Seattle

Steve Ball with friends Paul O’Rear and Ivan Lee perform in Steve’s studio. The music was amazing! It was a wonderful experience. Steve was an excellent host for a trip that I’ll always remember. 
Steve and his daughter Sophie are my hosts at one of the 85 buildings in Redmond, Seattle. Steve is responsible for sounds and music on Microsoft’s Windows Alta Vista Program. He hired his friend, famed guitarist Robert Fripp of my favourite band King Crimson, to help him out. The modern offices were of average size with nice views of the forested exterior.  There were an incredible number of young people working in these offices, from all over the world – Canada too. They were very personable, bright eyed and eager.

Ceremonies at Rideau Hall for GG Awards

The group photo depicts seven anglophone and seven francophone winners for poetry, fiction, non-fiction, drama, translation, illustration for picture books, and children’s book text. Karen Kain, the head of the Canada Council and famous former ballet dancer is on my right, wearing Red. The Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond sit in the center. In the second photo I compliment Her Excellency on her choice of format for the dinner after the award ceremony. The format allowed everyone to mingle. I met talented young artists and had great conversations with security staff, military personnel, poets, and many others.
Canadian Poet Don Domanski poses before the award ceremony, claiming to be be very nervous, but looking calm. I stand with French Canadian illustrator Geneviève Côté and her publisher. Karen Kain was all too eager to pose with me and I blushed.

Signing Books in the Parliamentary Library

It was a great honour to sign a copy of my book which would be held in the beautiful parliamentary library. The head librarian, Bill Young stands behind me. Michael Ondaatje, winner of the GG for his novel Divisadero posed for a photo.

Visit to the National Gallery

 

The National Gallery of Canada had a few great exhibits.