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Seeking Style & Life In Ottawa - Resolutions 2009 (Part One)
Ottawafocus.com Special Contributor, Katharine of Girl About O Town
After a long winter’s nap, I’m ready to get this New Year started! Having been away from home for more than a week, I have been looking forward to my return and plotting new adventures in our fair city.

2008 was good to me. There is so much more to discover and experience though, and I am resolved to share what I learn as I go. So, why not make a list?

Why not consider a few Ottawa related personal objectives for the upcoming year?

After all, this is the time year when we’re supposed to take stock, reflect and then look forward to what is ahead. Stretching beyond our individual comfort zone - especially in the context of our community - has immeasurable benefits. Of this, I am sure.

Here are a few things I hope to do in 2009…

Here in Ottawa, there are a host of independent galleries that exhibit works from a range of local, national and international artists. I don’t stop in to see as often as I would like, and I want to more often. Vernissage openings seem to me the best option for this, and many galleries host these regularly. What better way to see new art than in the company of the artist, with a DJ spinning and a glass of wine in hand?

Hayden Menzies Inside & Out @ La Petite Mort

Opening this weekend
@ Gallerie La Petite Mort Gallery:

Hayden Menzies / Inside & Out / New Paintings

January 2 - February 4, 2009

Sponsored by CKCU 93.1 FM

Awhile back, I was in San Francisco for one of their First Thursday’s. Galleries in SF, and now in many other U.S. cities, coordinate events and openings on the first Thursday of every month. Since then, I’ve wondered about the possibility of a similar tradition here in O-Town? Until such a time, I will try to find a way to drop into a few more Vernissage openings.

Similarly, I’m feeling like it might be time to give classical music a serious second try.
The last time I went to listen is now the stuff of family legend. My Dad and I, in the spirit of father/daughter bonding, made a date together to the NAC to hear the Orchestra. Nestled into our cozy seats, enveloped by semi-darkness, and lulled by the sweet sounds of the string instruments, we both promptly fell asleep. A bonding experience indeed…

Amanda Forsyth

Anyway, I am certain that nowadays, I would appreciate a few evenings of classical inspiration. And, what an opportunity to bond with my little girlaboutOtown who has expressed a genuine interest in learning the violin!

Perhaps we’ll try to see Amanda Forsyth, one of Ottawa’s most glamourous and talented women, play in May. What better way to impress upon a little one that music of all kinds can be cool.

Listen here for more from Ms. Forsyth.

This year, as my fascination with decorative design, architecture and antique furniture deepens, I really don’t want to miss Ottawa’s annual House Tours. By catching even a glimpse of how others live and how they express themselves, I am sure to gain even greater insight into how it is we find ourselves “at home”. And, for an added bonus, these house tours are also important fundraisers for worthy local charities.

I’ll be looking for both the Ottawa West and the IODE annual House Tours later on in the year.

Seeking Houses...

Also on the list for 2009 is my triumphant return to skis. It’s been more years than I care to admit since I have donned the downhill’s and there is no avoiding it any longer. In spite of my aversion to dangerous speeds, bitter cold and silly looking snow pants, I am finally convinced that outdoor pursuits of this nature may actually serve me well. At the very least, a little winter sun will help ensure a minimum dose of Vitamin D.

Skiing

In addition, I’ve received a very fine invitation from my Wakefield friend who has kindly offered to host a day of cross-country skiing, followed by a dunk in her hot tub under the stars. Hmm. I guess I could be persuaded!

Stay tuned for more ideas and plans for 2009…

Images: Painting from Hayden Menzies @ Gallerie La Petite Mort Gallery , Amanda Forsyth.com and The Ottawa West House Tour , and Gorsuch

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