Fringed and Confused

The week has been flying by.  The days off work have worked well for Fringe volunteer shifts (not so much for housework and other chores), but not for shows.

Front of House volunteering is much like previous years - a lot of activity for about 45 minutes followed by a break almost as long (rinse and repeat once or twice).  It's tempting to try to fit a show into that break, but not really that feasible.  Instead, I've mostly walked the site and people watched.

Street performers try their best to get the attention to draw a crowd.  One promising to swallow a flaming sword while riding a bicycle... but only if the crowd is big enough.  The zombie bride stares down audience members, while her zombie groom unpacks a big trunk of props...

The Copper Cowboy, Paul photographed last year, is also the "Space Cowboy" on alternating days. The petticoated woman seems to hover next to a large stack of suitcases.  (I catch her setting up one time and ruin the illusion for myself.)

Artists do their spiel to get you to consider their show.  A volunteer tells me how she thought the animal rights protest against "Me & My Monkey" was for real, before realising it was the artist trying to get you to buy a ticket to the show (to protest or not)...

My favourite had to be the handsome man in tighty-whities handing out samples of chocolate cake.  Photos (for Steph) below.

The show involved?  "Red Wine, French Toast, and the Best Sex You've Ever Had" - a contemporary dance number I'm told.  Oh, those beautiful dancers.  























Despite parade of amusements and actual volunteering, I do feel a bit down and alone on site.  I'm really happy to see a familiar faces.

On duty, checking the line at the Walterdale, I spot my high school biology teacher!  She seems to remember me :)

I caught Peter from dance  at VHQ (Volunteer Head Quarters).   I'm pretty sure he doesn't remember my name, but he remembers the dancing and has promised me one at the volunteer party.  With him at my table, I feel a bit more included and laugh along when he hands another volunteer a Canadian penny: "I give these to the Americans as a souvenir and tell them, "Here's my two cents - rounding up from 1.6.  It has a copper maple leaf and the queen's backside."

(Above: A piano fortifies the barrier and encourages people to stop and play. / Below: Marg and Peter - Paul's old neighbours - are team leaders of a different volunteer team.)

I'm ecstatic when I see Rem at VHQ!  He directs me outside and I see there are more good surprises abound: Malcolm and French Anne were in town!

(Right: This guy makes the most amazingly intricate balloon animals - look for his unicorns on site.)

Between slapping at mosquitoes, I catch a small update: They are doing well.  They're now in Strasbourg instead of Marseille.  There are fewer mosquitoes there.  And they're leaving the next day.

 (Above: A magpie appraises the garden / Left: Bicycle couple / Below: Little girl dances to the music of the fiddle septet buskers).

 (Left: Patrons are not allowed to bring food into theatres - this one gets rid of cotton candy impressively fast.)

I also take the opportunity of being on Whyte Ave to check out the stores.  Many pretty things I can't afford, but are certainly nice to touch.  At Murn's Clothing and Curios, I find Murn is a most accomplished cat (see below).

Tomorrow Paul and I will go together to some shows... we'll see what adventures we'll get into.

Enlivening Ephemera and Creating Searchable Scripts

Or _Another Tempting Place for My Time_

Since July-2013, thousands and thousands of submissions and volunteer hours have already been logged as part of The Smithsonian Transcription Center's efforts to make their collection more accessible to the general public.  They want you to join their "army" of digital volunteers.

Transcribing handwritten and typed documents for the Smithsonian?  Yes, that's sound great!  What an incredible project.  A chance to see rare documents from their collection and then making the information searchable for others.

I've heard before about mining online volunteer to identify pictures of star systems (perhaps it was Galaxy Zoo - now in its fourth version and still going strong), but this is the first I've heard of it for a museum.  Anyway, I can see the potential for it.  Like my old SSDS sessions where I read textbooks onto tape, this seems like an ideal way to learn about something cool, while helping.  (But yes, the time...)

So, where to start?  A diary of an artist or an explorer?  The records of the US National Herbarium?  The Scrapbook of Early Aeronautica has such beautiful illustrations...

Getting to YESS

Not just for emergencies... 

The kitchen I remembered from a Circle K breakfast, but the bunk beds I was seeing for the first time.  They brought it home: this is a warm and safe place to stay.  But YESS is more than an emergency shelter now.  The change came years ago to include counselling and training, so YESS is now Youth Empowerment & Support Services.

My tour was part of the volunteer orientation.  But I it's not likely I'll see these spaces again.  That would be for people working with the youth.  And for that, they need long term support.  I would love to do that for someone -- be their rock, someone to talk to.  But then I think, am even doing enough for Kevin and Celina?  I'm probably missing out on being more involved with their lives...  And of course: Am I even managing to take care of myself?

Anyway, (just like for Celina and Kevin?), I'm there for YESS for their special events.  I hope that makes a difference.

On the Fringe

Last day of Fringe, last volunteer shift.  Returned to my previous years' team Front of House (FOH), which after all the Friend Raising attention, felt a bit quiet, low energy. and dry.  Spent the big gaps between scheduled duties hanging out in Volunteer Headquarters (briefly with Peter in his kilt) or walking around the site. 

It was a lot of waiting.

For one of the runs, I was paired up with a teen-aged boy, Kieran, who was really excited about Scouts.  He volunteers at Fringe because it's a school requirement.  He plainly said he didn't want to be there, and that made me feel conflicted.  Was I volunteering too out of some kind of requirement?  How much was I enjoying it?

The waiting was such a low point... but high points?  Seeing Mrs. Fairbanks in line waiting for a show: she recognised me!  All the way from elementary school!

But then, it was back to waiting. 

There are other volunteer perks: Fringe bucks I could use to buy show tickets (the holdovers mostly - not much during the festival), the Fringe Volunteer Party, and feeling like I'm part of something cool.  Is that enough? 








 After the shift, I changed into my Strauss Ball BWD and put on a mask: I was going to the Fringe Volunteer Party as a Friend-Raiser (theme: Venetian Masquerade).

I stood alone in line, chin up, as tall as possible, thinking how, unknown in costume, I could be someone grander.  Then someone walked by, "Hi Lana."  Um... hi.  I shrunk back down thinking how silly it was to be pretending...

I continued to quietly wait to get into the party and overheard a complaint from other volunteers: The Fringe is turning into a beer garden with live theatre rather than being a theatre event with a beer garden.  

Then the (core) Friend-Raisers arrived.  And they scooped me up.  For a moment it didn't matter they didn't know my name: the costume was my ticket in, and they seemed excited I was there! But it didn't last. 

After our grand group entrance, we sat down at a table, and they turned back to each other.  I watched them talk and laugh, with nothing to contribute.  Clothes can only get you so far.  It was probably time for me to go.  I find (UADC) Peter near the dance floor and have one dance (a jive) and I go to change. 

It crossed my mind to just ride the bus in my ballgown.  But on my own, I lost my nerve: it would only attract more and more attention as I moved away from the festival site.  I didn't have the confidence to carry it. 

Friend Raising

Me:  "So... do you have a companion?"  
Carley:  "No, but I have all shift to find one."

The Doctor (Carley) was unflapped by my awkward (almost) pick up line.  My first shift as a Fringe Friend-Raiser and I didn't know anyone.  Perhaps if I'd dressed up, people would talk to me?  The theme of the day: "The Doctor."  Don a chunky sweater a la Dr. John Watson (summer heat be dammed!) or some designer modern frock as Dr. Joan Watson...? 

Anyway, standing at the gate, asking people to donate to the Fringe,  and handing out stickers didn't actually allow for much talking.  Though it certainly fit the bill as my personal challenge to be more "outgoing" and "out there" (just not sure if I'd be able to meet it).  




For the most part, we were ignored.  Likely, even the costumed seems everyday when placed alongside the Fringe.  We tried to catch people's attention, to convince them -- but most people either had money already in hand pointing to the collection boxes or just walked by. 

It was hot in the sun.  But then the sun went down and the temperature dropped to 16 C.  We were then dancing just to stay warm. The Doctor moon walked. 
Ami and Val!  They came for a math related show.  Ami, ever the gentleman, visited before leaving to offer me his coat.  
-----------------

Me: "Thanks for donating, here's a sticker."
Guy: "I think I'll put it on my pointy nipple."
Me: Yes, good idea.


Next day, next shift, I was prepared.  Theme of the day: Orient Express.  Me in my sparkly red wedding dress did attract some attention.  Kisses blown from street performers.  Hugs from Erika (whose head was printed from a 3D printer).  A request to pose in a picture that was part of a wedding proposal. 

But it was mostly just like the night before: not a lot of eye contact, lots of people walking by, like... 

- Mark Meer and Belinda Cornish. I bowed.  They didn't seem at all phased -- guess that happens to them a lot.  
- Prior students from dance class.  One was kind enough to ask if I was in a show - if only! 
- Sherry S and Claudia.  They were here to check out the site.  The Bechdel test came to mind - our short conversation failed.  

Carley wasn't on shift, but Avery was.  She, as the way-too-cool-girl, was hilarious. So laid back people seemed to be chasing her down to donate money (and give their number?).

During the slow times, I danced to keep myself amused (and warm). It turned out another volunteer had been watching; he donated some money for me :) 

So many ups and downs, but ultimately good for the soul?  There was a that sweet spot moment of being so off the radar that it made no sense to be self-conscious - just be what you want to be.  And then, a reminder to not take things too seriously: People might be watching, but they're most likely not.  And even if they are, maybe they'll like what they see. 

Some Things to Hyde and Reusing

Did the sunshine go away with Jackie?

We've had such bad storms.  Last night, my babies (the plants) were out unprotected from the twoonie-sized hail!  We could hear them beating on the sides of the walls and windows (um... the hail).  But what to do?  I didn't have protection ready and even if I did rush out, I'd just get hit too.  (Some mom I turn out to be.) 

Paul called me away from the windows (and my weather cursing), back to Jekyll.  The television miniseries' modern spin on The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde had finally caught his interest.  Catherine had recommended and lent it to us.  It had my attention from the start with the strange timeline and fast action.  Admittedly, Gina Bellman (well, her character) did take a lot of getting used to. 

Another storm severity indicator: Number of large tree branches felled. 

I saw one from our elms this morning on our sidewalk and dragged it off to the side.  Yikes!  It was probably good I wasn't out there. 

Finally made it out to the Reuse Centre to do some volunteering.  There have been changes including new volunteers must be part of a group.  While I don't agree with the policy, it was nice to have some company.  The other girls there were friendly and I had the nice feeling of being not completely alone, but at the same time not involved in anything complicated. 

Back at home, I showed Paul my loot: Different versions of TriBond (one of his favourites)!  And then told him about Bible TriBond - the version so crazy I didn't think we'd actually play and thus didn't bring home.  Oh, he lamented how it was "the one that got away".  I just might have to go back for it...

Santa is Anonymous

I was taking too long.  To heck with conserving paper!  To heck with sharp corners and smooth lines!  Chris (the slave driver :P) just wanted fast.  So this was what it was like to be an elf...

Having somewhat exhausted our gift wrapping experience with Circle K's Bissell Centre Gift Wrap, Rhianne got Chris and I together to wrap gifts for Santas Anonymous.  The local charity collected, wrapped, and then delivered toys to underpriviledged children aged newborn to twelve, who otherwise may not receive any gifts at Christmas. 

Even after hearing about it from Steph and others who volunteered in the past, the operation still seemed incredibly large.  Boxes and boxes of toys (sorted by age group) filled the first half the warehouse.  A small section on the side housed tables-space and supplies for wrapping.

Our job as wrap volunteers was to "shop" the boxes (create "balanced" gift packages) and then wrap everything together into one sturdy package. 

Here I thought it was hard choosing gifts for Celina and Kevin!  How to choose gifts for people you don't know - knowing only their sex, age, and that they might not have any other toys? 

On the plus side, there were a lot of cool toys (with the boys' being the coolest).  We decided to stack the deck a little by slipping in as many books as possible into each package.  And as we got into the rhythm of things, it did become easier, both to choose and to stack things in a way that didn't fall apart once wrapped. 

Faster, though, faster!  Chris tried to speed me up even more.  Eventually he had a bunch of gift packages lined up for me, and even pre-cut pieces of tape (since we all had to share one dispenser).  

When our shift ended, I found my hands were all dry from the paper.  But I was pretty happy with what we accomplished, and having a chance to catch up with both of them. 

We hung out a bit in the breakroom, and recuperated with donated snacks. 

Things are starting to feel a lot more like Christmas. 

Reuse and Rejoice

The snow and icy road conditions did put a wrench in my weekend plans.  I forwent the car (Steph said she had to help push another out of a snow bank), put on multiple layers (enough that it was kind of hard to walk) and rode transit. 

The Reuse Centre

Since our first visit, Steph's been an avid volunteer, while I've been an avid (though slightly less frequent) customer.  The Centre had started a volunteer shadowing program, and I took this as a chance to see some of the Centre's inner workings.  We arrived, took off some of the layers, and put on aprons.  Steph then showed me what to do - unfortunately, it required a lot of decision making.  Can I think of some use for it?  Would someone actually take it home? 

We sorted, categorise, and placed into the store bags and bags of Christmas decorations, which hardly seemed to make a dent in all that there was still to do.  Ancient, covered in dust, made in China plastic things that managed to survive probably years and years in an attic, were finally tossed.  Others went into my little stash. 

All Saints' Anglican Cathedral

There are many churches downtown.  More than I would have thought.  It was good then that I started my trip extra early because I first stumbled into another church gathering before making it to All Saints'.  Paul had been invited to sing with their choir that night and I was there to um... cheer him on, I guess.  Neither of us expected what happened next: Jeremy, the choir director, asked me to join them!  I guess my "some choir experience in the past" was considered o.k. and I was in time for their rehearsal. 

After the rehearsal, we went to a room upstairs where I was outfitted in a red and white choir robe.  It was more complicated than expected with more layers and pleats than I thought there would be.  It dragged on the ground slightly, but no time to worry about that - we were on! 

The very strong soprano section around me carried me through the songs and the ceremony (stand now, sit now...)  I knew I should have been listening to the words and the readings, but aside from the awe of the beauty of the music and the cathedral, I was also laughing at the absurdity of it - what was I doing here?  Paul caught my eye a couple of times from across the altar area and gave me a smile.  Scrunched up paper towels were at our feet soaking up the melted snow from our boots.  An hour later, we were back out in the cold.

Masquerade at the Muttart

and _Lanarazzo Wanted_

A few days ago, the CBC radio reported a woman had been charged with breaking a window at the Muttart Conservatory when she tried to climb one of the pyramids.  I know they're there and kind of tempting, but still, climbing glass structures in the dark isn't the greatest idea.  Was she drunk?  Was it a botched attempt to steal a rare plant (an orchid?)?  Or, was it because she really, really needed to see the new renovations, badly? 

(Right: Steal worthy?  Queen Sago Palm - where the bubbles for bubble tea come from)

If it was that last one, she only needed to wait a couple more days, and maybe volunteer for the Canadian Liver Foundation's Masque Gala. 

CLF's Monte Carlo themed casino fundraiser was meant to be a super glamourours affair.  Fancy masks were to be worn by volunteers and staff.  Live musician were to perform in each of the pyramids. Guests in their finery were to be welcomed in style - with paparazzi ambush!  Yes!  Lanarazzo's chance to shine! 

The four volunteers photographers (two professionals, an arts student, and myself), warmed up by taking pictures of other volunteers and vegetation.  When the time came, the arts student and myself headed outdoors to catch guests as they arrived.  

It wasn't as exciting as I'd expected.  Instead of fancy cars expelling stars in their finest, most walked from cars parked far away and arrived in greatly spaced, small groups.  Overall, it was charming.  People were puzzled to begin with, but, for the most part, once we introduced ourselves would strike a red carpet worthy pose.  To make sure I was "paparazzi authentic", I also made sure to take a few shots of them just walking and unaware.

When it got darker and the flashes for my partner and my cameras weren't likely to work so well, we made a switch with the professionals.  Inside, we took pictures of people playing casino games (with Monopoly notes), and eating from the NAIT catered* spread.

Once off duty, we all were able to take part in the food and further explore the pyramids.  I stuck with the arts student and her friend who had been playing keyboard, entertaining the people in the atrium.  They had super expressive faces and glady mugged for photos to hilarious effect.  They also taught me the exploding fist bump.  Even with all our exploring and asking around, none of us could to pin point the renovations (which may have disappointed our climber).

The pyramids got colder as the night wore on (understandably, temperature controlled to be night-natural rather than for human comfort).  Near 11 p.m., the games were still going, but I packed up everything and slipped jeans on underneath my dress to go.  I walked up the hill and headed for home, volunteer gift heavy in hand (nestled in my brain was a half-belief there might be attackers and that in that case it would be effective - those portable coffee thermoses are heavy).  Just one encounter, a pleasant one: A live owl perched on a lamp post. 

* The items were delicious, but did seem a little strange in relation to the event.  For something that promoted liver health, there were some fairly rich (and potentially dangerous) items on the menu. 

Surprise! Michael and Kirsten both came to visit me at the Kingsway Hangar for the Raise a Reader booksale! Unfortunately, their plan to steal me away for lunch would have completely counteracted the whole volunteering aspect of me being there.

Though I would have liked to leave. I wish I was in a better mood, but I couldn't get myself out of it. Being cashier is frustrating. I was aching only a couple of hours into my shift and, while doing basic math wasn't a problem, it was hard to get a hang of using the machine which had pre-coded buttons. I guess it was a blessing then that the organiser wasn't going to use the register numbers because he knew it wasn't reliable (*cringe in lack of cash control*).

The sale itself was also disappointing when the last year's had left me in so much awe. There were few books, and it seemed few people. Granted, if one were to do a cost analysis, the event itself might have made more money than last year due to in reduced storage and transportation costs...

Anyway, the more important part - money was raised for a good cause. And I got to be semi-guilt-free away from work and study.

Live and Let Fringe

Lana learned:

1. Don't play Scrabble with Welsh people (Rainer Hersch’s Victor Borge)
2. Embelishments are snacks that ruin the dinner of facts (Marty Chan's God's Eye)

3. A one-star rating does not mean your show will die. Instead, word of mouth can shock your FOH volunteer with sold-out shows, and massive line-ups in the rain (Waiting for Grimm)

4. Even if it's your first shift, people will think you're the team captain if you can stay calm and wear a radio set well.

5. Whether German, European or American - Haagen-Dazs is delicious! (Volunteer Head Quarters)

6. Maggie Now has Parts 3 and 4!

7. Mark Meer and Belinda Cornish smoke! (And it is possible to resist Lanarazzi urges)

8. She has a big head. (right)

I'd rather be a hammer than a nail...

"Look at me. I'm a lover, not a builder" ~ Dave

The man with no pants says, "Don't drink and drive." I can remember this because:

1. I didn't drink, and
2. It's hard to forget the guy (and his message), who shows up on stage with pants, and proceeds to have his pants wrested off while giving a service annoucement.

Smart peoples. The Street Performers definitely knew how to hold a volunteer appreciation party, there was food, drink, and shows from the street performers. The group called "The Silly People" had a balloon animal making contest, which turned into a duel with balloon weapons (I was thinking we needed Simony up there). A gentleman dressed like Uncle Sam, named "Love 22", proceeded to teach whoever would listen how to make a ring out of an American 22 dollar bill (I'm not sure what his act was). And a guy named Bruce tried to pick me up ... a step away from the everyday indeed.

Though it is tough to say what is "everyday" when it comes to weekends. This one was full of activity and unusual moments even without the Street Performers.

Friday Feast had melded into Malcolm's Music Appreciation night. This is where I met the World's Saddest Lion, drank some Barefoot wine, and was introduced to some artists and songs I have not heard before. Micah presented the Rheostatics's "Jesus was Once a Teenager Too", which sent Mark into giggles. I didn't think a Shakespearan actor would giggle like that... maybe it was the incense? But would that explain the on masse singing about mountains of olives? Oh, and I got to see Malcolm's room!

Had to leave relatively early though to because Saturday was DSAB Riser Building Day! I was the "honourary fellow" of the group. Drilling was much easier in reverse - i.e. taking things apart - which makes sense since building order takes more energy... entropy, right? Managed to break the "drilling for dummies" attachment *blush* and had to hammer some screws... But eventually did find drill that felt "just right" :P I even learned a carpenter trick. Thanks guys for being so patient!

Didn't expect Dave to be there (he was a "lover" after all), but he did show up after all the hard work for the barbeque :P He and Albert then were called to settle a very strange argument between Nigel or Shay, over *ahem* who's ass was bigger. Yes, there was alcohol involved. A tape measure was found... and with the help of some paper plates... we had an answer. Never a dull moment with the dance peoples.