The only thing one can give an artist is leisure in which to work. To
give an artist leisure is actually to take part in his creation. -Ezra
Pound, poet (1885-1972)
Devil's Night, is a name associated with October 30, the night before Halloween. It is related to the "Mischief night" practiced in other parts of the United States and the world, but is chiefly associated with the serious vandalism and arson seen in Detroit, Michigan from the 1970s to the 1990s, finally prompting the "Angel's Night" community response.
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Falstaff with big wine jar and cup
Art: Eduard von Grützner, 1896
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Up at 5:34 am as The Devil Cat had been criss-crossing the bed since about 4:00 am, licking our faces, nibbling our arms, trying to prod us into getting up to feed her! I finally succumbed and heaved myself out of bed to stumble into the kitchen. Zapped my java while I prepared her breakfast and once her hunger was satisfied I was left in peace to sit at my laptop and work away on The Diaries, a losing battle I fear, but I'm optimistic that I might make a dent in the backlog now that the VWF is over.
P, hope you are enjoying your extended visit to dreamland.
Glad to hear you got out with Ray -- what a day for that. I look forward to hearing about how he is doing.
I don't know when I
will get out today. Cobby is trying to organize a test ride for me from
his shop. If that can happen, maybe you and I can ride then. At the
moment I don't know when or how long that ride
will be. I will email you when I know.
Rain is expected in the afternoon -- when in the afternoon they do not say. W
Happy Devil's Night, Giggster!Now that Maggster has up up and about, (I suspect some sort of collusion between you two early birds, so to speak!),
I'd be delighted to accompany you on a test ride, should that happen.
Just let me know if and when and we'll plan accordingly. Give me a phone
call if it is after 8:00 am that you know as I have to wake Coriandre
by then. Otherwise, an email will keep me from the worst of her early
morning vituperative remarks!
On a much more worrying note, Paul
Whitney is not at all well. Don't know the latest details but Kjell
talked to him on Monday and he complained of being extremely short of
breath and feels exhausted, just answering the phone is difficult. He
had been in for an angioplasty over a week ago and all went well, in
terms of results, condition of his heart, valves, etc., except for some
bleeding caused by procedure. Whether this is related to his current
state or not, health professionals have not yet been able to diagnose
underlying cause for above symptoms.
Apparently his condition
has deteriorated ever since then. We bumped into Joan over course of VWF
and she didn't seem concerned when we inquired about how he was doing. I
don't think he was able to attend any events himself. Whether Joan
was/is in denial or whether things took a turn for the worse quite
suddenly, we simply don't know. Cora Lee called last night and Kjell did
same earlier in day. No answer so we both wonder if he is back in
hospital. We do know that he is scheduled for heart valve surgery this
coming January. Apparently he has a family history of heart problems so
that is not a good thing, of course, other than being aware of situation
so as to monitor things and be proactive.
Anyway, hope to find
out more over next few days. Poor Kjell, himself, is suffering with a
very sore left knee. He fell while playing tennis about four weeks ago
and is more or less incapacitated, as far as vigorous exercise. His knee
often flares up quite suddenly, just walking to the corner store, per
esempio. Not quite sure why but he seems to be afflcited with Robo Man
Syndrome in the sense that he hasn't/won't seek medical advice until he
returns to Sweden in two weeks. He claims that his medical insurance
deductible is too high to warrant a visit. I suggested that he might be
doing more harm by ignoring situation and even if it cost a few hundred
dolalrs or more, out of his own pocket, why risk long-term injury if it
could be avoided. Jane mentioned that he has a new La Z Boy recliner and
I suppose he thinks this is therapy enough! I'm sure it is a
comfortable piece of furniture but I don't think it really addresses
injured knee.
Chat soon. Cheers, Il Conduttore, Medico Ciarlatano Straordinario!
P, thought this might be of interest to you and Corinne. It is about reading, imagination, the growing importance of the library. W
Hi Giggster!
Great article! Thanks! I actually heard him on BBC
when I was in first in Languedoc. He is a wonderful thinker and speaker.
I suppose we will have to start reading aloud to the NRBC dolts!
Cheers, Patrizzio!
P, I laughed out loud at 'reading aloud to the dolts...' -- such a perfect image. We could start with Babar or Dr Zeus.
Thanks for the ride today. Let me know when you know about the pick up of the outlaws tomorrow.
Bike sizing test ride
revealed what you suspected: I need the bars to be higher and Cobby has
some interesting ideas. He is even more resistant to the riser bars
than his father. G
Babar, Dr Zeus, (was Dr Seuss's Greek Great/Great/Great...Great Grandfather!), and More!
Hi again Whirlage!
I forgot to mention that I think Babar and Dr
Zeus are far too, too advanced for the dolts. Better to start with Dick
and Jane as "See Spot run!" will be more than taxing enough! Cheers,
Puff, for Maggster!
Hi Riser Man!
Why not just start riding a unicycle and not worry
about handlebars of any kind! Thank you for ride. I did some fairly
extended dipsy-doodles after we parted as the thought of fighting the
head wind all the way back from UBC was just too, too daunting. Started
around Kits Point and then over Burrard Bridge to give me my 50+ km.
Very enjoyable as I was only interested, more or less, in distance as
opposed to AVG.
Funnily enough, we just talked to Falcon Lake a
few minutes ago. They arrive just after 4:00 pm so Cora Lee wants to
leave here around 3:45 pm. According to:
it will be mostly cloudy between noon and 3:00 pm, brief showers
otherwise, earlier and later. How does this suit? As you already know,
I'm infinitely flexible. Let me know and I'll pump up my unicycle tire!
Cheers, Patrizzio!
PS: We are off to hear a reading, by one of
members of VPL Board at Heartwood, the restaurant on Main, near
Broadway/Kingsway, which Cora Lee's church just bought! Looking forward
to seeing physical space as well as sussing out author, a woman Cora Lee
thinks is both "pushy" and "strange", so should be fun! Almost like
playing bridge with Nicotine Man!!!
Vancouver
Writers Festival, 2013, Volunteer Evaluation/Feedback
Hello
Kathryn:
Please
find my comments below. I've divided my response into two sections,
one for the bar at Studio 1398 and the other for F&B Crew Captain
at Sunday Brunch/Tea, Set-up/Strike as well as a few comments about
Festival in general. Not quite sure to whom I would send the latter
but assume you will pass my observations along. Thanks, Patrizzio!
Bar
at Studio 1398:
I
think this is a worthwhile endeavour in spite of reasonably low
revenue generation. To give people the opportunity to have a drink,
whether alcoholic or not, is much appreciated, from response/reaction
of attendees. Perhaps more advance publicity, to make people aware of
this possibility, (in Program notes, per esempio, describing
different venues, would help, or at least inform those so
interested), without using a hard sell.
Amounts
and kind of product are just about right so no change on that front
if things continue next year.
Main
concern is/was ice delivery. Really need tub, (3/4 full only), there
between 6:30 pm 6:45 pm in order to cool down wine, beer and soft
drinks. We wasted an aweful lot of time and effort moving
bottles/cans into small bar fridge, to not much good effect, most
evenings, until ice finally arrived. As well, need small plastic
glasses for wine. First night we were supposed to use coffee-like
containers! As well, two pitchers for water. Many, many people just
wanted water and we had to keep running back and forth to washroom
for refills. Two would lessen time spent on this activity. If it is
deemed appropriate, bottled water would probably sell quite well but
I'm aware that this might not be politically correct. Just an
observation.
None
of these changes require much other than a bit of pre-planning. I'm
certainly not complaining as this is a great volunteer gig but it
could go even more smoothly, to everyone's betterment and enjoyment.
F&B
Crew Captain:
This
responsibility presents more concerns as it really is a busy, busy
series of events, as I certainly need not tell you. Although I had
worked, in my early volunteer days, on Set-up and Strike, on a couple
of these sessions, I was, more or less, just part of the general
semi-organized “chaos”. Not having been directly involved at PW
over the past three Festivals, I was certainly, in the dark, as to
many of the exact specifics of what needed to be done and in what
order. Cathy's sheets were helpful and provided needed structure, at
least on paper. The pre-event meeting was also useful.
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| Caspar Milquetoast |
However,
although I was more than happy to assume the role of Crew Captain, I
really don't think I discharged my duties as well as I could have. My
lack of experience and overall unfamiliarity with step by step
procedures rendered me relatively ineffective, as a leader, at times.
My responsibility entirely and I am being quite frank. This being
said, due to the truly wonderful volunteers assigned to my crew, I
think everything went off pretty damn well simply because they were
so willing and capable and energetic and self-directed, in spite of
rather than due to anything or much that I said or did. Not to be
too, too self-critical, I do think I could manage/would manage better
next time, should that be a role I might be asked to play in the
future.
Given
the actual nature of the beast, volunteers, many inexperienced for
this type of work/venue and the somewhat confusing chain of command,
(at least to me but I'm sure to others), I think there will always be
a certain element of disorganization/chaos, call it what you will.
This is inevitable but I suppose my comments are directed towards
trying to minimize this aspect of how the sessions unfold.
I
know, (at least this is my take), that Cathy is struggling to codify
each micro-activity, from the brewing of the coffee to the final
clean-up, and this is a good thing and she should be applauded and
thanked for all her considerable effort in this regard. However, this
paper plan quickly breaks down, in my experience, almost as soon as
the morning begins. Not so much a question of how many pads of butter
to put on each table, for example, or how much orange juice to put
into the Champagne glasses but how to coordinate all of this
necessary activity.
Here,
I am the first one to admit that my inexperience/unfamiliarity
contributed to some/much of the muddling but I think there needs to
be an even clearer distinction made between brewing of coffee/tea, (a
big deal and I have some comments about this, as well), and actual,
on-site food preparation. I am not criticizing Hiedeh but we all know
what she is like. I know one of my roles was to act as a “buffer”
and I think things went pretty well on that account. Nevertheless,
what happened, and what did happen when I was first involved, a
number of years ago, was that volunteers tend to be pulled in one
direction or another, on the spur of the moment, and then other
people who need help with one thing or another become upset and tasks
are left undone, etc., etc.
Bit
difficult to reconstruct how things went but in spite of this backing
and forthing, everything ended up being done very well and on time.
Nonetheless, with a bit more pre-planning I think it could have gone
even more efficiently. From my point of view, Cathy, if this is to be
a role she will continue to play, should concentrate on the brewing
matters and have enough volunteers, dedicated to these tasks alone,
for both the sessions and switch-overs. Has never seemed as if there
is an absolute shortage of volunteer bodies and I found it somewhat
confusing when I kept being asked for the loan of one or two crew
members. Not that I don't think we need to be flexible and cooperate
but why not simply assign people to a given, important task, and
leave it at that, at least until they can be released, if needed
elsewhere.
Heideh
had mentioned that a picture of a set table was to be projected
somewhere to allow set-up crew to actually see what they were going
to do before they started. A grand idea but it didn't happen. I think
it would be very helpful for next year. Furthermore, a number of
other tasks could/should have been finished before we started on
Sunday morning. Tables were set with everything but food stuffs and
that was terrific. However, the plastic bags used as cutting surfaces
on the serving tables should have been in place as well so that food
preparation could have begun even sooner.
Orientation
to this aspect of the operation really happened on the fly, with
Heideh dashing off in all directions. In this regard, I think she
needs to have all the set-up volunteers gathered together and talk to
them about how she wants things done and in what order. I'm not
trying to shirk my responsibility as Crew Captain but she knows what
she wants, (and that is just fine), and I think it is better for her
to tell/show people herself. I'm more than happy to help
“guide/direct” this process by asking questions I know people
would probably have, reminding her of things, etc. At this point,
with an overview, volunteers will probably naturally select for
specific tasks, (putting out salt/sugar or cutting bread), either
because they have done it before or are comfortable with using an
electric knife. If not, then I can simply assign duties based on my
evaluation of capabilities.
Once
again, having been through this I believe, even without some of the
changes I've suggested, I could do a much better job of
managing/discharging my responsibilities. On the other hand, these
suggestions might well make the process a little less
frustrating/stressful for all concerned. I'd be more than pleased to
meet with Heideh, Cathy, Sue and Jo to talk about these matters
should you/they think it useful.
On
a related matter, the number of electrical outlets in the kitchen and
front bar at PW seems to be a real issue, the tail wagging the dog,
it seems to me. Much of the brewing activity/water heating is
governed by number of urns which can be accommodated. Could an
upgrade to electrical system not be made a priority for future
Festivals? Not sure who is responsible for physical plant,
(presumably CMHC), but what about approaching/finding a donor to pay
for an upgrade or starting a specific fund drive, should landlord
balk. Surely other groups would find greater electrical capacity a
bonus. Seems like such a waste of time and energy having to focus on
what has to be plugged in where and then having to move heavy, hot,
potentially dangerous/hazardous things about afterwards. The whole
transfer of brewed coffee/tea from urn to thermos to serving carafes
also needs revisiting, in my opinion. After 25 years the Festival
still seems to be reinventing the wheel, at least in this regard. If
it is imagined that these events are going to continue, I cannot
believe that some investment in better/more efficient equipment is
warranted. Perhaps these issues have already been discussed but I
raise them as they seem glaring obstacles, worried over each year,
creating unnecessary complications and delay.
That
about does it. Again, I know these events will always be a challenge
to pull off smoothly. That being said, people work extremely hard and
usually enjoy themselves as well. There will always be unforeseen
glitches. I'm interested in removing impediments that need not be
there to begin with.
As
I mentioned above, all of my crew were dedicated, helpful and
flexible. Other than Mohammed Alahmadi, everyone assigned showed, on
time, for scheduled events. Of particular note were:
Karl
Jensen and Craig Davidson, on Champagne, were tireless on every other
task as well and worked longer than shifts required/stipulated.
Moira
Wellwood, Laura Dochtermann, Lauren McClanaghan and Melissa Chan
never stopped for a moment and pitched in, without a shred of
complaint ,whenever asked to do something/anything.
This
is not to say that all the rest were not terrific but I simply didn't
get to know them as well. Any and all of them would be even more
valuable assets, obviously, if they were to work at next year's
Festival.
Last,
but not least, are my views on some of the sessions I attended as a
member of the audience.
On Thursday
evening we were fortunate enough to be able to get into the event,
Rocking Again: From The Rock II: Wayne Johnston, Lisa Moore and
Michael Winter. However, I must say that I found that Charles Demers,
as moderator, seemed to "force" or direct the discussion,
after the readings had taken place, in ways that were somewhat
confusing, at least for me, and didn't really seem too advance or
encourage the interplay among these wonderful storytellers. Some of
the issues/themes, (Newfoundland as colony of Canada, its island
isolation, etc., are valid and need/warrant exploration/discussion),
but my take was that he turned panel into an almost academic forum. I
would have preferred much more time for questions from the audience
and then just let the authors run with things. I, for one, was
expecting a much more raucous evening but I think the moderator
muzzled, unintentionally, probably, the proceedings.
This is
not to say that I could have done a better job or that I think his
intentions were not of the highest order. However, this particular
approach certainly didn't work for me. As far as I was concerned it
simply didn't allow for the sort of spontaneous interplay which was
evident, from time to time, but wasn't fostered or really encouraged.
I think back to last year's Festival when Denise Mina, Stuart McBride
and Ian Rankin were together and it might as well have been an
uproarious stand-up comedy routine, such was the barbed, but
nevertheless, good-natured and terribly informed banter/dialogue
which ensued. I cannot remember who moderated the session but whoever
it was really didn't intrude himself but acted more as a catalyst,
letting the wonderful intellects and imaginations loose to combine
and interact in novel, often sidesplitting, hilarious ways.
I
mention this as while I certainly enjoyed the evening I don't think
its potential was fully realized. I didn't expect or want a yuk-yuk
fest but I was disappointed that the session was not as lively and
entertaining as it could have/should have been. I'm very curious to
know what others thought.
Felt much about an
earlier session, on Tuesday, Up All Night: Lisa Moore, Scot Turow and
Jo Nesbø, moderated by Ian Weir. Again, moderator seemed to have a
particular agenda he wanted panel to follow. From my point of view,
many of his questions were artificial and I simply don't think that
any of these authors need much, if any, prompting to be able to
speak, at length, on just about anything. I juxtapose both Andreas
Schroeder and Bill Richardson.
Andreas
interviewed Jowita Bydlowska about her memoir, Drunk
Mom. I
have always really liked him, both as an author and as a moderator
and session
was wonderful in spite of, or perhaps because of Jowita's harrowing
tale. She is so articulate, (in spite of learning English as a
teenager after her family emigrated to Canada), and was so
relentlessly honest, without being an exhibitionist, that it was
simply mesmerizing to listen to her tell her story, or as much as she
could remember due to the endless blackouts which were part and
parcel of her crippling addiction. Once again, Andreas was the
perfect foil, his questions probed/explored but did not violate.
That same afternoon,
back to Granville Island Stage to the session: In The Beginning, with
Amber Dawn, Helen Humphries, Priscila Uppal and Jowita Bydlowska,
once again moderated by Andreas. The Sisterhood can certainly be
proud of the strength and power and sheer talent shown by all four of
these gifted authors. We all can, of course. Again, I made sure to
congratulate Andrea for his consummate skill as moderator. He
certainly contributed to the mix but did not dominate or overshadow
the ensuing discussions. In short, he facilitated, much as I loathe
how this word is used, of late.
Bill,
like Andreas, did a marvellous, simply marvellous job as moderator.
As a direct result Tremblay was a pure delight to listen to because
Bill elicited rather than forced responses. I know that being a
moderator takes considerable skill, just like any other difficult,
demanding task, if done well, with sensitivity and subtlety, but I
would hope that those chosen for the role be mindful or be made
mindful of how session is to or should unfold. Perhaps I speak for
myself, but I think most readers would rather ask the authors
questions themselves or simply listen to them talk, the moderator but
a catalyst, hovering, lurking unseen, almost invisible, in the
background, prompting as needs be, but a silent partner, more often
than not, in the proceedings.
Here
Endeth the Lesson! Buona Fortuna, Thanks and Cheers, Patrizzio!
Patrick,
Thank you very much for all the time
and hard work and commitment you invested as a volunteer for the 2013
Vancouver Writers Fest! By all accounts the festival was a huge success.
We really could not have done it without you!
While the festival and your volunteer shifts are still fresh in your mind, we would love your feedback!
What did you enjoy, what was challenging, what are your suggestions for improvements?
Feedback this year is being gathered by
an on-line survey. It takes only a few minutes and will help us plan
for our 2014 festival. Please be assured that all information will be
kept confidential.
Every completed survey will be entered
into a draw at the Volunteer Party on Thursday evening Nov 7, for a $100
gift card to the Sandbar Restaurant on Granville Island.
Here's the link to the on-line survey. Please submit as soon as possible!
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1430582/Vancouver-Writers-Fest-Volunteer-Feedback-2013
THANK YOU Patricizo! Really good and valuable commentary on all fronts.
Since
not all of your message had to do with volunteers/volunteer management,
after I’m done with them, I would like to forward the Studio 1398
comments to
Cathy, is that ok with you?
Similarly, I would like to forward your Sunday set-up comments to Cathy, Jo and Camilla. Is that ok with you?
Last but not least, I’d like to forward your event comments/feedback to Hal, is that ok with you? Kathryn
Hi again, Kathryn!
Fine with me on all counts. As I'm sure you
gather, I've submitted comments in the spirit of trying to be helpful
rather than critical, in the sense of not wishing to hurt people's
feelings, offend them, etc. Again, as I certainly need not tell you,
everyone gives so much of their time and energy and is so committed to
the Festival that I wouldn't want anyone to feel that I don't understand
their dedication and effort. I guess I just want to try to contribute
to making an already splendid affair even better. Cheers, Patrizzio but I
do like "Patricizo!" Is that Portuguese?
Patricizo!,
Merci,
grazie, your comments are all useful and the spirit in which they are
delivered is positive, so I trust that when I pass them on that they are
taken in
that spirit! Kathryn
Fabulo!
Hi Cathy!
Thank you for another wonderful Festival. Have sent my comments to
Kathyrn. I enjoyed working directly with you although, in truth, I
didn't feel I really discharged my duties quite as efficiently as I
could have. No one's fault but my own, of course. Still I think
everything went very well and I did enjoy myself, if that counts. With
this experience under my belt, feel I'd be much better equipped, next
time, if such help is wanted/needed. Cheers, Patrizzio!
You were a great crew captain, Patrick. Every year it's a learning curve but at least each year it's less
steep! Molte grazie. C
Thanks
for taking time for Volunteer Feedback. Because you were such good
crew captains, I spent much less
time with volunteers and did not get as good a grasp of their abilities
as much as I usually do nor did I deal with many problems. I'd really
appreciate a copy of your Feedback for reference for next year. Thanks
so much. CathyA
Hi again, Cathy!
You are too kind in
your remarks but thanks, of course. I anticipated that Kathryn would
forward any relevant comments to you and she sent me an email saying she
would. From my point of view I didn't think there were many problems
either but any comments or thoughts I've had are intended, from my
limited perspective, to try to contribute
to making an already splendid affair even better. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Stats for today's ride:
Hi Everyone,
We apologize for the blank email you received from our system. Please disregard. This was a glitch. Let’s blame it on goblins! Thanks, Charlie
Hi Patrick,
Thanks for the photos. Yes, life is all about the food and wine! Saw lots of animals and incredible stories to tell re: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Hope to see you for David Conn’s book launch this weekend. Charlie
Welcome Home, Champagne and O Susannah!
I thought the "glitch" was just your usual terse message and here it was a Halloween themed email!
Look
forward to hearing all about your travels in Africa. Unfortunately will
have to wait a bit as we are away this weekend, in Little Shuswap and
then Naramata. Seem to be in Nancy's bad books now even though we
received invitation to book launch after we had already accepted one
from Ruthless and Ricardo, our close friends from Squamish. Feel badly
as we certainly would have liked to attend.
Clara and Dusty arrive tomorrow so dust off your bidding! Cheers, Patrizzio!
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