I’ve finally discovered my “writing zone”, that oh-so-elusive long sought-after artistic sweet spot, a place that marries private serenity and social dynamism, where focus sharpens and creativity blossoms. I refer, of course, to the Air Canada lounge in the Vancouver Airport where, yesterday, I hit the 35 page mark, and concluded Act III of my script. At one point, when I was on my feet and pacing, running the dialogue in my head, an elderly traveler uncertainly approached and motioned to my open laptop. “Are you done?”he inquired. I wanted to tell him he’d have to wait to watch the episode like everyone else, but went with “No, sorry.” instead. He shuffled off and eventually found a seat at one of the public computers. In retrospect, I wonder – had I said yes, would he have finished the last two acts for me?
I was able to get some writing done because, despite my apprehension, it turned out to be a surprisingly smooth travel day. No endless line-ups. No frenzied crowds. I walked in and right up to the counter where I presented my passport and information. At first, the woman at the check-in informed me that I had missed my flight, then realized she had me on an earlier departure from the same gate and that I was, in fact, hideously early. Security turned out to be a breeze, the anticipated Christmas travel rush nowhere to be seen, so that by the time I hit the lounge, I had a couple of hours to kill. And, really, what better way to spend them than finally putting that tricky third act to bed.
We return to the offices on January 12th, but I’m hoping to get this script finished sooner since my friend Tomomi, in Canada from Japan to visit with family for the holidays, will be swinging by Vancouver for a couple of days. Back in Tokyo, we dined at Il Ghiottone and Yamada Chikara where we enjoyed two excellent meals so I’m going to have to go with the heavy hitters for her two-night stay on my turf. I tried to book Lumiere through Opentable but was informed I would have to give them my Visa information to complete the reservation. Well, yes , I could go through the trouble of doing that – or, I could simply click off Lumiere and click on West and go with an equally great and far more convenient choice. At a time when the fine-dining scene is hurting, I want to make it a point to help out Vancouver’s local restaurants as much as possible – but if I’m going to have to leave my Visa information every time I want to book a table at Lumiere, I’m going to assume they’re doing just fine and focus on other places.
You know, it’s always nice to be quoted, especially when what you said was mature, intelligent and/or witty. For example, my memorably astute one-word summation of the lovely Elyse Leveseque, simply “Yowza!”, that found its way into Mike Moody’s “…Eleven Babes Worth Watchin…’” Christmas countdown for TV Squad ( The Twelve Days of Festivus: Eleven babes worth watchin’ – TV Squad). Mike offers up a great list – to which I would add: Ming-Na, Alaina Huffman, Jennifer Spence, and Julia Benson (whose name continually leads the list of Search Engine Terms used to find my blog, well ahead of “Stargate”, “Joseph Mallozzi”, and, curiously, “smile now cry later”).
Well, back in Montreal and reunited with mom, sis, the dogs, and he’s-so-ugly-he’s-actually-cute Baby cat.
- Felix (mom’s neurotic dog)
- Roxy (sweetheart)
- Aspen (the loud one)
- Baby (the…er…cute one?)
- Sis
- Mom
And a couple of surprises from sis…
- Located in downtown Montreal, run by a young couple who clearly know their chocolate, it’s considered the best chocolate shop by many local foodies.
- Dark chocolate foie gras truffles – made to order. Incredibly decadent.
- Another Montreal maker of fine chocolates…
Finally – Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
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