Chinese Garden and Muttart Conservatory

We started on the edge of downtown (what I call downtown) at the Chinese Garden and end up on the other side of the river at the Muttart Conservatory.

Paul tried to explain to me the visual effect of the light circular splotches / dark circles when there wasn't such a pattern -- just light through a tiny grid / mesh... but I didn't get it.  Oh, well.

HD and Mimicry

Walked to Movie Night.  I enjoyed the exercise and the nice weather (with just enough sun).  I couldn't believe I've forgotten the two-storey baby blue house on the other side of the parking lot (totally out of place, but practically invisible).  It came into view though when I saw it with a super cute puppy on the porch. 

Not sure why something so tiny would draw in my attention.  But the same thing happened at another house -- a small and garden gnome caught my eye.  Perhaps it's the reverse of "stress induced tunnel vision" I've heard about. 

Not that I needed it for Movie Night.  I was going to see it all!  I was going to experience for the first time how Erik's hardware upgrade will be further enhanced with a HD Blue Ray disc. 

The Ghost Writer is a political thriller with Ewan McGregor as the title character.  The movie itself was interesting at points, suspenseful at points, and comical (re: sex scene).  But almost all of that was overpowered by just how freaky HD is!  That scrunchy wrinkle line between Ewan McGregor's eyebrows constantly distracting, as well as being able to see skin pores and little hairs...  My brain somehow translated all these details into "I must be in real close proximity to X" -- which meant in closeup headshots everyone seemed monsterously giant.  And yet it felt a little "too real". 

Never mind -- it was still a really fun night.  We snacked on figs and other cute food.  And life (chocolate bunnies) was made to imitate art (i.e. a Las Vegas souvenir magnet): Delicious and funny.

Mum Sunday

Sunday turned into a day of rest... of sorts.  Since we celebrated Mother's Day early, we stayed at home.  Mom seemed happy with that.  We weren't exactly engaging, but I was in the same room.  She watched television, I did a bunch of shredding followed by vacuuming -- can it really be that simple?   

I visited Auntie Ada for the occasion too.  As usual, she seemed really happy to just have a listening ear.  She told me how she and Uncle Johnny have been living in the house now for 45 years and they've seen the neighbourhood change.  Also, how her church was changing too - their new priest is East Indian!  This seems incredible to me. 

Jane's Walk on 104th Street

Jodie collected us from just around the Sobeys and told us about Jane.  Jane Jacobs was an urban thinker.  She wrote a book called "The Death and Life of Great American Cities", and (unlike Arthur Dent) stopped a freeway from being built through Greenwich Village.  She inspired Jane's Walk a movement to promote exploration of city neighbourhoods led by knowledgeable locals (and for neighbours to get to know each other). 

The walk / tour, Jodie had planned for us was of 104th Street.  Though Paul and I aren't a part of the neighbourhood, we were certainly attracted to it with it's interesting boutiques and bakeries and new condo buildings.

Others on the tour, however, were connected.  Someone's family had worked for Cecil Hotel.  Someone else lived with 12 other kids above a restaurant.  There used to be a playground there where people met.  

Jodie introduced current business owners to us.  Credo's owner (right) plied us with chocolates and reminded us that his cafe was the place for "the sexy people." 

We entered another building where Coup Garment Boutique had taken up space that might have once been a bank. 

Up rickety stairs and narrow hallways were offices and studio spaces for artists. 

Bridget of Fridget Apparel (below) allow us in to her workspace.     

And then we visited Capital City Burlesque (below).  Members of the group showed us some of their costumes. 

 

All the while, Jodie continued to refer to history and how Jane would have viewed these areas... how the people using the spaces effectively dictate how spaces are used ("spontaneous meeting spaces") - not bureaucracy or policy. 

 

She also introduced how gentrification was changing the area.  Truly, I haven't thought of gentrification in a long time - and could think of only the good points: Old run down areas are converted into new and desirable spaces - these studios and offices could be so much safer if they were renovated... What's not to like?  Unfortunately, this was done on the backs of low income artists who rely on cheap housing and studio space.  Essentially, they make an area interesting and desirable to live in, but at some point, because the area becomes too attractive, they're driven out by high rents and people who want to tear down the old and put in condo buildings.  (Yikes, this was Rent - have I really forgotten / changed that much?) 

(Above: Alleys get a make over too - a good site for a photo shoot and all lit up to be reclaimed from being "lost space".)

The walk was near its end when we were further given samples of scones from Queen of Tarts Bakery and wine from deVine Wines.  Even without all the samples, the Walk only confirmed what a neat neighbourhood this is.

(Below: Something completely unrelated.) 

A Paler Shade of White

Those who have done it before said "Start early!" So, I called Beth.

Beth knows dresses, and I was glad to find she was excited to go dress shopping with me.

We made a plan:

1. Go to WEM (which has its own bridal wing), and

2. Take a look.

Simple, right?

Woah! It didn't take long for a combination of white blindness and sticker shock to overwhelm me.

So many white dresses that are so expensive!  There were whimiscal ones, sexy ones, lacy ones, shiny ones... Ones that looked like it would be a workout just to wear them, others that looked like it would take magical or super powers to keep them on.  What I couldn't seem to find was simple.  (And flattering... and doesn't cost a fortune...)

I took the free magazines that were offered at Ethos (we'd been forewarned of bridal shops and decided to visit this highly recommended nice store first) and for much more needed research.  But yes – the search is on!

Above: WEM's new Rose Court features ceramic roses hanging from the ceiling – so while the dresses weren't to my liking, this part of WEM certainly was inspirational.

Right: Beth – a princess.

WednesDate: In and out of the Dragon's Den

"Modern conjurer: Magic at your table." Imagine having magic and "pan-Asian fusion cuisine"!  But, we didn't research and arrived at the latest incarnation of Silver Palace, Ruby Dragon Restaurant and Lounge, for a definitely quieter night.  Not that that's a bad thing.  The groupon deal had promised modern Asian decor (shiny!) and food and it was certainly delivered. 

The statutes of deities lit by LEDs were certainly interesting, though some were a little distracting in such cartoonish interpretations.  It was all tied together nicely with black and dark wood: Black napkins on the tables, waitresses in short black skirts....  I recognised Duffy's Mercy, but the music became more electronic and less palatable to my ear as the night went on.

(Right: My godmother.)

As we sat in the dark leather upolstered booth with lovely suede cushions (great to touch, but a little in the way), we scanned the menu.  One could order coconut juice (instead of milk) to drink, and many of the chicken dishes sounded fairly exotic. 

We chose the Set of Thailand which started with a tasty sour and spicy soup that had plenty of basil, cilantro and seafood.  The next course, salad, came drenched in dressing -- neither of us were convinced the cucumber and mango went well together, but it certainly felt fusion.  The delicious red prawn curry had lots of pinapple and a bay leaf and was adorably served in a little caldron (below).  The final dish of the set turned out to be deep fried fish with sweet and sour sauce.  Paul ate it. 

Overall, it was a satisfying meal.  Paul said he wouldn't mind eating here again even without the groupon.  I'm not so sure myself. 

We left as people arrived (for the "lounge" part?).  We walked around the residental part of the neighbourhood and saw that despite the relative warmth (too cold for me to not to bundled up) there were still unmelted patches of snow.  While in other yards, tiny flowers had started to bloom. 

(Right: Paul smiles, knowing this is a great spot for me to "have an accident" :P)

Paul liked the quiet.  I liked chasing the flocks of birds that flew from tree to tree to avoid me -- a game that ended when they flew into someone's backyard. 

The sun set not too long after and it started to get dark.  We walked back to Jasper Ave, a completely different world. 

(Right: A rather uncomfortable public bench.)



Royal Inspiration

Canada Post issued commemorative stamps... "Inspired" faux blue sapphire rings from Avon and Walmart... The excitement for Wills and Kate's wedding has spilled across the pond and taken hold of the imagination.

My favourite of all these has been the fun sketches released by various fashion designers as to their take on Kate's wedding dress – if they were designing. I'd thought the first challenge had been issued by WWD (their collection here), but it turns out there were many more from past contestants of Project Runway and bridal fashion designers.

I don't have much of an opinion on the dresses, but I know which sketches / collages I liked:

– Nanette Lepore's (above right) is extra adorable with the little attendant.

– Rachel Roy's (left) depicts what looks like a raining cloud right above "Kate's" head (maybe that's why her posture is so out of sorts).

– Christian Lacroix's (below right) has lots of interesting textures.

Unlike the people interviewed on CBC Edmonton AM – people who were going to stay up (wake early?!) to watch the events unfold live on television – I didn't throw or attend a themed party. But now that the wedding has come and gone, I think I will glean some of those ideas for our wedding. Namely: Hats!

From About.com

The ones worn for the wedding were fabulous, and I'd be pretty happy to see some of that fabulousness again, live and in person. My crafting fingers might just have to get busy. And then... maybe we could have a "guess" on which colour hat Jackie will choose to wear...

A Late Brunch = Lunch?

Big Mark's Buffet Plans:
1. Carbs
2. Protein
3. Dessert
4. Dessert 2
5. Repeat 1-4

Arrived only a little late to the volunteer brunch, but some people were already done eating and ready to leave. 

As usual, the spread at the Ramada / Raddison was spectacular.  I'm picky in my choices, but I still know I'll have trouble getting to a first dessert (let alone Big Mark's plan for two).  So, I made sure to take pictures of the prettiness. 

Not sitting with my usual group of TA friends turned out to be pretty interesting.  A talk about romance novels of the supernatural / fantasy kind takes on a surprisingly serious note: Would you really trade all the people you love (barring for one) for immortality? 







The weirder part of this discussion: It was strangely familiar as if I'd already had it in a dream.  (Again - maybe I should be logging these things.)

 

As more people leave, people left their original tables to gather around the main two.  Here I caught Marissa and her little friend. 

Quietly protecting her desserts with a large jousting stick, he was certainly formidable. 













But, the greatest enemy turns out to be Marissa herself. (Yes, he was dissected). 














Manoj arrived with only 30 minutes left in the brunch reservation, but still manages to eat three large plates.  Then he convinces a bunch of the guys to join him at the driving range.  Maybe that's the right way to do it? 

Manoj: "You are what you eat, that's why I don't eat pork.  I don't want to become a pig."

Me: "That's bacon on your plate... and ham..."

Manoj: What?! Bacon is pork?!

Not a Porkie, But Yes, Pork

"I thought he was just being a jerk."  Stephen learns of the news and realises that Erik's forceful, "We're delivering all her stuff to your place," had some actual basis. 

The timing might be affected (they should probably reschedule this). 

And with that (and some more congratulations: Beth on her new house, Steph on new job!), Games Night Feast continued.

"Leave my bunny alone!"

"This is a very touchy-feely game..." ~ Paul on Dixit

Erik: Suck salmon!

Next day, went to pick up groceries with Paul and saw stewing pork was on sale.  Well, one can't pass that kind of sale.  We picked some up and I decided to try it with the Gilroy garlic chili recipe that worked so well last time.

The "Pork and 40 (less 20) cloves of garlic* with the largest onion in the world" was even better than the beef version.  A hit, despite being discordant - i.e. lacking in hominy. 

* It turned out we actually finished using up that huge bag and was short.