Up until about 3 months ago, I lived in Montreal. Sigh. Boy do I miss it. So today I wanted to take a little time to sing Montreal's praises - or at least to tell you what I miss about it. I mean, if you want the top 10 sight seeing destinations, there are many guidebooks to tell you that. What I miss is things like this.
Bilingual graffiti, people! That's what I'm talkin' bout! This was a monitor that someone was throwing away, and just to be helpful, they sharpied a little info on top of it. In BOTH of Canada's official languages.
My studio building. Its not the most beautiful piece of architecture in Montreal, but it was beautiful to me. I can't tell you how much I miss having a proper studio - a place away (but not far away) from your house, where you go to make art, and make a mess, that never has to be cleaned up.
Ah, and here it is. The space. The light. The lovlieness. The unrealistic tidiness for a photo...(photo by Kate Fellerath of http://www.fellerath.com/ )
...because this is what it usually looked like. And often worse
And I miss our little apartment. I mean, I don't miss the littleness, it was a shoebox compared to where we are now, but it was cozy and it was ours, and it was so full of good times.
And so many of those good times involved little dogs. I'd never been a 'dog person' before I lived in Montreal, but during my time there I had the chance to become good friends with a number of lovely dog owners, and got to spend time with the sweet little dogs that were part of their lives and became a part of mine. I miss them much, both the dogs and the owners.
Because really, its the people (and creatures) in a place that make that place a place that you love. And I loved Montreal, and all of you who were there with me.
Hey Andrea. Congratulations on the new blog, and a great start. I've been managing to slowly build my brand geek blog over the last 6 months. But it's hard work (blogging and slogging are often one and the same).
Where are you now?
Posted by: Dennis Van Staalduinen | 10/08/2009 at 08:47 AM
Thanks for the blog invite! I love living vicariously, and do so even more right now with our newborn.
My heart ached as I read the Montreal piece, and the pic of your very own apartment was darling. I can believe that you miss it.
May this new venture turn out well.
Love the squid onesie :)
Posted by: Marcia Van Drunen | 10/08/2009 at 10:38 AM
Thanks Marcia! I'll think of you reading here as I'm writing. Nothing like a little blog browsing to help you 'get out of the house' in a theoretical sense when you are hanging out with the new baby. Give his noggin a smooch for me.
Posted by: Andrea | 10/08/2009 at 09:11 PM
That computer monitor is so funny - I almost peed my pants. I'm sorry you miss Montreal but I'm sure you are on your way to making lots of new memories. Love that you are making so many neat things for Kees. I need a new project myself - maybe I'll learn to cable and make a sweater for W for next winter. I like to give myself realistic time lines...
Posted by: Elizabeth S | 10/09/2009 at 06:37 PM
Yeah, start that puppy now, and make it to fit for NEXT winter and then maybe you'll get it done. That's what works for me ;)
Posted by: Andrea | 10/10/2009 at 09:16 PM