From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, March 1, 2001 10:49 PM
Subject: From What I’ve Heard The Survivor Episode Tonight Was Highly Disturbing And Gross
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Karina was actually awake early today. We went for breakfast at The Med for 8 o’clock in the morning. There are a lot of people on the bus that early in the morning; a lot of them yawn and / or sleep during the trip. Karina was taking part in a class trip to see an exhibition of photographs by Diane Arbus in Sackville. The only Atlantic stop of the retrospective tour.
Spent all day at work. Didn’t seem to accomplish much. The building was cold. Yi came in the afternoon and we worked on Curatorial Residency grant. Had lunch at suppertime from Venus in the Club. Drank too much coffee today.
Went to Ben and Genevieve’s openings at Velvet Olive. He has some great, funny ideas. Talked with Swintak and Emily about performance art. Walked home. Worked on art stuff for Christina. I miss working on my own art. I wish I had time to make a video for tomorrow night.
Sincerely,
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, March 3, 2001 6:41 PM
Subject: Mid-Life Crises Now Occur With More Frequency, Happen Monthly Or Sometimes Daily
The Open Night Performance and Video Cabaret was a bit of a bust last night. Half the people who said that they were going to come and perform or screen a video didn’t, and there wasn’t that much audience participation, either. The Kissing Booth fell flat as well. There was some confusion as to how it was actually supposed to work. I can see there is potential in this sort of cabaret evening, but it needs to better planned and organized. I seem to lack the ability to do either. Having less than a week to organize the event isn’t much of an excuse, as I know of instances where people have thrown together very successful evenings in a day or so. I just suck at it. Lately I have been feeling like I suck at everything.
I am feeling low this week. It may have something to do with birthdays; mine, in particular. Karina says I have issues with aging, which is probably true, but only to a point. I do feel older than I am, but that is just from overworking myself and being stressed all the time. But I also feel dulled and bored and worn out and that I’ve lost my sense of humour, and worse, a sense of purpose. Maybe it is what happens when you stop drinking cold turkey but still hang out in bars. The magic is gone, or at least the perception of magic. Life is becoming like a dull constant.
Anyway, Karina and I walked home after the cabaret last night because I was slow and we just missed the bus. The last scheduled bus, of course. It was cold, too, so we traded jackets because Karina’s coat is falling apart. She was mad that we had missed the bus.
Today I painted at Jay and Suzanne’s. Jay ran for provincial office for the Liberal party at some point. I know this from old fridge magnets on their fridge. I don’t know if he was ever elected, though I assume not. I am almost finished painting their spare room, just some sanding and painting left to do in the corners.
Ran into Aaron in the Superstore while buying a late lunch today. He is visiting from Fredericton. We are going to meet tomorrow at Trevor’s. Tonight Rebecca has organized a video screening to take place at out house. There is also a big fundraiser for the Halifax Refugee Clinic happening tonight at The Khyber, but I don’t think I can handle another night there. I am going to work on my CV and information package to send to Christina Ritchie, hopefully by Monday.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, March 4, 2001 11:36 PM
Subject: Wow, What A Neat Stick! It’s So Crooked! You Think That’s Neat, You Should See My Finger! Wow, Is That Ever Crooked! You Think That’s Neat, You Should See My Stick!
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a nice morning, woke up and worked on the package I am mailing to Christina. Karina and I had breakfast and then an in-depth conversation… more like me losing my marbles and breaking down over the stress of working too much and worrying about money and where my life is going and how neglectful I am of our relationship… but she made me feel better, and then we walked together down Agricola Street. I headed off across the Commons to finish painting at Jay and Suzanne’s and Karina went to school to work on her video.
The fundraiser for the Refugee Clinic went really well last night, they made $1800. The cleanup was done by noon. Adele showed up on time with her paintings, all except two which didn’t fit in Steve’s van. I called Ray and he will help us move the other two tomorrow.
Winnie and I installed all the small paintings and three in the old window wells. The large paintings we will install tomorrow. Karina stopped by and had tea. Then we called Trevor and had him pick us up. We stopped at our house to make a salad and then we had supper at Trevor’s and Tamara’s. Aaron was there as well. We watched The Wrong Trousers because Tamara had never seen it, and then The Simpsons, Malcom in the Middle and switched back and forth between the new X-Files spinoff, The Lone Gunman (which sucks) and Armaggedon (too corny!). Now my head hurts from all the TV. We ate a lot of food, too; Tamara had made a cake for my birthday, plus we were eating chips and cinnamon buns Karina had made last night. Now my tummy hurts.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2001 12:15 AM
Subject: Sick Of Stockwell Day And His Financial Difficulties, The Masses Tune Into E-Bay And Bid On Contemporary Art
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I love openings! the day gets packed with all sorts of energy and activity. Was up bright and early, did some work on the computer, then met Ray at Adele’s studio. Her paintings fit comfortably in the back of the truck and we were down at The Khyber in no time. Adele and I switched the paintings around for while before settling on the positioning, then we hung the paintings. I suggested she hang one of the large ones upside down and the other large one sideways. The rest of the day is a bit of a blur. Called my students and cancelled class tonight; Andrea was too busy to teach and I wanted to be around for the openings. I built a shelf for the ‘Golden Spindle’, swept and mopped the building and the gallery, prepared odds and ends, then went to the openings at Anna. Peter Flemming’s thesis exhibition, Water and Electricity is full of amazing, quiet, poetic and dangerous work. Grabbed a pita with Karina, then back to The Khyber; I think the openings went well, though not many people stuck around in the Club afterward. Mareike achieved quite a transformation of the closet space. Jamie took pictures with his new digital camera. Talked to Robin about Cuba and photography. Drank coffee. Went back up to the office and completed my package to Christine. Still need to photocopy some stuff, which I’ll have to do tomorrow. Sat in the gallery with the lights off listening to Moby and enjoying Adele’s paintings. They are hypnotic and full of life and movement. Caught a bus home with Karina. Am about to open birthday mail, and help Karina with her video proposal. A busy day planned for tomorrow, storm or no storm.
Sincerely,
-Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2001 9:14 AM
Subject: Being Outside Is Starting To Feel Like Winter Will Never End, When Oh When Will It End?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I had to stop by Jay and Suzanne’s house yesterday morning on my way to work. They are concerned over some patches to the wall. I don’t know what they are expecting, really, but I sanded some spots and added a skim coat of plaster overtop; the walls really aren’t that bad at all, especially given what they looked like beforehand.
I finished my package to Christina and mailed it Expresspost; $12, yikes! She should get it by the end of the week, providing the storm doesn’t cancel flights.
The weather, and being cooped up in our messy office, got me down today. My productivity was low. The office seems to sap my will to do anything sometimes. Winnie came in on her day off to work on the poster for the dance party this weekend. Craig has organized the DJ’s. Now we need to get a good list of artists to sign up for Mugshots.
Had sushi with Karina tonight. Her parents sent her some money to cover her registration fees, some supplies and food. I feel guilty about eating out.
Karina went to a talk last night, I walked home, stopping by Jamie’s on the way to get the pictures he took of the openings Monday. Digital imaging is where it’s at; quick and easy. Spent the evening on the computer, working on some of the pictures which were too dark. I want to send them to Caroline to put on the website.
Getting to and from work has been a pain lately; my bike is toast. The clutch is wrecked. Trevor said that he would lend me his, but I haven’t been able to go and get it yet. Walking is nice, but with the crazy amount of snow it is difficult. Anyway, I’m off to get some breakfast.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, March 8, 2001 11:24 PM
Subject: Happy International Women’s Day, Now They Are Finally Allowed To Serve On Subs, Not Just Serve Subs
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I walked to work this morning so I could put posters up on Gottingen Street. Had a meeting with Pat Kipping and Winnie this morning to go over the NSAC grants we are applying for. Winnie is much more prepared, organized and focused on her grant than I am on the Commissioning and Professional Development. I haven’t really started on them, actually. Pat answered the few questions I had and offered some good advice; hopefully I can get the grants done by the deadline next week. Eep. Ack. Ugh.
Had a meeting with Betty Ann from Culture and Tourism. Inquired about signage, professional development and the capital gains fund. She also informed me that we may qualify for the new Municipality Bulk Fuel Rate. That would be a blessing. Worked on Mugshots stuff this afternoon. Cut up some plywood Mat left for me in the NSCAD woodshop. Spent some time trying to convince the new and slightly uptight manager of Loomis and Toles to donate some supplies to Mugshots. Rounded up a few more artists to take part, as well. Things are shaping up nicely for this weekend; between Mugshots and the dance we stand to make about $1500.
Walked up to Dalhousie Art Gallery tonight to attend Richard Mueller’s opening. Postered along the way. We had asked Ceildh, our Intern, to do it on Wednesday but a bystander apparently told her not to put posters on poles, so she didn’t. Halifax is trying to impose a (useless) poster ban, which is being met by some opposition from some groups and simply ignored by others, such as us. Our City Hall is obviously unaware of the Ramsden Case. Anyway, it meant I had to walk the route I had suggested to Ceildh and put posters up.
The opening was packed, and the work just shines. Paul Greenhalgh gave very eloquent opening remarks. Richard works primarily with glass and steel, light and shadow, burning and etching very poetic and disarmingly beautiful works.
Walked home, but ran out of posters before Robie Street. Legs are sore form all the walking, but it’s good exercise. Lots to do tomorrow in preparation for Mugshots and the Dance.
Sincerely,
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, March 9, 2001 11:39 PM
Subject: Who Wouldn’t Be Haunted By Images Of Drowning Teens Sinking Below Ice Flows?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came home from the openings at Saint Mary’s. Photographs by Heather MacLeod and a duo show by Alexandra Flood and Linda Bartlett. Linda did another “inside a rotating cake bake and decorate” performance. She makes a wicked cake. I wonder if she has pink hair all the time or if she does it specifically for events like this. I’ll have to ask her sometime. Saw Ray and Sarah, they are looking for a house but Halifax is too expensive, they will probably settle for Dartmouth. They have three kids and want a place with lots of space. I look forward to having them around, I feel they will bring good energy. I didn’t get a chance to talk to Ray, but I guess that’s how it goes at busy openings.
Had a board meeting tonight, gearing up for the Gala and the Mugshots and Dance tomorrow. It is supposed to storm tomorrow. I still have a feeling we will do OK, despite the weather.
Good news on sponsors, Allegra confimed their interest in making posters, flyers and tickets. Now we just need a designer. Yeesh. Need to meet with Andrew next week to go over video footage for the ad. The grant deadline is looming in front of me like a tidal wave. I can almost feel its crushing weight bearing down on me. The pressure is almost invigorating; a challenge which is inspiring and keeps me motivated.
Made another “Mugshots / F*#K Art, Let’s Dance” poster last night, and had it copied at Ink Pad on my way downtown, then postered all the way up Quinpool. I was on my way to paint at Suzanne and Jay’s. Suzanne was home when I got there, and they had moved a bunch of stuff into the room I am working on because their daughter had spent the night there previously. So I will have to finish the room on Sunday, after cleanup at The Khyber.
I hope it goes well tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Chris
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Mugshots 3 And Big Dance Event
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The back-to-back fundraisers went well yesterday, though we only made half what I had anticipated on MUGSHOTS and a third from the two-floor dance. I was at the Khyber from 10 am until 2 AM last night. I met Jamie at his studio in the morning and he helped me move the easels from NSCAD, then spent the day setting up. At 2 o’clock people started showing up to have their portraits made but no artists had arrived yet! It worked out though, people came and at one point I saw an ATV cameraman but he didn’t talk to me, they will air a small clip of the event. Trevor and Tamara came later, I painted Trev while Ben made a drawing of Tamara. They are both made on untreated plywood so they match, in a way. The Dance event never really developed into a huge event, though I think close to 200 people came through the doors. Rebecca and Andrew and their friends went to see The Grapes of Wrath at The Marquee, which was certainly competition. I hung out downstairs most of the night talking to Sarah and Robbie and Karina and drinking water. I am still off booze. Robbie is in the middle of a project where he plans to carry around with him all the garbage he generates for a month. He is 10 days in and has a garbage bag and a half. It will be interesting to see how much he is lugging around by the end of the project. Karina and I walked home, it has turned cold again. Freaking snowstorm, then mild weather, then rain, then cold again: it is really, really getting on my nerves. Maybe its just the job. I have to go back and clean up today, then finish at jay and Suzanne’s, Then get cracking on grants.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: frottage@canada.com
Print View
Show Headers Date: 12 Mar 2001 05:11:33 PST
To: ecluc@conncoll.edu, kearovitch@yahoo.com, eylandc@hotmail.com, papamiah@hotmail.com, spalmer@imagictv.com, hollym73@yahoo.com, edeary@hotmail.com, acmantin@yahoo.com, kpremdas@hotmail.com, jennifer.bennett@bauernike.com, u84n2@unb.ca, thesillyteacup@hotmail.com, lindenrpvd@hotmail.com, jmackin@nb.aibn.com, jcps@sympatico.ca, pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: I Guarantee!
————————————————————————
I normally don’t send out junk mail, but once I read this I had to send it. The following passage was found in the Shop & Save insert in Saturday’s Daily News (which I had only bought because there was an article about the Khyber Mugshots fundraiser in it). The passage is from a full-page weight loss ad (emphasis’ mine):
NOW YOU CAN EAT ALL YOU WANT WHILE EXTRA WEIGHT DISAPPEARS
“I can hardly believe it myself, but it’s true – and now I feel that I want everyone to know my story of how I lost 70 pounds of ugly fat in just 40 days… and to help me lose all this weight I ate all I wanted of FATTY MEATS, BACON, ROAST CHICKEN, SHRIMP, ROAST BEEF and PORK. I used UNLIMITED amounts of CHEESE, BUTTER, all the OIL I WANTED in salad dressings and plenty of HEAVY CREAM in my coffee. In fact, I ate ALL I wanted of EVERY high-calorie food that I like. But what amazed me the most was that while I STUFFED MYSELF EATING AS I WANTED, the fat still kept disappearing from my body. My weight and inches melted away day by day! And here’s the most happy part of it all: After I decided how GREAT I looked and felt at 70 pounds lighter, I stopped the weight loss and have never gained back even one unwanted pound.”
…The company’s name is BIO-MINCE.
I think it must be a hoax or artist-prank, but to find out more:
3539 St-Charles Blvd. Suite 521 Kirkland, QC H9H 5B9
-chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2001 12:25 AM
Subject: An Official Invitation To A Grand Event
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am writing to request your presence at the Second Annual Fool-Hearted Gala, a Khyber Arts Society fund-raising initiative. The event will take place April 21, 2001 at the Lord Nelson Hotel and Ballrooms. Would you be available on this date? I can forward more detailed information about the event and the Khyber at your request.
Sincerely,
Chris Lloyd,
Interim Director
Khyber Arts Society
From: frottage@canada.com
Print View
Show Headers Date: 16 Mar 2001 07:31:35 PST
To: pm@pm.gc.ca
Subject: Farmers Burning Effigies And Storming The Capital While Police Prepare For Seige Of Protesters; Long Live The Late Middle Ages!
————————————————————————
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am at NSCAD at the moment, helping Karina with a photo shoot. I’m sorry I haven’t written. I was working on a grant for the past few days; pulled an all-nighter the night before last, and finished the two grants about eight PM last night. I’m not confident we’ll get them, but I have renewed enthusiasm for the Media Centre.
Last night I was home by 10 and passed out while watching The National.
Am going to go grab some lunch with Karina, her taxes came back so she has a bit of money. Mind you, most of it is earmarked for her final projects.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, March 18, 2001 12:49 PM
Subject: Will Slaughter Of Millions Of Animals Stop Hoof And Mouth Or Will McDonalds Get The Beef?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Couldn’t find a volunteer on Friday to watch the gallery yesterday, so I went in to work for the afternoon. Karina and I took a bus downtown and visited a bunch of the South End grocery stores looking for specialty Dutch foods for Karina’s photo project. It was hard to find certain things, like Appleströp. We ate brunch at the Med. That was the third day in a row, but fortunately we ate at home this morning. At work, talked with Becka about ideas for a 2-floor fundraiser in April. Need to plan something fast. Maybe a slumber party/video screening?
Hung out at NSCAD for a bit last night waiting for Karina to finish in the darkroom. Played games with Ryan in the lounge. Took a bus home, then went for groceries. Watched a movie, can’t remember the title, a weird, forgettable comedy with Woody Allen and Sharon Stone. It had some nice moments, when the focus was sharp on kitch and American-style tourism, but the handling of the underlying plotline of a guy chopping his wife to bits sort of made everything else in the film seem flat.
Today I am going to start stripping the mirror that Jay brought over the other night. Since I have no studio anymore I have to do it in the kitchen. Luckily there is a window and a fan and no one is home at the moment; it is going to get stinky. I’ll have to devise a way to keep the cats out. Furniture stripper burns.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 9:50 AM
Subject: I Woke Up, Listened To The News Twice, And Have Already Forgotten If Anything Memorable Happened
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent most of last night on the computer trying to design a logo for the Gala. It is not going well. We didn’t get a response for our small call for designers, and I figured between Winnie and I we could come up with something, but now I’m not so sure. There are so many possibilities, narrowing a design idea down is the hardest thing. If I had oodles of time I might come up with something, but I don’t.
Supposed to meet Andrew today to finish the TV spot. Will get in touch with CKDU this week to make radio spots. Still need a rental van sponsor and of course, cash sponsors for the event. KDMC Bylaws still have not been written, and we have a big meeting on Friday.
Are you going to come to the Gala? The invitation still stands.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, March 19, 2001 11:40 PM
Subject: William Chandler Shrubsall On Trial… Again? And From What I Have Heard About Him, The Guy Sounds Like A Monster.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a peaceful day at work today. I worked on Winnie’s computer, which is much quieter than mine, but always freezes and crashes a few times before printing anything. Started calling artists to remind them about the Gala and submitting work. Gerry Ferguson kept telling me to check with Mathew; he said it in such a tone that I didn’t feel up to telling him that Mathew doesn’t work at the Khyber anymore.
Caitrian stopped by the Khyber today. We haven’t spoken since the fall. We made up, more or less, back in May; two years of ignoring each other after our ‘breakup’ . Anyway, she wanted to know if Crossroads, with which she is a volunteer, could rent the Ballroom for an art auction near the end of February. We could do it if their auction was the same night as our Gala, because all our work would be at The Lord Nelson, but it wouldn’t make much sense to have the two events compete against one another. She is going to look into having their event at Pier 21, or a nightclub instead.
Lots of people at the openings at the Anna tonight. Lucie Chan has created quite a drawing installation with her huge cut outs. Lots of scissors and bottles and eight-foot babies. Neal was presenting his model for interactive TV, but I’ll need to go back and play with it for an hour or so to really get an understanding of it. There were a couple really sharp ceramists showing in gallery 2 and a group show in gallery three by students who were all on separate exchange programs last semester but who developed the show through email and postcard correspondence. It reminded me of what Jeremiah and I wanted to do when I was in Europe, before we ended up sanding the floor and building the bridge and not bothering with our ‘mail art’.
Biked off to class tonight after sitting and having a quick coffee with Karina. Her final photo project has morphed again. Now she is making cutouts from children’s clothing magazines and trying to figure out a way to re-photograph them. Class was good tonight, I managed to get a bit more done on my latest portrait. When things calm down a bit at work I’d like to move back into a studio. I sort of miss painting.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 9:54 AM
Subject: Dity Dishes Pile Up As The World Turns – Hey, Have You Heard About The Canadian Plane That Was Held Up In Florida On Its Way Back From Cuba?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The girl downstairs is my new alarm clock. My ears are now fine tuned to the sounds of hip-hop coming through the floor at seven o’clock in the morning. I am thinking of giving her a pair of earphones as a gift, as a hint.
Labeled some slides this morning, had some breakfast and tea, and now I’m going to tackle the big day-old pile of dishes in the kitchen. Rebecca hardly ever washes her dishes, yet she cooks more than the rest of us.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 12:53 AM
Subject: Politicians Getting Hard Rap These Days, From Burning Effigies To Talk Show Liars
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I missed the boat with the penninsular gallery meeting today at NSCAD. All the gallery directors get together once in a while to share programming info. I thought today we were going to talk exclusively about the grouping of photo-based exhibitions to be held in the fall. Needless to say, I didn’t have photocopied schedules of the next half year of programming to hand out to people. Sheesh, did I ever feel dumb and unorganized.
Winnie is back from New York. It was an eventful afternoon. We had a scare from Andrew Fraser, who said the video footage he is using to make our PSA was unusable. We ran up to the studio to look at what he had done so far and it isn’t that bad. Jamie came by and we made him take some new stills of the building, he’ll email them to Fraser and he’ll then add them to the PSA. He said he’ll finish it tomorrow. It sounds good with the clip from Joel’s song.
The men’s washroom stalls have a new chapter added to the saga. The stoner boys were in again to work on the mural; it looks awful, they got paint all over the floor and dumped paint in the urinal, causing it to overflow. On the plus side, Sarah, Andrea and Tashia have organized a group to re-decorate the ladies washroom.
Had a silent auction meeting tonight. Everything is starting to happen really fast, I have big deadlines for PR and invitations and new letters to artists for the end of the week. The Bellydancers want to be in the Gala again, which is good, they were popular last year.
Hung out in the Club afterward with Spencer, Sarah and Karina. Ray was there with Thierry and Craig. He said he saw the Canadian Art Spring Issue at Gallery 78 in Fredericton, so I guess it is already on newsstands. I should get my copies in the mail soon.
Walked home with Sarah and Spencer; Karina took the bus. She had a box of doll parts to lug around. My computer is acting screwy; this is a problem with having roommates, I believe. The computer behaves differently, like certain settings have been altered, but I don’t know how to get things back to normal. It is frustrating. It was working fine this morning.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2001 10:48 PM
Subject: Reform Party Founder Preston Manning To Retire From Politics; Will Leave Inedible Stamp On Canadian Politics, Say Friends And Foes
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Jeff Cowling stood me up this morning, but called later on and apologized. I will look at his lattice walls tomorrow. The Club smelled of vomit this morning, but it was just from the sink overflowing. Jon thinks maybe the sewer is backing up. Great, more building woes. Will have to call the city about it. Lots to do today. Andrew finished the PSA; looks good. The text is smaller than I would have liked, but the images are catchy and so is the song. On the phone all day. Made meetings and then cancelled them. Am feeling overwhelmed. The girl downstairs is still my alarm clock, though this morning Karina had actually set our alarm for seven AM. Our clock forty-five minutes fast, so we took turns hitting the snooze button seven times before the girl downstairs turned her music on. Had a weird dream about Tim Horton’s and Roll-Up-The-Rim. The last couple times I have had a Tim Horton’s coffee I have forgotten to check the rim. I have probably thrown away a barbeque, or a free muffin.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2001 10:15 AM
Subject: Manning Heads For Exit So He Can Speak Freely, Ramp Up Air Competition: Panel, Dollar’s Dive Puts Dodge To Test
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I am running late this morning. Slept in until eight-thirty; Karina was actually up before me, as she had the video studio booked for nine. She hadn’t realized that the Anna Leonowens wasn’t open until eleven, and she had already returned the lab coat which she needs for her video. She was up late studying and working on an essay. Judy called late last night, she is stressed about her black-tie event but it sounds like it is coming together well. I have to go, am late for that lattice-meeting with Jeff.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, March 22, 2001 10:31 PM
Subject: Biological Scare Forces Thousands From Government Buildings In Toronto Final Death Burn For Famed Russian Space Station Mir, Plunging To Earth
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a good meeting with Jeff Cowling this morning, he is lending us a whole bunch of props and stuff for the Gala. The lattice walls aren’t so bad, and he suggested hanging brown paper overtop to mask them. The trick is, you crinkle up the paper first, smooth it out and then put it up. He showed me pictures; it looks good. Especially with pictures hanging overtop.
The rest of the day was the pits, really. I was in a bad mood, tired and cranky, and am feeling the pressure to get things done. The PR still hasn’t gone out and we haven’t finalized a designed logo for the gala, and the initial invitations need to go out next week. Aaarg. And the bathroom keeps reminding me of how easily the simplest tasks can go wrong.
I am going to work for a little bit on the piece I am donating to the Anna Leonowens auction, then off to bed. I have to meet Lilly at CKDU tomorrow at 9:30 am to record a PSA, then there is a big media centre meeting, then maybe an interview with The Coast. Aaack, I don’t feel prepared.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, March 23, 2001 10:52 PM
Subject: While Super Mario Named Captain Of Team Canada, Chretien Faces More Calls For Inquiry Into Golf Course Dealings.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
It was too blustery this morning to bike to work, so I walked instead. I went to CKDU up at Dalhousie University first, to record a PSA for the Gala. It went well, only four, I guess five takes. Lilly was happy. Then to the Khyber for the KDMC meeting. We have decided, more or less, to acquire a G-4, but not a 533MHz, only a 433MHz with extra RAM, a PC Tower and maybe an iMac or two. Will has heard that Kings is trying to get rid of a bunch of them. We need to spend the money before the end of the month. I need to finish up the bylaws and get the darn place incorporated.
Rest of the afternoon a blur. Met briefly with Norm from Alliance Security, had an interview with Karla from the Coast, ran the TV PSA up to CBC, and did a bit of paperwork.
Took the bus home, I had just enough change. Made a bit of supper and have been at the computer ever since. Talked to Judy on the phone, she is doing OK. She has sold $13,000 worth of tickets to her event, but the Rotary isn’t happy because they had expected her to sell $15,000 by now. I’m amazed that anyone buys $150 tickets to anything, but that’s just me. $150 is about what we can afford to spend on groceries each month, sheesh.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, March 24, 2001 11:34 PM
Subject: Teach-Ins Prepare North American Protesters For Action At Quebec City Summit
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I was supposed to work with Darryl and David today but the date has been changed to Tuesday. I told Winnie I would be in to work today, and that she could take the day off if she worked for me on Tuesday (Tuesday is her regular day-off, Saturday is usually mine), but she said that she would be in the office anyway. Which was a good thing, as I got tied up on the computer (not literally) until close to three o’clock. I was designing the tickets for the gala, which look quite snazzy, I think.
The weather was nice so I biked to work. Stopped at Piercey’s on the way and picked up some plumbing supplies; Jon has offered to fix the two broken sinks in the washrooms at the Khyber. Wasn’t at work long, biked to Sobeys on my way home to get some groceries. Had to borrow $20 from the petty cash as we are broke at the moment.
Winnie was having a party tonight but I didn’t feel like socializing. Spent the evening working on my Voice of Fire Personal Debt painting for the NSCAD auction, and preparing to send a few applications out to some galleries. There are deadlines at the end of the week for Alternator, YYZ and Eastern Edge. I don’t know how I’ll manage to mail anything, but I’ll figure something out.
I am enclosing a passage from Britney Spears “special” on-line diary from earlier this month, when she was filming a Pepsi commercial. I ran across it while checking my email. This is part of the great cultural vastness of the Internet, I guess! I wonder if she does her own writing! I wonder if she will make as much money as Michael Jackson! And buy a zoo!
Sincerely,
Chris!
Friday, March 9, 2001
Arrived again at 8:30am fully rested and ready for my day! Today we worked on a set that looked like a rooftop (complete with smokestacks and a gigantic Pepsi billboard) my outfit today was so cool! It was almost as if they turned the Roof-Top into a party scene for me and the 30 dancers! We rehearsed a bit, then took a break for lunch while they were re-setting the lights and camera. I took a minute out to play a round of HORSE basketball with some folks on set. Then back to shooting (film that is!) Just a few takes and we’re done! It went great and I think it was the easiest 2 days ever!
Thanks Pepsi!
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Sunday, March 25, 2001 11:23 PM
Subject: It’s Budget Time In Atlantic Canada, (Yay!), But (So-Called, Self-Fulfilling)Economic Slowdown Causes Shivers. That, And The Current Budgeting Trend…
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Finally read the article Ray wrote about the 1-800… show for the current issue of Canadian Art. It is a good article. You should pick it up. I read it in the newsstand on Blowers street, as I can’t afford to buy an issue. Besides, I should be getting a couple issues in the mail.
Spoke to Krishna on the phone for quite a bit this morning. He is doing well, he has a steady job which he enjoys, and he seems to be learning from, though he spoke of drinking too much and not saving any money. A part of me is envious to have that problem; isn’t that a weird thing to be envious of? It stems more from a fear that I’ve suddenly (or gradually) turned all middle aged. I was even thinking the other day that it would be nice to have kids, yeesh! Where has my wild youth gone? The late nights, the dancing, the… excitement. Of course, on the plus side of being boring: clothes don’t stink like cigarettes in the morning; no hangovers; relative emotional and sexual stability; more time and energy to devote to struggling arts centre and own practice. I guess that is excitement enough. Seeing Karina study and absorb tons of obtuse art theory jargon is a bit exhilarating, in a way. Anyhow, I’m off topic. Krishna is buying a painting from me, Lego Man, which I finally unrolled and brought home from the Khyber today. I was only there for a little while today, gathering some slides for tomorrow’s Visual Culture presentation. We have to buy furnace oil again, which I’ll do in the morning before the presentation.
We are going to get the Gala tickets printed tomorrow. Have you decided if you can come? You should let me know soon. I called Gordon and Suzanne in Saint John and they each said that they would put a piece in the auction. My list of confirmed artists is growing, so my concern is diminishing. It will start up again closer to the event, when I will worry that no one who buys art will show up. Anyway, I have to finish up a few things on the computer before going to bed tonight.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Monday, March 26, 2001 11:55 PM
Subject: Chretien OKs Release Of Grand-Mere Documents; Opposition Skeptical Fry Ignores, Calls To Produce Mayor’s Letter, She Said, Cited Cross Burnings
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
A busy day, fairly active. First off, biked to Save-On-Fuel to order furnace oil for the Khyber. Then stopped by Nova Trophy to order a “Golden Spindle” plaque for the Halifax Refugee Clinic. Then to NSCAD for the visual culture class presentation. It is a good thing other board members showed up; I could have bombed up there. Maybe a better script would help. No, that’s not quite it. A better, fuller understanding of the roles artist-run centres provide, perhaps. Mathew and Leah and Winnie really came through.
Briony, Leah, Winnie and I had a spot of breakfast afterward at The Bluenose, then I was at the Khyber most of the day. Randy came by and wanted more information for the Gala; he has agreed to design a poster for us. I lent him Sarah’s book of clown cutouts as a possible resource. Our invitations were ready today but the printers were closed before I got down to pick them up. The Canadian Art magazines came in the mail today. Ray’s article is really quite good, I am envious of how well he can write. A good, but far too short article on Garry’s show at the National by Stephen Horne, as well. That’s all I’ve had time to read so far.
Raced in and out of the openings at The Anna tonight, as I wanted to get to my oil painting class early to get some work done on my current portrait. The design show, 18 Papers, looked really, really sharp. very slick and well… designy. Tim’s show was confusing and slightly unnerving; very theatrical and film-like, but also very sterile and apparently uneventful. Suspenseful, perhaps? Class was good, I still have more work to do on the portrait but I’m sure I’ll have it finished in time for the Gala. Came home, made a quick snack of bread and steamed asparagus, then worked on my Voice of Fire painting. I almost ruined it by painting past the tape lines. I have to be more careful. Will finish the second coat of red stripes then off to bed; I work with Darrell at the WTCC tomorrow. Will probably be a long day.
Had a response from your office today from a letter I had written a few days ago. It doesn’t reference the content of the letter, of course, it is just one of many standardized replies.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 9:34 PM
Subject: Arrest Warrants Show That Maurice (Mom) Boucher to face 13 New Murder Charges… Opposition Still Out For Blood
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry I didn’t write yesterday, but the computer was tied up (not literally). Rebecca was finishing her essay. Today Karina is writing hers. We are all having tea right now with Andrew and Sarah. I am exhausted, the past two days have been very busy. Today was a Khyber mailout day, and yesterday I worked with Darryl at the WTCC. Kris called me today from DJ’s; they need their windows painted ASAP. I am doing them tomorrow night. Oh, and in drastic interpersonal news, Monika has dumped Jamie. Shocking. Anyway, Karina needs the computer again.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Thursday, March 29, 2001 7:47 AM
Subject: Only PM Can Call Probe; Experts Say Visits To MDs For Depression Up 36%; Is There A Link?
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I’ve been up since about four o’clock this morning working on a proposal for Eastern Edge Gallery. I couldn’t help but wake up early this morning; my head is buzzing with all the things I have to do. I realized that a few of the other artist run centres’ deadlines aren’t until mid-April, so this is the only one I need to get done this week. It will be a long day today, I have lots of meetings and errands and running around to do, plus painting at DJ’s tonight. Joel Plaskett is playing at the Khyber Club tonight; I would like to go. Hopefully I can stay awake. Anyway, I have to grab a bite to eat and head to Piercey’s; Jon and I are fixing the washroom sinks this morning.
I hope this snow melts. There should be a law against snow past April 1.
Sincerely,
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Friday, March 30, 2001 8:43 AM
Subject: Abortion Foe Arrested In Fatal Sniper Attack While Ottawa Pays Church’s Bill For Abuse Settlement
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
What a day yesterday. I was up at 4 am and worked on a proposal for Eastern Edge, then was at work all day, and it was a busy day; making packages for underwriter sponsors, photocopies, lots of phone calls, people showing up to talk, intern, security system installed, late afternoon CAP meeting, got some money from Darryl so biked home, quick bite to eat then off to DJ’s to paint front windows, and have to go back this morning to finish them. Joel Plaskett Emergency played at the Khyber Club last night, good two sets, they are heading to Toronto for the weekend then to England for ten days in April.
We now realize that the thermostat in the Heritage Trust office controls the heat in the club. We don’t have a key to their office; I guess we have been trying to get one from them for a long time. The sweet old ladies that work their occasionally left the heat way up last night, and boy was it hot in the club. I called the treasurer yesterday, as they are also a month behind on their rent, so hopefully it will all get sorted out.
Anyway, must run, am late.
Chris
From: Karina and Chris <kvanderlinden@hfx.eastlink.ca>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Date: Saturday, March 31, 2001 1:20 AM
Subject: Friday’s Winning Numbers: After Found Frozen Solid, Edmonton Toddler Erika Leaves Hospital And Commons Returns To Civility After Raucous Week Of Mudslinging Slurs
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just finished watching Titus with Karina. What a looooong movie! Painful to watch at times, and not just for the surprisingly shocking scenes of unspeakable violence (the sudden image of the girl with twigs replacing her hands is especially brutal), but the for cheesy faux-modern dance choreography. Is it a movie or a dance production? Like a CBC late-night made for TV dance production; you know it’s bad, but you can’t help but watch.
Karina is surprised that I bought myself a new toothbrush yesterday. Just call me an impulse shopper.
Finished the window at DJ’s this morning – actually, it was this afternoon; I was late for work. Winnie didn’t mind. Changed the design somewhat; instead of painting flowers with the clouds, I brought over the extra cellophane Darryl had given me after the decorating gig on Tuesday. My plan was to use the orange, but it looked too murky against the blue ground, so I just went with the clear. Crumpled up properly it resembles clouds. Kris and Jackie did the decorating, as I was in a rush to get back to work and they were in a rush to get the window finished.
Tickets are printed for the Gala. They look real nice. Are you able to come? It would be nice to have you there.
Tomorrow starts the “spring cleaning weekend”. Should be fun.
-Chris
DEAR PM 