Monday, July 30, 2012


Alex Durlak at Standard Form sent me an e-mail while Bruce Peninsula was in Dawson City, subject heading YOUR BOOK. It was a picture of the uncut pages on skid. Neil just sent me a similar e-mail, subject heading ALMOST. It was a video that starts with pages being slid into a binding machine (like a little kid being dipped underwater for the first time) and ends with a finished copy of Music for Uninvited Guests popping out the other end.

I feel flattered by these thoughtful updates, which take time to make and send. I also appreciate the glimpse into the other side of the book making process. It’s like they’re keeping me in suspense about a movie I’ve seen a hundred times.

Wednesday is pick up day. I told Jacob, who edited and designed the book, that I was equally excited and nervous to “see the real thing.” He said he was nervous too, but also told me not to worry. “Let’s just do this, and then do something else.” Good advice, Jacob—especially considering what a luxury it is to have such worries!


Monday, July 16, 2012


“Don’t wait to be inspired,” my grade nine English teacher wrote on the green chalk board of room 136. “Impulse, not inspiration, is what makes a writer write.”   

THREE PRE-IMPULSES

One.

My seven-year-old niece: I love butterflies. I watch them. Even the monarchs are so beautiful.
Me: I think so too. And you know what I can’t get over? How a butterfly starts out as a caterpillar.
Niece: And moths...
Me: Moths, too?
Niece: Moths start out as itch worms.
Me: What’s an itch worm?
Niece: An itch worm... is a little worm... where if it bites you... then it’s itchy for the rest of your life.
Me: Whoa. I never heard of an itch worm before. Where did you learn about them?
Niece: I learned it from myself when I was a baby.

Two:

My stepdad: Let’s heat up some of those... oh, what the hell are they. Spinach pies.
Me: Spanikopitas?
Stepdad: That’s it. Spaniko-pitas. I was confusing them with those other things.
Me: Which ones?
Stepdad: I knew you were going to ask me that. Shit, I’m trying to remember. Pause. What are those little triangles that come from the east?
Me: Samosas?
Stepdad: Samosas! Fuck, are they ever good.

Three:

Walking past my aunt while she’s watching TV.

My aunt: That was weird.
Me: What?
Aunt: Plants have ESP.
Me: Really?   
Aunt: That’s what “Weird or What” says.