Man, I can’t believe how bloody hard it is, seemingly, to make a bloody blog entry. It’s been weeks! I suppose that means I have no time to reflect, just go, go, go. (I just got a new white leather chair and this is the first time I’ve had a chance to sit in it for any length of time. It’s quite modern in design and the back curves around, kind of hugs you. Me, I mean. I think I like it.)

This will be brief for I am still recovering from the Al Purdy A-Frame Trust fundraiser Josef and I hosted on Sunday. I’m not sure why exactly, or how, but preparations took over my life! It was a lot of work and I’m more than a little disappointed in the turnout. Actually the turnout wasn’t too bad—the head of the trust Jean Baird said there was an event in Toronto recently with over 100 people in attendance that didn’t raise a dime— but there were more Vancouverites here than Bowen Islanders, which I find hard not to take personally. I’ve been a resident on and off since 1993 and at times feel like an outsider even after all these years. Oh well, everyone enjoyed themselves, the weather was glorious and we managed to raise awareness and a bit of dough for a great cause. Al Purdy was one of the contemporary Canadian poets my high school English teacher gave me to read, one that I could relate to with our shared working class roots.

I attended the Verse Map of Vancouver launch last week with a friend who was actually being a pain in the butt, hurrying me along all evening and later saying things that were insensitive, even hurtful. Instant asshole, just add alcohol. The anthology is fantastic, published by Anvil Press, edited by Vancouver poet laureate George McWhirter. Derek Von Essen’s photographs combined with poetry by 92 poets (including mine and me) constitutes a real work of art. I’m really proud of this book, thrilled to be included. Get a copy! Later the same evening I attended the Vancouver fundraiser for the Al Purdy A-Frame Trust at Cafe de Soleil hosted by RC Weslowski. I did a reading along with old pals Sean McGarragle and Steve Duncan. Jean Baird, Lionel Kearns, Jamie Reid and George Bowering shared some very amusing Purdy anecdotes.

I found myself back in the grant-writing saddle earlier this month. I should have worked all weekend on it but was feeling melancholy, needed to blow off some steam, drank some wine and caught up with old friends, including Jon Wrasse. After losing Peter unexpectedly, I do not want to make the same mistake, take anyone for granted. Jon and I founded the LA Zellots and played music together though thick and thin for at least six years. I was really messed up back then. I cared for him deeply but could not accept anyone’s love. I wasn’t prepared to settle down or get serious after Peter and I split up after nearly four years of marriage. Jon was so devoted to me and our music in spite of everything. We had a pleasant chat, reminisced. We never know what the fates have in store for us. I can’t believe Josef and I have been together for ten years!