Pink Palace

The photos above are from the Farmer’s Market, two blocks from my house every Saturday morning. I met Cathy there and we did our shopping. The close up is of the tomatoes Cathy bought. I hope you can see the textures. The others are the choices, with Cathy perusing, and the wild flowers they were selling.

I continue to meet with friends and important support people in my life (medical and financial) to talk about my potential move. What’s nice is that everyone knowledgeable says that condo prices in Vancouver are at their highest ever and that my place will sell quickly. That will make buying subject to selling easier. And there’s a glut of possibilities for sale right now, any one of which could make me happy.

One of my favourite gay friends, Kelly, lives in Comox and her brother (also gay) lives nearby. And Jane & Dana and Nicky & Phillip live not far away in Qualicum.

One place I have found in Comox is stunning. It backs onto farmland so there’s an unparalleled tranquil view out the “family room” and “sunroom” that I’d combine as my studio. And it’s pink. Look at it! This is cheaper than my 700 sq. ft. condo here in Vancouver.

The view from the sunroom that I'd use as a studio.

The PNE and a Cloudy Day

Thursday began with a joy hangover. Rachel’s enthusiasm for my dress really uplifted me. At the very least, the script I’ve created is a strong contender for the Arts Club’s consideration. Thanks to Caryn, I’m closer than ever to the greatest ambition of my life. That’s pretty cool. (But I won’t die if I fail.)

I take it from her email that I am not ReACT bound: “ReACT is generally reserved for plays we commissioned or are already en route to production with us.” So you have to earn your way into that series. She adds: “But play development happens year round here.  ReACT is only one opportunity of many for us to hear plays read aloud.”

So I’m going to stop hoping for specific objectives and go along for the ride. Besides, I have another project on the go: Moving.

•

Yesterday I walked to the PNE and met Dianne. We had lots of fun checking out the gadget building and the barns, sitting in the shade and eating mini donuts. I had a minor meltdown and came home so tired that I went to bed at 8:30.

•

Today is cloudy. It’s shocking.

I’ve a meeting this afternoon with my financial advisor about the move. I’m going to set up bridge financing to have it handy if I need it. And yes, I’ve had my doubts. But today I found some really and affordable lovely places in Langford —a spit away from Victoria and fast ferry and air services to Vancouver.

I’m just killing time here. There’s little joy in my life except Leon. A yard, a dog, a garden and a fireplace will be good company for the ghost years.

Fabulous News

Fabulous news!!  I heard from Rachel and it’s as several friends suspected: The complication to the play selection process is the new Artistic Director’s busy schedule. The news is good because she sent a second email that makes me feel she’s an advocate because she was so incredibly positive about my defiant dress. I sent her a photo of it and she said: “This is just brilliant, Chris! Truly. I will make sure this is included, too.”

Her praise for my dress makes me feel, win or lose, I did a good job and I couldn’t expect more than that.

•

David Ehrlich: “People accepted that science predicted the exact date and time of this week’s solar eclipse — and they predicted it eighty-five years ago. Yet there are those today who cannot accept the word of scientists that climate change is happening as it happens.”

HOT!

Holy Jesus it was hot here last night. I spent the evening prior to bed not moving between cool showers. Today is cooler, thank goodness.

Yesterday began with a liver ultrasound at 9:00 am, then Dr. Shoja at 10:00 and then Sue, my respirologist, at noon and finally Del Dorscheid, my asthma doctor (whom I love), at 1:00 pm. Mr. One-thing-a-day came home feeling totally beat but if I move long-distance, a day like today will happen every three months.

I’m selling my beloved place; I’ve got to get out of the chaos of downtown so I wrote to my realtor to help me think through where to go — plus I’m consulting with friends. I’m having dinner with John and Bunny on Saturday to talk with them more formally about using their basement suite when I come to stay in town.

I’m also talked to my fish, chocolate and marijuana suppliers and verified that they can ship their product to me. However, I plan to come to town regularly for medical appointments and to get craft supplies so I can get things I need then.

The point of moving is to buy land on which I can garden (in privacy) and exercise a dog. The thought of growing my own vegetables and lots of them and lots of varieties is extraordinarily appealing.

Leon will thrive in a yard; and a both of us will love expanding our family with a canine brother and a fireplace. We don’t have many years left. I want us to really enjoy them.

•

The ultrasound was super interesting but her fascination with one spot made me apprehensive. My poor liver has been processing my HIV medications, which is essentially mild chemo, for twenty years. Now I wait. If I get no call in the next day or two, I’m in the clear.

•

Although I wrote to Rachel about my script on Monday morning (early) I’ve still had no answer.

•

I learned how to sign the alphabet so I’m prepared for my signing class that starts in two weeks. I’m a little worried that we may be called upon to speak. I’m quite proficient at signing my first name. In fact it’s ideal for signing; the signs for the letters of my first name flow fluidly.

•

I love in a multi-ethnic city. There’s a huge Asian and South Asian population here. There are also a large number of Pilipino and Latino people here but it seems to me virtually all the numerous homeless people are Caucasian.

•

Oh oh. I’ve discovered jam. How did I go through life without jam? I only discovered mayonnaise about six years ago. Now it’s (strawberry) jam. Toast and jam is my new sex. It’s not like I haven’t had it before; I’ve had it in restaurants but I’ve not bought any for at home since probably my twenties and I forgot how good it can be.