From: frottage@canada.com
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Date: 01 Feb 2001 17:49:02 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Bacteria Clouds Spotted Floating Over Eastern Shores
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am still quite ill. I did actually leave the house today, to do some banking with Karina. Judy has promised to put my money into my account today, to ensure our rent cheque doesn’t bounce. We stopped at the Khyber to drop of our VCR (Karina borrowed it from the show so we could watch a couple videos last night – The Full Monty and a film noir classic Andrew picked up, Double Indemnity). While at the Khyber I spotted some good news: we have been approved as a non-profit under NSPC guidelines, which should mean a slight reduction in our monthly bills. Of course, we still owe about $1500 from the past two months which we can’t afford. It is a constant balancing act, I tell you.
We walked up to Mills so I could give an estimate for painting the Gift shop counter, then we took a bus home. I slept most of the afternoon, then began work on the Young Canada Works grant application form. I have been at it for hours now, and I’m still not done. I am moving in slow motion, drinking lots of warm liquids. Winnie told me that warmer liquid is absorbed into the body faster. I hope I am feeling better for the board meeting tomorrow night. I’m off to bed, good night,
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
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Date: 02 Feb 2001 19:29:11 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Groundhog Must Have Been Blind, Winter Seems Unstoppable
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I managed to spend most of the afternoon at work today, working on the YCW application form and preparing for the board meeting. Ironically, half the board was out sick, so we didn’t make quorum and just had an informal meeting instead. Briony and Sally were present, they are potential new board members. It was Sally’s birthday today and she still managed to make the meeting.
Karina is shooting a video for her class starring Rebecca’s favorite stuffed bear, Enmée. Except she is procrastinating and second-guessing her ideas, as usual. I’m still feeling weak and under the weather, but better than the past few days. We went grocery shopping today and bought more cold and flu medication.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Date: 07 Feb 2001 04:44:28 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: [none]
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry I haven’t written in a while. You know how it goes. How was the visit to Washington? I have been waking up at four in the morning again. The usual suspects: money woes, job woes, feelings of inadequacy, etc. I am giving up my studio at the start of next month. It hardly makes sense to pay rent on a studio space when it is never used as such. Did you get the Rainforest email I forwarded to you? I have now received three copies of it. I hate that stuff, even when sometimes it is for a good cause.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
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Date: 07 Feb 2001 19:05:45 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Off To China While Lone Gunman Stalks Bush
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I can’t seem to shake this blue funk that I have been in. I don’t know what it is. A combination of disillusionment at work, of feeling inadequate. There is lots to do, just very little resources to do anything with. I wonder if I am any good at my job. Maybe it’s not me, and if it isn’t, then what is? Maybe it is just the time of year, I was feeling low at this time last year. All the little things seem to pile up more. I miss hanging out with Karina, she is so busy at school. I helped her in the lighting studio last night, which was nice, but we don’t seem to be able to spend real quality time together. I miss all my friends who have moved away. I feel I’m not communicating with anyone anymore. Anyway, enough bitching from me. Good luck in China, if I were you I wouldn’t even try to mix Human Rights up with the true purpose of Team Canada. A group of business people traipsing off to China to beg for business opportunities just doesn’t seem the right venue for spouting on about human rights abuses. Accept it for what it is.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
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Date: 08 Feb 2001 16:17:47 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Disease Not Ebola; Civilized World Breathes Sigh Of Relief
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am feeling better. Still a bit blue, but the worst of it has passed. For the past few days I have been feeling like I did the day after Trevor’s wedding; really, really lonely and down. Maybe listening to Rebecca’s Billy Bragg and Wilco Mermaid Avenue CD has added to my sense of the blues. I do like that CD, though.
Made Karina a late breakfast this morning, she has been up really late working on essays. She has a lot to due today. Work for me was fine, I am trying to get a car rental company to sponsor the gala. We need a cargo van to move easels and artwork.
Met with Marieke today, a NSCAD student who has been volunteering at the Khyber and is having a show in the Closet next month. We went over her PR statement, her sculptural show should be good. Adele came in as well with her contract, she is showing in the Ballroom next month. And we heard back from Cardinal management, they approved my renovation plans so I called Ray and we are measuring the floor tomorrow and will fix it next week. Maybe this is why I am in a better mood; optimism at work.
Darrel came by and paid me for the decorating work a couple weeks ago. I biked immediately to the grocery store after work. Buying food makes me happy, too. I made Karina fettucine alfredo, which made her happy. Now I’m going to type one of her essays, as I type faster than she. This will make her happy as well. I do like to make her happy.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
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Date: 10 Feb 2001 08:16:32 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: A Buzz About Ethics
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a busy day yesterday, and even though today is technically my day off I will have a busy day today, too. Yesterday I finished the YCW application and sent it off, and had Ceildh, our NSCAD Intern, tackle the two storage rooms in the basement to make room for Brandon Vickerd’s work when it arrives. Ray and I made plans to collect material and start work on the Third Floor Monday morning.
Winnie heard of an opening at the AGNS which we went to last night. The guest curator, Annette Hurtig, called Winnie yesterday to notify her of the show. I forget the artist’s name. It wasn’t well-publicized, difficult shows or contemporary shows rarely are there. Afterwards we went to the NSCAD Lecture, by art historian Jonathan Weinberg. It was about David Hockney, specifically the series of prints he made on the theme of “The Rake’s Progress”. It was OK.
I helped Karina in the darkroom after the lecture, we were there until midnight. Her doll prints are coming along nicely, really super-saturated colours. When we finished Karina caught a bus while I biked home. It had stopped snowing and was sort of drizzly, but the roads were fairly clear. I had hoped to go to Helen Yeomans birthday party last night but it was too late to go by the time we left the college.
Today I am off to Piercey’s to get an account so we can get our materials Monday, and will eventually head down to the Khyber to start organizing my studio space. I need to be moved out in less than three weeks. I don’t quite know yet what to do with all my stuff.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Date: 11 Feb 2001 16:00:12 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Re: “Brazilian Beef”: Mailbox Was Full
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry to bother you but the last message I sent you, “Doesn’t Brazilian
Beef Eat Grains?” I couldn’t copy as my mailbox was full. This stupid
Canada.com email account only offers a free 3 mgs of space, what a gyp.
Would it be possible for you to send me back a copy of that letter? Thanks!
points covered in last letter:
-Karina wakes up yelling from bad dream
-really cold and tiring weather
-cleaning the house and relaxing
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Date: 12 Feb 2001 19:37:47 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Judy Is Now Eating Meat
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just a short note, as I am tired and it is late and I’m getting up really early tomorrow to meet Ray at Piercey’s to get the materials for the renovations. I have been on my bike all day, back and forth from downtown a couple times and to my class tonight. It is still cold outside and my energy has been sapped. I helped type Karina’s essays for her this morning; she was up all night working on them. She had a small nap this evening, then went to school to finish her photo project. And I thought that I was a work-a-holic!
Sincerely,
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Date: 13 Feb 2001 17:10:58 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: All The World’s A Merger, And All The Men And Women Merely Players
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Dear Mr. Chétien,
I met Ray at Piercey’s this morning, the credit account had been approved and we picked up some plywood, nails, MDF and paint. We also stopped at his storage unit to get tools. Ray’s help was invaluable; he really knew what he was doing. He had to leave at noon, but we were just about finished by then. We had ripped up the uneven, patched together floorboards, build new support frames and cut the new plywood to fit. Once the floor is painted, and the walls painted, and the skylight fixed it will be a whole new room. Anyway, the manual labour has really tired me out; I’m out of practice. And Rebecca needs to use the computer to work on her essay. Oh, I met Karina after work tonight, she was just finishing her photo class. She did really well in her crits; her photos look really good. Anyway, I’m off to bed.
Sincerely,
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Date: 15 Feb 2001 03:23:28 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Voting Down Own Policy Doesn’t Make Sense
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina really liked the card I made for her for Valentine’s Day. I gave it to her before I left for work. I had a few errands to run before work, picking up some envelopes and making some photocopies.
Today I felt a bit like being stuck in molasses; everything I tried to do took longer than anticipated. It became an extended deal just to send a fax.
The lecture in the Club was well-attended last night. The panelists seemed at ease (though Sarah and Val were apparently quite nervous, but it didn’t show) and discussion about Feminism and Art (the role of each in each) was lively and stimulating. Afterwards Karina and I went to Mokka to check out a new photo exhibit.
We took a bus up to Video Difference, picked out a movie and walked home. I borrowed our VCR from the gallery so we could watch a movie. We rented Small Time Crooks, a Woody Allen flick. There is a great scene involving a water main that is just hilarious.
Anyway, I have to walk over to Save-On-Fuel (because I left my bike downtown last night) to drop off a cheque for The Khyber, and then meet Leah and Tonia for a Khyber Kids meeting.
Sincerely
Chris Lloyd
From: frottage@canada.com
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Show Headers Date: 20 Feb 2001 05:41:53 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: What Is With The Bush–Saddam Re-Run?
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry it has been a while since I last wrote. What a busy weekend! First there was the fun-raiser, Hairball 2000 in the club Friday night. It actually went over quite well. The three Rebecca’s and Sym all wore great wigs, the karaoke machine was patched into the clubs soundboard, so it was loud enough, and lots of people came and had a great time. And we hit our target, making over $250. Karina and I even got up to sing; we did a not-too-shabby version of “Love Shack”. It was a late night, past the transit bedtime, so Karina and I walked home.
Saturday we went to The Med for a late breakfast, then I did a little work in the office before heading to Mills. I was to start painting the countertop in the giftshop today. Of course, no one was really prepared or properly informed as to what I was doing there, so there were some delays. One such delay involved me going to the Italian restaurant across the street to get an onion. A cut onion in water will absorb paint fumes. Anyway, the first coat went on fine and I was out of there on time.
Saturday night Karina and I re-booted our computer, flatlining it first then re-installing our software. My other email account is working now, so when I find time I’ll switch my addresses over. We were going to get a movie while we were waiting for the computer to boot up, but Pop’s was closed early.
Sunday morning I hopped on my bike to go to Mills and my rear tire wouldn’t turn. I called Danny to let him know I’d be late, then walked to Mills. Painted the second coat on the counter, then went to the studio and packed and organized stuff all afternoon. Patched some holes in the wall outside the Closet gallery area. Trimmed the skylight boards with Rays jigsaw to make them even with the ceiling. Bought some new art magazines and had a nice chat with Goody B. while having lunch at The Med. Went back to Mills at seven o’clock to put the dry brush on the counter. Danny drove me home. Ate supper, got high, watched The Simpsons, then worked on the newsletter. Had a problem getting the document to print and then the computer started crashing. I was having trouble with extensions. Eventually Karina and I rebuilt the desktop, and everything seemed to work fine afterwards.
Monday I walked to Mills early in the morning after picking up a few things from Piercey’s for the upcoming renovations at the Khyber. Janet likes the counter but wants a strip of trim done. I was sure she had said earlier that we would just leave it, but there is no point in arguing. I’ll do it Tuesday night. Went to the Khyber to meet Crystal and Tonia. Chrystal is declining to apply to the CC residency program, her position at MSVU has been extended. Tonia and I brainstormed other potential candidates for awhile, then I walked home.
Was prepared to walk to my class but tried my bike and it worked. Maybe it was the cold weather, or maybe something was loose, I will have to check it out more thoroughly. When I find the time. Class was fine, I am working on a small landscape of Cape Breton. Next week we’ll do portraits; I’ll probably do one of you, just to stay consistent. Made bread when I got home.
I have a meeting at Dal this morning, and have asked a volunteer to sit in the gallery while I’m gone. The dog downstairs is barking its head off. I’m going to eat breakfast. Another busy day.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Show Headers Date: 22 Feb 2001 03:25:19 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Joe Clark Takes Over Opposition
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I have been quite busy lately. I was at work until 9:30 a couple nights ago (Silent Auction committee meeting), got home and Rebecca was using the computer so I just went to bed and got up at 5:30 yesterday to do internet and web mail stuff before going to work. Lost the letter that Sara had written to artists, which has delayed our mailout a day. Picked up our newsletters, which look good but cost twenty dollars more than we anticipated (different coloured paper). Still haven’t heard back from Cynara about the residency, we are running out of time. Had a full board meeting last night, well-attended and Dan Walsh came as a guest and we voted him to the board; he will be a good addition. The gala is starting to stress everyone out, it will cost us at least $5,000 to host it, but Mat had a great idea about asking businesses or corporations to contribute matching funds. Will pursue this further this week. I have meetings this morning and have to check a few other grants on the web before I go. Mad rush.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Show Headers Date: 23 Feb 2001 17:25:10 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Joe Clark Takes On Role Of Opposition Leader In Similar Fashion To The Weather Pounding The Maritimes
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am taking full advantage of feeling positive, upbeat and energetic this past week to really try to accomplish things at work. I am close to overextending myself, though. And I haven’t been paid in weeks and rent is due next week, so finding extra money will soon become a priority. The renovations are coming along nicely, though, and there seems to be a healthy, optimistic buzz around the building. It is starting to feel more community-based. There has been a cancellation in the Club for next week so we are now trying to organize a cabaret-type event. I paint this weekend at Suzanne’s house, and meetings are starting to fill up next week. The Media Centre is going to become a focus, as I have been in contact with CAP lately. I’m tired, but it is a good tired. Muscles are stiff and achy, though.
-Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Show Headers Date: 26 Feb 2001 03:59:27 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: What Is The Big Deal Surrounding Lying Lawyers?
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Dear Mr. Chétien,
Well, it didn’t feel like much of a weekend. Saturday I went to Jay and Suzanne’s to do some painting. It was mostly prep work; crack filling, sanding and priming. Messy stuff. I had remembered on Friday that Saturday was Trevor’s birthday, so I met Karina at The Khyber and we called Trevor and Tamara to meet us there. I had a sponsorship meeting with Mat until about seven thirty. Tamara’s step mom has lent them a car; Trevor drove to Montreal a couple weeks ago to get it. They picked us up at The Khyber and we went to Video Difference to rent a movie. Karina had bought a couple mini-cakes for Trevor, and we watched “Happy, Texas”; it was actually quite good.
Sunday I was back at Jay and Suzanne’s but they didn’t answer the door when I arrived. I figured they were still in bed so I went to The Khyber and made some painting touch ups to the Third Floor. When I went back and finally spoke to Suzanne she told me that they weren’t actually expecting me, and Sunday’s were the only time they had to themselves. Great; now I won’t finish their room until next weekend, which puts off any possible new jobs I could have booked. I sill don’t know how we are paying rent this month. I am feeling a bit drained.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Show Headers Date: 27 Feb 2001 17:51:27 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Frozen Toddler Capturing News Headlines And Readers’ Hearts Much Like Baby Jessica And That Well She Fell Down
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
It took a few cups of coffee this morning before I was fully functional. Karina had kept me up late last night and this morning I was up early to wash laundry. I’m down to my last $20. Had a good meeting with Bernie from CAP today. They are going to re-issue our first cheque for the KDMC made out to Khyber Arts Society, so there won’t be as much pressure to have the KDMC incorporated by the end of March. Yi came by and will apply for the CC Culturally Diverse Curatorial Residency program. I am in a rush now to complete the grant. There was an opening tonight at eyelevel, Nestor Kruger was presenting wall-paintings made from computer-rendered 3-D drawings of eyelevel gallery and a gallery in Montreal. Nice, tight, crisp grey paintings. Lovely stuff, really; quiet and full all at once. I then moved some stuff out of my studio but started feeling weak from lack of food, so I stopped at Sobey’s on my way home and bought $10 worth of groceries. Made supper when I got home. Have a lot to do on the computer tonight, and meetings starting early tomorrow. There is not enough time in the day. Coffee is only getting me so far.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Show Headers Date: 28 Feb 2001 04:21:21 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Oh And I Forgot Something
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I forgot to tell you that I received a call the other day from Constable Denman regarding my Client Card. I met with him yesterday at the Police Station, but all he had to show me were the pictures that Donna had shown me last year. It doesn’t look like the investigation is going to get anywhere, so I am going to have to go back to hassling the Bank. They expect me to pay them the three thousand dollars which was stolen from my account, and I expect them to pay me the seven-fifty which I personally lost. I think the deck is stacked against me, but it’s not whether I win or lose, but how I play the game. Or rather, it’s not the destination which matters so much, it’s the journey. Something like that.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
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Show Headers Date: 28 Feb 2001 18:10:10 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: First Frozen Baby, Then Klein-Day Conflict, Now Earthquakes, What Next?
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Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a bummed day at work. One of those days when stupid little things happen and add up to make the day seem a waste. Had a meeting at The Lord Nelson and the Gala is going to cost more than I had anticipated. Received a call from Gary Castle and CARFAC isn’t going to pay us the rent they owe us. Helped Ray with the molding for the skylight but we screwed up the measurements, ran out of time and couldn’t finish. Grants are due soon and I’m behind. I couldn’t find my Gala file. I’m sick of not having groceries in the fridge, sick of being unorganized, and sick from drinking too much coffee.
On the plus side, had a good meeting with Bethany from The Coast, and received a surprising phone call from Christina Ritchie. She is thinking of my work for a small show at the AGO later this summer. Something positive to work towards, at least.
This is my last email to you from this account: canada.com sucks. I am always having trouble with it.
Sincerely,
-chris
DEAR PM 