The day after the day before

Hmm. It's been a month almost since my last update. A lot happens in a month. In two weeks I'll be presenting at ELAC. It's probably time to write my paper, then. Hmm hmm hmm.

Do you know about You Tube? I suppose I'm possibly the last human with internet to learn about it, but now I have and have squandered a couple of hours watching old Kate Bush vids, including two live takes of "Suspended in Gaffa." I remember trying to work out that routine from the official video, particularly the part with special effects that can't be replicated by a dancer. Thinking about my interpretation and watching Kate's early choreography, I'm satisfied with how it all turned out so many many years ago. The thought of dancing -- or not dancing -- makes me wistful. I wonder if I could book time in one of the studios at JP over the summer. (Well, Brian Webb can do it, so why shouldn't I?) I also watched the alternative promotional video for "Running Up That Hill," which features Kate's band on stage dressed like monks in long brown robes. Kate herself assumes the role of a minister at a pulpit, delivering a passionate oratory in an ankle-length overcoat. In the final seconds of the clip, she takes up a wooden bow, fits an arrow in it, and kneels at the front of the stage, preparing to pierce the sky. Quite beautiful, really, in the post-apocalyptic manner of the mid 1980s.

Just finished a compelling novel called Stay with Me by Garret Freymann-Weyr. The story is very simple -- a sixteen-year-old girl lives through the year after her older sister commits suicide -- but the narrative is strikingly complex and richly ornamented. I recommend this book highly.

School is quietly winding down. Soon it will be May and I will be getting ready to take the chair of my department. Unfortunately, this appointment has turned out to be unexpectedly fraught. One of my colleagues now refuses to speak to me, the current chair is having trouble relinquishing his hold on the department, and another colleague seems intent on getting herself fired and taking me with her. But, on the bright side, I will be travelling to Toronto and Montreal at the end of May, and that destination makes holding on a little longer worthwhile.

Well, I know there's more to say but I need to run off to the grocery. Enjoy your weekend festivities if you're observing. I'll write more one of these days...

L