This first work of the year is a small drawing for my friend
Heather, who died last August.
I always enjoyed listening to descriptions of her visits to
this old neighbourhood laundry on East Hastings. I'd
encourage her to take notes when she was there, to put
together a little journal of sorts describing the character
of the place, the people she encountered there. "You could
develop it into a small book," I would say to her, "and I'll
design the cover." She would always laugh whenever I
suggested this plan.
I miss her laughter, her sense of humour, her intellect, her
perception of things. I've never felt more at ease in someone's
company, and the time we spent together enriched my life. I
think of her nearly every day; and I like to believe that those
thoughts and memories will continue to enrich my life.
8th (Friday)
Walking with Myle along Robson in a light
rain, to the Lululemon store. Told her how
good she looked in the two jackets she
bought. Stopped at HMV on the way back, &
then London Drugs. Pepsi beside the window
at Shangri-La, dark, heavy rain, thinking
about Myle, & things
9th (Saturday) [Save on Laundry]
Myle a little subdued this morning, telling
me she was 'depressed' about her weight,
98 1/2. Lunch with Natalie at Joyeaux,
which had a cozy atmosphere, being rainy &
dark outside. N asking intriguing questions
talking about Myle & my feelings for
Minori. One of the strangest trips down the
Rabbit Hole this evening
10th (Sunday) [Save on Laundry]
Classic football, Cardinals/Packers 51/46
Vesna came over to watch 'Goodbye Lenin'
11th (Monday) [Save on Laundry]
Showed Maggie a photo of the jellyfish
drawing yesterday. Liked the eyes but
complained it didn't make sense. Something
about the 'veils' not being Chinese
Showed Myle the drawing this morning
Impressed with the Chinese printing. Told
her how much I loved the graceful
movements of a jellyfish. 'Eating its even
better,' she replied. Later this afternoon
showed Yajing the drawing, who wrote down
the name of the actress on the back of the
photo. Heavy rain all day
12th (Tuesday) [Save on Laundry]
Surprised & delighted to see the Birks
clock back at its place at Granville &
Hastings. Wondering is Myle fell asleep at
Sheisedo school at Sutton Place. Quite
mild this afternoon, & wet
13th (Wednesday) [Save on Laundry]
Nice talk with Reanne, who described her
surprise birthday party. Her wedding is in
October, which I told her couldn't be
more perfect
14th (Thursday) [Save on Laundry]
Myle phoned about 9:30 this morning,
telling me about her new cookies with
flaxseed, oatmeal & less sugar. Later in
the afternoon walked with her under one
umbrella to RBC on Georgia & then the
food fair at Pacific Centre. She had a
special charm, wearing the hood on her
jacket. Talked about cellphones, digital
cameras, and cheesecake. Smiling & saying
'hi' a couple of times to the Oriental
girl at Lancome. Talking to Vesna on the
phone tonight. Heavy rain all day & night
15th (Friday) [Save on Laundry]
Myle phones at 9:30 this morning, telling
me Natalie needed a model for doing a facial
Reluctantly said okay, but it turned out
to be quite a nice little experience. After
it was finished N held my glasses to the
light & noticed how scratched the lenses
were, said, 'Can you actually see through
these?' Down the Rabbit Hole, of course
16th (Saturday) [Save on Laundry]
Hot water & Greek salad for Myle, who's
making a Vietnamese jello on the weekend,
with cocoanut & coffee flavour, & promised
to bring me some on Monday. On the phone
tonight, asking Vesna what she thought
about the new Johnny Depp statue in
Serbia. Lovely cool sunny day
17th (Sunday) [Save on Laundry]
Myle phones about 2 o'clock asking what
colour of peppers I liked. Bringing me some
red ones tomorrow, chopped up. After 38
years, watched 'The Godfather' tonight,
with Vesna
18th (Monday)
Mild day, the sun behind light veils of
cloud. Myle telling me she got into an
argument with her mother yesterday, who
thought she hadn't prepared well enough
for the recipes they were supposed to
make. Brought me a large container of
cookies she made, & asked if I thought
she should color her hair darker. A
lovely crescent moon above Granville &
the green halos of Birks Clock...
and I love her
19th (Tuesday)
Natalie telling me she heard the
heartbeat of her baby for the first
time, & that she thinks it's a girl
Promised me chicken soup for tomorrow
Myle busy with customers & reps
Walking across Granville Bridge with a
large sheet of wc paper, in the dark, rain,
& heavy wind. Charming email from Lani
Talking with Vesna on the phone
21st (Thursday)
'The Godfather PtII' tonight. Afterwards
Vesna told me about a first husband she
had, someone named Goran who turned
out to be an alcoholic
22nd (Friday)
Beside the back window at the Barn Cafe
this morning, reading the Brando biography,
the low winter sunlight slanting through
the bare branches of the trees. Spent an
hour or more at Koerner, writing texts for
'Heather's Drawing'. Trying out the new
fragrances with Natalie at the Bay
Mentioned to her that I needed a Japanese
girl to model for Empress
