La Vie En Rose

Well it's getting cold, guys. I've yet to get some good shoes for this weather but the coats I have right now are fine. Luckily there are tons of thrift stores for boots and used shoes nearby, it's just a matter of taking the initiative to dig. I brought three pairs of shoes with me: sandals, black flats, and ked-like vans; neither of these are appropriate for the weather that sprung up. I don't think the squirrels were expecting it because I saw a dead one just outside our door, poor thing probably hadn't found shelter in time.

We have a mouse in the house but I bought some friendly mouse traps, though, nothing has come of it yet.

I can't believe it is October already! On October 12th it will be Canadian Thanksgiving (Why Monday? How do you digest and just start classes?). Anyway, we'll probably have a mini Thanksgiving feast this coming weekend.

On Thursday I went to a talk by Tomson Highway at the nearby McGill University. I'm really enjoying the Canadian theater scene because it seems pretty close knit and Montreal is such a great hub to be. I was very happy to go see him speak because I'd previously decided to write on him, so that was pretty exciting for me. Highway is an award winning Aboriginal playwright, pianist and composer (though the later two haven't gotten him any awards as far as I know) from Manitoba. He is a beautiful effeminate soul, a giggly ageless older man. I really dug what he had to say about his studies in mythology, languages, god(esses), and modern times. He was also, quite clearly a collector of bad jokes. Highway was born in a tent on a snow bank and he said this of the experience: I was born in a tent, that's why I'm so intense. This would have fallen flat if it weren't Highway because he giggled profusely, making the rest of us burst into giggles as well.
I've watched some of his discussions and he repeats the same jokes, which to me, makes him all the more charming. Anyway, I'm not here to write an article but I would suggest you check out some of what he has to say.

Watched my first Canadian hockey game this week! Ryan is a huge fan who tries to watch every game, Tim is a pretty big fan, and Cardy is kinda like me - likes it okay but doesn't know too much about it. We all hung out, ate poutine, and watched the Montreal Canadians beat the Toronto Maple Leaves on TV. I think I'll splurge on one game at some point just to see it in person. I've always liked hockey and I think it would be worth it to see the violence in person. Yeah...that's a big reason I like the sport.

A Festival called Pop Montreal was going on this week; bringing together art, music, and film. I didn't go to any shows because nothing was calling out to me but we did go dancing last night and today I went to the local artist and record sales. Got a few $1 CDs, some posters by a local artist for my bare walls, and some really cute mini pine cone earrings. I found a guy who did screen printing stencils of the street I live off of, I think I'll go back and buy one to remember the experience, my bus, and the 24 hour bagel shop. I could do it myself, but then I'd just be stealing his idea and it wouldn't turn out as nice.

I'm having a hard time writing for classes, I've got the first scene of a play due on Tuesday that keeps stressing me out because I keep staring at a blank screen. Wish me luck.