.

My night rocked with Tapestry New Opera's Opera Briefs, the result of Lib Lab (think speed dating for librettists and composers). Regulars Keith Klassen, Carla Huhtanen, Peter McGillvray, Jessica Lloyd and Scott Belluz were outstanding, and the germinal operas literally had me on the edge of my seat.

Also worth a laugh were the slideshow dramas of Sarah Teitel and Shira Leuchter about Macbeth, Sodom and Gomorrah "in the medium of Barbie Doll". Great girls with refreshing output!

Apparently the downtown section had some misfires, Yorkville was hot, and Church and Wellesley successfully represented red light districts of previous eras. As one in our posse said, it was cool, but I 'm glad I didn't pay. Dommage, too, that the trendies crowding the galleries don't support them the other 364 days/nights. Church next morning prevented some of us from staying out all night but next year we'll fortify ourselves with some double red-eye Americano first.

Jazz Vespers

The next Jazz Vespers is Sunday October 7th at 4:30pm. Christ Church Deer Park hosts the Robi Botos Trio (wahoo!), celebrating the music of Thelonius Monk. 1570 Yonge St at Heath, 920 5211; free/offering taken up.

" "

Shame our wanton selfish gladness, rich in goods and poor in soul.

~Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969)

Boredom of Heaven

I recently watched--intermittently--Kingdom of Heaven (2005), directed by Ridley Scott of Gladiator fame. This Orlando/Liam fest attempted to reduce all of crusade history into some small window of the Middle Ages, as if it all kinda squished into about 30 years. The moslem stereotypes, while not exactly offensive, were pretty hackneyed, and someone let the costume designer go wild: the crusaders apparently had every kind of anachronistic cross embroidered on everything! Even St. George's cross was on banners. As a liturgical symbolist, I think I know my crosses pretty well, and trust me, this film is a little historically incorrect.... And nary a scallop shell anywhere (the pilgrim's symbol). I guess that's where I started to lose interest. The flying cgi blood also got irritating. I awoke three times to find Orlando was doing something honourable and brave again. Blech! So glad I didn't rent the dvd.

Call for Volunteers

Each year I participate in Design Hope Toronto which raises funds for Dixon Hall's homeless shelter by auctioning art in various media on a certain theme. This event usually takes place in February at Gallery 1313 and is primarily coordinated by Philip Sung Design Associates, a downtown architectural firm. Here is their call for volunteers:

After two very successful years raising money and awareness for the homeless at our annual gala and art auction, we want to spread our message of hope even further.

In order to reach more people across Toronto, we need to fill a variety of vacancies on our organizing committee including, but not limited to, corporate donations, media relations and student contact.

Design Hope Toronto is a volunteer collective that will meet at a central location once a month leading up to our next event in February 2008. We are also looking for people who can donate their time on a short-term basis closer to and at the gala.

If you would like to help, please reply to info@designhopetoronto.ca for more information, or pass this along to someone who might be interested in joining our team.
More information about Design Hope Toronto can be seen at http://www.designhopetoronto.ca/.

At this point they mainly need someone to help with corporate donations, but please feel free to contact them through the email address above.

Thank you for your consideration of support!

DVD Premiere!

Friends at Imago have made me aware of a premiere of a short film by Jason Hildebrand called The Prodigal Trilogy which takes place on Thursday October 11th at the Royal Cinema (608 College St) at 7pm. The preview looks fantastic! For more information on how to rsvp your intention to attend this screening, please email your name, number of guests and full contact info to prodigalfilm@jasonhildebrand.com. You can also inquire about acquiring the dvd for yourself. For more information about Imago, which supports the Christian arts, please visit http://www.imago-arts.on.ca/.

If you don't get teary-eyed over this, there is something wrong with you-

Someone emailed this to me but to acccess it from here, go to http://www.myspace.com/coalitionforanimaljustice; scroll down to the fourth shining star on the left (you'll see what I mean) and there is a story about Ralphie the dog. Even if it is doctored a bit, it is feasible. A caveat, however: there is a lot of graphic stuff (even written) on the site about abused animals, so keep your eyes left if you haven't the stomach for that.

love it!

CRASH

Oh my gosh--this is an amazing film. Every time I reflect on it I get goosebumps. This movie, directed by Paul Haggis (2004), is a wonderful challenge to one's belief system. It is about racism, sexism, social status, deviance, power and authority--pretty much all the juicy sociological topics you can think of--but it examines every side of the coin, if you see what I mean; there isn't just black and white, if you'll pardon the pun, but many shades in between. It is full of irony, redemption, ruined dreams, horrific things and divine intervention. Crash reminded me of Magnolia in many ways, although this movie is completely heartbreaking and very poignant. Makes a great stocking stuffer for the humanists and the bigots on your list. Honestly. It should be discussed widely.

The Blessing of Animals

Next Saturday September 29th at 11am at the Cathedral of St. James there will be an annual service of the blessing of the animals in celebration of St. Franics Day on October 2nd. If you have never taken Rover or Boots to a blessing service, you really must, or at least go on your own and do it by proxy. The atmosphere is amazing; you'd think the animals would be scratching each others' eyes out, but usually there is a strange peace. Kind of like Edward Hicks' The Peaceable Kingdom. For more info call 416 364 7865 or go to the service at Church and King Streets; they tend to bring in animal and human reps from the zoo, Toronto Police Mounted Unit etc.

Hymnology 101

"...for Jesus restores what sin would destroy..."

~Byrn Austin Rees (1911-1983) in
'The Kingdom of God is Justice and Joy'

ROM Walks

One of my new discoveries recently has been the ROMwalks; I knew about them for yonks but finally got off my rear and went on some. The experience level of the docents varied and there were some errata (noticeably re: Latin inscriptions, but you knew I'd pick those out....), but I can't say I wasted my two hours with them. The last two of the season are today at 2pm around the ROM itself, and next Sunday Sept 30th at 2pm around Cabbagetown. I will bring up this outing again when next year's season opens in May. For further info, go to info@rom.on.ca or call 416 586 8097

Little Miss Sunshine

I watched this film at my church's film and theology night, and was sorry I hadn't seen it when it had come out. Frankly, the title had put me off and I foolishly dismissed looking into the film. This is a fascinating movie about family relationships and accepting people for who they are, rather than looking for non-existent perfection. Best of all (for me) this film was rife with Christian symbolism--wahoo! Don't get me wrong, this is no goody-two-shoes flick; there is tons of swearing and discussion about difficult topics-hence the reality ascription. I highly recommend this film for its poignancy and its humour. As our priest said, if you think your family is dysfunctional, this one is bound to make you feel better!

Hero of the Week

From 'Suzanne':

And Jesus was a sailor
When he walked upon the water
And he spent a long time watching
From his lonely wooden tower
And when he knew for certain
Only drowning men could see him
He said "All men will be sailors then Until the sea shall free them"
But he himself was broken
Long before the sky would open
Forsaken, almost human
He sank beneath your wisdom like a stone
And you want to travel with him And you want to travel blind
And you think maybe you'll trust him
For he's touched your perfect body with his mind.
~Leonard Cohen

Thanks to...

Just wanted to say thanks to the following people for extending friendship this week: Laura, Jim, Anna, Marilyn, Heather, Marguerita, Viviana, Randy, Simon, Christa (and I hope I haven't left anyone out!).

Snort!

Hero of the Week

Alas, another loss to the Christian arts community! One of my favourite authors, Madeleine L'Engle, died this week at 88. She is perhaps best known for her novels inspired by her curiousity about quantum physics, such as A Wrinkle in Time, but she also wrote extensively about faith and the arts. Since she bristled at the label 'children's writer' (which she felt was a slur to like authors, and an insult to children), I will emphasize that although my daughter read several of her books at around age 12, I read some of the same ones, and they had me hooked. She also chronicled family life (The Crosswicks Journals), and wrote many adult-themed novels based on biblical sources; one that I have not cracked open yet is The Genesis Trilogy. Ms. L'Engle was unapologetic about her Episcopalian worldview. She is greatly admired in our household.

Another Plug

This shout-out is for a musician whose out-there-ness I respect very much; my previous contact with him through Wholenote magazine (see permalist, right) left me with the sense that he has not only musical but personal integrity. John Kameel Farah has a new cd out called Creation and you can sample his electronic style here: http://www.johnfarah.com/electronica.html. Make sure you also look at the song 'Healings', videographed by Eamon MacMahon, which is on that page. And if you want to see something really trippy/heavenly, try an example from a previous collaboration: http://www.galaxydynamics.org/. As per the site, "GRAVITAS: Portraits of a Universe in Motion is an ongoing project to visualize and animate the dynamics of galaxies using supercomputer simulations ...[It] is a synthesis of science and the arts. Long animation sequences of interacting galaxies and structure formation are set to the original music of John Farah inspired by these animations, creating a compelling synthesis of sound, motion, vast dimensions and timescales and Newton's universal laws of gravity and motion." It was produced in conjunction with astronomer John Dubinski, and it is truly lovely and original.

BTW, any cd/dvd on this blog are on my Christmas wish list.....

If You're Under 30 and You Know It, Clap Your Hands...

Ok, here's some new music for the non-seniors in the bloggership: actually, MC Maguire can't be pigeonholed. He has done such eclectic work that his appeal may be very wide. 'Course, coming from Eastman (and more), he is bound to be well-rounded. Unfortunately, the mp3 downloads are $1 ea., but that's the fallout we get from the whole piracy/free downloading issue. Roam around his site at http://harostreetmusic.com/index.html.

Join Jan in the Back to School Swoon

Branch Out, Cockburn Fans!

This chappy just finished a 'musicycle' cross-canada tour yesterday, which you can read about under the home section of the site, but ck out Derek Oliver's cd. He sounds very much like Bruce Cockburn; explore some sample songs here: http://derekolive.com/music/ . I like to push Canadian composition, so check out the Sonic Reveries excerpt too.

Signage

Mellower Live Music for the over-30s

Actually, I shouldn't say 'mellow' because every hip adult in Toronto is getting into the music at the semi-monthly Jazz Vespers which returns for a new season this week. Yay! Except I have another commitment elsewhere! Perhaps you can attend for me as they feature the John Johnson Quartet, celebrating Cannonball Adderley. I'll post a reminder of the next one on the 23rd too. So this Sunday September 9th, 4:30pm, go to Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St north of St. Clair (920-5211); admission is free but an offering is taken up for those who can support this ministry.

Turntable Worship for the under-30s

"Reaching out to the party culture of our day", a new ministry under the auspices of the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship called Triple 7 Ministries has an online presence as well as regular downtown church meetings at various club-like set-ups. You can ck out their MySpace, Facebook and other web stuff like mp3 mix downloads on their website http://triple7.org/

I Furiosi Return!

Their first concert of the season is 'Crazy': "Mental instability can be a result of many different things – unrequited love, power struggles, being dropped on the head at birth... The ensemble whips off the strait-jackets for this presentation of wackos from the Baroque era." Guest: Stephanie Martin, organ

Saturday, September 15th, 2007, 8:00pm
Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave.Toronto
Price: $20/10 at the door.

Don't miss this; these folks are a riot and their concerts are absolutely fantastic. http://ifuriosi.com/bio.html

Creative Spark products

Two things to bring you from our friends at Creative Spark and Burning Brush:

Virtual pilgrimages you can make at http://www.burningbrush.net/pilgrimage.htm
and
the Burning Brush 2007 Online Gallery Winners in various media, http://www.burningbrush.net/creativespark/2007winners.html

They seem to be attracting the same type of artists as CIVA so it's interesting to see where Christian art is going all over the continent.

Grow Up! Be a Child!

Yesterday's sermon at St. Clement's by the Rev Canon Dr Harry Robinson talked about Jesus' admonition that in order to enter the kingdom of Heaven, one must become like a child (Matt 18:3). This immediately reminded me of an article in Scientific American MIND about cognition and creativity (XVI i, 19). The latter reviewed characteristics typical of people easily led to creativity, one of which was wonderment, "a spirit of discovery, a childlike curiosity about the world". I found it interesting that the goal of creativity and the goal of eternal life both required becoming like a child, laying yourself open to vulnerability, innocence and humility--casting away the strictures and pretences of adulthood. And both ends are not run-of-the-mill. Inheriting the Kingdom and creativity are both for our benefit; not doing those things is our loss. The Rev. Robinson talked about adults as the flesh of Adam being locked into time and space, but a descendant of Adam--via water and the spirit--can grow and bear fruit. At this time of a 'new year', let us all take time to become more like a child; it can only do us good.

Quills and Spills

To see the miraculously retrieved Margaret Atwood review, scroll down the page.

If Your Are Under 40....

Another 'sick' website (parents, that means 'cool', just so you don't freak) came to my attention for the 20-30 set: http://www.bustedhalo.com/

If you liked geezemagazine.com, you should like this atypical product of the Paulist fathers. Check it out.

Offering

©V.Wells, 2007

Museum Prioritizing?

There has been much navel gazing and gnashing of teeth as to why we in Canada do not have a portrait gallery yet, and now we are apparently getting a human rights museum. In the same breath, news wires report that art galleries and museums such as, recently, ones in Saskatchewan and Alberta are finally getting some financial respite to conduct much needed repairs and renewal projects. Am I slow, or does it not make sense to fix what is broke before manufacturing more? Kind of like if Montreal were to build some new state of the art toll bridges right now.... Interesting how the new stuff goes to the tourist magnets like, oh, the capital region, but cultural institutions anywhere outside the money belt shamefully go without funding and usually face funding cutbacks so that their programs suffer from crippling deficits. Argh.

Call for Artists

Another call comes via our friends at CIVA: "CIVA is currently accepting entries for the invitational exhibition Art and Text. This exhibition brings together the works of no more than twelve CIVA members and may include up to five works per artist, depending upon factors such as size and shipping weight. Various media will be considered (drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, mixed media and new media.)" For full details go to www.civa.org

Call for Papers

A call for papers on the topic "Of Sacred Crossroads" has been issued by the Association for Cultural Studies, for the International Crossroads in Cultural Studies Conference at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica in July 2008. Abstracts are required and are due by November 30th. For full details go to www.crossroads2008.org

Signs, Signs...

An American in Birthday History

This Thursday, August 23rd is the anniversary of Gene Kelly's birth in 1912. This incomparable dancer and velvet-voiced singer is a dvd fixture in our house. We'll see if the weather calls for rain that day.

For the Young Metalheads

Let us cheer ourselves from the entry below by looking at another place the cello is used: the Finnish heavy metal band, Apocalyptica. My son, ex-metal aficionado, confirms their status as legitimately good.

You can get a good flashcard of them at http://www.apocalyptica.com/stuff/flashcards.php

Not sure they are exactly squeaky clean but they do know how to rock.

Hero of the Week - Reprise

On June 3rd I pointed to Richard Bradshaw as a hero of the Canadian opera scene, and now~alas~he has died. What a loss for the COC and for us, the appreciative audience. I will miss watching him conducting the opera. tibi gratias agimus, Richard.

Call for Artists

The National Exhibit by Art-at-the-Cathedral (Lexington, Kentucky) announces a new call: "Themes for Advent and Christmas". 2D or 3D media are welcome, and are due by October 15th or 17th depending on means of delivery. For more information about submission details, sales, etc. pls visit http://www.ccclex.org/Art-at-the-Cathedral.html. Thanks to ECVA for bringing this to our attention.

By Anonymous

"If you are looking for a friend, don't look for perfection, look for friendship".

For the Youngsters

You kids discovering what good taste your parents had in rock music will be glad to hear that there will be a cd release of Best Ofs by Led Zeppelin in November, along with a dvd of their 1976 concert in NYC, The Song Remains the Same. Whet your appetite with Black Dog here: http://www.ledzeppelin.com/site_flash/fs_audio.html

The Blue Screen of Blog Death

I just wrote a superbly crafted review of The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood and cyberspace sucked it into a black hole. Here's the gist of what it said:
1. Read the book; it's really good.
2. Go see the stage production at the NAC Sept 19-Oct 7; it's supposed to be good.

Stupid computers.

Quills and Ink Spills--Retrieved!

Lots of hoopla lately about the dramatization of Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad. The book (Knopf 2005) was the result of a series of myths reinterpreted by various authors and true to her form, this retelling of Penelope and Odysseus has Atwood's wit and acerbic perception; I laughed all the way through it. A week ago the theatrical producation, with choreography by Victoria Tennant--it's a joint NAC/Royal Shakespeare Company effort--opened over the pond to largely good reviews. If it's anything like the book or the operatic adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale (which was fab), I know it will beat by grade 8 exposure to mythology, which turned me off myths for 30 years. It plays in Ottawa Sept 19- Oct 7.

New Music, Music in the News

I was recently given the new cd by Peirson Ross, a Torontonian singer/songwriter whose album I found quite sweet. Check out some of his songs such as the thoughtful A Boy Caught on Words at http://peirsonross.com/song-boy_words.htm. His lilting style grows on you.

Ever hear a new word and then encounter it 15 times? That's been my experience with the graphic novel thing I discussed earlier. The Globe and Mail ran an article in the books section about them last month, I'm using one to teach in a class this year, and now Neil Young's Greendale cd is headed for graphic expression. I didn't know the music, but found everything I ever wanted to know about Greendale at http://www.neilyoung.com/tracks/tracks_menu.html. Look for the graphic novel next year.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to SSJD

One of my favourite places is the convent of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine in North York, and one of my fave things is the movie The Wizard of Oz. In a perfect world I would be attending an upcoming retreat program they are offering, led by neat people, Srs. Constance Joanna and Elizabeth Ann on November 23-25, called Praying in the Land of Oz. More info about this and other programming offered there can be found at http://ssjd.ca/retreats.html.

How Do You Say 'Bird's Nest' in Chinese Anyways?

I loved this story: the architect of the 91 000 seat stadium in Beijing is threatening to boycott the 2008 Olympics for political reasons (see http://www.cbc.ca/arts/artdesign/story/2007/08/11/beijing-artist-stadium.html for the story). Ai Weiwei, son of a political activist prisoner, is standing up to the Chinese government for their wacky human rights stance, something I don't think I would have the courage to do. Not a case of art imitating life, but of art trying to shape life. Kudos to you, Weiwei.

The Sort-of Weekly Diatribe

Okay, can we talk about Harry Potter for a minute? I know, we're all a bit overmuggled at the moment, what with the book and film releases, but I would like to offer two comments.

What the H-E-Double-Hockeysticks is wrong with the world??? Prior to the release of the English-language version of the final book, some patheticos in Britain were setting up a kids help/phone line in anticipation of helping young muggles cope with the potential killing off of the character(s). I just googled 'Crucifixion kids helpline' and 'Charlotte's Web kids helpline' to no avail: I guess we are just so much more enlightened about childhood trauma nowadays. The creators of this phone counselling service must live in an incredible bubble if they think that is a needed service. I'm sure the Kenyan garbage dump children and the Rwandan child soldiers will be really grateful that that service is available to them after they finish the book......

On a slightly saner note, JK and the Powers That Be are not going to sue the teenager who had posted an unofficial prevenient French translation of the book on the web. Gee, how nice of them not to sue a young person for reading and translating; have they never heard of drugs and crime? A kid does something constructive and ambitious, and they have to consider whether or not to waste his parents' and the state's money and time taking him to court. Oy vey.

Creativity Tips on YouTube

I usually eschew self-improvement guruism, but I do like the woman who brought us the anti-self improvement day, Comfort Queen Jennifer Louden. While perhaps not incredibly original, she is a good angelos of reminders, such as this one about facilitating creativity. Check out her 2 minute video here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5S3FWR3lZY ; just take a deep breath and be prepared for major boppiness. You can also sign up for her email newsletter at http://www.comfortqueen.com/ .

Pleasantville is Just That

I recently watched the movie Pleasantville with the ever-appealing Tobey Maguire in the main role of a story in which a teen and his sister are transported back not only in time but into the TV-fictional 1950's town of Pleasantville, where everything is just A+ top drawer swell. The lesson, of course, is that wishing for perfection is the wrong route because it rarely pans out as we imagine. Perhaps a little too predictable and didactic, I felt the film was a good reminder to be grateful for what we have and also to be open to the possibilities of spontaneity. It reminded me of issues raised in the ongoing Star Trek prohibition against changing the Prime Directive and in the Lois Lowry novel The Giver (a five Quills rating on that one) which promotes the idea that trials and tribulations are invaluable to the human experience. Pleasantville has socio-political overtones about the 'non-changeist view' and the rejection of prejudice (the non-conforming Coloureds--literally people in colour vs. the town's black and white people--are to be embraced despite their differentness), and it celebrates individualism, choice and the joy of self-expression, as per the artist character played by Jeff Daniels. As usual, the PG13 rating is a bit moot (you know my MTV rant) and I believe the overall message is never outdated and ideal for youth groups and the like. A nice little fable that won't waste your movie night.

" "

Be ever engaged, so that whenever the devil calls he may find you occupied. ~St. Jerome