poetry reading and spirits

I read two poems at Ed Nixon's show at "Isn't Just a Deli" on Queen st West. Read "Crocuses" and "Insomnia". Then I went to Spirits and hung out with Dave Tsonas, Jennifer Grant, Rob Pue, Mike Craigdallie and Matt Billon. Matt encouraged me to do "The Ballad of Bobby Picton" and "She got Fat" for Mike, so my poems got a good work out last night.

Today, I'm gonna try to find a piano to play, and deposit my check and do whatever Briar says. Life is easier that way. Fortunately, being in her third trimester, she usually forgets what she's told me to do, and if not, is easily distracted by a well placed joke. Got an email from Breanna yesterday. She is in French immersion, and got 100 % on a math test. In french! Kid's got brains.

art bar, and hanging out with the eggwoman

went out to the art bar at a pub called Clinton's last night. It is one of the more literary events in Toronto. Ended up do "I Won't Pay" from memeory on the open mic, so I'm pretty sure I won't need to use a paper for that one again. I found a web cafe that I think I'll be able to download pictures on, so I'm hoping images will return to the blog.

Went for a walk with 7 month pregnant briar to my new office, a coffee place on gerrard and broadview. We had a good talk about our families and what destructive forces they've been in our lives. It is coming clear to me that I may never have any real communication with them again. I met with my brother a few weeks ago, but I am sure that he has decided that I am still far to unhealthy to be associated with them. Not that I want to be, as their lives slide into mediocrity, their need to dismiss me as not good enough for them is ironic.

The more I think about (which I try to do as little as possible) the more i know that it was my father who I had most in common with, and his life was also far different than his families, so I guess, in a certain way I am following his footsteps, on my own path.

I am reminded of my going away party, and the real affection shown for me by my friends, and the joy of not having my family around to dismiss, discourage and criticize. I miss my dad, but not THEM.

And the journey of the fall of 07 continues...

First Toronto Slam

Went out the the Press Club last night, and got onto my first TO sLam. Eight slammers competed. I did "I won't Pay" and rocked the place. In fact I finished first after the first round - with one judge scoring me 10. So in the second round, the TO slammers including Truth Is and Electric John, brought their A games. I did "Insomnia" and scored another ten, with a total score of 28.1. However Truth Is, a local star, and a very fine slam poet, scored at 28.3 and won, leaving moi in 2nd. All in all, a good time. Still very much enjoy the company of poets. Now it's time to find some more Poetry rooms and some music open mics, as I find places to fit in that are non stand-up related.

I'm staying with my old friend Briar and her man Neal. Briar is seven months pregnant, and is in good spirits generally, considering she is still working full-time. Those Alberta girls have Moxy.

Neal manages a new restaurant called "Cowbell" and the review in Saturday's Globe and Mail was through the roof! Couldn't be a more glowing recommendation, so reserve now for a table next year!!

There's a show called the Art Barn on Tuesdays at the Clinton, so I'm gonna chase that down.

Today I'm gonna try and hook up with Matt Billon and pick up my check from YukYuks. Maybe play some music tonight.
love to all