Arts Space

Musique Royale brought the Glenn Patscha Trio to the Dawn Oman Art Gallery in Bridgetown on Friday, December 13th. The trio included Glenn Patscha on piano, Tom Roach on drums and Larry Bjornson on bass. It was a unique setting surrounded by the rich colours of Dawn Oman’s art. To complement the experience, I picked up a book. Have Yourself a Silly Little Christmas, self-published by Bob Bent, with illustrations by Andrea Wood. So far, I have only read ‘The North Pole is Melting’; a story of four children visiting Santa Klaus at the North Pole, including David Suzuki. Today, it speaks well to the ‘climate crisis’.

Friday, 13th. Black Friday. Following the election of Boris Johnson, Conservative in the UK. The resignation of Andrew Scheer, Conservative Leader in Canada. From The Reader, on this date, Emily Carr was born in 1871 in Victoria, BC.

Bob Bent’s book put these events into their proper perspective. It was only the day before (12th.) we had Kevin from Stanton installing the racks for solar panels on the south-facing roof. Ernie was at the house, removing a large ash tree, which threatened the roof. Now, it has added to our winter wood supply. Down below, on Andrew’s property, Alex Cole, Silas and Rick were unpacking charcoal and tidying up coppiced wood. Eventually, we may be able to produce Biochar to enhance our garden fertility.

It is truly remarkable that on a dark evening, we can head to Bridgetown and enjoy an arts space, far removed from the political agenda.

With Bob Bent’s book in our suitcase, we can enjoy a Silly Little Christmas with grandchildren in Ontario. Best wishes for the Christmas season. I look forward to 2020 with its music, art and books.

Acknowledgements

To Rick Ketcheson for reminding us about Musique Royale. To the Reader, for memories of Haida Gwaii (Emily Carr). Bob Bent and Andrea Wood for a children’s perspective on Christmas. Edward Wedler for his steadfast support.
Roger Mosher for his valued conversations at the End of the Line pub on Friday evenings.

Reference

Bob Bent and Andrea Wood. 2013. Have Yourself a Silly Little Christmas. Self- published.

POSTSCRIPT
Meanwhile, from up North, this gorgeous-day, “dog team selfie” came in from my son, Andrew Maher.