From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2003 8:08 AM
Subject: Tory leadership race goes distance; Peter MacKay wins on 4th ballot» MacKay has pedigree, good looks and bantering wit to make him a political natural» Martin says Tories ‘put gun to their head’ with free-trade feud at convention
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent a fair bit of time outside in the back yard yesterday, getting a sunburn on the back of my neck. Worked on the “SARS” painting, finally resolved that problem I had been having with one of your eyes. Got distracted by the dandelions in our back yard and ended up weeding for a few hours, developing some interesting blisters on my palms as a result. Dragged the lawnmower out of the basement to see if it works but it doesn’t; the rip-cord is missing and I think the engine is seized. Went back inside to the studio, continued work on the painting and listened to the reports from the PC leadership conference as they pre-empted regular radio programs. The face of politics takes on a very odd appearance during leadership conventions; like a sporting event, similar to wrestling, but with more audience participation. More like Capture the Flag.
Karina and I headed down to Sobeys to get some groceries. We stopped at a little used goods store and tried funky hats on for awhile before going to the Asian market. Took our time while shopping, tasting samples. Came home and surfed the web for a while, reading blogs from Salam Pax from Iraq, which provides more of a civilians’ opinion and perspective of post-war Iraq.
Karina dragged me off to see X2 last night. I wasn’t really into it to begin with. The special effects were great, though I am sick of effects-driven movies. Too convoluted a plot, too many characters, too long. The Magneto escape was nicely done. Came straight home afterward and went to bed; the Yard Sale fundraiser is today and I need to be there early to do some setup. It is forecast to rain, heavy at times, starting around noon. We could move the operation inside, but overall bad weather could really dampen the turnout and the sales.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>, ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Monday, June 2, 2003 8:17 AM
Subject: FW: Death of woman lifts SARS death toll to 31; 5 other deaths being probed» SARS proves value of hospitals, need to steer some people elsewhere» ‘I’m not ashamed,’ MacKay says of free-trade deal that won him Tory helm
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Smoked a lot of cigarettes yesterday. Had a couple with Shawn during the yard sale, many more during the post-gala barbeque meeting later on. Was up early and at the Khyber for 8:30am to set up the yard sale. Heather came by about mid-morning with a fresh load of stuff, which helped make our side look reasonable. Eyelevel gallery had a lot more goods in their sale. Watched Basquiat without volume about 3 times in a row; it was one of the only videotapes we had for sale and I was playing it to show the TVs worked. Eventually sold the old Sony monitor to Pheilm and threw the videocassette in for free. It was a “screening only” copy anyway. Our total take for the day was $126.50, not very much considering the work that goes into it. And now we have more stuff than when we started, and we’ll most likely have to make a trip to Sally Ann this week.
The rain had started, as times heavy, by the close of the yardsale at 4pm. By then I was tired and hungry and cranky. Karina was late picking me up; she and Rebecca were taking pictures of the Drawing Club contribution to Wall Works at St. Mary’s, which was closing today. They were having technical problems with the camera. Didn’t bother to change before heading over to Heather G.’s house for the barbeque. She has a very grown-up house; nice furniture, everything in a sensible place, great kitchen pots and pans, a snazzy home office, and a wicked wine and beer cellar. She barbequed in the rain for us, and had prepared mounds of salad in advance. I split a rare steak with Karina. There were eight of us so we sat at her long dining room table and discussed the gala, fundraising in general, and my replacement for August. We sent that one to committee. I’ve already got four different committee meetings planned for this week alone — two of which happen at the same time; guess I’d better pick which one I’m going to. Most of the conversation throughout the night was more informal; teenage life, growing up gay, small town homophobia, school reunions, family reunions, strange games, camping, wine and more. Sat in the living room by the constantly-stoked fire. Went to the front porch for cigarette breaks with Andréa and Spencer.
Eventually the four of us left in Roberta, stopping at Susanna’s on the way home; it was her birthday. She was dressed all in sequins. I picked up Sarah’s cowboy hat for her, the one she had left there the night of the Gala. We only stayed a few minutes; Susanna was looking tired. We stopped at Spencer’s for a night cap (can of beer) and hung out with his roommate Yoshi, who is rightly excited about their upcoming party (theme: 1983 Gay Bar “the chez family joolz”) then drove Andréa home. Went to bed soon and read for awhile.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2003 7:56 AM
Subject: Officials record another death due to SARS, active probable cases are 62» Feds, RCMP, CSIS say spy agency couldn’t have prevented Air India bombing» Opposition, nurses demand Eves hold public inquiry into SARS
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent most of my office time working on the accounting and getting up to date with Revenue Canada. The offices were bustling; Dean was starting his first day as KDMC instructor and he was busy defining and revising the order of the classes; Jonathan was completing the Coast ads; Rilla and Nora were testing supplies and techniques and writing media releases, updates to go to the website and sponsorship letters; Shawn was cleaning, changing the hours, making posters, helping Stefan; Andréa came in and updated membership; Mareike was in to check on Sarah K’s installation (which is quite nice; a small TV monitor on a shelf and cupboard installed in the Closet, vintage canned goods below and an old high chair below the cupboard. The video is of Sarah K. attempting to eat a whole jar of peanut butter in one sitting); Spencer was in briefly to help move wall dividers; Lucas came by to help Michelle from the Heritage Trust with some computer stuff. Quite a workforce. Lucky for us Shawn and Dean both have their own laptops, or there wouldn’t be enough computers for everyone to work at once. I find it amazing how insidiously important those things have come to be.
We got word on the provincial arts grants; success on the commissioning (though they offered almost a third less), and success on the Box Set compendium project (though they offered us half). It means a bit of a drastic overhaul of the project if we are going to try to do it with half the money, but we have a meeting scheduled Thursday to talk about it. The KDMC had better luck with its new media screenings project, which is good news. We can probably afford to keep Lucas right through until December, at least.
Karina stopped by looking for money; Lyndon was after us already for the rent. Luckily a cheque came from Warren, so we can pay rent and keep our cable from being disconnected. Went to the bank and then Canadian Tire to get a toilet handle to replace the broken one in the men’s washroom. Felt guilty about taking the car, as it is commuting week. Ordered supper from the Med and had a tenancy meeting with Briony, Heather G. and Dan W. in the club to discuss terms and rates. Of course, we also talked about the barbeque and the thirteen bottles of wine that seven people managed to drink. Briony and Emily didn’t leave until 2am, but Heather didn’t mind. Erin came by and updated me on some of the newsletter stuff; Jason is going to send an artist page, he’s just unsure about the format. Sarah came by after her eyelevel meeting and we talked about the purposes of art. When Andrew M. came over I had to leave, was just too tired to be out any longer. Rebecca and Karina were on the computer and the phone, respectively, when I got home so I puttered around the kitchen a bit, then read for a bit and went to bed.
Have to get a push on the rest of the newsletter content today. Would also like to construct those tables for the KDMC and re-arrange the office. Have conflicting meetings tonight; both newsletter and KDMC board. It is also Spencer’s birthday today and everyone is meeting for drinks at the Shoe Shop. It’s almost too much.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2003 8:26 AM
Subject: WHO holds off on travel advisory but is concerned about Toronto SARS outbreak» Another 650 Alberta animals to be slaughtered in mad-cow investigation» Manitoba New Democrats win second majority government Tuesday
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I’m not sure if it was my own internal alarm clock or Karina’s snoring that woke me up this morning, but whichever it was I’m lucky to be up. Got home too late last night from Spencer’s B-day party at the Shoe Shop (Backstage if you want to be specific about it; the enclosed smoking room of course). Karina had gone out with us but left really early in the night; she had been up late the night before and had an early class yesterday as well as a long day at school, and then a KDMC board meeting. I skipped the first half of the board meeting for the newsletter meeting, which went really well. We’re falling a bit behind schedule but the re-design looks so good I’d rather wait a little longer and produce something of a much higher calibre. Anyway, a lot of people stopped by for Spencer, making it hard to leave. Talked with Shelley and Michelle early in the evening, then had some mussels and Nachos, then Karina left, spent a lot of time talking with Gillian, who is recently back from a stint at Capilano College in Vancouver, and talked to Gordon a great deal about provincial funding. He had an interesting take on the 67% cut we took on the Box Set grant which is less conspiratorial than I think it is, but makes a little more sense. Dan W. had been in the office earlier and is planning t draft a media release about the funding; I was gung-ho about it yesterday and especially last night, but now I’m not so sure. We just have to make sure of as many facts as we can find out before we start going public with grant results. Spent a lot of time in the evening discussing grad school choices with Emily; she is torn between Dublin and Chelsea. I’d pick Dublin, but only because I think a 2-year program outweighs a one year, especially when it costs the same. Erin is also in a bind, torn between NYU and Essex. Talked with Greg about finding wealthy patrons to buy the Khyber Building and donate it back to the arts society; maybe we have to look more seriously at approaching Cal’s friend Coco. The problem is we always talk about these things at night and in bars and it never seems to filter down to daytime planning. Smoked close to a pack of cigarettes last night; am drinking lemon and water right now to try to soothe my aching, swollen throat. Smoking is bad for you.
Anyway, the day went well, lots of staff in and out and bustling about. Helped Shawn put the new media centre tables together. Worked on newsletter and ads and artist pages and media releases for Khyber Kids. Sarah M.’s review of Mass Appeal is more critical than I expected, but in a way that positively reflects the level of thinking and writing about art we want to see more of. Our internet connections were really slow yesterday and Lucas spent half his time on the phone with Eastlink. They think our cable modem may need to be replaced, which they will do for free.
Was a little bit late for an appointment with Carrie from the Atlantic Media Institute at the AGNS (I’d actually forgotten all about it). She wanted some interview questions recorded on video for her class. I’m thinking that maybe I’m too accommodating when it comes to people from or dealing with media. After we had done shooting I ran into Joan, Tamara’s mom, at the gallery. She is in town for the conference, it was quite unexpected to run into her. She seemed keen to read the letters.
Am meeting with Lucas and Liz to discuss grants this morning, then the big office re-arrangement will commence.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chretien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2003 7:54 AM
Subject: Chretien’s party financing bill on track to pass next week» Mad cow investigation crosses U.S. border; 5 bulls traced to farm in Montana» Second cluster of SARS cases begins to ‘taper off’ in Toronto area: official
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spoke to Judy on the phone yesterday morning. She had a good laugh at my “self portrait” on the CBC website. Made plans to visit Saint John after the APAGA meeting in Sackville the 19th and 20th. She said she’d meet me in Moncton.
Took the car and went to Zellers to buy storage bins; the office re-organization has begun. Shopping at a department store like that in the middle of the day is a weird experience, and one that is hard to describe. The whole place, the lighting, the people, the whole store, seemed somewhat out of place. Picked up a load of office supplies from Staples as well. Nora had done a lot of the office organizing throughout the afternoon. Started to go through all the files, what a mess. I’m the worst to do this job as I’m such a pack-rat. I find fascinating the hand-written minutes from committee meetings in 1995. We’re putting the older files in the basement and consolidating current administration and programming files into one cabinet. We have to clear out one filing cabinet and remove it from the office to make room for the two other desks.
Went home for supper, cooked a steak that had almost been in the fridge too long. It would be nice to have a barbecue for the back deck. Then we would really miss a door from the kitchen. Speaking of doors and kitchens, I ran into Jeremy the other day and he gave me the number for his housing company; I should call and get an application form. He is planning to leave for Geulph in mid-September, so the timing would work out perfectly if we were to take his place.
Had a brief nap and then drove with Karina to Pierceys, but it was closed. She was bringing a load of stuff to her studio space at school and wanted to get some wood to make a table. We unloaded at the front entrance and I drove the car home, then walked back to work. So much for ‘commuter week’. Sorted through files some more and left the office in a huge mess. Karina stopped by on her way home and we talked about my recent bad mood swing and then walked home. Read over a bunch of the gallery submissions before going to bed early.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Friday, June 6, 2003 8:04 AM
Subject: CSIS cites animal rights, anti-globalization movements as possible terrorists» Health Minister McLellan won’t commit to federal help for SARS health workers» Death toll due to SARS drops by one; officials urge workers to do their jobs
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Office re-organization phase one is complete! I think it had a lot to do with my mood improvement. Rilla and Nora continued their excellent organizing, packing and condensing; we took loads of junk that had been gathering in the office down to the basement. Shawn and I carried one of those huge grey shelving units down to the basement and it just fit in the first part of the furnace room. Found the near-petrified remains of a couple mice while making room for the shelves.
Had spanakopita from the Blowers Street Paperchase Café for lunch. Rilla and Nora commented that it was the first time they had ever seen me eat.
Was convinced that today was Wednesday, even after seeing a copy of HFX. I though the Daily News had moved its copy-cat entertainment supplement to Wednesdays. It wasn’t until I saw people reading the Coast that I clued in. No wonder the newsletter and Khyber Kids brochure deadlines seemed so pressing; they are pressing!
We moved the new tables into the KDMC and brought 2 desks into the office, yet the room seems more spacious and less cluttered. We have a computer on each desk now, though we haven’t been able to do much with Shawn’s, as certain drivers and software updates need to be added. The KDMC looks far more spacious and certainly has room for another console; we are thinking of getting at least 2 computers for email and word-processing only, to help keep the focus on projects for the higher-end machines.
Met with Dan Norris from HRM to discuss the turret, our exterior sign and the funky calendar project. He seemed receptive to each. We need to have an architect on board for any turret renovations we are planning. Their capital budget has set up to $30,000 aside for this; once the board hears that there may be more action.
Met Karina at Mamoya for supper. She is putting in lots of time at school; on Thursdays she has a fashion class at 8:30 and usually stays as long as she can afterwards to work on projects. She has organized a petition seeking greater access to the rooms and equipment after the school minimized access. She was at school until after I went to bed last night.
Met with the the publications committee after supper and discussed the Box Set and the grant; they were all for continuing with the project and seeking more sponsorship and advertising, and trimming the printing costs. We’ll also go with one writer per exhibition. Greg was asked and accepted the writing duties for the upcoming Laskarin show.
Stayed in the office afterwards with Rebecca as she copy-edited the latest hardcopy of the newsletter Jonathan had brought and I worked on minor text changes and my introduction. Jonathan has to do the changes at home as we don’t have the software he is using at the KDMC. Have to work on another couple applications to Adobe and Gifts in Kind.
Am meeting with Ray and Svava today to discuss touring options for Dear Jean… as well as the catalogue. Should be exciting; I’d like to see the work in a few different venues across the country. I think it will work best as a complete project if it is seen in different regions across the country. I wonder if galleries would still be interested in the project if it morphs into Dear Paul… sometime in the new year?
Had weird dreams last night about teaching Khyber Kids on the roof of the Khyber. In my dream the roof wasn’t flat but full of peaks and steep angles. I remember at one point playing hide ‘n seek and perching above the Mullet skylight (which had been blown off the roof) and my toe sinking into the roof, and someone grabbing it from inside. Kids were playing ‘Capture the Flag’ and getting way too close to the edges. Also dreamed that Eleanor’s parents ran a huge, market-sized subway sandwich dept; they scurried around aisle upon aisle of cold-cuts and condiments serving up big subs. It was weird night for dreams. Maybe it was the thunder?
Heard an explosion and the power went out briefly this morning while I was shaving. Could hear alarms and dogs barking afterwards.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2003 1:31 PM
Subject: Hundreds of Canadian veterans attend opening of Juno Beach Centre in France» Canadians across the country mark opening of Juno Beach Centre» International experts to audit Canadian mad cow investigation over weekend
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Met with Ray yesterday morning to discuss touring options for Dear Jean…. We’re going to send some packages to a lot of the public galleries in provincial capitals. We talked a lot about interactivity and direct to publishing, ideas involving Zerox and publishing fairs and the letters online and indexes. We spent a lot of time talking about plans he has for a David Askevold retrospective as well. He forwarded to me a reent version of the catalogue essay but I haven’t had time to go through it yet.
It appears that there was another fire that affected NSCAD students and some Khyber members again, this time in the South End. It wasn’t the explosion I heard, that was something different, but at about 4:00 AM an apartment building nearby was struck by lightning. Some people had to jump from third story windows. Don’t know many details yet, but have heard that Shana and Denton lived there. We may keep our fire relief bank account open a little longer.
Had some slides developed from the RAW exhibit in Toronto. The show looked good, better than I had imagined. We’ll get a couple shots in the newsletter. Still haven’t heard from Jason so his artist page is going to be used for something else. We are running out of room for all the updates, programming and reviews anyhow. Craig has apparently agreed to write something on the Askevold video yet he still hasn’t finished his Club update.
Peter came by and we drafted a letter and sponsorship request for wade company. We’re trying to get them to print the Khyber Box Set for free or at cost.
Had a meeting about the future of the turret room after work. Can’t really say much about it at this point. We’re caught between spending too much time just trying to make it pay for itself through short term rentals, or applying for project grants and potentially sustaining Inter- Arts grants to maintain our own programming up there, or renting it out long term and not having to worry too much about it. At this point I’m leaning a bit towards the latter. It will give us more time and energy to focus on our current programming and augmenting our publishing, writing and exhibits in alternative spaces.
Tashia came over for supper. Karina had bought a few groceries and big steaks. We smoked on the back deck (the first few cigarettes I have had since smoking like a chimney Tuesday night) and drank a couple bottles of red wine. Tashia and Karina went upstairs to do clothing measurements; I continued to read through exhibition proposals and checked out more of samplesize.ca. Finally found my digital files (Karina had made a backup and I didn’t know where it was), and was able to update and slightly re-format my CV. I was tired and really just wanted to get some sleep. It was past midnight when Karina drove Tashia home. Read a bit longer before going to bed.
It felt really good to sleep in today. Feel well-rested. Plan to hit a few used clothing stores today to try to find an outfit of some sort to wear to Spencer’s party tonight. Trevor called and invited us out to his place for a barbeque; I’m trying to convince them to come as well. It will be a late night.
Going to go finish that SARS painting first.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2003 9:31 PM
Subject: Privacy commissioner expected to answer for $100,000 in travel costs» SARS death tally rises by two, Ontario health ministry reports» N.B. political leaders urge workers to get out vote for election
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent most of today in bed recuperating from the big party last night. Slept in until about 1:30. Came home noisily at about 4am. Tried to get in through the kitchen window as we had misplaced our keys. The window was blocked with the painting I had finished yesterday, though I wasn’t aware of that and I kept trying to push the window open and the painting kept jamming it shut. . Karina rang the doorbell a few times and Sarah K. let us in. I spent a good deal of time on the bathroom floor; every time I stopped moving I felt violently ill. Threw up a few times. I was supposed to be looking after Karina, who wasn’t in much better shape. I had been drinking beer since 6pm, and continued on through the barbeque at Trevor’s. The big joint at about 3:30am might have done me in. The big steak I had at Trevor’s probably didn’t help either. Trevor drove us back into town and we put on our outfits. We didn’t even get to the party until 12:30, Karina and I split a cab with Courtney and Sarah. Rebecca and Peter stayed home. The party was fun, we danced a few hours, until the police came on a noise complaint. I wore a strip of electrical tape around my chest and a vest and tie I had borrowed from Courtney. It was a last-ditch costume but it seemed to go over well; Jason was hitting on me all night. Karina and I split a cab home with Greg. Greg struck up a complex conversation with the cab driver during the trip. He is house-sitting and renovating for Cal; her billionaire-patron bought her a house. They are taking taking their time and doing the renovations right. The garden is something completely out of this city; no lawn, just nice patios and steps and paths and shrubs and gardens. Some of Cals I-beams forming a grid for flowers and brush to grow up through, very nice.
Watched a few episodes of Twin Peaks this afternoon, picking up where we left off last year. The RAW crew brought back a collection of TV shows Sarah’s mom had recorded. It is really weird watching TV ads from 1989. Made some supper and cleaned the kitchen. Selwin, Aaron, Andrew, Mike Eddy and Courtney & Sarah were over for Drawing Club tonight. The energy is really low. I showed Rebecca the Paul Butler Collage Party Summit on the samplesize website, she had a good laugh over it. I like the letter he posted so much I’m copying it below. It is a humorous take on an artists’ life from a friendly, non-artist viewpoint. I think you’ll get a kick out of it, though the photos of the aftermath of the Summit really help put it all into perspective:
Sent April 24, 2003
>
> Paul,
>
> Just wanted to drop you a line to find out what the hell happened to you Last week. The gang was upset you missed out on our little reunion, we do however get together once every ten years or thereabouts, so you didn’t miss much. I mentioned to the crew that you knew about the dinner and had committed to coming but you had a little party to wrap up your week of “collage” and would be there later. Though I think I may have mixed it up with a week of “paper mache” whatevs, same dif. Ted wants you to make him a piñata.
> You will be pleased to know that unable to defend yourself you became the running joke. We all took turns giving our rendition of Paul “the artist”. I think the winner was the one who wrote the word “Poo” on his t-shirt with HP sauce and started farting. It’s one of those performance pieces so as I understand it, one actually has to be witness to achieve the full effect. A close second was little Sammy’s dirty diaper, but we had to tell him it was art and that he was an artist because he’s only 4 months old and doesn’t know it yet.
> I think you need a handler over there, even the daily phone reminders failed to see you show. I can’t recall watching the decline an individual at such a steady pace through their own hand. Aren’t you 30? The people you grew up with have children making collage right now, toddlers for christ sake, and even most of them are smart enough to do it on a computer. Why don’t you learn Latin instead, it’d be more useful to you there in DOWNTOWN WINNIPEG!!! Is that why you moved back here? Because the economics of living in Toronto did not afford you the luxury of sitting around with a bunch of other drop -outs pasting bits of paper on to other larger bits of paper.
> Instead of “collage” you and yours should be thinking “college”. Out of curiosity, how is the health? You sounded like Chewbacca by day three and really didn’t speak with any regard to sentence structure. Though at the end, I could have been talking to your 87 year old, eastern European building maintenance guy for all I know.
> Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the photo that was forwarded to me of you taped to a pole at the “collage party” wrap, are you supposed to be more like that guy in Eyes Wide Shut or that chick in the band Hansen?
> Keep up the good work and maybe ask the gallery to see about removing the asbestos from your play area, artists don’t need to suffer in this day and age. Really.
> Regards,
> RL
>
> p.s. do you need cash? my fence needs painting painterman.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Monday, June 9, 2003 11:27 PM
Subject: Bernard Lord’s Conservatives win reduced majority in N.B. election» Nurses wearing SARS masks say they’ve been ‘muzzled, silenced and ignored’» Illness hits at least 15 in Whitby, sparking fears of new SARS cluster
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Back to the old routine. Up early, tried on some of the clothes Trevor gave me this weekend. The pants are a bit big, but the long-sleeved shits are nice. Feels a bit weird getting hand-me-downs from my younger brother. Made some breakfast, packed a lunch, walked to work, grabbed a coffee from Paperchase. The office filled up rapidly; first Nora and Rilla, then Shawn, then Mareike, then Dean, then Jon. The newsletter is not finished but it is close. There was still content to add, and miraculously Craig delivered—both on the Club update and a short review of Askevold’s latest video. The Khyber Kids brochure was completed and the file is now at Allegra, waiting for the paper order to come in.
Began dismantling the Mass Appeal show. Caroline and Caroline helped out, and it went quite smoothly. Had it all packed up and the walls patched by 5pm. Took the TV back to eyelevel and had Shawn and Dean help move crates up and down the stairs.
Did a quick TV interview outside with Linda Kelly for a story the program Play is producing on downtown revitilization and the role artist centres have played in that process. It went OK, though the weather was crap; we could see our breath in the air. The buses make a heck of a lot of noise as well. I wish I had shaved today; stubble doesn’t work on TV.
Went home for supper; surprisingly, Karina had cooked. The steaks were lovely, not overdone. I think my guts are still a little in shock from the sudden return to meat-eating. We walked back downtown, Karina headed down to school and I went back to the Khyber. Had to work on the Laskarin invitation. Talked with Greg about the work in the show and watched Daniel’s Umbilicus video; a repeating loop of the Tacoma Narrows collapsing bridge. It is almost hypnotic watching it.
Came home and Karina and I watched another episode of Twin Peaks. The second season just doesn’t have that spark the first did; it’s almost like the weirdness has become gratuitous and expected. Too overt; the subtlety is lost. It is hard to stop watching after just one, however; whatever happened to poor Audrey? I guess I’ll have to wait until next time. Have a gallery selection committee meeting tomorrow night, so it won’t be until Wednesday.
Am giving a talk for Garry’s students at the AGNS tomorrow at noon. Am going to go read for awhile before going to bed.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 1:47 AM
Subject: No promise of mad cow aid for West but PM wants more talks, says B.C. premier» Ontario Appeal Court deems same-sex marriages a protected right» Eves appoints judge to investigate how Ontario has handled SARS
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just got back from the gallery selection committee meeting. It went from 6pm-midnight, at which point we sang happy birthday to R____. The acoustics in the gallery are actually quite nice for singing. We are planning to re-convene next week and make a decision on the final slot, as we could only come to an agreement on three exhibitions. Stayed in the Club, which was surprisingly busy for a Tuesday, until close. Was actually the last to leave. I think Karina is mad at me for being out so late. We ordered pizza from Tomasinos at the start of the meeting, and I even have leftovers for tomorrow.
Went to the AGNS today at noon to meet Garry’s class and after waiting half an hour realized that the meeting was actually tomorrow. D’uh.
We managed to get the newsletter completed today. Jonathan had to go home a couple times to make changes, and there is still one glaring error to be corrected tomorrow morning, but other than that it is ready to go. We may be a day late on the mailout but that isn’t so bad. Worked on gallery PR, invites and posters, and went over some banking procedures with Rilla and Nora.
It is too late, I have to get to bed.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 11:46 PM
Subject: Former Saskatchewan aboriginal leader Ahenakew charged with promoting hatred» MPs pass bill to reform political financing, limit corporate donations» Keep lid on foreign ownership, put hold on media convergence: report
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Just came back from watching Wild dogs with Sarah and Karina. Thom shouldn’t have cast himself in the lead role; his acting was dull, flat and uninspired. The scenery, the cityscape of Bucharest and the gypsy children all made me forget from time to time that it was a movie, not a documentary. Nicely shot, but depressing as heck. Before that we visited with Rita and friends at the Lions’ Head Tavern in celebration of her birthday.
Karina scrounged up some money from somewhere today and we went to Sobeys to get some groceries. We were in and out in a flash, one of the quickest excursions yet. Had meat and potatoes and asparagus for supper. Overcooked the meat a bit, I think I am losing my touch.
Had my artist talk with Gary’s class today at noon. I think it went OK though I rambled more than I would have liked. Felt like a good discussion, the group was small and there were some good questions. We talked about On Kawara and future digitization and on-line potential the letters have. Gary gave me a nice bottle of wine for my time.
Didn’t accomplish much in the office today. Worked on PR; the next bulk email will be a doozy, lots of shows and calls for submission coming up. The mailout is coming together and will be huge as well; we are sending out the Gala thank-yous and receipts. Andréa was in and is organizing most of that. Met the new director of eyelevel, Jennifer Dormer and her husband. They were still recuperating from the Maritime greeting the eyelevel board threw for them; on Monday night they went for half-price cocktails at the Fireside. I told them their tolerance would grow the longer they stayed.
Realized I made a big goof in my scheduling; next Thursday is the artist presentation at the AGNS but I was also planning to be in Sackville for the APAGA AGM. Unless I can find a ride back to Halifax later that day I won’t be able to go until Friday, which would mean missing the ARC-specific part of the meeting, which was sort of the point in the first place. Should find out at the meeting tomorrow night if other Board members are willing to go.
Speaking of ARCs, I received a form collection agency letter today for my Visa; the company is called ARC. The agent didn’t even bother signing it. I’ve left instructions with my roommates to tell any collection agent that calls for me that I am a crack addict and have moved out suddenly without paying my rent. No forwarding address.
Karina didn’t like Wild Dogs (mostly because of Thom, I think. His acting, not his directing), and now she wants to watch another episode of Twin Peaks. Oddly enough, I felt much of the imagery in Wild Dogs had a David Lynch look, though in a more naturalistic manner, less contrived.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Thursday, June 12, 2003 10:50 PM
Subject: Dhaliwal warns he could resort to law to force more efficient cars» Government slashes subsidies to business, asks Quebecers to help themselves» Federal government puts off decision on same-sex marriage; committee supports
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Had a good day. Worked on details for shipping the Mass Appeal show to Sackville. The newsletters were printed by noon and the “Khyber Crew”—Rilla, Nora, Dean, Jonathan and Jane (who was volunteering: she is sporting a really hot new haircut)—folded and stapled all 600 by days end. Stuffed and mailed most of the envelopes to members and press, too—over 300. Felt like something was accomplished. The newsletter looks good. Jonathan’s front cover cut-out design works; Nora made one. The KDMC received a community grant from HRM for equipment purchases. Lucas is looking into decent chairs (there is one in the centre now that if you lean back in it flips over. More than a few people have ended up ass-over-tea-kettle—where does that term come from?—while sitting in it). All the furniture right now is extreme hand-me-down. I don’t even know where it all came from. One of the members donated a scanner today; now we have three, and they all can scan slides. There will still be money left over for a decent PC, hopefully with flatscreen. It would be nice to have the centre outfitted before the kids camps start end of June. At least with Shwn’s cleaning the place doesn’t look so much like a teenager’s rec room.
Started work on the CC interim report; cash flow is getting low. I sort of like the seeming self-sufficiency of not needing our annual funding straight away. Certainly a far cry from the past few years. It’s now almost two months past when we usually get it. Living off rental income, camp revenue, and employment and programming grants at this point.
Grabbed a steak and cheese sub from Subway for supper; there wasn’t much time to go home to eat before the board meeting.
We met in the Turret to discuss who was going to staff the place when I am gone in August for the residency. Looks like Andréa will be taking charge, though she will only be in 2-3 days per week. Also talked about Turret usage, short-term vs. long-term tenants, Khyber mandate and the Inter-Arts programming. There are a lot of variables to figure out by the end of summer. Also tried to figure out travel plans for the APAGA meeting next week in Sackville. Looks like I may go on Thursday but come back for the artist talk, though I don’t really trust the Festiva. Larissa and I will go back on Friday and hopefully the ARC meeting will take place then.
Stayed in the Club until about 9:30 while a punk-looking band set up complete with blue stage lights and glowing yellow skulls. Nice props. Talked about the Wild Dogs and childhood experiences of dealing with discipline and up-tight parents, and housekeeping, and the colour of pee. Emily still hasn’t made her mind up between Dublin or Chelsea. Was worried about staying out too late but no one was homer when I got here. Washed some laundry and read some weblinks on Cursor.org. Need to make some food for the weekly Khyber potluck we are trying to have on Fridays. May just go to bed early and do it all in the morning.
Peter, Rebecca, Courtney and Sarah just came in. Am going to have a leftover salami sandwich before going to bed.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2003 11:52 AM
Subject: Jury finds Sand guilty of RCMP murder, girlfriend convicted of manslaughter» Committee says it has lost confidence in federal privacy commissioner» Investigators reveal SARS outbreaks linked through original hospital
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry I didn’t write last night. Had planned to be home early after work, but Sarah called and wanted Karina and and I to go out for supper with Stephen Nguyen and his partner Jamie (no, he’s not gay). Stephen is exhibiting paintings at eyelevel; the opening and artist talk is today at 6pm. We had a quick drink in the Club and then went to the Harbourfront and had fish ‘n chips on the patio and watched the boats and harbour hopper go by. Stephen did his MFA in Victoria and helped start the Ministry for Casual Living while there; he now lives in Brooklyn. We talked a lot about art, schools, economics, Minimalism, American patriotism and flag-waving, George Bush slipping in the opinion polls (finally) over the lack of WMD. Stopped at Dio Mio and stopped in our back yard to eat sorbetto on our way to St. Mary’s for an opening of 3×3, a show of three works each by André, Judd and Flavin. National Gallery curator Diana Nemiroff gave opening remarks (which I felt leaned too heavily on the crutch of the non-objective, essentialist elements of Minimalism and didn’t touch enough on the more political nature of the work). She then later managed to embarrass me mildly in front of John, Bruce and a few others; I introduced myself and she said she had been to see my show and also had been at an Art Gallery of Ottawa fundraiser a while back and ran into Warren who was telling her about buying some of my paintings. I don’t know why but for some reason this seemed to unnerve me and I didn’t know how to respond. Peter and Rebecca came by after she was done work (her last shift at Italian Deli) and checked out the show briefly, talked to Mathew and Rob, then we drove home. Rebecca had wanted to go out and do something but Karina was tired and the rest of us were indifferent. Courtney and Sarah K. were in the middle of watching Brazil so sat in and watched, as it is one of my favourites. Was just too tired to write after the movie.
It felt like the first day of summer yesterday; it was sunny and almost hot. We had our first staff pot-luck which we are trying to do every Friday. It was hard to stay focused on work. Ryan came by to look at the old exhibition files; he is an archivist and wants to help organize, and catalogue the material. Went over with Mareike a schedule of work for when her internship ends in mid-August; she will work part-time for a few weeks until I get back. Spent some time distracting myself by investigating the possibility of leasing computer equipment for the KDMC instead of buying outright.
Am going to try to focus on my own art things today; travel plans, computer rental or lease for August, finding website space to launch the letters and current blogs by mid-July, and my artist statement for the catalogue to Ray. And of course the house is a disaster area and needs to be cleaned. A strange, disgusting odour is eminating from the refrigerator; we can’t seem to locate the source. Am going to go get some coffee, bread and kitty litter, and the new Canadian Art (Rebecca’s review of Lucie’s MSVU show is in it) and maybe a paper.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Monday, June 16, 2003 12:03 AM
Subject: NDP Leader Jack Layton wants more federal aid for SARS-struck Toronto» Martin’s opponents get personal in last Liberal leadership debate» Producers fear slow border opening is political payback for irritating U.S.
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent the day indoors; it was raining off and on outside. Did some housecleaning, vacuumed the stairs. The stairs need to be brushed with a lint brush to collect the cat hair before vacuuming. Cleaned the kitchen a couple times. Read some magazines. Made coffee. Finished the “SARS” painting. Watched episodes of Twin Peaks.
Last night the whole household bundled off in the Festiva and went to Stephen’s opening at eyelevelgallery. He gave a talk on his work; a bit meandering, a little unclear but he tried to touch on a lot of ideas behind his work. Karina made a really interesting comment on the relationship of his work to phenomenology. Stephen and Jamie had been to see my show today and seemed to like it. I had given them free passes. Gave Lucie a free pass yesterday as well; she had come over with Rebecca briefly, before they headed out to the mall.
After the opening we went to Gingers; we were the only one’s there. They were playing the new Johnny Cash album; I really quite like his version of “Hurt”. Much more soulful and sincere and has more impact that Trent Reznor’s effects-driven, screeching sampled angst version. Also listened to the country music version of the Wall, by Luthor Right and the Wrongs. On Karina’s cue we all left; our own party continued at home. It was like a party for shut-ins or something; Rebecca, Courtney, Sarah K. and Karina and I drank a few more beer (Courtney bought some Colt 45, if you can believe it) and we acted all rambunctious in the kitchen. Worked on an invitation on the computer for a summer patio party we want to have before Rebecca leaves.
Got an email from Andrea in NY; she is visiting next week. Should be fun. We haven’t seen her since we were last in New York. I’d like to visit again; maybe in the fall, later September or October. It would be nice to see DIA Beacon.
Rebecca and Andrew and Peter came over for supper tonight and we all ate together, made salad, past and sauce, grilled sweet potato and asparagus. Watched more episodes of Twin Peaks; we are now past the conclusion of “who killed Laura Palmer”; the episodes are becoming more conventional, more like a regular cops and robbers show. In short, boring.
Anyway, I have a long day tomorrow; have to get the gallery ready for Shana’s fundraiser, get some PR out. Want to start reading A fine balance.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2003 12:27 AM
Subject: Harper urges Alliance and Tories to run single slate of candidates» Alberta alderwoman says she was drugged, raped 4 times after being abducted» Liberals snatch two seats from Bloc Quebecois in byelection surprises
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
I’m drunk. Stayed in the Club late tonight. talked to Emily (she decided on Dublin after all. About time) and Tim and Briony. Had a post-selection committee meeting. We decided to go with the three strong exhibitions, and not try to fill the fourth slot just for the sake of filling it. Talked with Bruce and Jonathan about art and artist-run centres and community afterwards. It was a fundraiser for Shana tonight; she was selling her pottery and sushi and sake. i think she did well. Hell of a way to get a show in the Ballroom—by having your apartment building burn down.
Good day at work. Worked on the CC Interim Report most of the day. It is becoming quite a complex document. Went home for lunch; made sockeye salmon sandwiches and re-heated leftovers. Peter came by and installed the newest version of Simply on Shawn’s donated computer. It took awhile, but at least now I can do the accounting in the office, and not be at the mercy of KDMC public access hours. Need to finish some major data entry by weeks end so the year-end books can be completed.
Took part in my first CSIS report with Andrew this morning; he has a Monday morning radio show on CKDU. He called me to get a report on Barrington Street as see from my office. We want to get binoculars or a telescope so we can better spy on the CSIS offices in the MTT building.
Karina bought me some of Shana’s pottery with sushi in it for supper.
Did no work on my talk or upcoming planning or slides or photocopying or anything related to my own art today.
The kitty litter smells something awful. Need to clean the whole thing out, what a pain.
Good crowd in the Club tonight; an above-average Monday.
Rebecca wants me to “get rid of” a squashed bird that has apparently shown up outside our back door. Like someone has stepped on it.
Have to be at work at 7am tomorrow morning to let in a film and video crew that is shooting a Mark Bragg video.
Dusty told me tonight that he heard about the Dear Jean show on Q104 today. Seems weird that it has entered the world of commercial radio. Shana also told me about seeing a story about it in the Southender, a local weekly (monthly? Bimonthly?) community publication.
Smoked too many cigarettes today; actually bought a pack because I felt bad about bumming off Tim.
Rebecca bought new shoes today; called “Drifters”, she picked them up at the drug store.
Need to get some sleep.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2003 10:02 PM
Subject: Canada to become third country sanctioning same-sex marriage» Ottawa’s $190-million mad cow package too little too late, say producers» Sudden activism by Ottawa raises questions of political, economic cost
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Was up realy, really early this morning to let the rock video crew into the building. They were waiting on the front steps at 6:45am. And, in typically film shoot fashion, promptly expanded and took over most of the building, running cables through offices in search of outlets (they blew a circuit, of course), borrowing tables and small AV adaptors, moving stuff, setting up wardrobes and a mini canteen courtesy Mr. Horton. I’m always amazed to see people able to smoke before 7am; I’m equally amazed to see people eat donuts at that time as well. Amazingly, they shot the video and cleared out right on time, by noon. In the meantime Nora and Rilla started folding the recently printed Khyber Kids brochures (and made a healthy dent in them, folding way more that half of the 3000 by days end). I worked on the accounting and then the scheduling and planning for volunteers who will be looking after the place while I’m away.
Went home for lunch and listened to a phone message from Chantal in Baie St-Paul; she was wondering when my painting would arrive, as the exhibition opens on Saturday. It was a good reminder; I brought the painting back to work with me in the afternoon, took a few digital pics and wrapped it up in cardboard and packing tape. Canada Post says they can have it there by Thursday at noon. Have to get my computer situation figured out. Someone just donated an old Macintosh laptop to the DMC I may rent or borrow; it is slow, but should be able to handle email. May be better than spending over $400 to rent one for the five weeks, which seems to be the going rate on newer powerbooks.
Went out for supper with Sarah, Karina and Jennifer—the new eyelevel director. We went to the Argyle and sat on the sidewalk patio. Oddly enough, there are now smoking and non-smoking sections of the patio. What about when the wind changes direction? Was in a low-key mood, very tired.
Went back to work, made some photocopies of articles to send to Warren, came home, looked through slides. May not have new slides for the artist talk on Thursday, keep forgetting to buy slide film. I want to play the audio recording I have of one of the PMO correspondence officers who called me about the missing letters and left a message on my phone. I do want to take some new slides, perhaps provide some more background on the beginnings of the project, and maybe some shots of the studio.
Still haven’t worked out my travel plans; don’t know if I am going to Sackville or not. Might rent a car. If I get it tomorrow I can pick Daniel up from the airport. Don’t know if I should go to Saint John. Can’t call Judy because we still have a long-distance block on our phone and hers won’t accept collect calls.
My digestion is all out of wack; I think it was the sausage and pepperoni pizza slice I scarfed back last night on my way home.
Oh, before I forget: good work on the gay marriages issue. It just makes sense, you know. I also think it is great you are giving the rightie-tighties such consternation. Let Ralph invoke the notwithstanding clause; it’ll just help enhance the “redneck” view many already have of him. And I’d love to see Elsie’s response. Meanwhile: Watch out for TMD (Trailors of Mass Destruction). They could be anywhere…
Courtney, Sarah K and I are debating cat litter. She is moving and needs to replace her litter. Mine stinks to high heaven and is in bad need of overhaul. We’re thinking of pooling our meagre resources together in order to buy a couple large bags of cat litter. Maybe I’ll just wait until tomorrow morning; I want to go through some slides before going to bed.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2003 2:27 AM
Subject: U.S. pilots won’t face charges of assault, manslaughter: source» Same-sex marriage bill expected to have plenty of support in Parliament» Hundreds of residents of Fort MacKay, Alta. evacuated due to forest fire
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Finally got the cat box cleaned out properly. Drove to Sobeys shortly past 7am, picked up a big bucket of clumping litter. Dumped the old stuff out and washed the box out with the house in the back yard. I think the cats were impressed.
Forgot to leave the key to the Festiva in the mailbox for Lyndon; he has been tearing up the foundation next door and needed to move out some rubble. His workers had to squeeze wheelbarrows past the narrow passageway between car and house.
Did some more bookkeeping this morning. The Khyber Kids crew were off distributing brochures today. Lucas took them out, and by end of day they had distributed over 2800.
Decided to rent a car for the trips to Sackville and Saint John. Tried to track Karina down in the afternoon for her credit card to reserve the vehicle. I saw her once in her studio but she was in a crit. I wandered through the studios, talked to Pheilm and Stephen, and when I went back she was gone. Went home for lunch, went to the bank, and managed to catch up with her by fluke on a break. She picked up a camera from the photo department for me and made arrangements to take Friday off work so she can come with me to Sackville. Continued working on my lists for the volunteers this weekend; there is a lot to keep track of.
Picked up the car after work, drove home, made supper and shot some slides. Took photos of the studio setup and the computer and a few documents I have been keeping that have something to do with the start of this project. I wasn’t using a light meter so they probably won’t even work out. Eve drove to the vacant lot on Cornwallis Street to photograph the state of the “bridge” I left there in 1999. It is still quite visible, though highly grown over with brush, and the wood is quite worn.
Met Spencer at the Split Crow to get him to sign some cheques, had a beer with him and Greg and Rob. Walked back to the Khyber and sat with Sarah and Emily for a bit before heading back home to get the car and drive to the airport to pick up Daniel.
The odd thing is, I was in the army once: I should know this. I should know the 24-hour clock. If someone says “I’ll meet you at oh-four hundred you should know it is 4am. Likewise, 20:00 is 8pm. Not 10pm, which is when I showed up at the airport. For someone who had bee waiting there for 2 hours Daniel didn’t seem to mind. Nor did he mind that Air Canada had lost his luggage somewhere in Toronto, and that one of his suitcases contains some of his exhibition. He was very pleasant.
He was keen to go for a drink so after checking in to his B&B and dropping the car off at my place we walked down to the Khyber. Ran into Karina on the way. The gang was still there, as were a few dozen more hip-hop kids and B-dancers. We stayed ’till close. Karina got looped on the Jagermeister special and at one point was even talking about going out dancing, even though she has an 8:30am class. We walked home and she made a heck of a noise in the kitchen, complaining about the dishes and then banging frozen soy beans on the countertop to break them up.
I have to get to bed; I am on the road early tomorrow morning and at some point during the day have to find time to sort my slides. Sarah dissed an idea I had of introducing 2 disparate bodies of work into the talk, to try to make some connections. Now I don’t know what to do.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Friday, June 20, 2003 9:14 AM
Subject: U.S. pilots won’t face charges of assault, manslaughter in friendly fire case» Ontario rejects Ottawa’s “outrageous” funding offer for SARS relief» Justice Minister Martin Cauchon supports John Manley’s Liberal leadership bid
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Sorry I didn’t write last night. Came home after supper, after driving Peter home and dropping Daniel off at the Inn and Karina off at school, and slept for a few hours before Karina called to be picked up.. It was raining cats and dogs, and the turnout to the talk wasn’t great, maybe fifteen people. Despite, or perhaps because of, the small turnout I found the discussion helpful. Bruce had some very keen observations on how this project has elements of Fluxus, mail art and folk peppered throughout, and how in many ways it is like a broad self-portrait.
We ate at Bhaan Thai after the artist talk. Daniel is on schedule for his exhibition opening. Air Canada delivered his luggage in the afternoon, so he has everything. Nothing broke; SAAG staff super-packed his sculptures with so much masking tape he considered it excessive. Surprisingly, I went through the whole day without consuming beer or cigarettes.
It took me just under two hours to drive back from Sackville; it was a bit tense at time, what with all the rain. Do you find that transport trucks drive faster now than they did before? I noticed on both the drive to and back from Sackville that a lot of trucks are pushing 120-125 km, and spending a lot of time in the passing lane.
The APAGA meeting went well, the AGM kept on track and ended on time. John chaired the meeting and was very methodical and precise regarding rules of order, yet not in a terribly anal manner, sort of casual and loose. Lots of discussion on membership, bylaws, and a few issues that have affected the AGNL and Arts Atlantic. In the changeover of their corporate structure the AGNL let their past director go and didn’t renew her contract, even though she was planning to retire within the year. Many people are really upset over the way she was treated, since everyone else’s contract was renewed. Arts Atlantic had applied to the ND Department of Tourism and Culture under the Anchor Organizations program and asked for $20,000 for an annual sustaining grant. Three days ago they found out they had been given $2,000. Plenty to run a professional, regional arts magazine on! Gordon is going to the Ombudsman about it.
The ARC-specific meeting will most likely happen today, around noon. There wasn’t anyone from Galerie Sans Nom or Gallery Connexion, but Andrea had come down from Newfoundland for Eastern Edge (on her way to Montréal for the same CHRC meeting Lucas is attending), Wayne and Gene came up from Artsplace, and Jennifer, Sym and Renato were there for eyelevel. We had lunch at Borden’s restaurant and were welcomed by the president of Mount Allison University. Sue found a bit of SOS pad in her liver and onions.
Karina has headed off to school to finish up a project; I am picking here up at 10am so we can get to Sackville by noon. After the ARC meeting there is a panel discussion, a website launch, and a gallery tour in Moncton. Then we’ll head to Saint John to meet Judy. Have a few things to gather up before heading out.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca >, ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Monday, June 23, 2003 8:02 AM
Subject: FW: » Software developer, 35, arrested in Toronto slaying of 10-year-old girl
Dear Mr. Chretien,
We made it to Judy and Peter’s last night, but almost an hour late. Got lost trying to find the quickest way out of Moncton. We were there for a brief gallery tour of the GUAM and an opening reception at Galerie Sans Nom. We had to leave that reception just as it was beginning in order to get to Saint John. The highways in NB are spectacular: smooth, wide, and for long stretches, very straight.
It was a lot of driving yesterday. Two hours to Sackville for the ARC meeting at noon, held very informally on the front steps of the Owens in the sun. We decided to try for an inter regional meeting in St. John’s in November. We’ll keep using APAGA as the official body and keep it’s AGM as our own annual meeting date, but add our own specific ARC meeting to the agenda, and contribute ideas to the conferences. The afternoon panel featured John, Jeffrey and Bernie from Confederation Centre, the AGNS and the Beaverbrook, as new directors talking about new directions. In response to Jeffrey mentioning my exhibition as one the AGNS would like to tour, an audience member asked how younger artists in the region could get the training to be like the “great Chris Lloyd”. I’m thinking of adding that moniker to my CV.
Andrea Cooper told me about an article that was in the Monton paper today that was slamming Stephan St. Laurent’s Scatalogue exhibition at Gallery SAW in Ottawa (a survey show of 25 years of crap in contemporary art). I picked up the paper to see myself (I get a perverse thrill anytime contemporary art is in the paper, especially if the article is hostile). For some reason this reporter had written his column in the style of a letter to you! And he kept going on and on about his kitty litter. It felt very much like he was referencing my letters, though he never did overtly.
I think Judy and Robyn and Peter are out buying the new Harry Potter book. Karina and I slept in a bit. The bed was great; very high up, you almost have to take a running jump or use a ladder to get into it. You can see the ocean through the windows while your head is on the pillows.
Managed to spill red wine all over myself and the couch last night. Am going to go see if the salt took the stain out, and maybe wash some dishes before everyone comes back/gets up. It is another really sunny day and I am unprepared: only have my black pants with me. We may go to VV and pick up a few things.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>, ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Monday, June 23, 2003 8:04 AM
Subject: FW: Sea King crash inquiry finds fault with navy, air force emergency training» Two more SARS deaths announced; link to death in U.S. unfounded: ministry» Forest fire forces evacuation of First Nations community in northern Ontario
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
The rest of the weekend was fun; a little too short. Saturday afternoon went for a walk with Judy along this new Harbour Passage which is along the port and under the viaducts. Continued all the way back to Peter’s place on Manowaganish Rd.; about an hours’ walk. As is often the case when I am visiting SJ and things are going smoothly and the weather is favourable I begin to dream up schemes for moving back and starting my own contemporary arts space. Saw a great little storefront on Main St. on the West Side, and have asked my dad to do a title search on it. All a bit moot, since I have no money and starting a non-commercial space without the funding in place is more than a bit loony, though Judy has kept the Space paperwork current, and it could be used as a starting point. I still have my MFA to consider. Judy paid me for half the “Chrétien drops the axe” painting. Came in handy for buying gas for the car. I don’t know where she is going to put it; most of her collection is stacked up against a few walls in the house. Peter had already decorated most of the finished rooms. It is an interesting juxtaposition of her tastes with the old British lithos and prints and the folk art.
Lazed about on the front lawn with Peter and Judy and drank coolers and beer. Robyn was almost invisible the rest of the weekend with his nose in the new Harry Potter book. Karina brought her niece Anneke over for a visit after her shopping trip at Fabricville. Had a great meal Saturday night, Peter made Piaea with pork, chicken, mussels, clams and shrimp. Ended the evening watching TV (in my usual fashion when faced with the choice of cable: constantly switching through the channels). Smoked a joint and got way too high and went to bed. Woke up at 4:30 hot and de-hydrated and got freaked out while wandering through the house. The house was built in the 1840s and is full of items and furniture from that period—sort of haunted by history. Something was seeping into my subconscious; the house and the travelling combined into composing odd dreams.
Woke up Sunday with Judy crying and asking for us to move our car; family emergency at her parents’ place. Peter and Robyn went with her. Made some breakfast and read a book until my parents came by for a visit, then Loesje and Anneke and Jan/Rick. Jan had appeared onstage the last time Stuart MacLean was in SJ and when asked said that his name was “Rick”, apparently because it would have been easier on Stuart to pronounce. Jan/Rick also stole the show; he is a born performer. We had tea and scones with strawberries and fresh cream that Karina had picked up from the Pumpkin Patch down the street. Judy had come back in the afternoon; her folks were OK. Her dad had fallen sometime yesterday and her mom hadn’t called because she didn’t want to disturb Judy and her “company” (us). Judy was more upset that she hadn’t been called; it can be very hard on her mom to look after her dad, especially if there is a problem. We had debated bringing Robyn and maybe Anneke back to Halifax with us but Robyn had soccer matches and practices, as well as a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday and it wouldn’t give Judy and Peter enough time to come get him and see my show. I’m not prepared to watch over kids for the next few days; what with the openings tonight, and the art camp program starting next week, I’ll be way to busy this week.
We stayed until late in the afternoon after Peter had made some rhubarb pie from scratch. Visited Loesje and Karina took an easy chair. Loesje and Ron and the kids are planning to move to the Queen Charlotte Islands for awhile, and their house is up for sale and they are trying to get rid of a lot of their stuff. Judy had finally given me the old bike I had traded to her for a painting; it was moved from the back seat to the trunk to make room for the easy chair. Karina plans to re-upholster it. Stopped at my parents’ house for a bite to eat and a visit. We were on the road back to Halifax by 8:30; arrived at home just before 12:30. Unloaded the car and dropped it off at its’ parking lot on Hollis; Karina followed in the Festiva so I’d have a drive back. No problems falling asleep.
Back to work today.
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2003 8:03 AM
Subject: Killing and dismemberment of Holly Jones took a mere two hours, police say» Embittered privacy commissioner resigns post amid scandal, protest» Ontario wants disaster definition; accuses Chretien of crass politics on SARS
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Was out late again last night, post-openings. Most of the galleries/exhibits in the building were ready to go when I came in yesterday morning. I did notice a smell coming from upstairs; The Noose Group had painted the floor in not only the Closet Gallery but the whole area beyond it. black. The sink too. And high-density patterned wallpaper (legal sheets photocopied and wheat-pasted) on all the walls. And ceiling. It won’t be fun removing it. There was a large (really large!) painting in my office, so some of the hanging didn’t happen on the weekend. The painting was supposed to hang above the stairs; I noticed clips in the wall, and found out later from Craig and Briony that they had tried a few times to get it up to no avail. The clips kept bending. Beulah came in later in the morning and we attempted again, this time bolting a 2×4 to the wall and hanging the painting from that. I was on top of the 3-way later over the stairs, Shawn atop the 10-foot stepladder while Beulah and Craig hoisted the painting up and Rilla and Nora made sure nobody fell to their deaths. We screwed the top of the painting into the 2×4 to make sure; the painting scares me. Oh, there is also a very slowly-turning disc that measures about 30″ in diameter in the painting. We’ll post pictures on the website, you have to see it to believe it. Installed the Frame on which Keltie had made a site-specific “painting” using different types of tape and marker. Replaced a blown bulb. Worked on lighting for Daniels’ show; he is surprisingly not fussy, which was odd as the sculptures look extremely fussy. Took a break in the afternoon and we went to the Med and had salads and coffee and talked about health care and the usage of buildings on Barrington Street. Went to the bank. Went to the grocery store to pick up food for the opening. Changed my shirt, I was dripping with sweat it was so hot outside (from the heat but also from earlier in the day, the fear of that painting). Met Daniel back at the Club for 5:30 to go to the openings at the Anna but there weren’t any; it is the week long break between summer sessions. Briony had come as well, I felt dumb, I should have been reading the notices. The openings were well-attended, though fewer board members than I would have liked to see. Openings are supposed to be the fun part of volunteering at an ARC! Meeting the artists, etc. There was a design fundraiser for some of the people who lost their homes in the South End fire; Nicholas was playing records as usual but there were other Ds and more flashy design people around. Andrea Mantin came for a visit from NYC; she had the airport shuttle drop her off right in front of the Khyber. Christine came later to hang out with her and she spent most of the night talking with Roger; I’m meeting her this morning for coffee. It was a bustling night; talked with Greg about Daniels’ show and the writing for it; talked with Jennifer about eyelevel, arts admin in ARCs as well as art in general; talked with Keltie about her work in the Frame and my letters; talked with Sarah and Margaritte. Paul from NSCAD was actually there; he hasn’t been to an opening at the Khyber since I can’t remember when. Stayed in the Club late, well past close (it’s sometimes a good thing that the place closes at 1 AM). Walked to Shoppers Drug Mart with Sarah on the way home as she needed to buy some cold medication. How does one catch a cold this time of year, now that summer is actually here?
Didn’t realize until last night that our next board meeting was actually scheduled for tonight, at the same time as Daniels’ artist talk. Need to make some adjustments there. There is a CAPS and a peninsula gallery meeting today at the Anna. Need to work on budgets and schedules for the rest of the day. Need to clean the fresh cat vomit off the floor in the kitchen. Karina did a whirlwind cleaning of the apartment last night; she went home early from the club (I think the smoke was bothering her), and cleaned the kitchen, organized and even cleaned our bedroom. No clutter, no files or papers or half-finished art and sewing projects on the floor. Clothes put away. Amazing.
Oh, and my cheque came from CBC for my Arts Canada writing, yay! Groceries! Have to start thinking of my next assignment.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 5:21 AM
Subject: New Brunswick Tories hold on to majority government after seat recount» Photo of accused in Holly Jones murder sparks tips, Montreal police involved» Health Canada approves pilot project for safe injection site in Vancouver
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Spent the first part of the morning yesterday washing Shana’s dishes that we had used for the opening. Had a visit from a grumpy old contractor who had come in to add some new sprinkler heads and replace ones that had been painted over throughout the building. When he shut the fuse off for the pump half the outlets in the media centre went out as well; typical of the wiring in that old building. Andrea came by and we went for coffee and breakfast at Paperchase. Sat and talked for awhile about her past museum project and upcoming options. She seems happy, no major stresses or convoluted relationship problems.
Attended the CAPS AGM at noon at the Anna followed by an upcoming galleries programming meeting. Lunch was served. I’m now the Chair, which shouldn’t be too busy this year as CAPS is in a bit of stasis at the moment. Planning and some initial grant proposals for HX2 will begin to happen soon though.
Worked on financials when I got back to the office and planned for the evening board meeting, which I figured wouldn’t happen anyway as Daniel’s talk would take precedence. Even so, prepared agendas and had some documents ready in case we met afterwards. Treated myself to supper at Dharma Sushi and looked over the new Lola. The price has dropped to $3.95. For the Lola, not the sushi.
The eyelevelgallery board took a break from their meeting to come over for Daniel’s talk, which was well-attended, especially considering there are no NSCAD classes this week. There was the usual fifteen minutes of technical gaffs and confusion as we tried to get his laptop hooked up to the projector but once it was figured out (a form of magic or dumb luck, really) the evening ran smoothly. He talks very well about his work and some of his past projects were really interesting; they really emphasise that space between knowing and seeing, or the space between knowing and not knowing. One of his earlier pieces triggered an idea in my head to make audio recordings of all of my letters to you on CDs, and package them like audio novels. Don’t know if I would read them or hire someone with a really nice voice. Or use the standard computer voice. Something to think about.
Didn’t stay in the Club late. Karina stopped by from school shortly after the close of the talk and we walked home. Went to bed shortly after.
Am up early this morning to go over the financials before meeting Peter. Our own AGM is coming up in less than two weeks.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2003 7:33 AM
Subject: Ottawa dipping into reserves to fund unexpected expenses: Manley» Auditor General to investigate Radwanski tax deal: committee member» Klein discusses beef crisis with Cheney, but receives no assurances
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Managed to get all the outstanding entries completed just before Peter arrived yesterday morning. He is sceptical that he will be able to have the review finished by next Saturday, the date of the AGM. We may have to postpone it a week. The workers arrived again in the morning to continue working on the sprinkler pipes, knocking the power out to some of our office outlets again. Larissa had access to a car today and was able to drive Daniel to the airport after we had coffee in the Club. I gave him a pewter Khyber building as a memento. Dennis arrived from the Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club with his six laptops to use in the KDMC New Media presentation that happened last night. Luckily Stephan arrived soon after and they began installation. Lucas came by soon after. He seemed to really enjoy the CHRC conference and it sounds like it was very informative. Andréa was in the office for most of the afternoon and set to work organizing. I introduced the accounting program to her and went through payroll procedures for when I am gone in August. Her friend Raf has been visiting (he came down for Christina and Paul’s wedding last weekend) and he came by and showed us a video he had made called One. In it he puts on headphones and dances awkwardly, then begins to sing along with Bono of U2, really loudly and mostly off-key. You can’t here the music, just his singing. Met Svava briefly; she gave me some slides and we talked about getting the packages completed. I need to get my introduction/artist statement completed and photocopy some of the articles the AGNS doesn’t have. Ray is currently in Yarmouth for the big launch of the second location, which is tomorrow.
Had a late lunch with Karina at Mamoya. Her emotions are a bit out of wack; she is trying to get her medication refilled and can’t reach her doctor, and has been trying for weeks. The other night she went to the clinic and waited for hours but had to leave without seeing her doctor, who must be extremely overworked. I’ve been noticing in John Hamm’s cheesy pre-election ads that he has hired 199 new doctors, but I guess if they are spread out around the province it’s hard to notice any impact. He is waiting until 30 days before the election date to call it; sounds like evasion tactics to me. Wait until the majority of Nova Scotians are distracted and placated somewhat by summer and good weather and vacations, and throw an election. Sounds sort of sneaky.
Went home at suppertime and had a brief nap. Karina made some supper and then we headed down to the Khyber for the presentations. Not that many people in the Club for the screenings, which were behind schedule but not terribly so. Melisandre was showing her 6-point video; you can move the mouse to the left or right of the screen and change the camera angle as the narrative progresses, getting insights into the thoughts of the 2 actors, sitting in a window. As a sort of Wings of Desire feel to it. Lisa screened her 16-mm film Pustulations; it looked and sounded much better than the Film Festival screening last year, when the film was loaded incorrectly. The animation was really tight. Upstairs in the Turret Stephan and Valerie were presenting their Aliant award pieces. Stephan had 5 TVs hanging from the ceiling facing 5 TVs sitting on chairs. There were 10 video cameras clustered around 2 laptops in the corner turret transmitting the information to the TVs; the hanging ones featured forests and the seated ones had oceans. Each side had audio of Stephan reading his emails to friends in Germany. It was complex and looked good, I especially liked the chaotic balancing act of cameras and laptops, then the bundles of wires and AV equipment, spilling out into the fairly rigid arrangement. Valerie’s Flash animation was projected on the back wall, a steady, constantly evolving drawing. A drawing pad on a plinth allowed viewers to draw directly on the animation and interact with what Valerie had already done. All in all it was a nice opening.
Opened the Ballroom to show Eleanor Daniel’s show; it was her birthday on Monday and she had missed the opening because she was in Hubbards. While we were talking about the show Jim Logan stopped by; we are meeting tomorrow to discuss ARC stuff. He had just flown in from Eastern Edge in Newfoundland. He continued on up to see the new media show in the Turret. Karina and I went home. Sarah stopped by to print off her Canadian Graduate scholarship application; she couldn’t get it to work on her computer at home or the one at eyelevel. She is going to Toronto tomorrow morning until Tuesday as her grandmother had just passed away. She is in the middle of this application and it needs to be mailed by Friday.
Karina and Rebecca were surprised by a strange cat upstairs. It turns out Sarah K. brought her cat to live here for awhile after all. They are keeping it in Courtney’s room as Yaga and Kuan don’t take kindly to strangers. She had slipped out, but luckily there were no fights, just some hissing. We went to bed early and I ended up dreaming about our CC meeting today. Exciting stuff.
Am off to get some groceries before work.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Friday, June 27, 2003 8:01 AM
Subject: Bell Canada pay equity dispute continues, despite Supreme Court ruling» Radwanski bought silence of outgoing official with cash: Commons report» International mad cow report calls for ban on animal nerve tissues in feed
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Jennifer from eyelevel brought a plate of cookies over to the office yesterday morning in a neighbourly gesture. She doesn’t have a TV or much furniture at home and is probably going a little stir-crazy. Talked with Shawn about having him help build and launch my website. I think it will be called “dearmrprimeminister.ca” though I didn’t complete the online registration last night.
Met with Jim and Annie from Canada Council yesterday. Finally gave Jim our interim report. Luckily Spencer waltzed into the office from out of nowhere (actually he had been in Yarmouth helping with the final prep for the launch of the AGNS Western Branch) and was able to sign the financial statements from last year so I could give them to Jim right away, rather than faxing them. I don’t know how we managed to have our AGM last year without signing the statements; maybe I just copied a copy, rather than the original. I think the meeting went OK; I probably could have had better questions prepared. Talked a bit about the Turret Room and the regional ARC meetings.
Came home right at 5pm for supper and changed into shorts; it was super-hot outside, the warmest day yet. Made a big salad. Karina left to get a few more groceries and I started compiling the data for the website, then got tired quickly and had a nap in the living room. When I woke up Sarah and Courtney were on the computer listening to Negativeland. When Karina came home we decided to watch a little more Twin Peaks. Her mood had gone all over the place yesterday; she finally reached her doctor and picked up her prescription, and was in a much better mood by the end of the day. We smoked a joint and settled into Twin Peaks. We are at the point in the episodes where they are just an amalgam of cops ‘n robbers, X-files and soap operas. Too much gratuitous kissing! Too much overt weirdness! Bobby! Leo! Why does Audrey now look like Monika Lewinsky?
Went to bed to read for a bit and listen to Artsmarts, but Stephan or Lucas weren’t on it so I didn’t listen long (hard to read and listen to radio interviews at the same time). Have the French books out, ready to go, but continued with A Fine Balance instead. Decided I don’t want to smoke pot at home any more; I get too paranoid and anxious, double and triple-question all my thoughts and activities.
Need to finish my artist statement for the catalogue and convert some test files before going to work.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>, chris at work <clloyd@khyberarts.ns.ca>
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2003 9:58 AM
Subject: Final report recommends Radwanski tax deal be part of sweeping probe» Government watchdogs to seek more accountability in wake of Radwanski affair» Canadians tell Graham good ties with U.S. key to foreign policy
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
First day of wearing shorts and sandals to work. Karina had hid my sandals from me because I have been wearing them for 5 years and she says they mangle my feet. I think it is just sandal-wearing in general that gives me calluses and dry skin on my feet.
Had a visit yesterday afternoon from an anthropologist from Calgary named Lesley who saw the Dear Jean… show and claimed it saved her whole experience of the AGNS. She asked if she could take a picture of me; I guess the anthropologist side of her doesn’t quit when she is on vacation. Spent most of the day completing some CCRA summaries and finally getting them in the mail. Met with May, Jonathan’s advisor, to talk about his progress and what he has accomplished so far. She seemed quite impressed with the newsletter. Saw Cathy Busby briefly; she is working in the KDMC doing something with her “apologies”. Walked home with Shawn to get the car and help him move some stuff from his apartment to the Khyber (plants, ouija board, ac Classic, CDs, computer monitors, etc.). He is moving out of his apartment this weekend and I offered to help if he would help with my website in return. We’ll probably work on it this weekend. Took advantage of happy hour and had a few drinks in the Club with Rilla and Nora and the bike couriers (the reason d’être for the happy hour). Gordon bought a round of jaggermeister for everyone. One of the couriers had hit a car yesterday, causing damage to both his bike and the car, but only bruising and cutting himself, luckily. Another one of them rides a bicycle that has no brakes; he stops by anticipating when he is going to stop and slowing his pedalling, or kicking his rear tire out if he needs to stop quickly. They speak reverentially of the “X-Men” in NYC: couriers who guarantee cross town delivery in 8 minutes. They hang off cars and trucks and must surely be insane.
Came home and immediately was talking to Krishna on the phone, he is planning a year-long trip to Australia, New Zealand (his current girlfriend will be doing her Masters in Sound Engineering there in the fall), and Vancouver. He asked if it would be possible for us to visit in the fall and I said it could be, then afterwards Karina and I got into an argument over semantics: she thinks I meant that just I would be visiting because I was only speaking in the singular, not the collective. I guess I was only thinking whether it would be possible for my own timetable and budget, but that if I was really going to consider going then I would assume we would travel together. We’ll discuss it more. We made some supper and called Jennifer to see if she wanted to see a movie but she was out. I started to feel woozy (I think it was a combination of the jaggermeister and the pork dumplings), so laid down on the couch and crashed until Karina woke me up to go to bed. It was really warm in our room, we are now sleeping with just a sheet.
Am heading out shortly to meet Lucas and Shawn and go off in search of a new computer and new chairs for the KDMC.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Sunday, June 29, 2003 12:51 PM
Subject: Same-sex newlyweds highlight Gay Pride celebrations in Toronto this weekend» Hockey world officially bids fond adieu to long-time coach Roger Neilson» Few gay marriages go ahead at Toronto City Hall but more performed at church
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
Read about the US Supreme Court overturning the anti-sodomy laws still in effect in 13 states. I wonder what Elsie Wayne would think of it. The case involved two Texas men, Lawrence and Garner. On a night in September 1998, a neighbour of Lawrence faked a distress call to police, saying that a man was going crazy and had a gun. Police went to the apartment, pushed open the door and found Lawrence having consensual sex with Garner. Since Texas law states that it is illegal to engage in so-called “deviate sexual intercourse with another individual of the same sex” police fined the men and threw them in jail for the night. Lawrence and Garner are now considered sex offenders in several states. Can you imagine if that happened to you?
The men appealed the charges all the way up to the Supreme Court—good for them. I imagine that was not an easy thing to do. Citing a prior Supreme Court ruling, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote: “These matters, involving the most intimate and personal choices a person may make in a lifetime, choices central to personal dignity and autonomy, are central to the liberty protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. At the heart of liberty is the right to define one’s own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life…It is a promise of the Constitution that there is a realm of personal liberty which the government may not enter.” (I like the choice of wording at the end).
Picked Lucas and then Shawn up yesterday morning and we drove around in search of a computer. A few places weren’t open, and the guy behind the desk at PC Medic never asked if we wanted help, so we ended up at Future Shop. I wandered around in a daze (those big box stores do that to me), watching James Bond played out on hundreds of TV monitors. Lucas and Shawn negotiated with a salesperson and custom-built a PC with a 17″ flat screen monitor. We couldn’t pay by company cheque as we hadn’t yet filled out a credit application, so Lucas applied for a Future Shop card and we bought the computer through that.
Dropped Shawn and Lucas off at the Khyber with the monitor and some odds n’ ends, the computer itself won’t be ready until Friday. Went home, had some lunch with some of Montréal bagels Lucasgave me, then Karina and I drove out to Lawrencetown to the Dutch store. She bought some candy, cakes and cheese. Stopped at Sobeys on our way home and bought some steak for the barbeque.
Had a brief nap when we got home and then Jennifer called looking for a metal clothes hanger to assist with reception for a TV she had been given. She came over and we had coffee and talked and offered to drive her to Spencer’s barbeque. We headed out shortly after.
Courtney and Sarah K. went camping and their ride came before Sarah had a chance to bring in her cat Nikita. I went out and found her in the back yard and brought her inside, but she freaked a bit when I tried to put her into Courtney’s room and scratched my face, just missing my eye. I don’t think she did it on purpose, more of a defence reflex. She didn’t draw blood, just small scratches.
The barbeque was fun, there was lots and lots of food, Spencer had made three heaping bowls of different salads and there was corn on the cob and chicken and sausages. We drank some wine and sat on the back deck most of the night. Lots of people were there and it felt very comfortable. Oddly enough, Jennifer and I have both made work that references the boardwalk, though mine and Jeremiah’s attempt was a little less considered or thorough. Talked with Swintak near the end of the night and we mostly went on about bodily injuries and manic behaviors. Drove home and about 11:30, dropped Jennifer off and Karina and I watched yet another episode of…Twin Peaks.
It is hot and sunny today, a good day for a trip to the beach, except that we are out of sunscreen and Karina burns easily and doesn’t really like the beach-going experience in the first place. She would rather go and watch Charlie’s Angels 2 in an air-conditioned theatre. I’m drawn to the idea of sitting on the back deck with a book but the yard next door has turned into a complete landfill; the Bleak House has been emptied of rock, stone, dirt, pipes, mangled bits of metal and wood that are all piled throughout the yard. Maybe if I sat further back in our yard I wouldn’t notice it so much.
Am going to take the clippers to my hair; it has become too long and unmanageable.
-chris
From: chris lloyd <chrislloyd5676@hotmail.com>
To: jean chrétien <pm@pm.gc.ca>
Cc: ray cronin <croninr@gov.ns.ca>
Date: Monday, June 30, 2003 8:04 AM
Subject: Threat of SARS, rain fail to deter revellers at Toronto gay pride parade» First health-care worker, a nurse, dies from SARS in Toronto, death toll, 39» Manley would serve under Martin, particularly in foreign affairs
Dear Mr. Chrétien,
What a hot night. Left the windows wide open with a fan and a bucket of ice in front to try to cool our room down. Too cold in the wintertime and stifling hot in the winter, typical.
The heat was nice, though. Felt like being somewhere else. We didn’t go to the beach, however. I’m somewhat embarrassed to say we went to see Charlie’s Angels 2, which consisted of a string of seemingly unrelated, flashy fight scenes. A few gratuitous bikini shots and lots of unrealistic Matrix-style slow-motion bullets. Somewhere along the line the Angels must have become superheroes. I guess one shouldn’t expect too much from a director named only McG. I wonder if that is pronounced “Em-See-Gee” or “Mick-Gee”.
Rebecca and Courtney and Sarah K. didn’t go to the beach during the day either, but Andrew picked them up and they went in the evening. Rebecca was sad today; I think she and Peter are having difficulties.
Made a light salad for supper, and continued reading A Fine Balance. Nice to do so on the front steps. Am just past the somewhat cavalier description of the torture and burning of Narayan and his family. Harsh; a family wiped out from attempting to exercise one’s right to vote. Hard to read about such injustices; trying to live within the caste system yet desiring basic dignity. And now Omprakash and Ishvar are living in a slum trying desperately to earn enough money to improve their lives. It’s a harsh book, but I guess that’s life.
Karina and I walked down to the Khyber to borrow the DVD player; she had rented Fire Walk With Me. I had seen it before but of course at the time it made no sense; I hadn’t seen any of the episodes. We are at the end of the Twin Peaks cycle; the remaining episodes no longer interest us.
Today is the first day of the Khyber Kids Art Camp. The classes run for the next six weeks. For some bizarre reason the school board is having elementary school kids go to classes for this morning only, to pick up report cards or something. Enrolment was low for the first week so the morning and afternoon classes were consolidated, so it works out. Looks like another warm day.
-chris
DEAR PM 