tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199108742024-03-13T04:39:39.484-04:00WomangueThe slippery edge of a french kiss and a mango balanced on the tip of female consciousness. And a lot of other weird barnacles I scrape off my brain. Mostly. Recently comic journal!Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-58559698735880133052018-09-17T17:08:00.000-04:002018-09-17T17:08:23.166-04:00Remembering Mik Casey<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01pjVEeONO-fUydbl6iG1OPrAWETm9HKujMdJj1Sb22TsjzjWe9TkNfoYnXvvgmQ2Yxsq_usHbZTlHjxuQKFwRQmiB8dXv63K-PWXtuG-PSQKl7GXrOBzTHCeoG8N8UHDQGGaQA/s1600/mikcircle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="513" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01pjVEeONO-fUydbl6iG1OPrAWETm9HKujMdJj1Sb22TsjzjWe9TkNfoYnXvvgmQ2Yxsq_usHbZTlHjxuQKFwRQmiB8dXv63K-PWXtuG-PSQKl7GXrOBzTHCeoG8N8UHDQGGaQA/s320/mikcircle1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mik Casey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">When I was fresh out of animation school, I had the luck and delight to get picked up immediately by Dynomight Cartoons. It was a small studio space, where you met people everywhere you went, and simply getting up for a stretch or to visit the bathroom had you encountering various artists in odd nooks and crannies, working diligently away.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">I started in Posing and was sitting in a throughway, with my back directly facing a small room that housed the inimitable Mik Casey.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">Mik passed away recently, and I find it difficult to imagine such a vast, intelligent, funny, deeply caring person being gone from this world.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">Last year, I was invited to Mik’s 70th (at the Prescott of course!) I almost didn’t go. I was worried that somehow, in the intervening time since I fell out of animation that Mik would have ‘aged suddenly’. My inner picture of him was what I wanted to hang on to. I was scared that he would be different and I felt a cowardice at not wanting to have my image of him altered.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">How silly. How silly to think that time would change the ultimate bounty of friendship, love and wicked glee that Mik was. I kicked myself in the ass and went to the birthday. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">I got there and there was a long table with friends gathered round, and a set of crutches. And Mik!</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN6sKBlBU6y78YHqEirf3kPnp_8GxJs8x4u4S7EfKnaEALzAamTK2iWxYKb4DO_-WqW-NYBisZ-frG0OWh2MYPB-oBzS21Hg6qzX1njMfkqdzRX1JOIYRK7KBWSv21SXDmxkdNA/s1600/goodolddays1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMN6sKBlBU6y78YHqEirf3kPnp_8GxJs8x4u4S7EfKnaEALzAamTK2iWxYKb4DO_-WqW-NYBisZ-frG0OWh2MYPB-oBzS21Hg6qzX1njMfkqdzRX1JOIYRK7KBWSv21SXDmxkdNA/s400/goodolddays1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Animation layout of 'the Gang'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><span style="line-height: 26.7px;">I don’t remember anything next except one of those long, deeply satisfying hugs that only Mik could provide. I felt tears sting my eyes and it was perfectly fine. He looked the same; he WAS the same. He was laughter, love and friendliness. I had been so mistaken being worried about how time would work on him. I am so glad I went. We drank, we ate, shared stories, cards and of course, a small sketchbook made the rounds. People drew cartoons and passed it along. The sketchbook went round and round. One thing Mik always was doing was drawing and sharing his love of storytelling.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmFLod86gxrQKxdhkIfq1ViHky9ql9o_IQq7iFX6zp13QQ9i_tCShYmrNy9vmCyCH4eia75SCjXkHWBkvTMGmZWVrTQEvVfc7uTclg57ioaLSkdP2GI4N6LL4jGEmTu_7654ngQ/s1600/mik1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="900" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmFLod86gxrQKxdhkIfq1ViHky9ql9o_IQq7iFX6zp13QQ9i_tCShYmrNy9vmCyCH4eia75SCjXkHWBkvTMGmZWVrTQEvVfc7uTclg57ioaLSkdP2GI4N6LL4jGEmTu_7654ngQ/s320/mik1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Mik Casey manning the front desk, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dynomight Cartoons 2003</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><span style="line-height: 26.7px;">When the studio moved to bigger digs, I was in an outer area, far away from ‘The Boarding House’ where Mik held his domain. But I’d met him. And often would see him going up the single person elevator at the building, specifically put in place for someone who couldn’t do two flights of stairs with a crutch and permanent injury. ‘If you want me, you’ll have to put in an elevator’. </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">I visited the Boarding House frequently to chat and see what he was up to, share stories and bits of wisdom; books and art and ridiculous/ naughty doodles. There was a small tv in there and a video player. He had a big collection of things to watch, including PeeWee’s PlayHouse, which made absolute sense.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">When my Posing days came to a close, I was invited to become a story sketch artist on the Untalkative Bunny. I was welcomed into the Boarding House, along with my classmate Ron Huse and a variety of young people who sat near us and learned not just about Storyboards, but about life, travel, exploration, spirituality, humour and motorcycles.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtOtApxz7VBzaYvbGWhw43jPSEbEEV8nejvqOl9YuFvq7sgP_QkPqf6qEx3T2SSz1qIkl3Y-7CIMs3RY_trmBvsLZLSoIY-VjDo4Ji_jCL3oUq-QKz5QeBXhkAM1keXlebgxk2A/s1600/devmik2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="1184" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtOtApxz7VBzaYvbGWhw43jPSEbEEV8nejvqOl9YuFvq7sgP_QkPqf6qEx3T2SSz1qIkl3Y-7CIMs3RY_trmBvsLZLSoIY-VjDo4Ji_jCL3oUq-QKz5QeBXhkAM1keXlebgxk2A/s400/devmik2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LinkedIn endorsement by Dev Ramsaran</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 26.7px;">Mik took people literally under his wing. I can’t think of a more generous heart, as far as professional mentor goes. He was never jealous of his gifts and skill. He shared openly anything that would help someone learn to be a better artist, storyteller and person. He introduced new ideas, polished up old ones and presented them in ways that a young person could digest and absorb. Story sessions during Bunny were a time of intense creativity. The scripts were loose, and if you could insert a gag that would work with the show and improve it, everyone up and down the line said ‘ok’. We got to write, chat, work cooperatively on what we loved and made a wonderful show.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlFnoXDP0gk-Q_cqlZwZ6-OsOsst9Hk4SOKKHTZYuWFyP-gKDM7c8wRhTm3mfm7QQZw8BKHKk4atqOKf-LbyK8jt5_cbRIxBqpI4a6RsBalhepDllRlPN8QwzKlywTi4mvegkVQ/s1600/mikreflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlFnoXDP0gk-Q_cqlZwZ6-OsOsst9Hk4SOKKHTZYuWFyP-gKDM7c8wRhTm3mfm7QQZw8BKHKk4atqOKf-LbyK8jt5_cbRIxBqpI4a6RsBalhepDllRlPN8QwzKlywTi4mvegkVQ/s320/mikreflection.jpg" width="220" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">Mik introduced not only ideas, but food! He was a connoisseur of Asian cuisine and would get the urge to ‘go to Chinatown and pick up that amazing KimChi at that little place around the corner…’ And if you were lucky, you could go with him in the sidecar of his motorcycle, or the vast boat of a car that felt more like a couch on wheels.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">He introduced me to the print shop ‘Reportex’ on Elgin when I needed a printer for the anthology comic I was working on. He was a one-man cheering squad when it came to my effort at self-publishing and contributed strips and art to the 4 comics I was able to put together.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG0STNnWg8QbbXDh6jaJSBDYQjPWo9Ywrm57js4BSEOEx2GvJnH9ccu2i5QYFUWRnY7o9QgW5QDAL1OS37eKFetyWvcXzrm8uyJoQJPe02Myc3b3yccl0wLpeN_3t3nV4OKRKRA/s1600/mik2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG0STNnWg8QbbXDh6jaJSBDYQjPWo9Ywrm57js4BSEOEx2GvJnH9ccu2i5QYFUWRnY7o9QgW5QDAL1OS37eKFetyWvcXzrm8uyJoQJPe02Myc3b3yccl0wLpeN_3t3nV4OKRKRA/s640/mik2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px;">Mik Casey and Ron Huse examine freshly printed t-shirts in the Boarding House.<br />
Dynomight Cartoons, Muriel St location, Ottawa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyutLMLf-ER0LQ4WN3xDnOKrS66E_QQP-htqUNmmd9wQ557uy_j-fYkouZZGClKjkCPZyKVulgYCLj4_IGJQBOiYEblMxJcLJIjKGwsNrdOSife3JgtTfKlZaU4aQ7TN2C9fWkQ/s1600/peepeeboy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyutLMLf-ER0LQ4WN3xDnOKrS66E_QQP-htqUNmmd9wQ557uy_j-fYkouZZGClKjkCPZyKVulgYCLj4_IGJQBOiYEblMxJcLJIjKGwsNrdOSife3JgtTfKlZaU4aQ7TN2C9fWkQ/s640/peepeeboy2.jpg" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Mik Casey's <i>PeePee Boy</i> from 'Abraxia's Dream' #1<br />
ed. Suzanne Marsden, published by DragonHead Studio 2000</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 26.7px;">I remember going down to the printers with Mik and he parked the Boat near Elgin/ Frank to get as close as he could to the shop. He headed out and I hung at the car. It was parked illegally and I suppose I was guarding it? Mik said he’d only be a minute, and of course time passed and a Grey Hornet swung by and hopped out her car. She looked at the Boat, and me, and said ‘Move it or I’ll give you a ticket right now!’ I explained that it was my friend’s car and he was going to be right back. She frowned and reiterated her threat, and then mentioned something about towing the thing.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">I ended up in the driver’s seat, feeling very tiny for the first time in my life, and managed to manoeuvre it around the corner, still getting the Death Glare from the meter maid. But I couldn’t let Mik’s car get towed or saddled with a ticket. It was gratifying to see him return a few minutes later, with a flushed grin on his face. I explained; and he said ‘Good! Good—now to the Yang Sheng for some noodles!’</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZL4FwuOB3SXvyT5gnFrjcLuFXn9bGOTlvg4fiAN-fGXDFRnq49GB1F0JGuPLWax-umS_jYnfteor_ItOzpsp4mQkECQRUbKqq_xMXQMMxvAQQxzDD_kayt_7L8JFhlnhoz6rQQ/s1600/billybelly2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1086" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZL4FwuOB3SXvyT5gnFrjcLuFXn9bGOTlvg4fiAN-fGXDFRnq49GB1F0JGuPLWax-umS_jYnfteor_ItOzpsp4mQkECQRUbKqq_xMXQMMxvAQQxzDD_kayt_7L8JFhlnhoz6rQQ/s640/billybelly2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Mik Casey's <i>Billy Belly</i> from 'Abraxia's Dream' #3<br />
ed. Suzanne Marsden, published by DragonHead Studio 2003</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 26.7px;">When the studio moved to its final spot on Catherine St., Mik was in a back room, further away than I wanted him to be. However, he had a huge space, with a corner crammed with everything that made him happy: artwork, posters, plants, the drawing desk and a chair for guests (or Shivan Ramsaran, the Animation Director at the time!) It was welcoming as always, and safe. You could lounge, spill your guts, laugh, just let his empathy wash over you if you were having a tough day (and there were a bunch of them back then.)</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGTX1zF7_X236_V_Ev5E6Po-25ai0iHpDMOmpDY6rNXZzhZo7DLU1yK77CbFuKEu3M_UFxeEhIqjdiZglCRDcLd1h3OcryZBuhf9I6yjJXWsekBVGC3HEi_fc1HrGErxNCAT1wg/s1600/mikstudio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 26.7px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="467" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGTX1zF7_X236_V_Ev5E6Po-25ai0iHpDMOmpDY6rNXZzhZo7DLU1yK77CbFuKEu3M_UFxeEhIqjdiZglCRDcLd1h3OcryZBuhf9I6yjJXWsekBVGC3HEi_fc1HrGErxNCAT1wg/s640/mikstudio.jpg" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mik Casey in the new studio digs on Catherine St. Ottawa (circa 2003)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">I was still wrestling with coming out and Mik was so accepting and sweet. We exchanged wonderfully rude Birthday and Christmas cards, trying to out-do each other with vast fields of bouncing boobs or forests of engorged penises. It was the studio at its finest, with no PC stuff to get in the way of being a teenage brained idiot enjoying simple jokes and fun.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHYcJVyqG8Q8RlvfjKGKSZSiUbcIvLDecVd_Rq6Cpk0ZwFR4CN8B9duJSlVPcDCIM2XRty6T6rO9W18Y5W1UeNpdrO_HUGyVMp7KrSr6ktTkm6ikmJd668C50G4RMZsDwF4K84A/s1600/marzden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1600" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHYcJVyqG8Q8RlvfjKGKSZSiUbcIvLDecVd_Rq6Cpk0ZwFR4CN8B9duJSlVPcDCIM2XRty6T6rO9W18Y5W1UeNpdrO_HUGyVMp7KrSr6ktTkm6ikmJd668C50G4RMZsDwF4K84A/s400/marzden.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic studio birthday card, with Mik Casey's front cover. Circa 2002</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">The height of the silliness was a celebration for Mik’s birthday. Somehow the studio had managed to keep a secret (tough to do with so many people involved.) Mary baked a spectacular Boob Cake, decorated in lace icing. Grant, Bruce, Terry and a few others did a field trip to the Sex Shop around the corner and secured ‘decorations’, which included a 6’ inflatable penis and a small, surprised-looking inflatable sheep. The card went around and everyone outdid themselves. Balloons got inflated.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFk-SUDEqDv_KuJWWJCapX1aUtA0OdlM_MzdeRgBha9SHPDx9S4BEafSRjAzKZ7UAJbnpnzYLit42-yxqVa0iEo0Q6kiy2ynt5yzv0Gr_EW6aL2fRUUegUYOaw0x1r-2hVddG4g/s1600/boobday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFk-SUDEqDv_KuJWWJCapX1aUtA0OdlM_MzdeRgBha9SHPDx9S4BEafSRjAzKZ7UAJbnpnzYLit42-yxqVa0iEo0Q6kiy2ynt5yzv0Gr_EW6aL2fRUUegUYOaw0x1r-2hVddG4g/s400/boobday1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bday card from Mik Casey 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">The day came, and it was Mardi Gras and Pride’s love child Parade. We marched the cake in a procession, Mary at the front, surrounded by the cheering, singing honour guard. The sheep took middle position, and the coup de gras, or, giant inflatable dick, brought up the rear (so to speak).</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">As we approached, the din filtered into the Boarding House and we filled the doorway. Mik’s incredulity and delight sparkled in his eyes and filled his whole body with laughter. ‘Oh! Oh – you shouldn’t have… [spotting the sheep] You really shouldn’t have!’ The cake descended to a crescendo of singing and then he saw the enormous Dick. We just all cracked up and that was it for the day. The rest of it was spent joyously eating cake (Jane, with her flowered plate!), taking turns playing with the squeaky sheep and posing the stand-up penis in various spots in the studio. I took pictures. I’m always the one doing that; and I’m glad that I did.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_dTTuOfi3jTxSnbGRzjasOk1AqPb_FQD-ONq_LuzYRM__m51FlKxf7B8ILNAZjFleaBS92iM1o685gguYCvmJp8eZ-S-czDMoaFlMBISVfDlWLIjPEkW6mNbg2lznBnBPk057A/s1600/mikdoodle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_dTTuOfi3jTxSnbGRzjasOk1AqPb_FQD-ONq_LuzYRM__m51FlKxf7B8ILNAZjFleaBS92iM1o685gguYCvmJp8eZ-S-czDMoaFlMBISVfDlWLIjPEkW6mNbg2lznBnBPk057A/s320/mikdoodle2.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bday celebrations at the Prescott '08</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><span style="line-height: 26.7px;">Thinking about Mik makes me feel warm, and bittersweet, sad and happy at the same time. It is impossible that he is gone, because he had such a great presence. And yet, the reverberation of his presence keeps echoing in everyone who had the pleasure of his company and called him friend.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">I’m reading a lot about meditation, and Ram </span><a href="https://www.ramdass.org/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 26.7px;" target="_blank">Dass</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">, and his Guru Neem Karoli </span><a href="https://www.maharajji.com/photos-of-maharajji/maharajji-satsang-westerners.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 26.7px;" target="_blank">Baba</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">. There is a section on death and transformation. There are parts of things I read and listen to that make it easier now, than before I started this spiritual journey to accept death and the passing of a dear, sweet man. I can imagine the bright soul ‘Going Home’ as Ram Dass says. Rejoining a being of vast, compassionate, eternal love and gentleness; rejoining a shining light.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">It makes it easier for me. But I’m still very attached to the world, and my connections on it. I feel the deep loss of someone who for so long was as institution onto himself. Someone who connected with lots of people in a positive way, who kept his sense of humour and positivity, even when in pain.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><span style="line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6r8kxQVOdlOMjOsvEIPHsrTvzGFDQ0cto_OkpSOg5gyo8TgQEXZVgzrtyQs52dNQBU0PC28nB6lv6z0GQomKVp5B7e9ykPLVIqQ_4dvTA-00w9RLuucdrDs659XoX2aGnBnnsQ/s1600/mikportrait1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6r8kxQVOdlOMjOsvEIPHsrTvzGFDQ0cto_OkpSOg5gyo8TgQEXZVgzrtyQs52dNQBU0PC28nB6lv6z0GQomKVp5B7e9ykPLVIqQ_4dvTA-00w9RLuucdrDs659XoX2aGnBnnsQ/s320/mikportrait1.jpg" width="244" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">When I was out of animation, I had cast around looking for any skill I possessed that might earn me a dollar and ended up doing Data Entry. I eventually found myself at the CRA keying tax forms. I listened to music so I wouldn’t go bonkers and put in my time on possibly the most uncomfortable, non-ergonomic chair ever designed. The height couldn’t be altered and I half-crouched over a computer that had been state-of-the-art in the early 80s.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">And yes, I completely threw out my back. My sciatic nerve got badly damaged and I was in excruciating pain. I attended physical therapy to help speed the healing and strengthen my core. To do this, required going to </span><a href="http://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/en/clinical-services/deptpgrmcs/clinics-and-services/physiotherapy-clinic-riverside-campus/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 26.7px;" target="_blank">Riverside</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"> Hospital a number of times. I was scared going in, and worried about having to face this alone. I limped down the long hallway, using a cane my Dad had given me. I tried to breathe and calm down in the face of the newness and of the hospital.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzifmjmViliK2JsoH2iXp1BvMohvrRNR6yetj-HWvvK5jFteDekHi__XdySH_zhQkKo4dy1ejA-3hGtSUoha8cTHNZR-SxbhN1P4CzmmTM7MV_JgGQIBd4iA_ojZcfroSPXWTEPw/s1600/tgifucku1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzifmjmViliK2JsoH2iXp1BvMohvrRNR6yetj-HWvvK5jFteDekHi__XdySH_zhQkKo4dy1ejA-3hGtSUoha8cTHNZR-SxbhN1P4CzmmTM7MV_JgGQIBd4iA_ojZcfroSPXWTEPw/s320/tgifucku1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools of the trade - photo Mik Casey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><span style="line-height: 26.7px;">While I waited to be seen, I desperately scanned the walls and stack of ancient magazines for something to distract me and calm me down. And then I saw them. There was art on the walls: and a ton of it was Mik’s. There were little cartoons and drawings, Thank-Yous and funny sketches. Although I was alone, I really wasn’t. Mik had been in the exact same place, and had left the little part of himself that he always did: sweet, wonderful artwork that served dual purpose (although he couldn’t have known that at the time.) I felt safe, and comforted, happy that in a way, he was with me and the physical therapy’s scariness shrank to something I could accept.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8n3jH8mRRjZvKflB8oNuzRZ1s2qip8wGCy6KVNN8pHaGnFFmpVqimrUEMJ7zorbILeeVEB3_LrOintM_NulACz5371FPyYvGEUu1BZO67LsaA1Re9_vS1y0d6_5oHQ-xy1gaITQ/s1600/sharky1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8n3jH8mRRjZvKflB8oNuzRZ1s2qip8wGCy6KVNN8pHaGnFFmpVqimrUEMJ7zorbILeeVEB3_LrOintM_NulACz5371FPyYvGEUu1BZO67LsaA1Re9_vS1y0d6_5oHQ-xy1gaITQ/s640/sharky1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mik Casey's 'Sharky'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><span style="line-height: 26.7px;">I’m so thankful that I got to know Mik and have him influence an important time in my life. I’m grateful for the wisdom, and the silliness, the laughter and hugs. And I have some of his art; the expression that he could do better than many people I know; distilling ideas into drawings and finding the perfect way to articulate something either beautiful, poignant, sacrilegious or whatever piqued his fancy into a single or multi panel piece.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><span style="line-height: 26.7px;">Thank you Mik. Take your rest and enjoy tubing down the river of the afterlife, balancing a drink, and some noodles as the crutches are left behind.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">Suzanne Marsden</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><span style="line-height: 26.7px;">Sept 11th, 2018.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdIqRnPYmT0mIIqD1SipU0cigtu8f1wHfwb6d6b33ncilIhs5AT36P91xQoUTbZyr4sWIERDgwkNvWXhqSdj5Yw8THKrJonNA0ztsgs2utSFtpQVhcinm7413BRV5BrJesQzftA/s1600/mikguiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdIqRnPYmT0mIIqD1SipU0cigtu8f1wHfwb6d6b33ncilIhs5AT36P91xQoUTbZyr4sWIERDgwkNvWXhqSdj5Yw8THKrJonNA0ztsgs2utSFtpQVhcinm7413BRV5BrJesQzftA/s640/mikguiness.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mik Casey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnH3VdiZZVw-rslNFOfgSv16_xJnYwWzatH7PpICxLwCmvxy-s87rKUtteDxS_kM8EHnDwESnQT9KtZxtA05Tm2X69r0faQkXIHPA2ogGWBMm-pot4o8wvNQG7jjcBw7AhGbNFg/s1600/mikobit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1200" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnH3VdiZZVw-rslNFOfgSv16_xJnYwWzatH7PpICxLwCmvxy-s87rKUtteDxS_kM8EHnDwESnQT9KtZxtA05Tm2X69r0faQkXIHPA2ogGWBMm-pot4o8wvNQG7jjcBw7AhGbNFg/s640/mikobit1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 26.7px;"><br /></span>
Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-61056926010668231872016-10-31T13:54:00.000-04:002016-10-31T13:58:53.308-04:00For Alan Salvin<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigKJSar6PgSWbgmCU4URcyU75M53T00TsCnEmqx3dk1pYNikA0MU5pPjJUobrfWc0WVPCIX7CEqe4afPgPaccriE1g8mJ1JkckNLjvBh_JD95oiMol2r56AJIcxk_grDxIzNZcA/s1600/alansalvin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigKJSar6PgSWbgmCU4URcyU75M53T00TsCnEmqx3dk1pYNikA0MU5pPjJUobrfWc0WVPCIX7CEqe4afPgPaccriE1g8mJ1JkckNLjvBh_JD95oiMol2r56AJIcxk_grDxIzNZcA/s400/alansalvin1.jpg" title="Alan Salvin" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan Gordon Salvin November 14, 1954 - October 25, 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u>Wept</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rain smeared windshield,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Grey streaks running down</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cheeks.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And my forehead is throbbing with that</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sorrow,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As the skies drench and mist,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Spreading sodden leaves around my feet.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Limping down a moist sidewalk,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not hurrying</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not rushing to greet that</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Farewell.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The building crouched</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">At the corner; a white thug of concrete,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Weighty and opulent, yet</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is where the stammered hellos</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And final</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Good-bye happens.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The doors cradle a hushed entryway,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The wood; real oak,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The brass polished,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The greeter,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Somber in her suit; it is her job</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To steer the stumbling mourner within,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To make sure</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That everyone knows</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Where</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Go.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The room is the same</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Every time.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are clumps of people;</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Friends who know,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Single</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Strangers,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Family in staggered, staring shock,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Numbly gripping hands,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As eyes glaze with reddened, endless tears,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Trying not to look away.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Everywhere,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are hushed, gossiped quips and murmured ‘sorries’</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are short notes of quiet pain,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Turning on the spit,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There is the book,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The scrawls of “I Was Here” -</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">No restaurant reviews or art show gushing praises,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Just your name,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To say</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You came.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And she</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not there,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sequestered in a warm, small room,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Arms holding the shaking shoulders, family,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A knot between the Outside</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And within.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Arms tightening, holding,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">No words suffice,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For the impossibility</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Of his death.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Can</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They go?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A child cradled,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Taught to walk and</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tripping,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Caught.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nurtured, the breath wafting over the kindled</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fire,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The joy of Flight</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The passion of sound,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The endless talks,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The smile,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The twinkle in those eyes,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The vibrant brain curled within that skull,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Now over,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The twinkle</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dulled.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Can</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">They go on?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The mourners, clustered in drab greys, blacks and sallow beige,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shuffling before the powder blue coffin,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The picture of him; looking smiling into your face,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Saying ‘I am Here’ ‘I live’ ‘I breathe’ ‘I see’,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And impossibly</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stilled.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I can’t—</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Every end table is furnished with</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Necessary boxes of tissues,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Every other table,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A carafe of coffee,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For those who need to</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Keep their hands</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Busy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And the monitor flicks through pictures</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Of a young man’s life,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The outdoors, the lake, nature –</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Music, the strummed thrum of reverberant sound,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The endless joy of variation</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The exploration and hunger</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To feed that passionate soul.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The quiet pictures flicker</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And the mourners stand in awkward semi-circles,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Half talking, half watching,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wishing,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wishing they were there,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For any other reason</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Than this.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This last goodbye,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To someone</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Who should not be</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Gone.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Suzanne Marsden</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(c) October 29th, 2016</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">=====</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNkUBAamaQWljwbzTGqlB_lj5Drc5EKfHWXE6uQeHA-QigmPyad0GojTtZhXaTe3P5nlZuJSAd5mOmrU42msx8ex6HX-JOVyr3yBNyjZvheo7ZcjfpyOa-5fRF5wd8gMAYQhHzQ/s1600/alan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNkUBAamaQWljwbzTGqlB_lj5Drc5EKfHWXE6uQeHA-QigmPyad0GojTtZhXaTe3P5nlZuJSAd5mOmrU42msx8ex6HX-JOVyr3yBNyjZvheo7ZcjfpyOa-5fRF5wd8gMAYQhHzQ/s1600/alan1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">SALVIN, Alan Gordon </span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">November 14, 1954 – October 25, 2016</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Alan Salvin, peacefully at his home, surrounded by friends and family. Alan was a gifted musician who freely shared his time and talent with others. He was an outdoorsman and recreational pilot. Possessing a brilliant mind, he was not shy to share his wisdom and boundless sense of humour. He is survived by his mother Barbara "Bobby" Salvin, brothers Ian Salvin and Neil Salvin, sister Lynn Eckervogt (Thomas), nieces and nephews Cameron, Tyler, Annabelle, Lilly and Zoe. Special thanks are extended to his good friends Ron and Cynthia who provided love, devotion and support during this difficult time. Visitors may pay their respects at the Westboro Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes 403 Richmond Road, on Saturday, October 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences, tributes and donations may be made at </span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;" /><a href="http://www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline-style: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_new">www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com</a></span>Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-26891273435178557372015-10-07T21:06:00.000-04:002015-10-07T21:06:03.736-04:00The TravellersSince Deviantart makes it tough to view 'mature' themed work unless you sign up, I'm putting my #inktober for today here. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
The Succubus and the Rakshasa, co-conspirators and dimensional travellers, causing evil wherever they go! (c) 2015 Suzanne Marsden<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNtqYK0rkKvquPR85J5ZVpG63j9x26d5rCA2HH79Hii7fUdOnWF5YxC1BB0nOuFd88s9ehjS9CuSz0tYtMrq8c2k0i7jno7EjcF6cs14qhF4uDzth3Cpiwr-VlTji4b6ui7ABcg/s1600/Thetravellers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNtqYK0rkKvquPR85J5ZVpG63j9x26d5rCA2HH79Hii7fUdOnWF5YxC1BB0nOuFd88s9ehjS9CuSz0tYtMrq8c2k0i7jno7EjcF6cs14qhF4uDzth3Cpiwr-VlTji4b6ui7ABcg/s640/Thetravellers1.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
<br />Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-46874433046358783592015-10-01T18:26:00.000-04:002015-10-01T18:26:28.207-04:00Parade Black<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYGLtRh-9pzMIFYZ4hRjlQdgUheAl1VHO3S8eMiM83iRuNbWiFrMpBbQ9I9koY-NBjQvNee-HF_HWUC5zaePTzNWfECcGwnRr_3teFwGr3UlDspJsVGL5tocDNy9PBSrsSOdWbA/s1600/boots2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYGLtRh-9pzMIFYZ4hRjlQdgUheAl1VHO3S8eMiM83iRuNbWiFrMpBbQ9I9koY-NBjQvNee-HF_HWUC5zaePTzNWfECcGwnRr_3teFwGr3UlDspJsVGL5tocDNy9PBSrsSOdWbA/s320/boots2.jpg" width="320" /></a>It's been a long time since I've written poetry, and even longer than I can remember that I've stood in front of people and read what I'd written.<br />
<br />
I'm fortunate to be a part of an amazing group of writers and poets who accept and don't judge, encourage and dissect (without leaving a corpse behind!)<br />
<br />
I'm grateful to the wonderfully talented Bobby Salvin, award-winning <a href="http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=5beaf34b-7480-4931-b7e3-4b502cc0f58a" target="_blank">poet</a>, author and artist for inviting me to join this year's writing group. Without this group of interested and cool people, it's unlikely 'Parade Black' would've been dislodged from my brain, while I was tightening my laces last week. Thank you!<br />
<u style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><br /></span></u>
<u style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><b>Parade Black</b></span></u><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The shoes lasted
longer than the job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The interview outfit
still hangs unworn-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The good clothes
carefully saved for later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The trappings and
plumage you present<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Like the good silver
and the China plates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Only dusted off for
Easter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">And awkward internet
dates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The hesitant smile<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The captured bird<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Fluttering madly in
its bony cage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The
steady gaze<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The
confident gait<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The
sway of self<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">And
firm handshake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Trotted out twice a
year to caper and perform<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Then carefully hung
back on its hook<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Because that is not
your norm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The rictus and
unblinking eyes,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Which punch-clock
cruelly victimized<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The creative heart,
the fairy wing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Crushed by a nametag
on a string.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The crawling commute<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The daily pressure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To conform, fit in, be
timely and grin,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Grin,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>GRIN—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">No matter the strain
and hopeless pain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Of a desperate
creature circling the drain,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The foundering horse
in unceasing rain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">For one who dared go
against the grain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The shoes lasted
longer than the job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">True, they’re not
new,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The leather’s cracked,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The sole’s worn through,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">But they fit more
comfortably<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Than proper jobs do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">And the interview
pants, worn sparingly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">At gatherings with
friends and family,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Not for those you’d
hoped to impress<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Are fitting in a
little better<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">As you are<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Loosed of unwelcome fetters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Suzanne A. Marsden<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">© September 28<sup>th</sup>,
2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>193</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1101</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Brain Power Studio</o:Company>
<o:Lines>9</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>1352</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-17993095927309201162014-02-05T11:17:00.001-05:002014-02-05T19:28:42.065-05:00Five years<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURtRu5ZJPCsxGRNPQL-H9F0M9uqN3p417LS6up6RbdORxun9dO2swK8RbQQvUbcaOZY-gOksnniVg_10_71ADXG-wWUmB1iJZQc2Qtc6TN1VmWETwqpwKnnvYnA4eCrVUtZC0TQ/s1600/Pics+Feb09+187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURtRu5ZJPCsxGRNPQL-H9F0M9uqN3p417LS6up6RbdORxun9dO2swK8RbQQvUbcaOZY-gOksnniVg_10_71ADXG-wWUmB1iJZQc2Qtc6TN1VmWETwqpwKnnvYnA4eCrVUtZC0TQ/s1600/Pics+Feb09+187.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo montage for Dad's funeral & visitation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was thinking of my Dad today; it is the fifth anniversary of his passing. It seems surreal that it is five years later and that it is snowing, and I'm here remembering. It is real/ yet not real-- for me he is always vibrantly alive, sparkling with his humour and intelligence, gentle love and support. And yet, he is definably gone as well; no physical hugs, no sharing of stories, passing along of books, awkwardly and accidentally pressing the wrong button on his electric chair while bending over for that good-bye hug.<br />
<br />
It is the dichotomy of death; wherein you hang on with all of your will to that which you do not wish to lose, and at the same time there is the ultimate letting go. You cannot hold it strongly enough for it to stay, it can never be that way. The soul slips through your fingers and joins the ether; that great unknown beyond; whether to comfort, omnipotent awakening or the void. We don't know; no one has come back and said: yea or nae.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4Eq707cRdLTnS6gatR_6mYwpX3t02BpYdQTBBe5BlQYtDxx7AX_xnPVgxl2y3idjeT3kHHfZOJ__g7ydiJmbAgku-QrZL7TpOJuBEajQGWp_VVADYJU5tRy1OmXI8J7jjFob1g/s1600/Pics+Feb09+160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4Eq707cRdLTnS6gatR_6mYwpX3t02BpYdQTBBe5BlQYtDxx7AX_xnPVgxl2y3idjeT3kHHfZOJ__g7ydiJmbAgku-QrZL7TpOJuBEajQGWp_VVADYJU5tRy1OmXI8J7jjFob1g/s1600/Pics+Feb09+160.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering at the Royal Canadian Legion 618 Stittsville<br />
ON for Norm Marsden's memorial.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I feel bittersweet this morning; an aching poignant squeeze in my heart. I miss him. But it is not the heart wrenching stab of excruciating loss of February 5th, 2009. It was so raw; a wound that would never heal; just bleeding out the wrenched scream of 'no---'.<br />
<br />
There is that deep ache of the past wound; like the broken bone, healed that foretells of storms. Tears stand behind the eyes; to be loosed if (should it happen) a song randomly appears on the radio; whether 'Men of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjvKZHJeayg" target="_blank">Harlech</a>', or 'Singing the Spirit <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ0Fb1NKwC0" target="_blank">Home</a>' or (and this did happen last year: 'I come from the land down <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD40Dr-gF_U" target="_blank">under</a>' while shopping for groceries)...<br />
<br />
I miss him in a thousand tiny ways that seem insignificant, but they pile up like the grains of snow swirling, rising into an 8 foot drift on one side of the house and nothing on the other. Significant in that together they build the wavering remembered image of him, from all those tiny thoughts and feelings. <br />
<br />
I find myself watching a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC4GlNAD5ZA" target="_blank">movie</a> and saying 'Dad would love this--I can hear him laughing right now!'. I am partway through a book and want to share a passage with him (as he would always share with us around the table). I am at a restaurant with Mom and our eyes meet, and we know Dad would love the food, or the atmosphere, or the server; using his 'universal language' of a big smile and dancing eyes to immediately cement a nascent friendship.<br />
<br />
I miss him.<br />
<br />
In ten years; my memories will be dimmer; the strongest ones will be of my childhood, swinging; hanging onto his thumbs as the enormous giant strength of my Dad lifted from the ground and made me laugh. My memories of him at his end will be dimmer; I will be hanging onto the warm, loving images I sort and sift; choosing the best and turning them like jewels in my mind.<br />
<br />
But, Carl <a href="http://www.carlhiaasen.com/" target="_blank">Hiaasen</a> said things better... a character's eulogy that Mom chose to represent my Dad:<br />
<br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;">"He was a fighter, a real tiger, but he had a generous heart.</em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;">He was an idealist who believed in the innate decency and honesty of everyone he met.<br />He faced profound sadness in his life but he never let himself be defeated by it.<br />He never lost his sense of humour or his optimism.<br />He was one of the most positive and unselfish persons.<br />He chose a simple, ordinary life because he believed that was the secret to true happiness.<br />He wasn't perfect.<br />He had weaknesses as all of us do.<br />Impulsive moments, blind spots, and lapses in judgment.<br />He wasn't a perfect person but he was a truly good person and we'll all miss him dearly."</em><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFReURPdevDotlrov6JMg9SVlVLXyf8Uzjpp5MEZd_MUivBDORiWQ8SZGExIvSDEx9SNYEZI_NMG7p_Z8FnPHI2aSFw3ZV1KGxW7ZJLwgIVcFtxOKvmbjGZstmYOzgkmNG1cNEkA/s1600/Dad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFReURPdevDotlrov6JMg9SVlVLXyf8Uzjpp5MEZd_MUivBDORiWQ8SZGExIvSDEx9SNYEZI_NMG7p_Z8FnPHI2aSFw3ZV1KGxW7ZJLwgIVcFtxOKvmbjGZstmYOzgkmNG1cNEkA/s1600/Dad1.jpg" height="640" width="401" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MN_0sxgfdtXOFY9xI4V1LprVoIWJPn5NJPTZqiLaEiX2goF4QzWYrxXpc-zsp6rpWyWDCd2LjKQQTok53UFM3u1n6P1Mdb9IxJXebn584-Pt6DH2Z1LfQoUM7Uf18mFRHf-cMw/s1600/Dad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MN_0sxgfdtXOFY9xI4V1LprVoIWJPn5NJPTZqiLaEiX2goF4QzWYrxXpc-zsp6rpWyWDCd2LjKQQTok53UFM3u1n6P1Mdb9IxJXebn584-Pt6DH2Z1LfQoUM7Uf18mFRHf-cMw/s1600/Dad2.jpg" height="640" width="406" /></a></div>
<div>
<i><br style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;" /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgWj47-Jd4Fde16kaMgpDf7tC15d-k4-iBaYeKFpTj97eh9951pLmZ9u6p7mD7l6F7iQ_iUBxt2USrExxJl-fHlWaXGaw3DNwzO52JJU4vEvAxl8Q0iaji7xw9z60wTlZT8ST8Q/s1600/100_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgWj47-Jd4Fde16kaMgpDf7tC15d-k4-iBaYeKFpTj97eh9951pLmZ9u6p7mD7l6F7iQ_iUBxt2USrExxJl-fHlWaXGaw3DNwzO52JJU4vEvAxl8Q0iaji7xw9z60wTlZT8ST8Q/s1600/100_1641.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #585858; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;"><br /></em></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-71259592849748903262013-03-28T15:55:00.000-04:002013-03-28T15:55:14.036-04:00CONTEST Anne McCaffrey Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kDoRQgMEirp3Aryas1hhFCuSOtIexMzT-Q28HpExshO2tZwPahNNbuOqQ9cMOJAGV4DTtQza7BXE7QRu2OsZht4VLMCAfy08tOlht_g-zPYQZwo8GPFBfSnN7rUpHFIpApWRGg/s1600/annemccaffrey1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kDoRQgMEirp3Aryas1hhFCuSOtIexMzT-Q28HpExshO2tZwPahNNbuOqQ9cMOJAGV4DTtQza7BXE7QRu2OsZht4VLMCAfy08tOlht_g-zPYQZwo8GPFBfSnN7rUpHFIpApWRGg/s400/annemccaffrey1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragonquest, painted by Michael Whelan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anne McCaffrey (April 1st, 1926 - 21 November 2011) introduced me to a deep and passionate love for dragons. As a celebration of this year's Anne <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_McCaffrey" target="_blank">McCaffrey</a> Day (April 1st), I've proposed a contest to honour her and dragons as well!<br />
<br />
I've set up an area on <a href="http://comixjammer.deviantart.com/gallery/42830784" target="_blank">Deviantart</a> where people can link to their dragon drawings, poems, written work or any other draconic representation that shows how they feel about dragons. The contest opens April 1st, 2013 and closes April 8th 2013. You have 1 week to get all dragony n__n<br />
<br />
Have fun with it, draw, paint, sketch, scratchboard, write, fingerpaint, sculpt.. whatever moves you. Then photograph or scan the work and share it over on Deviantart. You can also link to your work in the comments section here as well.<br />
<br />
THERE IS A PRIZE! What would a contest be without a prize?<br />
I will pick my absolute favourite draconic representation and present the winner with an original piece of artwork by me (the subject will be dragons of course!) So, you should PM me your vitals, if you'd like to receive your prize.<br />
<br />
suebrainpower (at) gmail (dot) com.<br />
<br />
Good luck and clear skies, Dragonriders!<br />
<i>Suzanne</i>.<br />
<br />
PS Michael <a href="http://www.michaelwhelan.com/" target="_blank">Whelan</a> has painted some of my favourite Pernese dragons. Check out his site for inspiration n__n.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhL85yjapUkJXrZyD8WvXeyTN_PrEdmDyU89wpUm4t7J65l5iq8wOC_OeJUAufaOsil69PIqoSxTOvah615GvvLN__8vBWKh-aMHbiyzhwiZeeLHT1uymKJg0sghjdbHbhQXnWw/s1600/whitedragon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhL85yjapUkJXrZyD8WvXeyTN_PrEdmDyU89wpUm4t7J65l5iq8wOC_OeJUAufaOsil69PIqoSxTOvah615GvvLN__8vBWKh-aMHbiyzhwiZeeLHT1uymKJg0sghjdbHbhQXnWw/s400/whitedragon1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The White Dragon, painted by Michael Whelan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-62009843558978572902012-12-19T16:47:00.000-05:002012-12-19T16:47:10.144-05:00Brain Power Studio sings for Sick Kids Hospital TOHi everyone,<br />
<br />
Beth Stevenson's animation studio Brain Power <a href="http://brainpowerstudio.com/" target="_blank">Studio</a> in Newmarket ON (where I freelance part-time) put together an amazing <a href="http://youtu.be/TKqo0sarpAM" target="_blank">video</a> this year to raise money for Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. Please take the time to check out the video, click and share with folks you know to help raise more $.<br />
<br />
Brain Power Studio is one of the co-sponsors of the monthly Ottawa Comic <a href="http://ottawacomicjam.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Jam</a>, along with DragonHead <a href="http://lucarinfo.com/dragonhead/" target="_blank">Studio</a>. Without the help of Brain Power, it'd be a lot harder to make the Jam happen on a regular basis. <a href="http://brainpowerstudio.com/credits.html" target="_blank">Beth</a> Stevenson and crew have always been there for us, so I'm doubly thrilled to be able to promote the video and see if we can get those views/ numbers up to help with their great cause!<br />
<br />
Thanks again, and have Merry and safe Holidays.<br />
Cheers!<br />
<i>Suzanne.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WIcFX3LMfpvR_XWUu2kk8lAusJlzlIolDJK_ZvtN_BvGJ8M_NXTl6hIXtn4gGS7P8zRwlyE36a4qQYPTBtjWh1mm2Jz8O5TddwUEYo1XtKEoDMzWUkaksNft7_421sy-OBjKoA/s1600/brainpowersing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WIcFX3LMfpvR_XWUu2kk8lAusJlzlIolDJK_ZvtN_BvGJ8M_NXTl6hIXtn4gGS7P8zRwlyE36a4qQYPTBtjWh1mm2Jz8O5TddwUEYo1XtKEoDMzWUkaksNft7_421sy-OBjKoA/s1600/brainpowersing1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-88181593632858071732012-11-29T18:43:00.002-05:002012-11-29T18:45:26.543-05:00Vegetarian recipes<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>371</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2116</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Brain Power Studio</o:Company>
<o:Lines>17</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2598</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So.<br />
<br />
I've been wanting to return to being a vegetarian for awhile, but didn't have the push to get back into it. Last week, on the 401 on the way home from a retreat for Brain Power Studio, we were stopped near a large livestock truck. As the car and truck paced each other, I looked over and saw a pig's curious face checking me out. Then I saw little hooves, and finally, a cute snuffly snout checking out the tiny air space that they'd provided for the pigs to breathe. My heart hitched at the sight and I blurted to my pal beside me: 'That's it, I'm going vegetarian'.<br />
<br />
She said: 'What? When?', I said: 'Right now, today.' And the little hairs on my arms stood up. Wow!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, lately I've been
making big piles of hummus and also really gotten into dahl (tx to my Mom ;-) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Due to popular demand, I’m posting my how-to guide to
delightful hummus (from my good friend Brenda) and the recipe for dahl that I’ve been concocting lately as
well (that is nommy!) Hope you enjoy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0PbiwJryHx6hXK0sz8RaV21-XKhDTyOTrlj8XPH2p0716wlJRLpWUr9Apl9P_nYeZF4yk7WHtGvMOE-t55Uw2te40Hi4hL-pJe-WmBuREFbYU4KKmXEfBzcz3c-3Xe-lI4l6bQ/s1600/chickpeas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0PbiwJryHx6hXK0sz8RaV21-XKhDTyOTrlj8XPH2p0716wlJRLpWUr9Apl9P_nYeZF4yk7WHtGvMOE-t55Uw2te40Hi4hL-pJe-WmBuREFbYU4KKmXEfBzcz3c-3Xe-lI4l6bQ/s320/chickpeas1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(From the <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Moosewood-Restaurant-Cooks-Home-Recipes/dp/0671679929/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354231840&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Moosewood</a> Cookbook – Cooks at home)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>How to Cook Dried Beans<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Measure 1 - 2 cups of garbanzo beans (chick peas) and pour them out on a
cookie sheet. Check them out. If there are any weirdo ones, or pieces of dirt
or little stones, get rid of them. Rinse your beans!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Place the rinsed, picked over beans in a pot, add cold water
to cover the beans, plus at least 2 inches and set aside to sit at room
temperature. After 4 hours or more, drain off the soaking water. Cover the
beans with fresh water and they are ready to cook.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the picked-over,
rinsed, soaked and drained beans in a large pot and cover with water, 2 inches
deeper than the beans. Place the beans on high heat and bring them to a rapid
boil, then transfer them to a large covered casserole dish and place in the oven. Bake for about
1.25 – 1.5 hrs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remove from the oven and drain your beans!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Brenda's Hummus<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 19 oz. can chick peas (or your freshly cooked beans, right out of the oven)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 clove of garlic (or more)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ tsp salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 – 4 Tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ cup lemon juice (or juice from 2 lemons)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ cup water</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Place the drained chick peas in a blender or food processor and process.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mash the garlic with the salt. A mortar and pestle work well
to mash garlic. Add the garlic, salt, tahini, lemon juice and water to the
chick peas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mix very well until texture is smooth, adding more water if
needed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Serve on a platter and garnish with paprika, olive oil and
parsley and/or toasted pine nuts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freezes well. Hummus thickens after being frozen, so after
thawing, add a few drops of water and mix.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93D2JfWYWjWgwcLCAT20qrnE6QdUxdWDFe8bEooJN9Zfjc4f3SStyeA4LYqwCPkJtL-gPNE_ur0XFiv6blzZ0gA07ijhFx7fZ_8q8DoktfBWeH9r-cXikux80M6RmePB8KJBHGQ/s1600/dahl1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93D2JfWYWjWgwcLCAT20qrnE6QdUxdWDFe8bEooJN9Zfjc4f3SStyeA4LYqwCPkJtL-gPNE_ur0XFiv6blzZ0gA07ijhFx7fZ_8q8DoktfBWeH9r-cXikux80M6RmePB8KJBHGQ/s320/dahl1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Dahl</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(From the January 23<sup>rd</sup>, 1991 ed. of the <i>Ottawa Citizen</i>, Silk Roads Afghan
Restaurant on Sparks St.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 lbs (454 g) red lentils</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 – 6 cups water </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Tbsp salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ c veg oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 med onions, finely chopped</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 med tomatoes, finely chopped</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ Tbsp cayenne pepper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ Tbsp gr. Coriander</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rinse lentils under cold water, then place in a large pot.
Add 4 – 6 cups water and the salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil
for 5 minutes, or until lentils are soft.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a frying pan, heat oil and sauté onions and tomatoes
until onions are translucent. Add
cayenne and coriander to the mixture and simmer until it becomes sauce-like.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Add mixture to cooked lentils and stir. Simmer for 5 minutes (or longer).<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Serve in bowls, topped with juice squeezed from a ¼ fresh
lemon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yum!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-40052571794151361382012-11-07T12:02:00.000-05:002013-02-05T17:11:49.823-05:00Homophobia in O-town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VZmNUl3QhnYDpAchQ1x0sL544HcbuZ2DW9zo8bnJCLfopiFCepTasCFtBDX1bb2kTMEjDUFQt3gm24_7IwStIhzB6FWSxNHxjQXCdvtbeGktr74B5sMXoiBKbxYKlZrhQoA2Bg/s1600/rainbowflag1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VZmNUl3QhnYDpAchQ1x0sL544HcbuZ2DW9zo8bnJCLfopiFCepTasCFtBDX1bb2kTMEjDUFQt3gm24_7IwStIhzB6FWSxNHxjQXCdvtbeGktr74B5sMXoiBKbxYKlZrhQoA2Bg/s320/rainbowflag1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
I don't usually write about homophobia or LBGTTQ related topics. Like on FB I try and keep things pretty light here, or centred on my interests which include: comics, painting, my talented friends, family, road trips and my pets.<br />
<br />
But yeah, homophobia is out there and it reared its ugly head this week. I'm not sure if it is the weather, stressed-crazy people reacting to the US election, or solar flares. Or maybe just dumb-asses who are taking their frustration at not getting any hockey pumped into their living rooms by attacking gay women.<br />
<br />
Two gay friends I know posted this week about being harassed for what they looked like by complete strangers. Both of my friends are women, and they were both attacked by other women; which I find sort of bizarre. Ok, I actually find the whole thing bizarre. I'm lucky; although I'm androgynous- looking, with very short hair and an extra 200 lbs to mask an easily identified gender shape, the worst that happens to me is that I get called 'Sir'. And that ain't so bad. It's something I've gotten used to since my early teens when I initially cut my hair.<br />
<br />
So I've been lucky.<br />
But some folks aren't lucky. Check the recent post in Wolfville NS about 'Acadia <a href="http://theath.ca/2012/09/acadia-fag/" target="_blank">Fag</a>' who was verbally abused by straight boys at a University sponsored music event.<br />
And my friends in town. I can't believe that a complete stranger actually spat on my friend. And this asshole had a child with her!<br />
Next, some elderly lady swore at another friend of mine and called her a 'freak'! Simply because of her tattoos and differently coloured har.<br />
<br />
I can't image what drove these lunatics to yell at, spit and verbally harass my friends who are sweet, creative, cool people. What makes these attackers think it is 'ok' and acceptable to take their anger and fear out on a complete stranger and make them feel like shit?<br />
<br />
This is NOT OK. This is an action motivated by hate and fear. Whatever they are experiencing in their lives that made them believe insulting an identified gay woman would make them feel better and more secure is irrelevant. If it had been some guy doing it to some girl, it would have been all over the papers. Or some white people insulting and spitting on black people. But for some reason, homophobia is still acceptable in some people's view. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1heM8DG2gcoz__HwfVQt6VGkTNuw0_1fW8qBO34F5kUK7wsVej-3yvvXTB1X9nvfOexm_oyYgrNnuyXcMfyMGpH28qwqlJ0F3fsRmLB_OoNlOKUGS8nNTxfyYcoCkcyKIXNYg-A/s1600/antibully1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1heM8DG2gcoz__HwfVQt6VGkTNuw0_1fW8qBO34F5kUK7wsVej-3yvvXTB1X9nvfOexm_oyYgrNnuyXcMfyMGpH28qwqlJ0F3fsRmLB_OoNlOKUGS8nNTxfyYcoCkcyKIXNYg-A/s1600/antibully1.jpeg" /></a>Just like being overweight seems to be the final target for stand-up comedians to use as material, so attacking gay identified/ presenting people seems to still be ok. Not only is it patently not ok, it is something that continues to generate fear and has dark repercussions for those that experience the ridicule and harassment. Attacking someone physically is bad, but a verbal attack lingers, sometimes longer than the bruises.<br />
<br />
Do you know if you attack someone verbally you can hurt them enough to make them go home and kill themselves? That's called <a href="http://youtu.be/IyHX7wMJBY0" target="_blank">bullying</a>. Kids are being (hopefully) reprogrammed to nip bullying in the bud, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We don't accept <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2011/10/18/ottawa-teen-suicide-father.html" target="_blank">bullying</a> from kids or teens ('zero tolerance'). We sure as hell don't have to accept bullying from adults. It is surreal that it happens at all, and it should be a criminal offence. (Keith Savage mentions bullying in one of his posts <a href="http://savagefood.blogspot.ca/2007/09/bullies-books-and-bllsht.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
<br />
Recently, a very close friend went through the final surgery required for his FTM transition. I learned a lot both from his experience and going with him to the clinic. I met and talked with Trans men and women and came away with a deeper understanding and respect for Trans people and what they have to endure, cope with and finally win through.<br />
<br />
I wanted to let people know how he was doing and was really excited about everything he was experiencing; in a really positive way. I'm an optimist, I've been out for a long time, and I didn't realize there could be anything wrong or potentially dangerous about my news and posts.<br />
<br />
Apparently transphobia is alive and well and terrifying. I talked with my friend and he cautioned me about spreading the news, as some people at his work and in his life aren't aware of his status as Trans. I was surprised because I tell everyone who'll ask that I'm queer. I had no idea that other people aren't the same way and that they experience hatred, fear, discrimination and verbal and physical abuse if they are out (or are outed). I was dismayed and promised to be more circumspect. But it really made me think. (**update--excellent <a href="http://americantransman.com/2012/04/18/14-reasons-why-its-not-okay-to-out-someone-as-trans-a-public-service-announcement-from-your-friendly-neighborhood-trans-person/" target="_blank">post</a> on American Trans Man about this)<br />
<br />
We supposedly live in a progressive, socially aware country. Yet, my friend is personally aware that he could be fired, assaulted or killed because he is Trans. I would hope to think that we live in a country where hate crimes would be followed up by the police, but who knows. Is it one person's word against the other? Is it she said/ she said? Would it be some elderly lady pointing at a tattooed, green haired dyke, calling her 'freak'/ 'abomination' and some people on the judicial end of things nodding silent agreement?<br />
<br />
How can we live in the capital of a country that supposedly is 'free' and still have a mom with her kid walk past one of the coolest people I know, who is a volunteer, animal lover, helps kids who are troubled, is a musician, and has endured physical problems all year, and still has to put up with being yelled at and <i>SPAT ON</i>?!<br />
<br />
Maybe the anti-bullying programs shouldn't just be in the primary and secondary schools. Maybe the programs need to attend to the continued effrontery of cold-hearted bitches who are marching around Ottawa, insulting, spitting and abusing peaceful, gay women.<br />
<br />
Or maybe I need to talk with these supposed pillars of 'straight'/ safe, society and let them know how it feels to be frightened, insulted and spat upon.<br />
<br />
"Teach your children well."<br />
<br />
Then reteach the ##^&@ adults.<br />
<br />
--Suzanne.<br />
<br />
PS-- One of the first anti-homophobic songs I ever heard was from Spirit of the West. It inspired an enormous art piece during my studies in Ottawa U's BFA programme. It hit me right in the gut and helped open my eyes.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29cU91kc0pC4di-W4cjtvcwGOL1JWokRxza0KRhgUOrAk_2CQk1IWEm5nDeqdbUJdZYmSCw2M4_VtUK5nIGmkC1ECdlRvxwkKqRacx4M3YWGwXLB-KV8wif-A3c4yfll7qJdnkQ/s1600/sotwturtle1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29cU91kc0pC4di-W4cjtvcwGOL1JWokRxza0KRhgUOrAk_2CQk1IWEm5nDeqdbUJdZYmSCw2M4_VtUK5nIGmkC1ECdlRvxwkKqRacx4M3YWGwXLB-KV8wif-A3c4yfll7qJdnkQ/s400/sotwturtle1.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><a href="http://sotw.ca/" target="_blank">Spirit of the West</a>'s "Take it from the Source"</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>176</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1004</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Brain Power Studio</o:Company>
<o:Lines>8</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>1232</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">I was sitting in basil's with a friend and coffee </span> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">Thinking the world a fine place to be </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">When the man on my right got up to leave </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">And left a little piece of his mind with me </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">He said, "faggots like you should be put in asylums" </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">Now tell me, who takes the blame <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">For his being scared, so unaware <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">That he would fire his fear without an ounce of shame <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">Whatever happened to love thy neighbour? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">Nothing more than a worn out cliché <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">Are all men created equal or has this too become passé? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">You don't need to open your mouth for me to read your lips <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">I can follow the language displayed on your finger tip <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">They don't look before they leap </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">They don't think before they speak </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">They just sharpen their tongues on you and me </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">Spit poison darts between perfect teeth </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">You've got to take it from the source <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">Look at where it's coming from <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">You're got to take it from the source <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">They're only wasted words on me <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">I guess i just don't measure up </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">Strayed from the straight and narrow road </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">So you lock me up, throw away the key </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">'cause i don't live by your dress code </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">That's ok, i've heard it before </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">You can open the wound i feel no pain <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">I don't need an armour suit <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">You're the one with the ball and chain <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #474747;">-chorus-<span style="font-size: 8.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p><i style="color: #474747; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 23px; text-align: left;">(c) 1988 (John Mann/ Geoffrey Kelly) SOTW 'Labour Day'</i></div>
</div>
Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-60201084721103928872012-10-31T11:03:00.001-04:002012-10-31T11:09:23.403-04:0024 Hour Comics Day Noble Failure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzHAxKObSy4i7it_Frfkuylr5iW8erk5HONeI5Cvn6ESVX4XVdh4yJ5wjcCA-vlM-vdChuClL2Hol1VrBi0wOWKVnY4MPBVhyphenhyphenwqc7dg2KAOwSOheC-vTyUuK7oLDyTBf_ayqAHQ/s1600/sue24hourcomics1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzHAxKObSy4i7it_Frfkuylr5iW8erk5HONeI5Cvn6ESVX4XVdh4yJ5wjcCA-vlM-vdChuClL2Hol1VrBi0wOWKVnY4MPBVhyphenhyphenwqc7dg2KAOwSOheC-vTyUuK7oLDyTBf_ayqAHQ/s640/sue24hourcomics1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo credit: Troy Little (c) 2011, Summerside PEI.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
October 20th was this year's 24 Hour Comics <a href="http://www.24hourcomicsday.com/" target="_blank">Day</a>. Usually I like to host the event at my place in Kanata (DragonHead <a href="http://lucarinfo.com/dragonhead/" target="_blank">Studio</a>), but unfortunately due to renovations, I wasn't able to!<br />
<br />
That didn't stop me from jumping into the challenge and tackling it with the ridiculous bravado for which I've become famous. It's been a long while since I've tried a 24 Hour Comic challenge solo, in fact, it's been 11 years. My first one... which has yet to be completed and scanned, was done solo. It was a brutal experience, even 11 years younger. And this October's event was no exception.<br />
<br />
I kicked off around 10:30 am. I highly recommend starting in the morning. The one time I gave 'er a go in the evening (2008 I think), was an exhausting and abysmal failure. I only managed to get to 19 pgs that time 'round (yet another comic clamouring to be completed and shared!)<br />
<br />
This time I also was missing critical supplies I usually have on hand for such things: jellybeans, icy squares and the horrifying 'drink' known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rev_(drink)" target="_blank">Rev</a>. Apparently no one in Stittsville drinks Rev (which is the location of the LCBO I tried first).<br />
<br />
This time 'round I also decided I would do things differently. Instead of doing a complete page/ hour as Scott <a href="http://scottmccloud.com/" target="_blank">McCloud</a> suggests, I was going to tackle the problem by penciling my pages first. That meant I had to crank pages out in 1/2 hr increments. <i>Crazy</i>!<br />
<br />
But, my thought went something like this: if I don't finish my inking entirely, at least I'll have all the pencils done. I'll have a complete story told (instead of the several 24 hr comics languishing around that all seem to peter out around pg 19 or so!)<br />
<br />
Things trucked on well. I was using the 110 lbs. white card stock that I prefer (the same stuff we use at the Ottawa Comic <a href="http://ottawacomicjam.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Jams</a>), penciling with Bic #2 mechanical pencils, ruling out panels (I hate rulers and panels in general, but this time they seemed appropriate). The story rolled out and I hit the 12 hr mark with the entire comic penciled and fairly lucid. I was a bit disappointed that the pacing of the story goes crazy in the last 3-4 pgs ('Oh my God, I'm out of pages!?') Oopsie. Anyway, they do wrap up somehow. And no splash pages!<br />
<!----a--><!----a--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzPJUUE7pKHWCCX1m6xkKRlGrgUc4xUrLTsqtwOR8zoyytvDGVPEC9uY-JELTi7rKqyO9syxG6KwsLMMtNsCiXorlbUDNmj-623-997UZTiEYBW37efokkyYDj7Cy9pjDSO-G8A/s1600/artgallery1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzPJUUE7pKHWCCX1m6xkKRlGrgUc4xUrLTsqtwOR8zoyytvDGVPEC9uY-JELTi7rKqyO9syxG6KwsLMMtNsCiXorlbUDNmj-623-997UZTiEYBW37efokkyYDj7Cy9pjDSO-G8A/s400/artgallery1.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
Splash pages are a cheat when you get behind, doing it the old-fashioned way (case in point, pg 7 from 'The Magic Cauldron', my 24 Hr comic from 2007!). This time I found I needed every single page at my disposal for the story I was telling. It felt satisfying to be able to move through the pages and panels and honestly use every bit of them to the best of my ability (and not feel like I was 'behind' all night!)<br />
<br />
Around 4:00 am or so, I was flagging. I had coffee, horrible candies I'd found somewhere (augh!) and my eyes were getting blurry. My inking was going to hell and I was ruining my comic. I was also utterly exhausted and realized that although I firmly believe anyone regardless of age or ability can tackle these things, that I was feeling every one of my sleepy 43 yr-old-bones yelling at me to <i>GO TO BED</i>.<br />
<br />
So I did.<br />
<br />
And didn't feel guilty for one minute.<br />
<br />
I got up the next day after about 5 hrs of sleep and kept inking for a bit, til the time ran out. I was pleased that I had a comic, pretty much finished, where before there had been absolutely nothing.<br />
<br />
I'm a procrastinator, big time. The beauty of the 24 Hr Comic is that; if you do it, once a year, you will have in your hands, at the end of that period of time: a comic. This means, no matter what happens during the rest of the year, you will have produced at least <i>one</i> physical comic with no delays, procrastination, what-ifs, over-thinking, guilt or apathy. Hurray!<br />
<br />
I've been inking the beast on and off all week and I'm happy as a peach. The panels are pretty clean, the lettering isn't wobbly and I'm using templates for my word balloons(!) I hauled my folder to the Ottawa Comic Jam last night to share and had some really supportive and sweet comments on it (thanks Emily!)<br />
<br />
Sure, it's a "Noble Failure", since it does not adhere strictly to the Dare's rules. But that's ok. I'm in good company (what with the likes of Neil <a href="http://www.neilgaiman.com/" target="_blank">Gaiman</a> and Kevin <a href="http://www.kevineastmanstudios.com/" target="_blank">Eastman</a> setting the bar!) And I'm proud that I created this thing.<br />
<br />
When it's finished, I'll post it over on my Deviantart gallery, which you can get to by clicking <a href="http://comixjammer.deviantart.com/gallery/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Cheers, and thanks for reading my ramblings (as always).<br />
And.<br />
If you haven't tried the 24 Hr Comic challenge yet-- do it! You have nothing to lose (except a bit of sleep). It's worth it and it is an experience unlike any other.<br />
<br />
Next year, I WILL be hosting the 24 Hour Comics Day Event at DragonHead Studio. Get your pencils ready!<br />
<br />
All the best,<br />
Suzanne.<br />
<br />
<!----a-->Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-2762603936861983832012-07-09T17:10:00.002-04:002012-07-09T17:22:09.714-04:00Just StopOk.<br />
<br />
Some people get extremely excited at the proposal of something new coming their way. And, new things can be fun. Unfortunately, certain things aren't really new, are they? They're redone old things that are pretending to be new. And that is not a good thing. That's actually pretty depressing; especially if you really liked the 'old' thing better and all the sparkles and glitter on it just makes it something you wish you'd never invested your emotions into in the first place.<br />
<br />
Most people realize that when something isn't broken, you should not undo all the screws, replace them with gum and spaghetti and then put it back together again. It wasn't broken to begin with...and it sure is not going to work when you're finished fiddling with it. <span style="background-color: white;">Please, for the love of whatever religious or spiritual power you tip your hat to: do not redux, reboot, rewrite, re-do, re-configure, twist-up, bend-over non-broken iconic superhero characters, books, movies and the like.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXv9uyf3TOfs5yh8kjbtNBBX0XeM31IqxkrPyQPqxYLTvp3QIZLyWf2cdNAo2Rn9megG94B5HaWqkmjb62bw2t4W6xJj3DfcicN7hHxaqzYqj5iDn9JVVDbxgsCr3zsHJWDXrrw/s1600/hulks1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXv9uyf3TOfs5yh8kjbtNBBX0XeM31IqxkrPyQPqxYLTvp3QIZLyWf2cdNAo2Rn9megG94B5HaWqkmjb62bw2t4W6xJj3DfcicN7hHxaqzYqj5iDn9JVVDbxgsCr3zsHJWDXrrw/s320/hulks1.jpeg" width="320" /></a>I'm not being a whiner; I do think some re-jiggering and mash-ups of genres can be fun and that cool things pop out of unexpected places (zombies & everything; pirates & everything; ninjas & everything; sharks & apes...) But, really. Think about it. Do you really, really <i>REALLY</i> need to re-tell yet another rendition of a known super hero movie?<br />
<br />
The ancient Greeks used to attend plays and went in knowing the script by heart. They'd watch the same plays over and over again. Is the current crop of reduxed comic movies and books just a version of Greek theatre? Is retelling Spiderman, Superman and the Hulk what people want to experience? Can't we just agree to be content with a version of the heroes' stories and continue to write new stories within that context and see what happens next? Do we have endure the retelling of everything from the beginning and grind the ORIGIN in audiences' faces, yet again?<br />
<br />
We know Superman is the last son of Krypton, we know Uncle Ben dies, we know Bruce Banner has anger issues, we know Bruce Wayne's parents die. We know these things. This leaves studios with a couple of options: Write Something New. (<i>AGGGGH!</i>) Ok, no, I know branding and money and test audiences reveal that Writing Something New is dangerous. Dangerous-- if you're on the wrong side of it, can either kill you, or make you extremely poor.<br />
<br />
That leaves the studios with: Write Something Within Context. Safer, for sure. But it requires some reading, a bit of research and a (hopefully) love and respect for the material one is handling. Accept that it's OK if you can't get the original cast back, and they're off someplace doing legitimate theatre. Viewers aren't dummies. We really aren't. Honestly. We know what Clark Kent looks like. He's the guy with nice hair and glasses who stutters around Lois Lane. We know what the Hulk looks like. Truth to tell, when I watched <a href="http://www.hulkmovies.com/" target="_blank">Hulk</a> II, I <i>literally</i> thought it was Hulk II. I thought it was a continuation of the Hulk story; because he is an iconic, easily recognizable character. I didn't need to see the original actors to recognize Bruce Banner. For me, for that movie, somehow it all worked.<br />
<br />
Is it so difficult to continue a superhero's story and not have to retell his beginnings? Things don't have to end in trilogies. They can just keep on going (look at the endless Planet of the Apes movies from the 60's) You can have spin-offs and 'son-of' or 'daughter-of' stories, leaping from iconic characters. What about movie serials ("Zorro's Black Whip"). Pick up the story and get going with it. Try a new villain once in awhile. How about Superman vs someone who isn't just some human millionaire? That might be interesting. Or, Batman vs someone who isn't a gibbering lunatic?<br />
<br />
Please, be brave and patient. Take the time to read the background material; make use of the wealth of comic stories that have piled up for decades behind iconic characters and see what you can do to continue those tales and write in the spirit of those characters. Don't reboot, redux, reconfigure, rise Phoenix-from-the-ashes with yet another retelling of an old, dead horse. We <i>KNOW</i> the Origin Stories. Surprise us. (Or Write Something New).<br />
<br />
Or make all the male characters girls. That would also be ok.<br />
<br />
Cheers,<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Suzanne.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPN6sVelffmzGnvUugcv_nrqssBuGBc-YNTwq5hLMrTc4AKtxEI5G58YiQqvSfnhTm32eH2D6bUjAQUtr5fMDJndSWPGeB8-wnQNJhNJRyC1eACd6YPpn0BaHbc-W46DGlAVwoA/s1600/genderbend1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPN6sVelffmzGnvUugcv_nrqssBuGBc-YNTwq5hLMrTc4AKtxEI5G58YiQqvSfnhTm32eH2D6bUjAQUtr5fMDJndSWPGeB8-wnQNJhNJRyC1eACd6YPpn0BaHbc-W46DGlAVwoA/s400/genderbend1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
http://www.comicscavern.com/news/tag/sdccSuzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-54114883540147219392012-07-07T13:15:00.000-04:002012-07-07T14:01:58.066-04:00Ants in Pants<span style="background-color: white;">Hello All,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I've found for some reason that I'm in an emotional/ mental slump; exacerbated by the internet. I'm not sure why this is, but getting online makes my mood worse. So, taking a page from the fantastic Neil</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://zenpencils.com/comic/50-neil-gaiman-make-good-art/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Gaiman</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">quote: "Make Good Art" when things go to sh*t, I decided to give it a go. Thankfully, I'm not experiencing a creative slump at the same time as my emotional/ mental one. When they all go together, I usually end up curled in bed with junk food and a stack of paperbacks.</span><br />
<br />
But... comic first, then 'spoilers' n__n<br />
You can either enjoy the comic here, or on my <a href="http://comixjammer.deviantart.com/gallery/38095436" target="_blank">Deviant</a> page (which has bigger images).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUBqyGbutzahmJWxyv6yhFuYWyPdaTFolyOoYJi9pwEg19b5KIQfH1r78IJ6eMbaa-DAr15_IOiRZZl1ZQ34hGBMmnb_zYBFAn7W0XD6ijO9PE-A-I-vBRlz8hS5kmWGPNzv78Q/s1600/antsnpants1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUBqyGbutzahmJWxyv6yhFuYWyPdaTFolyOoYJi9pwEg19b5KIQfH1r78IJ6eMbaa-DAr15_IOiRZZl1ZQ34hGBMmnb_zYBFAn7W0XD6ijO9PE-A-I-vBRlz8hS5kmWGPNzv78Q/s400/antsnpants1a.jpg" width="321" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0Mbwgk7BwmamudLkjVi5nV9QjhS-YfTLQg_3ZDrOBkAfE8Ebly4hE9bHl7H4mjsokGxAqMECsrVYnUsIm0uPAx5H0sEpnDWv1qD_6NmfKAbZ9ho22vI714K9TiJuJ5Msvg09jA/s1600/antsnpants2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0Mbwgk7BwmamudLkjVi5nV9QjhS-YfTLQg_3ZDrOBkAfE8Ebly4hE9bHl7H4mjsokGxAqMECsrVYnUsIm0uPAx5H0sEpnDWv1qD_6NmfKAbZ9ho22vI714K9TiJuJ5Msvg09jA/s400/antsnpants2a.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiFbSJkNYj8EClW5Il89GSw-jnXAtlCOd9aIDZ_etRcff7lY2H_IvNI68BOH9F3YhnJ9a9ATXX4AULQx6RBQdujMwknijMznW0bQFuw_G_i1j5NoAU_NEbLfLBzkERFFJogDVKw/s1600/antsnpants3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiFbSJkNYj8EClW5Il89GSw-jnXAtlCOd9aIDZ_etRcff7lY2H_IvNI68BOH9F3YhnJ9a9ATXX4AULQx6RBQdujMwknijMznW0bQFuw_G_i1j5NoAU_NEbLfLBzkERFFJogDVKw/s400/antsnpants3a.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDbg6hWrGq_AM5Pk-P5oU2h99Xsd_mbewfO88qHeI-j2qilp4sK6dzdDWI_jvWrI47hyphenhyphenVuLMjg1jQ0LuZILDArznQVwYX4acYH4iBdiadeyrv402XXNUMVuQE3XLZTky4ZeyuBw/s1600/antsnpants4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDbg6hWrGq_AM5Pk-P5oU2h99Xsd_mbewfO88qHeI-j2qilp4sK6dzdDWI_jvWrI47hyphenhyphenVuLMjg1jQ0LuZILDArznQVwYX4acYH4iBdiadeyrv402XXNUMVuQE3XLZTky4ZeyuBw/s400/antsnpants4a.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGwSDZjh1KR81KXAcn28GWmVpWnAnB_TuZSUoc6mexEny4vM6AE4gPFMI1VdO3VX3vQHznHHthQkMbUW9eFdS6lF2w1qgrg7aEPjiglYKs5IvJBIRRvVLCOcBpXHSwIgIGEF9nw/s1600/antsnpants5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGwSDZjh1KR81KXAcn28GWmVpWnAnB_TuZSUoc6mexEny4vM6AE4gPFMI1VdO3VX3vQHznHHthQkMbUW9eFdS6lF2w1qgrg7aEPjiglYKs5IvJBIRRvVLCOcBpXHSwIgIGEF9nw/s400/antsnpants5a.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">"Ants in Pants" came directly from an ant infestation last weekend. The title is taken from a hilarious episode of The </span><a href="http://www.thetick.ws/car22.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Tick</a><span style="background-color: white;"> (thanks Ben Edlund!). The Ghandi quote I dug up online, when I was trying to look up quotes on 'compassion'. It seemed to suit. I'm not really trying to be preachy (as an omnivore, I guess that would be hypocritical). I guess, I'm just trying to get people to think a little before they grab the "R@!D" or "Kill-X" or what-have-you to eradicate whatever pests are bugging them.</span><br />
<br />
Most bugs can be encouraged to go outside (my Mom spent years as a teacher, calmly showing kids in portables that they could safely 'trap' wasps under a cup, using a piece of cardboard, to gently slide underneath.) She also was instrumental in teaching me tolerance for spiders. She has a great story of returning a large spider back to a rural area where it had originally been captured, and had to take it on the train. Ask her about it sometime n__n.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Cheers,</span><br />
Suzanne.<br />
<br />
PS--If you're curious about the role-reversal of ants/ humans or humans as pests; check out the amazing book by William <a href="http://missionsunknown.com/2010/11/forgotten-book-of-men-and-monsters-by-william-tenn/" target="_blank">Tenn</a> "Of Men and <a href="http://file-downloading.com/img_store/0/30/59/william_tenn_men_image-21.jpg" target="_blank">Monsters</a>".<br />
<br />
All artwork (c) 2012 Suzanne A. MarsdenSuzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0Kanata, ON, Canada45.3088185 -75.898683545.2641495 -75.9776475 45.3534875 -75.8197195tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-66556549114758524432012-06-07T11:03:00.001-04:002012-06-07T11:03:41.535-04:00Even more painting and zombies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuEEFu32ruQQd23ZpKTxUKvv4o5MGrYVNwvwLd74bhhex2iXgxKzQeNwQL1IpdTTMmBUxl1kqy913Hz0xIvZAQiVZVpxTSkhFpRBwgzYnH4_vZ8NPNRiZahtfDFQbpvRRIZYmXA/s1600/100_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuEEFu32ruQQd23ZpKTxUKvv4o5MGrYVNwvwLd74bhhex2iXgxKzQeNwQL1IpdTTMmBUxl1kqy913Hz0xIvZAQiVZVpxTSkhFpRBwgzYnH4_vZ8NPNRiZahtfDFQbpvRRIZYmXA/s320/100_1217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Hi all!<br />
<br />
It's been a busy week or so. Last week was the Ottawa Comic Jam's 3rd Anniversary party! <i>Wahey</i>, as my pal <a href="http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/NiaMills" target="_blank">Nia</a> would say n__n. If you go over to the new Jam <a href="http://ottawacomicjam.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">site</a>, you can ogle photos and fresh artwork as well! Thanks again for all the love and support guys--it is so much appreciated.<br />
<br />
It's very tough for me to host things like this because I'm naturally quite shy, even though I can fake being an extrovert. I like being in a quiet, creative space, just pooting along doing my own thing. It takes an enormous amount of will to organize the Jam and keep it going--even though people assure me I make it look easy (?). So, to everyone who endures the ridiculous angst the week before the Jam and the day itself, (when I'm freaking out and crawling the walls)...and who still talk to me the next day... <i>THANK YOU</i>.<br />
<br />
So! On an unrelated Jam note, I started an experimental Acrylics class at Art <a href="http://artmad.ca/" target="_blank">Mad</a> in Stittsville, with Bernice, our lovely instructor! I had my first class last week, which was about 3 hours. I worked from a photo I'd taken last summer in Fredericton, when I'd been invited to crash my friends Rob Anderson & Bobbie Stewart's family reunion. I had a great time and got to see many interesting salads (and pick up the very cool Harris Family Cookbook, courtesy of Goldie, Nina (Maya) & Rick Stewart's hard work!)<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">I still would like to put more work into this, but I'm happy with how it is coming along:</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ_BwLVC5xOsQ-cowUQX2FUTi0KIyZHZkZ6rR9PjsUCRvNYcLpD1ulQQ1eeRyr8GpEVRgA8sQK8TFj6VJxuKtXbgxideB89qEaJhYaTOuGL3O_i33Xm9vbSBWUO_B9xuVwucKhg/s1600/harrisreunion1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ_BwLVC5xOsQ-cowUQX2FUTi0KIyZHZkZ6rR9PjsUCRvNYcLpD1ulQQ1eeRyr8GpEVRgA8sQK8TFj6VJxuKtXbgxideB89qEaJhYaTOuGL3O_i33Xm9vbSBWUO_B9xuVwucKhg/s400/harrisreunion1" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The acrylics class students were all really excited and supportive of my effort, as was the proprietor of the shop who asked if it was for sale?! My Mom liked it too. She has expressed a strong opinion that I should be <i>painting more often</i>, and I think I'll take her up on that advice ;-) (To see more of my early efforts, check out the Argle blog <a href="http://argleblargleargle.blogspot.ca/2012/04/sue-vs-acrylics.html" target="_blank">here</a>!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got to catch up with my pals Nadine & <a href="http://westincartoons.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Westin</a> Tuesday, which was good. We went to Carlingwood Mall and I got to browse Pet <a href="http://carlingwood.com/?page=pet-world-2" target="_blank">World</a>. There were Siamese kittens, little turtles, huge hermit crabs (I do like hermit crabs!!) I saw cute Dumbo rat teenagers with funny bellies and cute 'Mickey Mouse' ears. We watched a hamster jam tons of rodent blocks into its cheek pouches 'for later'. Then I headed to the back and watched puppies rolling around. There was a giant Labrador on his back w/ massive paws in the air. He was three times bigger than Hank. Apparently I'm not permitted more puppies :-P</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After grocery shopping and a stop at the LCBO, Westin & I spent time finishing a few of the Jam stories from last week. He couldn't attend the party but was keen to get some drawings in. He also received '<a href="http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/3/39444/811572-u0_super.jpg" target="_blank">UNION</a>' by Image comics as a freebie--lucky guy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Westin and I decided we'd work on a co-written/ plotted/ etcedrted Zombie comic. I got excited and drew panel 1 yesterday. I have no clue what he's going to follow-up with, and I don't know where or how we'll host the comic so it can be read in order..but here at least is my 'Panel 1'. (Possibly we'll compile them over on <a href="http://comixjammer.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Deviantart</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zxAvDJEhLBdewYgy8Q_iw6zBQDsgckIAY0FlW_9BqGViG91p-z_RjziIL2Yj32jZSMCrMPDwWSgUSb8goQTDnZHTaAQuOu6ddh2XJXMgF29HtccdmprsmBqetJui5L2mRHjaoA/s1600/june6-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zxAvDJEhLBdewYgy8Q_iw6zBQDsgckIAY0FlW_9BqGViG91p-z_RjziIL2Yj32jZSMCrMPDwWSgUSb8goQTDnZHTaAQuOu6ddh2XJXMgF29HtccdmprsmBqetJui5L2mRHjaoA/s400/june6-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was fun doing something completely different. I've never drawn a zombie story before, so it should be interesting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheers, and a moment of silence for Mr. <a href="http://www.raybradbury.com/" target="_blank">Bradbury</a>, who passed away June 5th. I was sad to hear that he'd passed, though at 91 he had a great run! Some of my favourite short stories were penned by him; and no one can describe gothic Americana... Rockwell with the hidden razor in the apple, quite like Bradbury!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Suz.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY0nywQoHs7_ma17Is0_9EzZpvT1tBajGixedaJOyz86FCif7k2N6DbDSf2IA6gU-jm9Q24Vy260hy9Y8D3VV8d1FiCe9FXs0dAc9a6j9TYsOW_62r1OHAhjA_YTaQ0oWJTTR-A/s1600/ray1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY0nywQoHs7_ma17Is0_9EzZpvT1tBajGixedaJOyz86FCif7k2N6DbDSf2IA6gU-jm9Q24Vy260hy9Y8D3VV8d1FiCe9FXs0dAc9a6j9TYsOW_62r1OHAhjA_YTaQ0oWJTTR-A/s400/ray1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All artwork (c) 2012 Suzanne A. Marsden (except the Ray Bradbury novel covers).</span></div>Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-21738955822632752412012-04-26T18:07:00.001-04:002012-04-26T18:07:26.704-04:00Painting!Hello comrades!<br />
<br />
There is a new post over on <a href="http://argleblargleargle.blogspot.ca/2012/04/sue-vs-acrylics.html" target="_blank">Argle</a> featuring the nascent acrylic blunderings of yours truly. Go check it out! A preview of my attempts to make a cool and funky birthday painting for my niece!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKECKtxVT0NkH7GeAZisKC84HlV5rp2_HC467JSmV8nBLUhbXjs592NiLy9Cflz4wDW0dl5zbFNII0kwnaE9zxc7_kAaeCdqF-8hwbYDkdE6VLw38fTSmEdtQOXJghjowokpA0aw/s1600/100_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKECKtxVT0NkH7GeAZisKC84HlV5rp2_HC467JSmV8nBLUhbXjs592NiLy9Cflz4wDW0dl5zbFNII0kwnaE9zxc7_kAaeCdqF-8hwbYDkdE6VLw38fTSmEdtQOXJghjowokpA0aw/s320/100_1006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gridding up the b & w printout of Mario, gridding up the canvas (fun!) Using a grid is a great way to enlarge a picture if you want to paint it (and don't have a projector). It helps if the original drawing and the canvas are exactly the same ratio (your 3 x 4 drawing translates far easier to a 12 x 16 canvas than an 8 x 8). My teacher Kala Ritchie recommends using a watercolour pencil to trace it out, but as I hadn't yet started my class I didn't know that. I used a 2B and just painted thickly over the lines... esp the white areas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JNUfKtX-exyp7oPYD3QjG_hWnbKi2SIO3p5oQM4P73pOQu0fqTiBNKkY3MkVJuDwPwL_gg_IxLUqbGqxsYGG64NTQf_XMzYGKpScRNxRHkRcM5KRP4IA68NQIsj9M7x1svjaQw/s1600/100_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JNUfKtX-exyp7oPYD3QjG_hWnbKi2SIO3p5oQM4P73pOQu0fqTiBNKkY3MkVJuDwPwL_gg_IxLUqbGqxsYGG64NTQf_XMzYGKpScRNxRHkRcM5KRP4IA68NQIsj9M7x1svjaQw/s320/100_1010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4 days of gridding, erasing, painting and staying up late produces Mario! Then I got to outline him w/ blue-black to make him pop. I was tempted to throw in all the bricks on the castle and stuff, but easily talked myself out of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopLKoNW1ZFKsXjN2JMTpwaN8wqhDwQwoY6V2nMe31v0oiyRxteXwlO9u8-FyalqMSLneeahNSYO7ojb6u3_LkEO69PGCYdpW4mfpophYnAKBauZ_qFRXZQeguapIs8LnmmM8JrQ/s1600/100_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopLKoNW1ZFKsXjN2JMTpwaN8wqhDwQwoY6V2nMe31v0oiyRxteXwlO9u8-FyalqMSLneeahNSYO7ojb6u3_LkEO69PGCYdpW4mfpophYnAKBauZ_qFRXZQeguapIs8LnmmM8JrQ/s320/100_1034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ahh, who says art critics are all mean? Here is Bronwyn on her 8th bday enjoying some original artwork--yay!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheers,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Suzanne.</div>Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-91815680173320877892012-04-12T08:17:00.021-04:002012-04-12T11:57:22.087-04:00Myst cat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQLY7lJEuLocx-nuqh3LPt9PL6Y19e7dzeBMqTjqbw1AUvy0kDYJ7sATm39FBe4yXuMwHAzS0H0wWAwRozVkmssAOIMBbz2N-2qepGv3aQOjbVIe3hV4D23NlDkS_GDmaceTgHg/s1600/mystgrass1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQLY7lJEuLocx-nuqh3LPt9PL6Y19e7dzeBMqTjqbw1AUvy0kDYJ7sATm39FBe4yXuMwHAzS0H0wWAwRozVkmssAOIMBbz2N-2qepGv3aQOjbVIe3hV4D23NlDkS_GDmaceTgHg/s400/mystgrass1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730526520739712338" /></a><br /><br />The story of Myst began with my roots in the Ottawa Animation community. I had just dropped out of the BFA program at Ottawa U and I needed to find a job. My summer job from '89 (tie-dyeing t-shirts for a couple of Deadheads) was no longer available, and I scoured the paper. A small classified ad appeared for Hinton Animation Studios and I managed to get an interview. Little did I know that by the time Hinton finally rolled up its carpet, it would have employed pretty much every artist, cartoonist, neo-tattooist, punk, scribbler, animator and muralist in town. You see; it needed cel-painters by the truckload for a feature film (aka 'Opaquers'). These were the lucky folks who hand-painted the back of acetate cels for TV shows (The Raccoons) and yes, features (Warner Bros. The Nutcracker <a href="http://youtu.be/_SUjGvsoQZY">Prince</a>).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tnEBzTrejowkM8Yo5Y4mZWvezquvwjl7A82AKsJeffCf_GZ94eHx0Olf8D6T1G2JtYc2Ev3YUbaHTYAV994HB-KmOgn2ggN9LscaN4FC6j2qF6fRnNxAHZm5jQnMwPHMKYMWtw/s1600/mysteyes1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tnEBzTrejowkM8Yo5Y4mZWvezquvwjl7A82AKsJeffCf_GZ94eHx0Olf8D6T1G2JtYc2Ev3YUbaHTYAV994HB-KmOgn2ggN9LscaN4FC6j2qF6fRnNxAHZm5jQnMwPHMKYMWtw/s200/mysteyes1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730525546932142834" /></a>Opaquing, although not rocket-science, took patience, steady hands, good eyes and, understandably enough something to get you through the dullness of painting 245 cels of a raccoon tying shoelaces and standing up. The 'something', for me, and many of the other opaquers was music. Music (at that time, dragged around on cassettes and walkmans..or ghetto blasters...) was listened to, shared, traded and copied. A LOT.<br /><br />Celtic fusion, an interest in traditional fantasy RPGs, and a love of comics helped to gel one of the most amazing groups of friends I've had the pleasure of building. 22 yrs and counting... n__n It was at Hinton that I met Rob <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/robbie-anderson/a/123/a47">Anderson</a>, Bobbie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2666048/">Stewart</a>, Clayton <a href="http://www.helium.com/users/93929">Jacobs</a> and Bobbie's sister Nina <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2675059/">Stewart</a> (though I've always known her as 'Maya' <--'good Maya' for anyone who is paying attention :-)<br /><br />Years ago, Maya brought home a Manx kitten from her Uncle's farm in her home province of New Brunswick. The kitten was Matilda, an amazing cat, with a unique personality and yellow, owl-like eyes. She was a beautiful creature, squared off bum, dark fur with gold highlights. Maya was hoping to revive the NB line of Manx cats, specifically those which, rumour had it, had some wildcat blood in their background somewhere! One only has to look at say, this pic of a <a href="http://www.howertonart.com/Phantom%20Lynx%2010x8%20acrylic300.jpg">lynx</a> to make a few logical jumps to the truth...<br /><br />Matilda never had kittens, but Maya's black cat Mungo (also a Manx from NB) eventually hooked up with my Mom's barn cat Minkie (the famous cat from 'The Story of Minkie's Kitten') We figured that at the end of it all, we'd end up with Munkies n__n . Minkie littered 6 kittens, one of whom was an unusual black striped tabby named El Diablo who, despite the ill-fated name, was one of the gentlest and sweetest kitties I've ever known. Of the other six, two were Manx, and of those two one survived. <br /><br />I had no idea at the time that Manx mutations can have terrible genetic <a href="http://www.articleworld.org/index.php/Manx_(cat)">consequences</a>; since the lack of a tail being the end of the cat's spinal column, can produce kittens that can't live (or live well) if the spine is too short. One is left with paralyzed kittens, or unfinished kittens, or kittens that can't control their bowels. Little Bongo, a grey tabby Manx, was one of the latter and sadly had to be put to sleep.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRB3SBw9pT3dbXk7rK30GF6ShO4AbfP6pl2BgWsMDiN-7Aiqe_EECP1QK3hivt65-UPJAkuurpYJcjjODSy5rkL_dDHlJQrjTwUj2c_DFQdYDgl27kbtH4FmFR4gVraj3891ArsA/s1600/mystflop1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRB3SBw9pT3dbXk7rK30GF6ShO4AbfP6pl2BgWsMDiN-7Aiqe_EECP1QK3hivt65-UPJAkuurpYJcjjODSy5rkL_dDHlJQrjTwUj2c_DFQdYDgl27kbtH4FmFR4gVraj3891ArsA/s320/mystflop1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730525133918852898" /></a>The other Manx of the litter, was a tiny, grey silver 'hamster'; tailless, healthy and female. We called her Myst and she was born Jan 4th, 1997. Myst grew to be a thick-set, silver grey cat with dark yellow 'owl eyes' (reminiscent of her Aunt Matilda) and paranoiac to the extreme, thanks to her barn cat mom, Minkie, who I can only assume coached her to 'TRUST NOTHING' and <span style="font-style:italic;">watch out for 'The Sack'</span>. (When my Mom initially picked up Minkie and her brother Sammy from a local farm, the 11 yr old sent to get the kittens in the barn did so with a canvas bag, if you can believe it.)<br /><br />Myst came with me during my move to Bell St. S. when I was working at Dynomight Cartoons and could walk to work. These were happy, peaceful times for Myst as she was to enjoy the singular experience of being an 'Only Cat'. You know how some cats yearn to be 'only cats', with no other cats, dogs or kids around to harass them? That lasted until Thanksgiving when Arlo turned up at my Mom's back door after a 3 month disappearance! Myst's 'only cat-ness' was over and she wasn't happy about it. She expressed her unhappiness the only way a cat can. She peed. She peed in the hallway, the bathroom, the kitchen, the hallway, the entranceway. This continued, pretty much unabated, for the rest of her life in various homes and apartments. Since Myst was never to return to 'only cat'dom, I can't say I'm that surprised.<br /><br />But she was a sweet, darling kitty. She was a gentle soul that loved a tender scratch under her chin. If you spent time brushing and really going through the quadruple layer of plush fur, she would make hilarious grunting/chirp noises and lick her paws while you did it. Sometimes she would even deign to let Hank clean her ears (not that cats have that much of a choice, when it comes to persistent Corgis...)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYzzGI8TI4oD2p9gRHNkgln_s7P0esxIC-1ew8QhUR-5QwvmW_oBRDv9EiisqjrZtynqIW_yvyPw2IK9iJ9MPQqNx-xJ7bxWdQgCmQRo-hchIZbXmR1cmGw33zW1k9ZKJhCVw5g/s1600/tiny+myst.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYzzGI8TI4oD2p9gRHNkgln_s7P0esxIC-1ew8QhUR-5QwvmW_oBRDv9EiisqjrZtynqIW_yvyPw2IK9iJ9MPQqNx-xJ7bxWdQgCmQRo-hchIZbXmR1cmGw33zW1k9ZKJhCVw5g/s400/tiny+myst.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730488967334183010" /></a>She used to be almost completely round, and, when sleeping it was hard to tell which end was which. She had steadily lost weight over the last few years and had developed arthritis, making it difficult to go up and down the stairs or jump on the couch (she had to give it a few 'go's' to finally hop on. Her 'protest' pees that happened a few times a week increased to daily, then a few times a day, usually in the kitchen, where you are generally stumbling around in your bare feet or socks, trying to conjure coffee.<br /><br />I realized awhile ago that I was putting off the inevitable. Myst's health was going downhill and she was having a harder time getting around. And the peeing. Constantly. It took everything I had to call the Stittsville Small Animal <a href="http://www.stittsvillesmallanimalclinic.ca/">Clinic</a> and book her final appointment. I didn't know that they put euthanasia as the last appointment of the day, but I understand now why they do it. After I'd phoned, I cried, sitting on the couch, feeling like a murderer. Hank nuzzled up next to me, first on one side, then the other, trying to sort out what was wrong.<br /><br />Yesterday was impossible. I kept crying; every time I looked at her, I kept thinkng of the tiny felt grey hamster she'd been as a newborn kitten. Then I looked at Hank and realized that I'd lose him sometime as well. Then I felt worse as my imagination and temperament went into full Sue-swing. Then I talked to my Mom and Clayton and settled down a little.<br /><br />Finally, the end of the day came and we packed Myst in the cat carrier and drove to Stittsville. She meowed the whole time; little yowly, growly meows... similar in tone to her half-brother Saki's ululations, but without his range. I had trouble seeing to drive and kept wiping my eyes on tissues and trying to clean my sunglasses which were steaming up. Finally, we parked in the lot and I just let it out. The sun had turned everything gold and green; the sky was a stark, spring blue with thick low-hanging clouds. Myst was quiet except for an occasional 'what-the-hell-is-going-on?' mew.<br /><br />We went in and were ushered into a cubicle. I was shaking and kept wiping my face. It felt puffy and I couldn't breathe. Dr. Bickerton came in and I signed the form. It felt surreal watching the pen jerk over the paper; signing her death sentence. Myst was released from the carrier and explored the room curiously. She'd not been back since she'd been spayed by Dr. J. Randall, who had also given her her ear tattoo at the time: HZB6.<br /><br />The doc explained everything to me, but it was all running together in a haze of tears and guilt. I just pet Myst's fur while she lay on the towel; the little IV set up in her tiny grey arm. I could feel the muscle and fat under her fur. Her brow was its usual puzzled, slightly disapproving line. Finally the deep rumble of her purr came forth and I cried even more. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMdnyq8oNu9Q3Ft6yUkbTCJo5CT9U_E0N2yEMWNQAHs3-6vZcr5EC4x9XK-4cDbskkvCmDPHNB3fngJph25KHUerx_LMo9nxNM2VqDe8mhu5BOg3pBbUxb62eGkyca3cte_PEhQ/s1600/mystsitting1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMdnyq8oNu9Q3Ft6yUkbTCJo5CT9U_E0N2yEMWNQAHs3-6vZcr5EC4x9XK-4cDbskkvCmDPHNB3fngJph25KHUerx_LMo9nxNM2VqDe8mhu5BOg3pBbUxb62eGkyca3cte_PEhQ/s320/mystsitting1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730524775165556930" /></a>At that minute, I hated the ease of power that we exercise over our companion animals..they live blissfully unaware that they have no say as to their future under our care. Then, randomly, you set up an appointment to have them killed. You drive them there, sign papers, they are lethally injected, you pay money to the ones who do it for you, because you're too much of a coward to kill them yourself and you go home with the silent corpse in the car. I felt a deep self-loathing and rage, and that was part of the shaking. I felt the ultimate sense that I had betrayed something's innocent and unguarded trust in me.<br /><br />It didn't matter that she was old. It didn't matter that it was hard for her to walk and that she was incontinent. In my head, I was doing an awful, unforgivable act. <br /><br />I kept petting her and remembering her, and finally giving the signal for the sedative. Myst relaxed. the little shoulders slumped and her head tilted. I pet her, feeling my face pinch tightly against my skin, my forehead pounding with the beginning of an awful headache. Myst let out a quiet snore. I felt something ease in my chest. She was asleep. The doctor gave us time the entire way, to say goodbyes, to hold Myst, to be ready to let her go for good. I couldn't believe the depth and gentle understanding of these people; to have that perfect empathy and knowledge and love was incredible.<br /><br />I nodded, numbly letting her know it was Time.<br />She gave Myst the drug and my body felt like it was being compressed on all sides; that I couldn't take it, that the pressure of the emotion was going to burst me from within. My hands shook as I kept petting Myst, feeling the life ease from her, a thin soul running like smoke from the edges of a fleshy envelope. I knew it had to happen, but wished with everything in me that I could push it back, fix it, make it better; make <span style="font-style:italic;">her</span> better, but I couldn't.<br /><br />We stayed with Myst and just held her. She was gone; no purrs, no snoring, no licking her paws and making her annoyed grumbly sounds; just empty and soft and cooling, except for the heat of my hands.<br /><br />I was wrung out; a damp cloth squeezed of emotion and tears. The doc took Myst and we went out to the front of the clinic. The technician was understanding and kind, we said the right words to each other; but my voice was croaky. I was half in reminiscence and half there. It was surreal paying with a bank card for something so unlikely. Only 2 hours before I'd bought groceries with the same card. Life and death. $124.00.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkxxwlKrWMkRxhaCb9HKvJVey4sh9zx1_yqZIWxbqXJFf0sUe22NbdoULunXVQTEVKxECaBJ3E2bITFX-5rkuDNvn0Rvj51_6yTnt4d9tK0VOytBJCl_XiJh37C_NiYcnF-Rfyg/s1600/mystcushion1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkxxwlKrWMkRxhaCb9HKvJVey4sh9zx1_yqZIWxbqXJFf0sUe22NbdoULunXVQTEVKxECaBJ3E2bITFX-5rkuDNvn0Rvj51_6yTnt4d9tK0VOytBJCl_XiJh37C_NiYcnF-Rfyg/s320/mystcushion1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730526789475046306" /></a>Dr. Bickerton brought Myst out in the carrier, wrapped in a towel for a shroud. She handed me the carrier and I staggered through heart-felt thank yous. What better or more gentle person could help you through something like this? Someone who healed and when healing was impossible, sent those trusting, aching creatures onward. The doctor said: if you need to talk, it's ok. Call me. I nodded numbly, sniffling and moving through the open door; penetrating my own envelope between what had just happened and what was to be.<br /><br />The parking lot looked exactly the same. The sun was still going down; gold and the lawns were the intense green of spring. The sky was a richer blue and the clouds looked like thick shreds of cotton candy, indigo on the bottom and white with grey. It looked like time had stopped and I thought of Auden's poem:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"...Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,<br />Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,<br />Silence the pianos and with muffled drum<br />Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come..."</span><br /><br />W. H. <a href="http://homepages.wmich.edu/~cooneys/poems/auden.stop.html">Auden</a><br /><br />It is probably vaguely sacrilegious to quote Auden for a cat. But what the hell. It was death, and I watched as Clayton slid the carrier/coffin into the car and the words kept going through my head.<br /><br />We drove quietly home and my face pounded with tears and pressure. It was getting a little darker as we began to prepare the grave. I dragged a shovel from the shed and dug deep. It was rich soil, mixed with clay and I knew I would plant catnip and a rose on top of it. It would be ok. I kept digging. Clayton cleared raspberry canes that were trying to blind me.<br /><br />We lifted Myst, wrapped in her shroud. She was limp and soft, heavy and quiet. We laid her down and talked about her. She was a sweet cat, without a mean bone in her body. What could be better than to be recalled as never having been mean? Can most people say they've never been mean? I placed boards across the shroud, and refilled the loose soil. Clay tamped it down and we piled stones over her. It was finished.<br /><br />Remember when you have light and love and youth in your hands; that sprightly kitten, the goofy puppy...hold on to that joy and the intensity of that love. Hold on to it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM0sYWvf05NxtHKCgvNH5R0oK-_SWZyTaSeVaLPVzUBbH4svLkdPP0sOgBuJNVPNclR51VA0uiIRBh2U2eZefXyEQnv1JP-n6V9CF0uSmQ18l4LRan7lSl5ME-e_FcD4neJrCYA/s1600/mystoutside1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijM0sYWvf05NxtHKCgvNH5R0oK-_SWZyTaSeVaLPVzUBbH4svLkdPP0sOgBuJNVPNclR51VA0uiIRBh2U2eZefXyEQnv1JP-n6V9CF0uSmQ18l4LRan7lSl5ME-e_FcD4neJrCYA/s400/mystoutside1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730525974025980562" /></a>Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-71583847660515842372012-04-09T10:15:00.009-04:002012-04-09T10:45:55.326-04:00Get your JAM on!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dp0lfM6e6WNTe2SLnRFMMGscOotWvJMMpEQ18UoIHpnrYxVvowbRsKH94kaHgTWg5sY8ZZuiGS4pPuaL35lEIzt_hXm0DkhypfNBgsPWSBC_tiaOxkEMZom0cBzpH_nO0vve5w/s1600/goddess1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 365px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dp0lfM6e6WNTe2SLnRFMMGscOotWvJMMpEQ18UoIHpnrYxVvowbRsKH94kaHgTWg5sY8ZZuiGS4pPuaL35lEIzt_hXm0DkhypfNBgsPWSBC_tiaOxkEMZom0cBzpH_nO0vve5w/s400/goddess1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729412251864027250" /></a><br />Comics Comics Comics.<br /><br />It is that time of the year. The Comic <a href="http://torontocomics.com/exhibitors/troy-little/">festivals</a>, cons, parties, celebrations, free <a href="http://www.movingwithlynn.com/events/free-comic-book-day/">comics</a>, etc are coming (or in some cases are in full swing). What better way to get your comic fix than by coming out to a free Comic Jam in the Nation's Capital? This month, the Ottawa Comic Jam group's <a href="http://comixjam.tripod.com/">event</a> takes place Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 at its usual home, the <a href="http://www.shanghaiottawa.com/">Shanghai</a> Restaurant, 651 Somerset St. W. Ottawa ON K1R 5K3. Our theme this month is Open!<br /><br />What do you mean, Open Theme? Is Sue too lazy to pick a theme? Nosirree Bob! This month, our Open Theme is literally that. Bring your own work to share; if you're cranking out comic pages for publication (book or web) bring it to the Jam to let others check it out! Or, participate in our traditional jam where everyone works on continuous stories, each adding a panel until we get to the end and have a hilarious and weird conclusion!<br /><br />Ultimately, look at this April's Jam as almost a 'mini-con' in anticipation of the Ottawa <a href="http://ottawacomiccon.com/">Comiccon</a> happening May 12th-13th. Only at the Shanghai, the tables are free and we don't have to bus to the airport n__n. Bring your zines, comics, buttons, t-shirts, whatever promo you have and shill to your fellow artists. We're broke (yes, it is tax time), but there are no greater supporters of indie and zine comics than indie and zine comic-creators. <br /><br />Everyone is welcome to this event. Come out and get excited about comics in Ottawa and see what everyone is up to!<br /><br />Cheers and hope to see you April 25th.<br />Suzanne.<br /><br />PS--I WILL be bringing back-issues of the lovely indie comix anthology by yours truly: "<span style="font-style:italic;">Abraxia's Dream</span>" 1-3, "<span style="font-style:italic;">a</span><span style="font-weight:bold;">B</span><span style="font-style:italic;">rax</span><span style="font-weight:bold;">I</span><span style="font-style:italic;">a</span>" #<a href="http://lucarinfo.com/dragonhead/abraxia4b.jpg">4</a>, and if I can get them printed in time, the sweet and ground-breaking mini "<span style="font-style:italic;">Ivy & <a href="http://lucarinfo.com/dragonhead/ivy.html">Dummy</a></span>" (c) 2012 Suzanne A. Marsden.<br /><br />PPS--Even if you don't have current work (or physical work) to promote, feel free to bring business cards to hand out w/ your links and such to your art and comics.Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-18950509121250830712012-02-10T21:15:00.014-05:002012-02-10T23:52:52.723-05:00Who reviews the reviewers?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFa8JvFnLQK9p9PHRxmyLh-zQTWDMtwtt41Nndm9SAu9QNwDHNbAPo4q4V5rCS7h9_yxXQP3Barb_szXm4zCHU2dRfWUP3pAh9Cfui4AvM_m6yiPHkK_HxC-ptKxjmbjn_LoocQ/s1600/antigonish2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFa8JvFnLQK9p9PHRxmyLh-zQTWDMtwtt41Nndm9SAu9QNwDHNbAPo4q4V5rCS7h9_yxXQP3Barb_szXm4zCHU2dRfWUP3pAh9Cfui4AvM_m6yiPHkK_HxC-ptKxjmbjn_LoocQ/s320/antigonish2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707701317343967826" /></a><br />I am in great spirits! Creatively, February is my 'go' month, I believe, thanks to St. <a href="http://womangue.blogspot.com/2007/02/another-turn-of-wheel.html">Brigid</a> (who reigns over fire and creativity n__n). I also think that part of my creative burn also stems from February 1st being Hourly Comic <a href="http://www.hourlycomic.com/hourlycomicday.html">Day</a> (invented by John <a href="http://www.picturesforsadchildren.com/">Campbell</a>) <br /><br />I finally was able to scan and post my Hourlies and you can find them on my Deviantart <a href="http://comixjammer.deviantart.com/gallery/35245189">page</a>! Huzzah! I find it hilarious that I reference 'Iron Chef' not only this year, but last hear as well. What can I say, mysteriously, after my Gastric Bypass, I became interested in the Cooking Network.<br /><br />Another very Cool Thing that has happened was receiving my contributors copies of the 'The Antigonish <a href="http://www.antigonishreview.com/">Review</a>' Winter 2012 issue. I reviewed Carol <a href="http://carollittleauthor.blogspot.com/">Little's</a> "Hide Your Life <a href="http://amzn.com/0973997117">Away</a>"; which actually was featured in the Hourly Comics <a href="http://comixjammer.deviantart.com/gallery/29027885#/d398jmb">2011</a> and 2012 (coincidence?! :-) To read the review of Carol's book, head on over to the Antigonish Review's <a href="http://www.antigonishreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=486%3Asuzanne-a-marsden-168&catid=37%3Acontributor-category&Itemid=1">site</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqvukqrCABn0QzR9rS153KMlT1Sz3iN8tKi8CJTD4Rr_r8ScJtsIpxRT0rGzaK5YzfzSkm4ZC4ArIVakon06jtjM_lOnhbSjE2ou-asapyhZcOI73L9otoLBJpt8cHtXqVJnBEg/s1600/antigonish1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqvukqrCABn0QzR9rS153KMlT1Sz3iN8tKi8CJTD4Rr_r8ScJtsIpxRT0rGzaK5YzfzSkm4ZC4ArIVakon06jtjM_lOnhbSjE2ou-asapyhZcOI73L9otoLBJpt8cHtXqVJnBEg/s320/antigonish1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707699568011296210" /></a>The Comic Jam has been going very well as of late. I just finished uploading the January Jam's art and tweaking the <a href="http://comixjam.tripod.com/id42.html">site</a>. The Orleans/ East End Comix Jam, run by Dwight <a href="http://web.ncf.ca/ad696/">Williams</a> on the 3rd Friday of the month has had two meetings so far and the artwork is <a href="http://comixjam.tripod.com/id41.html">posted</a>. <br /><br />Also, for fun, Westin <a href="http://westincartoons.blogspot.com/">Church</a>, Nadine Fazio, Clayton Jacobs, Colleen <a href="http://colleensartworld.wordpress.com/">Temple</a> and I started the 'ArgleBlargle Art <a href="http://argleblargleargle.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> of Collective Creativity' to try and boost each other's creative impetus. It has been fun so far. I should be posting links to some of our ancient "Drink & Draws" on the site, which date back to 2005 or so (I think?)<br /><br />In the meantime, I am keeping busy planning my Next Big Road Trip which is from here (Ottawa, ON) to Key West FL with my Mom. We have been accumulating some cool incidental desinations to check out in our travel-log, but if anyone has some suggestions, feel free to share!<br /><br />All best, and big hugs<br />Suzanne.Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-68717194954907003562011-12-23T14:06:00.011-05:002011-12-23T14:57:32.169-05:00A Joyous Yule<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPoiJbHwYNXCxc0U9G6beTbxPL6NKp-9h-mkn8LZrf-uq3Kw1HIcpile1SLust1SlmIFesldymZyHm4tsBT6biHzzestUo8lwF77bCjD5-4B-DkTx-WGcnnUnilE6a9dkWhIKkw/s1600/xmaspic2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPoiJbHwYNXCxc0U9G6beTbxPL6NKp-9h-mkn8LZrf-uq3Kw1HIcpile1SLust1SlmIFesldymZyHm4tsBT6biHzzestUo8lwF77bCjD5-4B-DkTx-WGcnnUnilE6a9dkWhIKkw/s400/xmaspic2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689405195186420354" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Christmas 2011</span><br /><br />Hello dear friends and family, once again another year has passed and left us wondering ‘what happened?!’ For fun, Clayton and I decided to present our newsletter in multiple-choice form! Answers are at the bottom (no peeking). Unfortunately the only prize you can claim is the smug knowledge that you know us better than ourselves! Scary :-O.<br /><br />1. What was one of the COOLEST things that happened this year?<br />a) Clayton shaved his beard.<br />b) Sue got to see Further in Canandaigua NY and stayed at a haunted <a href="http://www.innonthemain.com/">B & B</a>.<br />c) Hank discovered a ‘new smell’.<br /><br />2. How many 24 hr. Comics Day <a href="http://meanwhilestudios.blogspot.com/2011/07/comic-book-shark-week-24-hour-comic.html">Events</a> did Sue attend this year and how many did she complete?<br />a) Attended 2 and succeeded at 1.<br />b) Attended 1 and didn’t pull it off.<br />c) Attended 47 and hurt herself badly.<br /><br />3. Amazing things happened to Clayton this year. Put them in order of importance (to him)!<br />a) Discovered <a href="https://signup.netflix.com/home?autoRedirected=1&country=3&rdirfdc=true">Netflix</a>.<br />b) Found a stray <a href="http://youtu.be/OM8jOjTvnq4">kitten</a> attached to the house in a rainstorm.<br />c) Successfully completed a 24 Hour <a href="http://www.24hourcomicsday.com/">Comics</a> Day challenge.<br />d) Coordinated three Ottawa Comic <a href="http://comixjam.tripod.com/">Jam</a> events solo.<br /><br />4. Working at Brain Power <a href="http://brainpowerstudio.com/">Studio</a> has many, many perks!<br />a) We get to weigh everyone’s brain during meetings.<br />b) Our Secretary of the Interior is an orange cat named <a href="http://www.maxandcowboy.com/">Max</a>.<br />c) Having our first corporate retreat at Great Wolf <a href="http://cdn.greatwolf.com/niagara/waterpark/rides/300-rapidsrun-1.jpg">Lodge</a>, sweet ‘Brain Power’ running shoes, going on a 2 day Pixar workshop in Montreal.<br /><br />5. Cooking figured in many blog posts and Facebook status updates. What was the MOST successful recipe attempted?<br />a) Dijon Dill Maple <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/nah/12_06/sister_can.pdf">chicken</a>.<br />b) Butternut-sweet potato <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150326632406008">soup</a>.<br />c) Roasted cauliflower Parmesan.<br /><br />6. What travel method got used this year?<br />a) Planes, trains and automobiles<br />b) Planes, trains, automobiles and buses<br />c) Swimming, mostly<br /><br />7. This year, we attended lots of fun bday parties. Sort them in the order they happened!<br />a) <a href="http://www.unfolding.ca/index.php/documentaries-and-micheline-shoebridge%E2%80%99s-dilemma">Micheline’s</a> party prompted crazy stunts & surprises, as well as the design of a silly card.<br />b) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwight_ew/2967399455/?q=tom%20shoebridge">Tom’s</a> party included a spontaneous comic jam with Lara & Mia and introduced us to Telestrations (a fun drawing game)<br />c) <a href="http://vimeo.com/docsavage">Keith’s</a> bday brunch hit the right note with spectacular Dim Sum and hilarious stories.<br /><br />8. How many children’s books did Sue draw this year, for whom and where can we get ‘em?<br />a) 47 and hurt herself badly…<br />b) 3 for <a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2396/5815275492_c19cb9d4bb_z.jpg">Swordfish</a> Toys in Australia & 1 for local author Bobby Salvin. The Aus books are currently in production, ‘Momma’s <a href="http://naughtynutcap.tripod.com/artwork.html">Magic</a>’ is available from Sue, Bobby, Art Mad in Stittsville or Chapters in Kanata.<br />c) Children’s books? Nahh the real money‘s in independent COMIX!<br /><br />9. This year saw the 2nd anniversary of the Ottawa Comic Jam. What other comic-related things happened?<br />a) Troy’s Comic Book <a href="http://cbsw.yolasite.com/">Shark</a> Week celebrated in Summerside PEI.<br />b) The launch of the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111416477575220743563/OrleansComixJams">Orleans</a>/East End Comic Jam group (December 2011)<br />c) Making it to the Toronto Comic Con and getting to pester various celebs (and check out the <a href="http://www.giantrobot.com/wp-media-uploads/back-to-the-future-delorean.jpeg">DeLorean</a> from Back to the Future).<br />d) Being interviewed by <a href="http://thefulcrum.ca/2011/09/24-hour-comics-day/">reporters</a> and having to explain what a comic jam was (mostly letting them know it had nothing to do with ‘stand-up’)<br /><br />10. Sue spent tons of time traveling to Upstate NY. Pick the statement that’s false!<br />a) The State Troopers didn’t believe that Mom was only speeding to get to the outlet stores before our dollar was no longer ‘par’.<br />b) April was the last trip to the clinic in Utica NY for follow-ups to Sue’s surgery.<br />c) Watertown features ‘The Crystal <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vgand/4475541578/">Restaurant</a>’, a vintage 40’s jewel worth the trip!<br /><br />Bonus Question!<br />11. Sort these Things that made 2011 spectacular and especially fun in order of MOST FUN (sub-categorized by date and time.)*<br />a) Sharing great times, food, stories and humour with friends and family from St. Catharines to the East Coast.<br />b) Sue and Mom tour the Niagara <a href="http://www.tawsewinery.ca/">wineries</a> with Barb.<br />c) Finding ‘Boz’ attached to the house and sending him to his Forever Home in Stittsville<br />d) Our friend Shu’s new baby, Emma entering the world Oct 31st!<br />e) Thanksgiving with family and friends, with surprise guest Rob <a href="http://www.canadiananimationresources.ca/?p=951">Anderson</a>!<br />f) Sue tackling the 3-Day Novel <a href="http://www.3daynovel.com/">Contest</a> and cranking out 141 pgs!<br />g) Clay leaving Lowe-Martin Ltd. to find new, creative opportunities.<br />h) Introducing Westin & Nadine to the pleasure of traditional RPG <a href="http://www.palladiumbooks.com/">gaming</a>!<br />i) Sue doing 2 book signings at Chapters (thanks for your support!)<br />j) During torrential rains, the basement refused to flood. YAY!<br />k) Mike & Shelagh got a brand spankin’ new house a 5 min walk from Mom.<br />l) Crashing the Harris Family Reunion in Fredericton, NB.<br />m) Sue’s review of Carol’s Hide Your Life Away accepted by the Antigonish <a href="http://www.antigonishreview.com/">Review</a> (forthcoming Spring 2012).<br />n) Word games keeping Sue’s brain happily active vs brilliant challengers: Lisa-Marie, Danya, Carol, Bobbie, Carolyn, Mom, Fiona H, Lee, Judy, Jo, Julie, Matt and Jennifer B. Thanks!<br />o) Making homemade grape <a href="http://womangue.blogspot.com/2011/09/grapes-of-jelly.html">jelly</a> with Mom.<br />p) <a href="http://ishina.ca/">ISHINA</a>!<br /><br />Thanks for hanging in there and playing the ‘multiple choice’ Christmas newsletter game. Lots of other things happened, but we didn’t want to turn this into a Federal Government Language Test(!) that’d take 3+ hours to complete.<br /><br />hugs!<br />Suzanne & Clayton<br /><br />Answers<br />1. b) 2. a) 3. a), c), b), d) 4. c), 5. b) 6. b) 7. a), c), b) 8. b), 9. They ALL happened! 10. a) *11. Are you kidding?!Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-66064842919097566652011-11-14T15:39:00.018-05:002011-11-14T16:21:18.222-05:00Thank you Neil<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlWGoHxSOYZtVqcgu9Y3TG_ICP0GphCVswsLoy171Qje4KIk7pG_NwfxNKqPnc7-h8w_WP6aODBZBFSg75yPXrG9ypmyCcUu64pzfH986FvCB0jcEeF0cgkz6LwUuJpAQSyGHEQ/s1600/neilgaiman.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlWGoHxSOYZtVqcgu9Y3TG_ICP0GphCVswsLoy171Qje4KIk7pG_NwfxNKqPnc7-h8w_WP6aODBZBFSg75yPXrG9ypmyCcUu64pzfH986FvCB0jcEeF0cgkz6LwUuJpAQSyGHEQ/s320/neilgaiman.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674954131642341570" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdeakpzxcdqZhlnFp4z7zkQ1vkLYzjY2sLxscrDkjcqwYLltSuz3N8khao5AD77zQQQ1xv5wzo4gVsok9QEKJcWy2safvFM3CMkfEYN976YQJCx-7TQw-iIThyphenhyphenMNrxnT_ZeaA2g/s1600/sin_city_miller1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdeakpzxcdqZhlnFp4z7zkQ1vkLYzjY2sLxscrDkjcqwYLltSuz3N8khao5AD77zQQQ1xv5wzo4gVsok9QEKJcWy2safvFM3CMkfEYN976YQJCx-7TQw-iIThyphenhyphenMNrxnT_ZeaA2g/s320/sin_city_miller1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674959744933568898" /></a>I'm always grateful for wisdom, compassion and humour to sand the edges of heretical madness. I want to thank Neil Gaiman for being an emissary of that crinkled wisdom, grinning laughter, sober fourth and fifth thoughts (and sixth shots). I love Charles de <a href="http://www.sfsite.com/charlesdelint/">Lint</a> dearly, but today I needed Neil and only Neil would do.<br /><br />First off, Troy <a href="http://meanwhilestudios.blogspot.com/">Little</a> posted a <a href="http://frankmillerink.com/2011/11/anarchy">link</a> to Frank Miller coming across like a lunatic about the Occupy movement (which made me come up with the idea that an Occupy Sin City poster would be quite interesting.) Then, while I was absorbing this and shaking my head, I read a Tweet from Scott <a href="http://scottmccloud.com/">McCloud</a> about it: "BTW, No matter how batshit Frank's political rant may be, that's a great silhouetted drawing of him on his blog."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipk5KBrOl-qJzCqhtfPIt7zNWtXuEirXAh7VKi-B3FYjXT8TPNOOlNm-xj05eCw_9Ny1aZLqjW0jUuNl6EqjBIlo6o6gOnZwWOMyfp3W0rc7QjLmu3gguQGglUKqtyly4PAXwkCw/s1600/scottmccloud1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipk5KBrOl-qJzCqhtfPIt7zNWtXuEirXAh7VKi-B3FYjXT8TPNOOlNm-xj05eCw_9Ny1aZLqjW0jUuNl6EqjBIlo6o6gOnZwWOMyfp3W0rc7QjLmu3gguQGglUKqtyly4PAXwkCw/s200/scottmccloud1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674958192478309906" /></a>Then, I read a Tweet from Neil that lead to a post from <a href="http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2006/06/in-wee-small-hours-of-morning.html">2006</a>, which I'm reposting here, to better describe my own thoughts about it (content is copyright Neil Gaiman (c)2006):<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Neil Gaiman's thoughts on "...not feeling guilty about liking the art of people [I] disagree with personally or politically..."<br /></span> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hi Neil,<br /> <br />I've been a fan of your work for awhile now and I just came across your site. I've had this nagging question, about authors, stuck in my brain for awhile now and I thought you might have an answer or opinion.<br />If you really enjoy an author's stories and then you find out the author (not you) is a jerk or believes in some fairly wretched things would you keep reading this author's works?<br />I suppose it's similar to the whole crazy celebrity dilema. Do I really want to go see a movie that looks good even though that guy is in it?<br />Thanks,<br />Kyle</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">If I were only allowed to read or enjoy art or listen to music made by people whose opinions and beliefs were the same as mine, I think the world would be a pretty dismal sort of a place. I love the work of many creators who self-avowedly believe or believed things that I consider to be "fairly wretched", not to mention wrong-headed, lunatic, irresponsible or simply wrong. Worse yet: there are artists, actors, songwriters, authors, whose work I love, like or admire and who, biographers or historians tell us, actually did things that were utterly reprehensible. And worse even than that, there are all those things by Anonymous, who could have been or thought or done, well, anything, and we'll never know...<br /> <br />Ezra Pound was a fascist, an antisemite on a level that makes the Aryan Nation seem wishy washy, a traitor (or at best, a collaborator), and I'm very glad I got to read his poetry, and appreciate it and learn from it. I could list dozens more without breaking a sweat. Most, probably all, human beings get to do awful things and believe things that other human beings think they should be burned for believing, and they get to do and believe wonderful things too, and artists, writers, musicians, creators, actors, are nothing if not human beings.<br /> <br />The art isn't the artist, the poem isn't the poet; trust the tale, not the teller.<br /> <br />(The sad flip-side is I've met people -- writers and artists -- over the years who I liked immediately, with whom I found myself agreeing on everything to do with art and aesthetics so closely that we might have shared the same head, people whose world-views were pretty much mine, whom I'd talk with far into the night and whom I parted from excited that I'd met them, looking forward to nothing more than reading their writing or looking at their art... and then I would find what they had done, and, at least as far as my taste was concerned, the books would be uninteresting, the drawings ugly or clumsy. And in an odd way, that hurts more than liking the work of someone who behaved badly, or thought in a way that I consider offensive or wrong.)<br /> </span><br /><br />======<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgaa5UQgU7HPu-2zaKFQeUgY9gVGrlkuxmuFpq48VAj2GAAUeL6cseOQvd0cmSeft_niu50ECQSNDzn_o69vnDATW4XdBmP3EU1y_4mQXZP_LC-H85Qrb33sstobtPoTaaVYRJw/s1600/stonethrow1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgaa5UQgU7HPu-2zaKFQeUgY9gVGrlkuxmuFpq48VAj2GAAUeL6cseOQvd0cmSeft_niu50ECQSNDzn_o69vnDATW4XdBmP3EU1y_4mQXZP_LC-H85Qrb33sstobtPoTaaVYRJw/s200/stonethrow1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674963875695389042" /></a>I'm an easy-going person, and like to try and get along with everyone I can. I hate being judgmental (and dislike being judged intensely), I avoid confrontation as much as possible. Finding comfort in an author's artful words for something that makes me uncomfortable and upset was such a relief and a soothing balm, I actually did send a quick reply to Neil in thanks. That is why they are the writers, these 'Kindly Ones', who can hammer the words together and throw them down for us to nod and grin at and to take that solace from.<br /><br />In crashing about in Neil land, I came upon the following "I believe" from American <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/American-Gods-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0380789035">Gods</a>, which I would love to just have stapled to Womangue as an emblazoned motto (though it's rather large). Instead, I'll repost it here. Apparently it is available in t-shirt form at <a href="http://neverwear.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=4">Neverwear</a>. This is also copyright (c)2011 Neil Gaiman. Thank you so much.<br /><br />Suzanne.<br /><br />======<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH-OLqdylibdIMEK5l17AADE7GA1FIVCKVZlrjb-gdT1CtwT3TY8SsKLHvlMYZzrf0X_GJRHGhhs53r1ANTFvSBnJmMPlH2iLZwXnGYdl8aDTGdpwDTgmYM6tDeiITd8uFiAu2g/s1600/bigayice1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH-OLqdylibdIMEK5l17AADE7GA1FIVCKVZlrjb-gdT1CtwT3TY8SsKLHvlMYZzrf0X_GJRHGhhs53r1ANTFvSBnJmMPlH2iLZwXnGYdl8aDTGdpwDTgmYM6tDeiITd8uFiAu2g/s320/bigayice1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674961501797996706" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"I can believe things that are true and I can believe things that aren't true and I can believe things where nobody knows if they're true or not. I can believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny and Marilyn Monroe and the Beatles and Elvis and Mister Ed. Listen–I believe that people are perfectible, that knowledge is infinite, that the world is run by secret banking cartels and is visited by aliens on a regular basis, nice ones who look like wrinkledy lemurs and bad ones who mutilate cattle and want our water and our women. I believe that the future sucks and I believe that the future rocks and I believe that one day White Buffalo Woman is going to come back and kick everyone's ass. I believe that all men are just overgrown boys with deep problems communicating and that the decline of good sex in America is coincident with the decline in drive-in movie theaters from state to state. I believe that all politicians are unprincipled crooks and I still believe that they are better than the alternative. I believe that California is going to sink into the sea when the big one comes, while Florida is going to dissolve into madness and alligators and toxic waste. I believe that antibacterial soap is destroying our resistance to dirt and disease so that one day we'll all be wiped out by the common cold like the Martians in War of The Worlds. I believe that the greatest poets of the last century were Edith Sitwell and Don Marquis, that jade is dried dragon sperm, and that thousands of years ago in a former life I was a one-armed Siberian shaman. I believe that mankind's destiny lies in the stars. I believe that candy really did taste better when I was a kid, that it's aerodynamically impossible for a bumblebee to fly, that light is a wave and a particle, that there's a cat in a box somewhere who's alive and dead at the same time (although if they don't ever open the box to feed it it'll eventually just be two different kinds of dead), and that there are stars in the universe billions of years older than the universe itself. I believe in a personal god who cares about me and worries and oversees everything I do. I believe in an impersonal god who set the universe in motion and went off to hang with her girlfriends and doesn't even know that I'm alive. I believe in an empty and godless universe of causal chaos, background noise, and sheer blind luck. I believe that anyone who says that sex is overrated just hasn't done it properly. I believe that anyone who claims to know what's going on will lie about the little things too. I believe in absolute honesty and sensible social lies too. I believe in a woman's right to choose, a baby's right to live, that while all human life is sacred there's nothing wrong with the death penalty if you can trust the legal system implicitly, and that no one but a moron would ever trust the legal system. I believe that life is a game, that life is a cruel joke, and that life is what happens when you're alive and that you might as well lie back and enjoy it."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Credits:</span><br />The photo of Neil Gaiman at the top of the blog is by Allan <a href="http://allanamato.com/">Amato</a> and is available in poster <a href="http://neverwear.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=115">form</a><br />Sin City comic image is by Frank <a href="http://moebiusgraphics.com/">Miller</a>.<br />Scott McCloud's head comic panel is by Scott McCloud.<br />The poster from <span style="font-style:italic;">American Gods</span> is by Molly <a href="http://mollycrabapple.com/2011/06/18/american-godsbig-gay-ice-cream-poster/">Crabapple</a>.Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-21973137973972788202011-10-06T14:46:00.016-04:002011-10-06T15:13:50.283-04:00Sue vs Lake Simcoe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCMCOWNs3O66dslXP8sXHFYUH4Gv1KFAeZJfJ_Nx9BMf8DF9f5VzUxXy-1YRzcmRjw2bycWj3F1DY1p1wgztZN65Flge2zxKFtMY579YWu1rV_HPzoVQh_nHSlcSAdp_H6x8FWg/s1600/svlstitle1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCMCOWNs3O66dslXP8sXHFYUH4Gv1KFAeZJfJ_Nx9BMf8DF9f5VzUxXy-1YRzcmRjw2bycWj3F1DY1p1wgztZN65Flge2zxKFtMY579YWu1rV_HPzoVQh_nHSlcSAdp_H6x8FWg/s400/svlstitle1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660453486346898866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVtRd6VbWUtxcmTxL21_o0dKJE5EV4gIL4GWff7XxQjgk4Y4BRBcD6jDLbx6uvyeaK-mw1ueydidOpglvwfQG7tvn9Nm9YzVCmMKoB0U-Z2aoqnJbIXwkMu4um86yzdgeCy7BtQ/s1600/svls2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIVtRd6VbWUtxcmTxL21_o0dKJE5EV4gIL4GWff7XxQjgk4Y4BRBcD6jDLbx6uvyeaK-mw1ueydidOpglvwfQG7tvn9Nm9YzVCmMKoB0U-Z2aoqnJbIXwkMu4um86yzdgeCy7BtQ/s400/svls2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660453391414697986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5N3DB-eMQp29c-rUxIW3Rc2ZEZXkhe62AOOPVOlrGG1FCRGZBKayyNcbi7VjK-hEUWEZ9hdp4cYifCeWBTApCb2RBvZYY4_clbxrJgbArG77mBUb3Q0w2XNm6UJG3lGuv9F2Aw/s1600/svls3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5N3DB-eMQp29c-rUxIW3Rc2ZEZXkhe62AOOPVOlrGG1FCRGZBKayyNcbi7VjK-hEUWEZ9hdp4cYifCeWBTApCb2RBvZYY4_clbxrJgbArG77mBUb3Q0w2XNm6UJG3lGuv9F2Aw/s400/svls3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660453207630851026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECzhumxDJ3obeSR6w0P-HcrGf6s5aYCarMEMJiQSmXg9agAAej6Cj9e4_KI6TzGcVVzfCnYHZoeH293zdeiGBib93e3fy3tJaVu68tiQ8_0rlVPoV68TWZvgnsSAIX0mF794TRA/s1600/svls4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECzhumxDJ3obeSR6w0P-HcrGf6s5aYCarMEMJiQSmXg9agAAej6Cj9e4_KI6TzGcVVzfCnYHZoeH293zdeiGBib93e3fy3tJaVu68tiQ8_0rlVPoV68TWZvgnsSAIX0mF794TRA/s400/svls4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660453109091640658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFaBcChQgCmkEr-IqEGrcCqh8g4gemQdDDWNNKRlcu-aPl6IEJyhGI7g-Rlqb53Z2-vdGs-VkgQi_-amJZBMDU2DHb8xcvMpOCaaLdysUHatJppf2R2gZRgW8nAxdFKnULYD14w/s1600/svls5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFaBcChQgCmkEr-IqEGrcCqh8g4gemQdDDWNNKRlcu-aPl6IEJyhGI7g-Rlqb53Z2-vdGs-VkgQi_-amJZBMDU2DHb8xcvMpOCaaLdysUHatJppf2R2gZRgW8nAxdFKnULYD14w/s400/svls5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660453026323108034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_NGu87Cir2lettnKVa1vnknvSz40u66CkEx9wVDg7Mcn0uR9rlBvRLVyX53JyYbPyEI9r-3aK7MZIHkh8m1t9vYHF6Pgt_Ps7kaAHR6WSC52IlTucSYttmIK7x6FUsXi4TkWOA/s1600/svls6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_NGu87Cir2lettnKVa1vnknvSz40u66CkEx9wVDg7Mcn0uR9rlBvRLVyX53JyYbPyEI9r-3aK7MZIHkh8m1t9vYHF6Pgt_Ps7kaAHR6WSC52IlTucSYttmIK7x6FUsXi4TkWOA/s400/svls6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660452933321792258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ05jQp77fTk5mCaRNcNwqK_aFKj_e3BmHRkN7M8sENfvXfzV5XAnMqtLVUudcfAGLiUrQY5wcA7011PDDPUK7S0Z2RY4maX1yjP8IUg6P1KVwljAogHUR9MgclbTHeXvzggTy-w/s1600/svls7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ05jQp77fTk5mCaRNcNwqK_aFKj_e3BmHRkN7M8sENfvXfzV5XAnMqtLVUudcfAGLiUrQY5wcA7011PDDPUK7S0Z2RY4maX1yjP8IUg6P1KVwljAogHUR9MgclbTHeXvzggTy-w/s400/svls7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660452835177166338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo3rpO-y4e-EDyK_ZyFHCuAMEzmshCfKYfEPxSUIp2xCA-9xVxJXPu1n654By6myaFPrt98thC_odd3XRVDLSmvF7xUfK_ScZpw3uuCwGSrmwuqlBDq-qVPnYOHzzGNaO7bMcOw/s1600/svls8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo3rpO-y4e-EDyK_ZyFHCuAMEzmshCfKYfEPxSUIp2xCA-9xVxJXPu1n654By6myaFPrt98thC_odd3XRVDLSmvF7xUfK_ScZpw3uuCwGSrmwuqlBDq-qVPnYOHzzGNaO7bMcOw/s400/svls8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660452639449274866" /></a><br /><br />"An exciting story from my past". What could be more fun than getting completely lost on a simple 4.5 hour trip? I don't know... root canals? Anyway, it's taken a Loooong time to get this comic put together, It will be available as a mini for sale at the Small Press <a href="http://smallpressbookfair.blogspot.com/2011/09/ottawa-small-press-book-fair-fall-2011.html">Fair</a> November 5th. Come out and buy a fresh comic from the gal who brought you '14 Steps to Mango Bliss', 'Ivy & <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150112870587103&comments&ref=mf">Dummy</a>', 'It only hurts when I drive the screwdriver deeper into my frontal lobe' and other classics n__n.<br /><br />Ok, back to doing kid's drawings again.... (Sword Fish Toys, forthcoming Magic-<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5815275450_9c7d532a90_z.jpg">Glow</a> series). The kid's drawings look something like this...<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ikLWaintphc_vIaxTQ521Q3VkcqLjNjISbCvjhKryTQfqppLUtdWC6Bwoh7TPl7Lc6QGJUXXdYuhDYPN7kXGz0L3X8D3-vr5TC9w96c9ShEs6MeUosNjVCDqJ0W6mVmAI2deXg/s1600/lobby1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ikLWaintphc_vIaxTQ521Q3VkcqLjNjISbCvjhKryTQfqppLUtdWC6Bwoh7TPl7Lc6QGJUXXdYuhDYPN7kXGz0L3X8D3-vr5TC9w96c9ShEs6MeUosNjVCDqJ0W6mVmAI2deXg/s320/lobby1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660457588628212802" /></a>Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-77305927191069687482011-09-30T08:16:00.007-04:002011-09-30T08:30:24.360-04:00Le Nichoir Wildcard project<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh6Fe61fow0CwzxZ2khT7qLX2v36MFq4Ny3HF3stvPGlx9mU5segL_1u1bS9FTgNVMn74LhzLVdf4FoZd6GEovMZ6HEHS9p48DD5pSpS1TygRXe7BuyN-W95y3AIg8b3bMkI-ZQ/s1600/moondotter1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh6Fe61fow0CwzxZ2khT7qLX2v36MFq4Ny3HF3stvPGlx9mU5segL_1u1bS9FTgNVMn74LhzLVdf4FoZd6GEovMZ6HEHS9p48DD5pSpS1TygRXe7BuyN-W95y3AIg8b3bMkI-ZQ/s320/moondotter1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658128373719644466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu57oWkScG3IyZ2x270OV1cQgdZISSMFiiXthaG1iNEUvx9KimGXe651CWRMJbvvkfX2bLP4G189F7M59FP-paECR3J2NCbBq03i7-Q2zT_L0YUuoQn6_TP3kHAv8FmWV0wkZMQ/s1600/heroine1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu57oWkScG3IyZ2x270OV1cQgdZISSMFiiXthaG1iNEUvx9KimGXe651CWRMJbvvkfX2bLP4G189F7M59FP-paECR3J2NCbBq03i7-Q2zT_L0YUuoQn6_TP3kHAv8FmWV0wkZMQ/s320/heroine1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658128490123655522" /></a><br />Last week I submitted a couple of 5" x 7" pieces of original artwork to the <a href="http://www.lenichoir.org/wildcard/index.html">Wildcard</a> Project. The work will be used in an upcoming fundraiser at Le <a href="http://www.lenichoir.org/">Nichoir</a> Wild Bird Rehabilitation Centre. The sale takes place Saturday, November 19th at Collège Sainte-Anne in Lachine, QC. The unframed pieces will hopefully go for $65 (the average cost to rehabilitate and release one bird back into the wild).<br /><br />My pal Colleen also submitted work, so hopefully between the two of us we can raise a bit of money for Le Nichoir and also get our art circulating for all to see n__n. I'm posting images of the work as a teaser for y'all. If you would like to purchase these originals, you can check them out during Le Nichoir's sale in November!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Suzanne.<br /><br />(c) 2011 images Suzanne MarsdenSuzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-46775805820436464062011-09-27T15:13:00.005-04:002011-09-27T15:46:58.727-04:00We don't need no stinkin' sleep!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OEKVevvlz5P64Fi3G11DdabPhMoUGiZHdWJK5NvSccHmWYP0OJlnjSVX030OCieIBC-r4vhhECmz98km-Fo9IqvJvGj7xxIN_MNkc083nvjvz-4tldqWxckHAnqux7YajXamIw/s1600/cbsw.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OEKVevvlz5P64Fi3G11DdabPhMoUGiZHdWJK5NvSccHmWYP0OJlnjSVX030OCieIBC-r4vhhECmz98km-Fo9IqvJvGj7xxIN_MNkc083nvjvz-4tldqWxckHAnqux7YajXamIw/s400/cbsw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657119859234143362" /></a><br /><br />In honour of the upcoming 24 Hour Comics Day event at my place, I took time to post my 24 Hour Comic from this August. Actually, this is a chunk of history in the making... I've completed four 24 Hour Comics out of six tries, and the upcoming event on Saturday will be my seventh go 'round. It will be the first time I've ever tried to do <span style="font-style:italic;">two</span> 24 Hour Comics in one year. Wow!<br /><br />Anyway, I'd like to thank Troy <a href="http://meanwhilestudios.blogspot.com/2011/07/comic-book-shark-week-24-hour-comic.html">Little</a> for hosting the August 4th's 24 Hour Comics Day event at the West End Cottage in Summerside, PEI to cap off Comic Book <a href="http://cbsw.yolasite.com/">Shark</a> Week. I had a grand time, met some truly creative and cool people and made a crazy, blood-soaked comic. What could be better? Oh and there's swears in it. Sorry!<br /><br />To check out my contribution to 24 Hour Comics Day history: <span style="font-style:italic;">"The Hour Before the Dawn"</span>, please head on over to my Deviant Art <a href="http://comixjammer.deviantart.com/gallery/32876551">account</a> and take a looksee.<br /><br />Cheers, and hope to see y'all out either at the 'Backwards' comic jam tomorrow at 7pm, or on the weekend for 24 Hour Comics Day.<br /><br />Suzanne.<br /><br />PS--here's some fantastic <a href="http://meanwhilestudios.blogspot.com/2011/08/24-hour-comic-pics.html">photos</a> of the 24 Hour Comics Day event in August! (All photos, including the one below are (c) 2011 Troy Little).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgwLN5DIhcpgxq2ajCp718sPlT57vTiIgMuD1vxiGBkeIIGc2WnKw7JY7mkZeS_gQJwa-kROxlc2LViZB2vZ07mhmaLKQCTWXmvS73dzNsJhMgy4G7F2PimOdhlelCLjFBqTQZw/s1600/suecomic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgwLN5DIhcpgxq2ajCp718sPlT57vTiIgMuD1vxiGBkeIIGc2WnKw7JY7mkZeS_gQJwa-kROxlc2LViZB2vZ07mhmaLKQCTWXmvS73dzNsJhMgy4G7F2PimOdhlelCLjFBqTQZw/s320/suecomic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657128095444038370" /></a>Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-71928764962263549782011-09-22T13:58:00.022-04:002011-12-02T12:08:02.613-05:00Grapes of Jelly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1Vz3QAMtyfKA4g-smq7Iwd3Zd6nHlCnbOf_UD8T9kKCjDJNRJ6FybaSSXzDPkZALM7R3twKJ9Jwv-AemoJpW9ZMMvLhHijjYUVZV0H09khxy61E7e0zaxz9MqA0UWesaHz_5Ig/s1600/jellycover2a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1Vz3QAMtyfKA4g-smq7Iwd3Zd6nHlCnbOf_UD8T9kKCjDJNRJ6FybaSSXzDPkZALM7R3twKJ9Jwv-AemoJpW9ZMMvLhHijjYUVZV0H09khxy61E7e0zaxz9MqA0UWesaHz_5Ig/s400/jellycover2a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681576174511585490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD8jGgJx-6HoEK5iGMKnwl3LNN5T_UZ_W2mqSi7B3wlA1LxSLIg4esPWioKLUzSOld_s2KdmClfJR40I7wD67GkxoASLFk6SeJghjCEuyr50wjhzFo10QGTY-1_IYXSn6CarFyA/s1600/jellypg1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD8jGgJx-6HoEK5iGMKnwl3LNN5T_UZ_W2mqSi7B3wlA1LxSLIg4esPWioKLUzSOld_s2KdmClfJR40I7wD67GkxoASLFk6SeJghjCEuyr50wjhzFo10QGTY-1_IYXSn6CarFyA/s400/jellypg1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655248036904652098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2DZ976uh6NjaInNj2HE2AHDGK-73HGk5Fi8jAJ0QCdBSuQW7CxWfZyiYquJOBqxVIApynMwcGVDJgaKsY2KryKuhepqfr5fFaShZ7XLmBfFOVZTV7kI3Tt70UjIzHljfP2tn8A/s1600/jellypg2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2DZ976uh6NjaInNj2HE2AHDGK-73HGk5Fi8jAJ0QCdBSuQW7CxWfZyiYquJOBqxVIApynMwcGVDJgaKsY2KryKuhepqfr5fFaShZ7XLmBfFOVZTV7kI3Tt70UjIzHljfP2tn8A/s400/jellypg2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655247149233029074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2hI9DsaIraU8t_y9xcBN0OFsollh1pvG0EAWVwhIkbx6Lzhhb7UsFrredkBp74SPHHeOIrwCwrZlnYZ6Bn-yqr4Lz6fvqZGjoGjIYCuX8Wtg-G_2FnpEBsvALxl7x882AnR3AA/s1600/jellpg3a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2hI9DsaIraU8t_y9xcBN0OFsollh1pvG0EAWVwhIkbx6Lzhhb7UsFrredkBp74SPHHeOIrwCwrZlnYZ6Bn-yqr4Lz6fvqZGjoGjIYCuX8Wtg-G_2FnpEBsvALxl7x882AnR3AA/s400/jellpg3a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681578478815815490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIOwKgNK2lu1EHRKM38i3uiQsGh_A_ZvJPLgK9Rp1HZjvcOawVO58tE5ZCItKHXNWyJVrYicM2qFNYsJmcbPn-DGVm-04PST7k19b3_kTn0KuIw1FRFnPDhrHBpDLfL1nSCh02w/s1600/jellypg4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIOwKgNK2lu1EHRKM38i3uiQsGh_A_ZvJPLgK9Rp1HZjvcOawVO58tE5ZCItKHXNWyJVrYicM2qFNYsJmcbPn-DGVm-04PST7k19b3_kTn0KuIw1FRFnPDhrHBpDLfL1nSCh02w/s400/jellypg4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655246750275170242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rO4eLKNAa5ynbmo_9QzZFe2rpSSDPVvuHlIWQhuYfMwM8qjOazxjZqbb-DwjgCxvxHSECqQTP_JhiHU3n5BxIyoHlAUzJs5xSOHXhr2bexmlc0-krrBPDG9o_wFxL2RlK9KtDA/s1600/jellpg5a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rO4eLKNAa5ynbmo_9QzZFe2rpSSDPVvuHlIWQhuYfMwM8qjOazxjZqbb-DwjgCxvxHSECqQTP_JhiHU3n5BxIyoHlAUzJs5xSOHXhr2bexmlc0-krrBPDG9o_wFxL2RlK9KtDA/s400/jellpg5a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681577647728900034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX10v-Wqh552AMC3sWX01ih3gNxUnqgoWNxrSMGzVVNCQp3ak-EHyTCzsLsMphExUQUSRVLZP1e2CMXT4DloixY32fdWNY5AS5dlAnrk7wgOQ-aHUGGS8VOMNeoePuRrH5W-hloQ/s1600/jellypg6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX10v-Wqh552AMC3sWX01ih3gNxUnqgoWNxrSMGzVVNCQp3ak-EHyTCzsLsMphExUQUSRVLZP1e2CMXT4DloixY32fdWNY5AS5dlAnrk7wgOQ-aHUGGS8VOMNeoePuRrH5W-hloQ/s400/jellypg6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655246194527519938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5QOXOh4Os-44ByEBHSbeQkZD_w_vV1EFD2q-JoOYlrRsYc5-uRBFAyhYPSGhMJyrbYULsIIKMLaOu1bSGO0N_J_dS72_O9Y6BA7Gqf-nYIJfYb9YnBnDctjAoBbyuwJCKiALrg/s1600/makingjelly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5QOXOh4Os-44ByEBHSbeQkZD_w_vV1EFD2q-JoOYlrRsYc5-uRBFAyhYPSGhMJyrbYULsIIKMLaOu1bSGO0N_J_dS72_O9Y6BA7Gqf-nYIJfYb9YnBnDctjAoBbyuwJCKiALrg/s400/makingjelly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655245699724080402" /></a><br /><br />A fresh comic for y'all! As I speak, the first jar of grape jelly has pretty much been eaten up. Yum!<br /><br />For those interested, there are <span style="font-weight:bold;">two very cool events coming up</span>: The Ottawa Comic Jam presents: 'Backwards Jamming' Wednesday, September 28th, 7pm - 10pm @ the <a href="http://www.shanghaiottawa.com/">Shanghai</a> Restaurant. <br />Next weekend (October 1st to be exact) is Scott <a href="http://scottmccloud.com/4-inventions/24hr/index.html">McCloud</a>'s famous, annual, International 24 Hour Comics Day. Come to DragonHead Studio and give it a 'go'. It is a lot of fun, challenging and a one-of-a-kind experience. That being said, it will be my seventh 24 Hour Comic (so far, I've completed 4 out of 6 tries).<br /><br />Registration for 24 Hour Comics Day is Sept 28th. Please email me: suzanne(at)brainpowerstudio(dot)com and let me know if you are able to attend. The event begins Saturday Oct 1st, 10am and runs 24 hours 'til Sunday Oct 2nd, 10am. There is ample overnight street parking available and the bus also serves the area (there will be a shuttle set up to pick ppl up at Kanata Centrum--call ahead to arrange: 613-863-8264).<br /><br /><u>Bus service from Rideau Centre to Kanata Centrum</u><br /><br />Sat, Oct 01, 2011<br />At 8:51, walk to station MACKENZIE KING 2A (3000)<br />At 8:56, take Bus route 96 (OC Transpo) direction Kanata - Terry Fox. <br />At 9:37, arrive at station TERRY FOX 3C (3058) (41 min.).<br /><br />For further info, please head on over to the Ottawa Comic Jam <a href="http://comixjam.tripod.com/">site</a>, or email me and pepper me with questions.<br />There is also a dandy <a href="http://thefulcrum.ca/2011/09/24-hour-comics-day/">article</a> in the latest ed. of the Fulcrum, Ottawa U's English newspaper, by wordsmith Keeton Wilcock about the event and the Ottawa Comic Jam. Thanks man!<br /><br />Cheers and happy jelly-making,<br />Suzanne.Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-32860581821321272162011-09-14T10:58:00.013-04:002011-09-14T23:57:01.518-04:00That boom-shaka-laka-thang<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuh1n_P2OSkrBwFkV3vd89V1B6oR7lenmp-nTCP35WG2FcL80MzkoyGpo8WHpMECF7Cj_MpSJALQhRp3wCjmOu2964fU5RtzZnfZ7KIDw5PtuyTKUWiS6Q9Nlmqccc8M4rkpNoZw/s1600/sep14-11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuh1n_P2OSkrBwFkV3vd89V1B6oR7lenmp-nTCP35WG2FcL80MzkoyGpo8WHpMECF7Cj_MpSJALQhRp3wCjmOu2964fU5RtzZnfZ7KIDw5PtuyTKUWiS6Q9Nlmqccc8M4rkpNoZw/s400/sep14-11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652236742788177458" /></a><br /><br />A comic from last weekend's fun Rock N' Roll Burlesque Show III at the Elmdale <a href="http://www.elmdaletavern.com/">Tavern</a>, featuring: the <a href="http://www.rockalilyburlesque.com/">Rockalily</a> Burlesque troupe, the <a href="http://www.thepolymorphines.com/">Polymorphines</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/changalangband">Chang-A-Lang</a> and a great art show with Mike Pender's amazing <a href="http://www.myspace.com/penderstein/photos/albums/my-photos/226175">illustrations</a>. I didn't really drool in my beer, but in the low light; who could really tell?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyhHrf2zMqU782pwTHlJJ8xIxCN5gkqLMoYEOny5C-xsPHccLHLgXrZ1YvylNh1bA07Z7DnSJ7AcbeRIhgWVR2DTyuvei8mizWyGNfiaUt83eAsq69R4hioqpx83txe8Zqy0J9Q/s1600/case_blueberry.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyhHrf2zMqU782pwTHlJJ8xIxCN5gkqLMoYEOny5C-xsPHccLHLgXrZ1YvylNh1bA07Z7DnSJ7AcbeRIhgWVR2DTyuvei8mizWyGNfiaUt83eAsq69R4hioqpx83txe8Zqy0J9Q/s200/case_blueberry.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652238054365801106" /></a>I'm off to get some Pump House <a href="http://beer.pumphousebrewery.ca/beer">Blueberry</a> Ale, Donair Pizza and grand company to celebrate my bday. I'm toting my towel with me to underline the lovely fact that I have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/42_(number)">achieved</a> "The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything".<br /><br />Cheers, babies!<br />Suzanne.<br /><br />PS - Check out the fun <a href="http://youtu.be/rgWoPFX1Sz0">trailer</a> to Russ Meyer's 1965 Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19910874.post-26595413229555381362011-09-08T17:44:00.006-04:002011-09-08T19:01:36.685-04:00Motivation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwgVuVjl4KXy8eleuwLN-PVj45ym7-jzF0HYg6R3LaYJ2Z6Qg7380KZEwyCJGIGNfqTXKC8QOVzXvIH0Ky8nxBdAfKqP8VLBBDOH2eLoeScctown8KpQHxNTKdxZ8C_yOgQOCjQ/s1600/sep08-11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwgVuVjl4KXy8eleuwLN-PVj45ym7-jzF0HYg6R3LaYJ2Z6Qg7380KZEwyCJGIGNfqTXKC8QOVzXvIH0Ky8nxBdAfKqP8VLBBDOH2eLoeScctown8KpQHxNTKdxZ8C_yOgQOCjQ/s400/sep08-11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650127779015569938" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ever have one of those 6-month stretches? Where you haven't worked on your journal comic? Oops! Special thanks to <a href="http://crazycrone.livejournal.com/">Lee Kennedy</a> and <a href="http://boredompays.blogspot.com/">Jason Bradshaw</a> for helping to re-inspire me to get back at it. I can't promise it'll be daily... but I will try and post more frequently!<br /><br />Cheers & thnx for reading,<br />Suzanne.<br /><br />PS--if you have not heard, it is TRUE <a href="http://lucarinfo.com/dragonhead/">DragonHead Studio</a> & the <a href="http://comixjam.tripod.com/">Ottawa Comic Jam</a> are co-hosting this year's 24 Hour Comics Day Event. You have until Sept 28th to register. Come out to the studio Saturday October 1st, 2011 and get drawing! (We start at 10am and will continue for 24 hrs. until Sun Oct 2nd at 10am :-) At least, that is the plan. Feel free to email me at: suzanne(at)brainpowerstudio(dot)com and sign up!<br /><br />For more information on 24 Hour Comics Day, please head on over to Scott McCloud's <a href="http://scottmccloud.com/4-inventions/24hr/index.html">site</a>, or to the Official 24 Hour Comics Day <a href="http://www.24hourcomicsday.com/">site</a>.Suzanne Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307583432070868106noreply@blogger.com2