Looking for a word suitable to describe my hectic life lately, too busy for me to keep up with, I found the word GALLIMAUFRY.
What a wonderful word to describe the confused jumble or medley of things I’m involved in right now. The word was borrowed in the 1500s from the French version galimafree, a kind of stew or hash.
This word is the perfect description for my life right now, with so many various things on the go it will explain why if you see me looking a little dazed. It’s due to over commitment.
I thought I had a handle on it, but this year reached out for five different events hoping if any one were realized, it would challenge me. When all of them came to fruition it really became a gallimaufry of events. There are so many good things happening right now in our community I cannot keep up with all the ones I’d like to be involved in.
Let’s begin with what is happening this week. The wonderful fundraiser the Arts Attic is gearing up for its annual three-day sale. Proceeds go toward children’s programming at the Centre for the Arts.
If you have any art, or arts related books, frames etc. not wanted please take it into the reception desk at the centre.
Drop in any day this week; the sale starts on Thursday. Each year I take some of my watercolours in and often end up buying some at great prices. I would much rather have my art hanging in someone’s house than sitting in my basement knowing that the value given to the fundraising was well spent.
Last week I spent several hours in the council chambers waiting for the 2023 Arts and Culture Plan to be voted on.
City staff and volunteers have done a huge amount of work on this excellent Nordicity plan over the past year. We had more than 40 arts supporters representing various art disciplines in council chambers to show their support and after a strong delegation council recognized the importance the arts play in the economic viability of a city, in the heart and souls of its citizens and passed the report 8-1.
On May 23 at the 41st Bernice Adams Awards night a good evening filled with enthusiastic arts supporters was held at the Four Fathers Brewery in Hespeler.
It's always a positive, upbeat event. I have attended 39 of the 41. It has bene held on this date before and since it was my birthday thanks to Kyle Priestley (the “Heart of the Arts” award winner) and Joy Schuster Violinist and last year’s music award winner) more than 200 people sang Happy Birthday to me, a moving and humbling experience. The first of the “pop up series”
The idea came from the CSO20 committee, a very energized small group of supporters of the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra planning the 20th season which begins this September. As part of the promotion for this we are organizing “pop up series” of orchestra members playing in unexpected places.
We have the hospital, the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards evening, The Foundry Tavern, The Famers' Market, and other busy events throughout the summer. The first “pop up was Joy playing her violin and everyone singing Happy Birthday to me. Watch for more to come as requests come in.
On June 2, my daughter Helen had her retirement party from over 30 years of teaching. It was a moving occasion and one of her kindergarten students from 25 years ago recently found her on Linked in and reached out, she came to the party with her baby son, having driven for some hours to honour the teacher who 26 years later had left a lasting impression on her telling Helen “your light lit us all.” What a moving tribute to share.
This past Saturday at the Coping Centre as part of the widow’s retreat tea party to chat to them about grief, dealing with the loss, and in time, moving forward.
This coming Wednesday June 12 is the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards where I am being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award which humbles me. Very appreciative of those who nominated me, and the wonderful letters of support received.
On Friday June 14 it is the Celebration of the Arts at City Hall in Civic Square and on Dickson Street, more than 5,000 usually attend so drop in if you can see the art, hear the music and the literary readings, visit the local food trucks, and enjoy the positive vibes.
On Saturday 15 June Paul Langan, this year’s winner of the Bernice Adams Literary award, is launching his latest book “It came from Cambridge” short stories by Cambridge citizens: at 13 Main Street.
Copies will be available from Amazon and in local bookstores. I’m pleased to have one of my stories included.
Then on Sunday it is Father’s Day when many families will celebrate.
May and June are always busy months as we prepare to wind down for the summer break when many leave for camping trips, cottages and vacations.
Enjoy whatever you can and if you see me dazed, you’ll know I have good reason. Too old to cope with so many items at once.
Thanks for listening!
