Heliconian 2019-2020

I value the opportunity to hear authors speak firsthand about their work and creative process because it brings me a deeper appreciation for the text. The Heliconian Lectures are just such an opportunity to slow down to more deeply process the words on the page as well as the effort and the insights that bring them shape. In the cases where the author's work is explored by another, it's the occasion to appreciate a layered point of view.

The Hall is a beautiful space. I enjoy the changing gallery of art on the walls, I like a front row seat, the cheese and crackers beforehand are a nice little treat. More than anything it's also good to go with a friend and talk a little bit more on the way home about what we heard... how different statements resonate (or don't). Kaarina has been my date these last several years and I enjoy her take on the lectures. This year we signed up for Thursdays:

This year the Heliconian Lectures were interrupted by Covid and several authors presented online. It was a bit disappointing at first, even though the recordings still afforded the same chance to gain a better understanding of the works... just not in the same way. Some of the presenters were obviously uncomfortable in the new format. My favourite was Michael Crummy, who took the 'audience' into his writing environment and acted as though it was a realtime presentation.

 

in person....

Kerri Sakamoto: Floating City (September)
Sarah Henstra: The Red Word (October)
Helen Humphreys: Machine Without Horses (November)
Judy Rebick: Heroes In My Head: A Memoir (January)
David Bezmozgis: Immigrant City (February)

interrupted 

~ Available Online  May/June ~

Tamara Faith Berger: Queen Solomon​
Sandra Martin on Sally Rooney: Normal People  

Suanne Kelmann on Patrick Radden Keefe: Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland  

Michael Crummey: The Innocents

to be continued....

October 8: Jennifer Robson: The Gown

November 5:Cecil Foster: They Call Me George: The Untold Story of Black Train Porters and The Birth of Modern Canada

Yondering

July began with a sailing staycation on Yondering. Really, the first extended change of scene since months of lockdown at home. Such a sense of ease, of freedom, and open space!

On a windless morning we motored over to Toronto Island and dropped anchor at the water filtration plant for our first over nite. There were a lot of boats on the wall, but not as many as we expected to find. Spaces were opening up here and there every couple of hours, so those with patience could eventually land a spot.

The next morning, a dinghy ride along hidden shoreline to visit the island's resident blue heron, and then a walk on Centre Island's familiar paths. The Pier and gardens felt quite deserted. Although a few people had ventured over on the ferry, not many were afoot and the lifeguard was left alone to ponder the horizon from his high lookout.

A quick motor over to Ward island beach. Calm water and low wind meant we were able to stay overnight - a special treat. I managed my first swim of the season off the boat. Then, a beautiful return sail to Bluffers Park as the winds picked up.

Saturday and Sunday nights we anchored closer to home, right by the Bluffs. Between 4-8 pm on both days there was almost intolerable jet ski and powerboat traffic, tearing up the shore with noise and wake. Thankfully the stinkpots eventually relented. Swinging on a hook with Caroline on Ruby Tuesday and Aldo and Alex on Alcione. 

Moonrise was idyllic, the lake so calm. Sunrise a gift to start the day.

What joy! 

We didn't find out until May 20 that there would be a launch on June 20. Shakedown sail on June 27 and get away July 1 - July 6.

Rob has made some improvements that help make Yondering more comfortable. New cockpit cushions make for enjoyable lounging and travelling. Getting rid of the heater in the cabin creates more space because we can hoist up the table and get better access to shelves port side.

Rose Moon - July 2020

Enjoyed watching the full moon rise out of the lake. Spectacular! We were anchored just east of Bluffers with Caroline on Ruby Tuesday; Alex and Aldo on Alcione. A perfect summer evening, only slight ripples on the water. Aldo took this photo and shared it with me later - my phone had dunked in the lake and I was without a camera.

Often known as Thunder Moon, Honeymoon or Hay Moon. Another European name is the Rose Moon, (although some use this name for the June full Moon). Some sources indicate the name "Rose Moon" comes from the roses that bloom in late June. Others report that the name comes from the color of the full Moon this time of year. It certainly had a rosy glow.