When I first left Vancouver to see a bit of the world, I hoped to define and embrace other cultures. I didn’t really know what culture was, but I figured there was more of it in other countries. In explaining my intended purpose to travel to some of my friends at the time, they didn’t really get it. Why do I actually need to leave Vancouver to understand what culture is? Hmmm. I’m not really friends with many of those closed minds anymore.

Culture is many things. Vancouver culture does not follow the traditional sense as its’ inhabitants connect more with natural beauty than anything else. THAT is our culture. We have modern design, coffee shops, Diwali festivals, film festivals and Pride marches.

So what is it that we don’t have? I’m still trying to put my finger on it. Some might say a diverse community-others might laugh at that very idea. History, art, a top notch foodie scene-we do have it all…but as a small city that can count it’s history by the number of rings on the tree in the backyard.

I am now on a mission to define the culture of our fair city…as seen and understood by me. You may agree or not agree with me. Different generations and different ethnic backgrounds will surely all say something different. Local author Douglad Coupland coined ‘City of Glass’ noting our blue and green tinted skyscrapers while local rocker Bryan Adams collected Emily Carr’s clay handiwork. There are many approaches to culture and being a Vancouverite-hopefully my insight will be as rounded and world. Where do I go-What do I see and What do I do? What do YOU suggest?

Watch this space!

A few months ago I joined a former classmate from the Writers Studio as a host for the reading series. My dear Eufemia has now moved onto other pastures, and I’ve been joined by another alumni from the Writers Studio – Marni Wedin.

On Friday night, Marni and I will be stepping up to the mic to introduce 10 readers from the Lower Mainland. If you are looking for writing inspiration, are hoping to join a community of writers, or simply want to open your ears up to a combination of fiction, poetry and non-fiction – come and join us! Scheduled readers are as follows:

CLARISSA P. GREEN … CATHERINE MCNEIL … RACHEL THOMPSON…

REX MOORE … ALEXANDER WINSTANLEY … JANICE MASURE …

ALYSEN CAMERON … CATHIE BORRIE … MARY-JO DIONNE

WITH SPECIAL GUEST AUTHOR MICHELLE ELRICK

TWS

READING SERIES

 

 

@ Take 5 Café