#deep thoughts with yeg

[yegdreon]

Me: I ain't Ace, there's no way.

Also me: Yummy! Garlic bread with cheese!

[yegarts]

"I am YEG Arts" Series: Jeff Collins

Jeff Collins at Collins Studio Gallery. Photo provided by the artist.

For Jeff Collins, the key to having a successful career as an artist is showing up every day. His consistency and commitment have defined his long career. “The inspiration shows up when you’re at work,” are words he lives by.  At the end of his studies, advice he received from his Red Deer College painting instructor, Joseph Reeder, to “forget everything he’d been taught,” inspired him to lock himself away in his studio for six months and shut out all distractions. During that pivotal time nearly 30 years ago, his practice in landscape painting took form, and he’s maintained a studio in Edmonton ever since. In 2019, he took a big leap with the opening of Collins Studio Gallery, which serves as his working studio, a classroom where he teaches oil painting, and a gallery that welcomes community and is an exhibition space for emerging artists and curators to show their work.

This week on the YEG Arts blog, we catch up with Jeff Collins.  

Tell us about your connection to Edmonton and what keeps you living and working here.  

I was born in Edmonton and studied through high school here. I moved away for about ten years and during that time, I lived in Jasper. In Jasper, I had my first apartment and when I wanted to put art up on the walls, everything I saw was just cliché posters, and so I thought “I can do better than this, look at all the scenery around Jasper.” My mother was a painter, so it was always part of my life although I didn’t pursue it much until then. With some encouragement from those who saw my early work, I decided to study art and design at Red Deer College [now known as Red Deer Polytechnic] and the University of Alberta. I then went on to Grant MacEwan Community College [now MacEwan University] to study arts administration. 

After returning to Edmonton, it was really the first time I was part of the arts community here and it was just so supportive and amazing. Some of the highlights for me at that time (the early nineties) was the Works Art & Design Festival. They were so, so instrumental in creating community and making Edmonton a supportive place for artists. Latitude 53 was an influential gallery for me, also Arts Habitat Edmonton, and of course the amazing river valley and the fabulous people here. I’ve been here ever since working away as an artist and really being part of the community.    

By Jeff Collins (left to right clockwise): Turtle in the Woods 001, acrylic on paper; Heartland, acrylic on canvas; and King of the North, acrylic on canvas. Photo provided by the artist.

What’s one of the biggest professional risks you’ve taken, and how did it influence where you are today?

As an artist, you take risks every single day and you’re putting yourself out there, and if you’re true to your craft, you’re really pulling deep inside of you to pull that out and to put it out there, where other people can see it. That’s always so risky. It’s kind of like every day as an artist is a risk. I worked at the Alberta Craft Council for many years and when I decided to quit and work full-time in my studio, that was a pretty huge risk financially. I am very happy that I did that, though it’s always been a gig-to-gig kind of thing since, and I worked out of my studio between contract positions. It’s been four years — I can’t believe it — since I opened Collins Studio Gallery! I signed a lease, and I trusted that if this is meant to be, it was going to happen. So, leaving my full-time job and signing the lease on where I am now and opening a gallery — where I also teach classes and have my studio — were all big risks! Sometimes I think “well I don’t take any risks,” but other times I think, “well, I guess everything I do is kind of risky,” depending on how you look at it. 

What does community mean to you, and where do you find it?

One thing I enjoy about Edmonton is that the art community is so supportive, diverse, and I find it’s non-competitive. When I think of community, what I really think of is everyone really supporting each other and looking after each other and knowing that you can rely on that community when you’re having hard times. I find that so rich in Edmonton. There are great things about other cities for sure, but I feel there’s a little more competition elsewhere. I find Edmonton is a lot more collaborative, even in between disciplines, for instance musicians and dancers will team up with painters to put on a show, and that’s really cool! 

I’ve met some great people. Will Truchon and Vince Gasparri, whom I’ve known since Red Deer College days, and I have decided to pool our resources and talents to bring some exciting visual art and collaborative events, including experimental electronic music to the gallery [Collins Studio Gallery]. The idea is to stimulate an even more collaborative and dynamic art community in Edmonton where people are allowed to take risks creatively and have it shown before the public.

This is what I want my gallery to be, a community gallery where I can facilitate things that aren’t necessarily shown in other places and if I can allow that to happen, I mean I’ve got the space and if you’ve got an idea, come to me and let’s see how we can make it happen. 

sKiN performs live in front of collaborative paintings from Stop, Drop, and Paint at Collins Studio Gallery. sKiN features Jason Dublanko on lead guitar and vocals, Tim Rechner on drums, and Mike Garth on saxophone. Photo provided by the artist.

Tell us about how collaborating has changed the direction of your work. 

One of the music events at my gallery, we call “Shapes and ‘Scapes,” is where we team up musicians with painters to do an experimental electronic improv music and painting set. Usually, it’s a 20-minute set and it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve become a lot more experimental in my work and one reason is that I was involved in a “Shapes and ‘Scapes.”  I completed a painting in the time frame whereas it usually takes me a month or so to make a landscape painting. I really wanted to see what I could do and really push myself to experiment, and I came up with something that I thought was interesting, and from there I’ve really pushed my painting. Another reason that my work is in the experimental stage is that during Covid, like many of us, there was some personal tragedy in my family, and because of that I decided to take a year off, a kind of sabbatical away from painting. It’s been almost a year now since I’ve come back to it.  

What qualities overlap in being an artist, teacher, and gallery owner? How have you grown most in each role?

They overlap in that they all involve getting over fears, that’s for sure. With painting, looking deep inside of yourself and bringing that forward, that’s kind of a fearful act to do, to be really honest with yourself and bring something out that other people can see. When I first started out teaching, I was really fearful, I wanted my students to like me and didn’t want to waste their time. But then, I realized that with that fear, I was thinking of myself! I was able to turn it around and focus on each student. And as a gallery owner, again I keep on thinking, what can I give to people? Not, “oh I hope they like my gallery when they come in,” it’s like what can I give to them because they’ve come in here and maybe they want to learn something about art or maybe they’ve never been in an art gallery, and I try to make my space really kind of a community gallery.  How I’ve grown in each role is just an evolution. 

Earlier landscape paintings in oil by Jeff Collins (left to right): Islet Lake; Tamarack in Jasper; Lake Isle. Photo provided by the artist.

Tell us about what you’re currently working on or hoping to explore next.

For the nearly 30 years that I’ve been painting, I’ve been painting pretty traditional, great Canadian landscapes. For a while now I’ve wanted to push that in a new direction and with the “Shapes and ‘Scapes,” where I had 20 minutes in front of people to actually do it, I just got out of my way and made it happen. It took a long time for that 20 minutes to actually happen. I’m now exploring symbols that have meaning to me, and they may be symbols that other people use or have picked up on but they’re all symbols from my life that I’ve experienced. There’s also a spiritual aspect to my work. At one time it was all about me being present in this time, in this world, in this physical realm, so it was very important to me to paint actual places and get inspiration on location and take that back into the studio. Now it’s more like ok, that’s my physical body or physical being speaking to my spiritual being and now I feel like exploring symbols and what they mean to me and now it’s the other way around and my spiritual being is reacting to the physical world around me.

Recent abstracts (acrylic, oil, collage and gel transfer) and a winter landscape in oil by Jeff Collins. Photo provided by the artist.

What excites you most about the YEG arts scene right now?  

After two years of not going out and seeing hardly anything, it all really excites me. I did a music show in my gallery last month where it was sold out, there were about 35 people in here — it’s a small gallery! The collaborative work that’s going on between different disciplines excites me, the festivals coming back and gaining traction, I love that. I’m really excited about what’s going on in the Alberta Avenue district, and Arts on the Ave is spearheading all of those things. The Kaleido Family Arts Festival and Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, for me, they are my favourite festivals in Edmonton because they’re so eclectic and you get to see it all in such a short period of time, it is a lot of fun. I’m really excited to see where things are going to go next, as well. I’ll quote the Tragically Hip, “bring on a brand-new renaissance.” It’s what I feel we’re going into here, a rebirth. 

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along! Click here to learn more about Jeff Collins and Collins Studio Gallery.   

About Jeff Collins

Jeff Collins is an artist living in Edmonton, with nearly 30 years of studio practice. His formal studies were at Red Deer College (now known as Red Deer Polytechnic) and the University of Alberta. Jeff has received many awards and recognition for his artwork, notably the Telus Courage to Innovate in the Arts Award. In 2013/14 he served as the City of Edmonton’s inaugural Artist in Residence. His paintings have sold nationally and internationally. As an art educator and facilitator, he strives to connect people to art and creativity, encouraging skill-building, laughter and personal growth.    

While he’s made a name for himself painting landscapes in oil for most of his career as an artist, he also loves to paint still-lifes, figures and almost anything else he sees and encounters in the natural world. Jeff is also fascinated with abstraction and using the properties of paint with the formal elements of painting and drawing to express emotions and captivate viewers. 

In 2019, Jeff opened Collins Studio Gallery in the area of Alberta Avenue in Edmonton. It serves as his working studio, classroom where he teaches beginner and advanced oil painting, and exhibition space where emerging artists and curators are given an opportunity to show their work in front of a public audience.  

[thisistenhyungsunderwear]

Not So Helpful

Group: NCT

Jaehyun x FemReader

Warnings: Smut, fingering, shower sex, unprotected sex

Word Count: 1640

His this is my secret atiny anon gift for @x-lilyofthevalley-x  

I'm not the most talented at writing smut I hope it's okay.

"Jae, babe, can you do the dishes for me please?" You yelled over your shoulder as you were knelt down picking up trash and wrappers from last night's christmas party. You weren't surprised it was so messy, you wanted to invite all of the NCT units over, of course you expected this. 

"Yeah give me a minute." He said, his eyes trained on his phone as he stood mindlessly in the doorway. You hummed and continues your job, finally admitting defeat and grabbing the vacuum to do the job for you. You walked around the entire entire living room and dining area vacuuming and picking up any trash to throw in the trash bag you carried.

Once you finished you returned to the kitchen to find Jaehyun almost in the same exact spot except he was leaning on the doorway. Annoyance grew in your gut. Normally he was more than helpful and would never take too long to join in on cleaning, but today he hadn't taken his eyes off his phone.

You rolled your eyes and pushed your way past him to the sink and turned it on, now doing the dishes. The sound of rushing water made Jaehyun look up, his eyes went wide as he realized what he was doing. He walked over to you, coming on on your left.

"Baby I'm sorry, here let me do it. Why don't you go shower and get cleaned up? You've been working all morning." He said, taking the bowl from your hand and giving a shy smile. You didn't respond as you dried your hands and turned around.

Were you annoyed? Yes. Did you have any logical reason to be? Not really. He apologized and started helping out, but it still really got to you. How he just ignored it and continued playing on his stupid phone. 

You huffed and went into the bathroom. Maybe a shower was what you needed. You stripped down into your bra and underwear and turned the water onto hot before exiting the bathroom quickly to grab a towel from the bedroom. Even though Jae has seen you naked multiple times, you still rushed to find one and covered yourself up when you walked back to the bathroom.

You finished getting undressed and stepped into the steaming shower, relaxation filling your senses as you stood there. You began humming and squeezing shampoo into your palms so you could lather it into your hair.

In the kitchen, Jae had finished the dishes and put them all away and wiped down the counter. He heard the sound of the shower and then the patter of your bare feet running in the hard wood of the floor outside of the bathroom. He smiled, knowing it was you trying to find a towel. 

He threw the dish towel down and exited the kitchen and walked towards the bedroom. By now you were taking your shower, so he walked in and plopped down on the made bed you both shared. He stared at the bathroom door, which you left creaked open. Steam diffusing out ot the crack and disappearing a few inches out. He got lost in his thoughts. Thoughts about you. You running around the house after forgetting a towel. You in the shower. You doing things to him. To yourself. 

He let out a low groan almost and stood up. He figured you needed a stress reliever, and what better stress reliever than him?

He walked into the bathroom and stripped off quickly. You noticed him walk in immediately, but you didn't say anything. You weren't in the mood for conversation at that point. All you wanted to do was enjoy the hot water on your skin. He stepped in behind you.

"Mind if I join?" He asked from behind you, leaning over you to get his hair wet and reach for the shampoo. You hummed a positive response, knowing he got the message. The sound of shampoo being squeezed into his palm was right behind his ear as he did so, then put it in his mess of hair. 

You grabbed the body wash and turned around then grabbed Jae's shoulders. He stood there in question, with wide eyes wondering what you were doing. Then you began shuffling around him so he was now under the hot water. He still looked confused, not really processing the situation.

"Do you not want to wash the shampoo out of your hair?" You asked, motioning to the top of bis head.

"Oh yeah, yeah." He said turning his back and rinsing. You took the body wash and began to wash the front of your body and as you attempted to reach your back, you felt the soap be taken from your hands. Jaehyun began running it up and down your spine, and all over your shoulders, before dipping down to your ass and thighs. 

He closed in on you, to give his arm more length to reach around you to your front. You knew the game he was playing, but it felt so nice so you let him continue. He continued washing your stomach, and curved up around your breasts, letting his circular motions focused on your nipples. You sighed and leaned your head back, which was met with his shoulder.

Jaehyun took this as a good sign and leaned his head down to left side of your neck and began leaving kisses and bites as he trailed up. Inversely, his hands traveled down, at one point he quickly shoved the soap on a random shelf and let it go back to trailing down to your body.

His hands dipped to the front of your thighs and up slowly to the triangle where your core met your thighs. His right hand took the initiative and cupped your core, spreading your legs open with his left. You braced yourself against his chest and allowed him to do as he wished. 

His fingers dipped into your wet core and he began lightly rubbing your clit. Your breathing hitched, and you reached your left hand up to wrap it around his neck.

He slowly began adding pressure to his motions before moving his fingers down to your entrance. Without warning he pushed in his middle and ring finger in all the way. You moaned out as your knees shook from pleasure. He didn't waste time and began pumping his hand in and out somewhat quickly. You were now a whimpering mess, the feeling of Jaehyun's long fingers hitting your sweet spot was enough to go wild, nevermind when his left hand began to take its place playing with your clit.

You clenched around his fingers, a sign you were already close. He smirked and sped all his actions. His fingers working themselves incredibly fast on your core, causing the knot in your stomach to unravel, and pleasure washed over your body. The only thing keeping you stable was your arms wrapped around Jaehyun's neck. He continued working his fingers through your high until you whined from sensitivity. 

He took his hands off of your core and trained them back up to your waist. You turned around to face him, his eyes meeting yours. You saw the dangerous look in his dark, hooded eyes. The idea thrilled you. You pressed your body against his feverishly and began kissing him. The kiss was fast and deep, Jaehyun taking dominance immediately. He squatted down slightly and gripped your thighs before standing up and picking you up with him. You squealed as your back was met with the cold shower wall and your core was met with his hard length. 

He continued the kiss and pushed his hips forward, guiding his length to your entrance and in. He let out a groan of satisfaction from the back of his throat. Slowly, he thrust his hips in you, the kiss broken as you both needed not only air but room to moan in pleasure. Your arms found place around his neck yet again to help him hold you up. The small gesture actually helped alot as he was able to focus more strenght into his thrusts. He snapped his hips fast into your core. The sound if running water was filling the room still, but was now mixed with the sound of skin hitting skin and the occasional whimper and moan.  

You felt your second orgasm approaching quick and grabbed at the hair on the back of his neck as notion of it. He got the message and grinned. He brought his thumb up and around to run your clit yeg again, shocked he was still able to keep you in this position while doing it. The shock of pleasure brought you a step closer to your orgasm and Jaehyun continued ruthlessly pounding into you, chasing both of your releases. 

"Come on baby, come with me." He said, his voice was tense and he needed you to push him over the edge.

Just the sound of his voice was able to push you over and you moaned out, your body shook with pleasure through your second orgasm. The feeling of your core clenching and nails digging into the back if his neck tipped him over. His thrusts stuttered as he came, all strength almost giving out as he put you down slowly. You both stayed standing, catching your breaths, you still encaged under him against the shower wall. 

"You told me to come clean up. I think we just did the opposite though." You pointed out to him, just a matter of factly.

"Wanna see how many tried it takes us to do it right?" He said, glancing down at you mischievously, trying not to laugh at his own stupidity. 

[grasdal]

The first time I ever met Romeo (a few years ago-indiscernible), we had a long conversation about gelato and ice cream and what he was going to do one day. Everyone who knows me, knows my deep appreciation for frozen dairy treats! Romeo crushes it. I am so proud of this wonderful, thoughtful and creative man, he makes the best ice cream I’ve ever had. Go get some!! @twicecream.yeg @yegconnector @yegbesteats @edify_edmonton @exploreedmonton #yeg #yegicecream #besticecream #twicecream #yegsummer #yegeats (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgDb1ihpT7p/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[harryff]

Chapter Three Bellina.

As she promised Harry did reach out to her more than he admitted. Facetime calls and texts helped with the distance problem. His tour was winding down but that didn’t mean he would be less busy. He tried to shower her with gifts but she adamantly refused gifts that were more than $50. He was to treat her like any regular man and not use his status or money. Making his way to the US from Europe he made a pit stop at her city to see her.

He surprised her by sending her a text to meet him at his hotel room. This week wasn’t a good week she was emotional. The anniversary of her father's death was coming up and as usual she gets emotional anything could make her cry. She fussed internally it was literally  last minute. He requested to spend the whole day with her, and even though she agreed because she wanted to see him too, her emotions were a little unhinged that day.

After practice she made her way to his hotel room. Sitting in the lobby she spent 10 minutes drying her tears and checking her face to make sure she didn't look like the emotional wreck she felt like. Gathering the strength she made her way up to his room her hands shaking in the elevator biting her lip. She was exhausted she packed outfits to change into and things to shower with but at this moment her tights and hoodie was all the energy she could master up her face free of any makeup her skin was pale.

When she knocked on the door his bodyguard reluctantly let her in.

“He's a sleep ima go wake him up”

She interjected “No it's ok”

“He told me to wake him up once you got here”

“No! It's ok let him rest i'll keep busy” she said placing her bag down.

“Ok” he shrugged going back to his room

She spent the next 3 hours stretching looking at her phone switching chairs, snacking at some point she checked in on him. Harry woke up to complete silence looking at his clock he noticed 3 hours had passed he slumped over on the bed he was exhausted and thought  was it really all worth it. Checking his phone he looked to see if Bellina had called him she hadn't.

He dragged his body out of bed to go get ready for her arrival. He showered and changed clothes before emerging from his room. The room was dark only a sliver of light was let in by the curtains. That's where he saw Bellina sitting on the floor her hair curly hid her face, knees to her chest looking down at her phone she looked small.

When he walked towards her she looked up at the glass which betrayed him by showing his reflection.

“Damn i was gonna scare yeh”

“Too slow” she joked back

He squats down behind her “Hello luv”

She bends backward to look at him and smiles “Hi” she said softly she goes back to eyeing traffic.

Harry sat down next to her. She was being cold but not on purpose. She turned to face him and smiled “how are you?” her words so soft he could barely make out what she said which made him get closer

“ ‘M doin’ luvely now tha’re here” he said pushing her hair back her curls were wild they covered her face. “How are you pet?”

“Im ok” she sighed.

“You should have woken me up” he said caressing her cheeks

“I tried to you were dead asleep.”

“You did?”

“Yes”

“When?”

“I walked in i said your name you were like in deep slumber”

He made a face, he was naturally a light sleeper, how come he didn't hear her walking in

She bit her lip trying to contain her grin

“Oh you cheeky devil” he exclaimed poking her side

She squealed moving away. Which only enticed him to continue. Pulling her close he tickled her sides while she exploded in laughter. When he went towards her ear she laughed hard causing tears to escape. “I'm sorry” she professed. He finally stopped listening to her giggles calm down her body twitching from the tickling sensation.

“I missed yeh pet” he said touching his forehead with hers

Pet a nickname that took her awhile to get to used to . Why would he call her pet? but she chucked it as being a british slang

“Me too Harry” she caressed his neck

He leaned down placing gentle kisses on her lips. She smiled in between kisses. His lips craved more but they had yet to. Standing up he pulled her along with him

“No seriously why didn't you wake me up?”

“I checked on you, you were like in deep sleep cuz i even removed the covers from your face”

He smiled and sat down pulling her down to sit on his lap “so i was thinkin’ we could stay here ’nd just relax. Is that ok with yeh?”

“Yes, how's the tour?”

“Perfect no better feeling than performing” he smiled

She smiled running her fingers through his hair

He reached up and pulled on one of her hair strand which sprung back in formation.

“Yeh ok luv? Yeh look pale.” He said caressing her cheeks a bit more firmly to add color.

She sighed “yea”

“Wha’ is it? tell Harry wha’s bothering yeh”

She laughed “you are weird”

“I wan’to kno’ tho’ i can tell something is wrong”

“Just had a rough week”

“Do yeh want to talk bou’ it?”

She smiled and shook her head. They hadn't had a conversation about parents and siblings they were still in the get to know each other phase.

“Well how's dance luv?”

She shrugged “we are fighting”

“Why?”

“Because he wants to do all these things and be flashy but i don't think it's what's going to get us that championship.”  In frustration she looked up “he quit on me monday walked away wednesday and today we are just fighting over little shit.”

“Aww im sorry luv” he was sympathetic coming from a boy band with 5 different singers

She shook her head “Its ok. I told him suck it up! And he walked away” She giggled

He smiled. “Have yeh eaten?”

“No” she said looking down at her phone Emiliano had sent her a promo picture

“Yeh look great” he said eyeing her phone

“Oh thanks.”

Their bond grew throughout that day they learned things about it each other told secrets.

*A month later*

Harry preparing for his last show walked out on stage he greeted his fans told them how much he loved and a heartfelt message before performing. As he sang his song he scanned the crowd, when he saw Bellina he had to take a double look to make sure it was her. There she sat on the third row smiling at him. If he had known she was coming he would have flown her over the night before.

Giving it his all he sang his heart out. She watched intensively, the women around her screaming his name begging for a chance to touch. Getting up silently she walked away before his show ended he looked over to her seat surprised she wasn't there scanning the crowd he looked frantically, was it all an illusion? she was there she did cheer him on. She did her dance for him.

After the show was over he called her frantically all his calls were being forwarded voicemail a bit of disappointment creeped in he really wanted to see her but now he had to greet his VIP guests. He walked out refreshed waiting for the swarm of excited fans mostly women to flood in. In that crowd she crept in, he hadn't seen her at first they were surrounding him causing a little pandemonium. He was to hug each one of them and take a picture, from the side she grabbed his hand he turned around to face who was to be so bold. There she stood quickly she gave him a hug and handed him a t shirt for him to sign

He smiled at her “What's your name luv?”

She smiled “Bell”

“Bell gorgeous name”  he said signing her shirt.

“Thank you I really like your album you are awesome” she flirted,he smirked “well my time is up thanks again” she said reaching in for a hug with a subtle turn of the head she kissed behind his ear. Grabbing her shirt she walked away. He didn't want her to leave she had to stay they were going to party and he wanted her to be a part of that.Harry immediately looked at his bodyguard who caught on, he stopped Bellina at the door

“You know I can't let you go”

“I have a flight”  she looked back at Harry who was busy with his fans

She stepped forward and he blocked her with his body

“I have a flight to catch!” she stressed

“Well you should have known better, look just come to go to the club will be there in about 2 hours then sneak away” he bargained

“Fine where do I go now?”

“Go with Derek” he instructed

When she got to the club he lingered around so that she wouldn't leave 2 hours turned into 3 after midnight they flooded in Harry and his close friends with a few stragglers .3 hours she spent entertaining conversations she didn't care to have and  searching for flight tickets he had ruined her plans. When he got there he asked for her whereabouts . She blended into the crowd perfectly you barely would notice her. They searched for awhile before the body guard spotted her “there she is!”

“Where?” he looked

“By the edge”

She was looking like she was flirting, however she wasn't her companion was just overzealous. Slowly working the room she made her way to him an earshot away he called her. She ignored him her newest companion was a comedic they laughed at his jokes. Harry called to her again trying to play cool,the people around them couldn't know what he was doing but it was apparent she was ignoring him because whomever she was talking to turned to face him so he knew she heard him.

“Can yeh go get her please ‘nd have her seat next to me ‘nd tell her don' move” he begged Katie

“Yes no problem”

As she spoke to the stranger Katie intercepted  “Hi! haven' seen yeh in a while could yeg come wit’ please, I’m sorry i have to take her”

“No its cool i'll catch up with her” he smirked

She smiled

Katie shoved her on the couch and sat done next to her

“Harry wants yeh to stay put so anyway tell me how have yeh been?”

“Good” she said, “what about you?”

“Great!”  they chatted for awhile before Katie left her side

This time it was him to ignore her. She sat playing with her fingers and phone he would glance over from time to time make sure she was still around. Another stranger invaded her space and occupied her time she was glad she crossed her legs and turned to face him

“May I?” he asked before sitting down next to her

“Yea absolutely” she said moving a little

“Hi I'm Chris” he said sticking his hand out

“Bell” she smiled shaking his hand

“So do you know the one direction guy?” he said motioning towards Harry

She shrugged “not really, just a fan do you?”

“Nah so what brings you here?”

“Celebrating”

“Oh ok what's the occasion?” he inquired

“Success” she smiled

“I'll drink to that” he said raising his glass

When Harry looked over she was leaning on her elbow on her knee he couldn’t see her face. He noticed a man sitting next to her giving her she attention he longed to do himself. He made a face before walking over. At this point him and Bell looked more like a couple, than two strangers.

He plopped down next to her she knew who it was without turning her head but she had to acknowledge him or it would look suspicious because even Chris noticed.

She turned to face him “Oh I congratulations on your success!” she said giving him a side hug “proud of you”

“Congrats men!” Chris said shaking his hand “Thanks” Harry smugly greeted him

Bellina then turned her attention back to Chris

Who held a questioning look “I thought you were a fan?”

“I am but he is occupied with other girls their flocking towards him see?” she said pointing out three women heading their way. Harry clenched his jaw hearing her comment

“You're right so back to my organization it's non profit, we do stuff for kids in the rural areas”

“Oh really? interesting!”

“Yea”

When the girls reached Harry invited them to sit down which meant he moved closer to Bellina, but she was good at ignoring him, so good that when he put his hand on her back she didn't flinch. Not even when he started caressing it and slid it to the side and grabbed her, her ticklish spot. Instead she sat up and readjusted she was too good at this.

The conversation between her and Chris died down eventually

“Well it was nice chatting with you. You think we can exchange numbers?”

“Uh sure” she said uneasy, it was just a conversation she would hate to let him down

Harry clenched his jaw when he read out his number to her

When she looked at her phone she had 3 hours remaining to get to the airport to catch her next flight

“Oh I have to leave!” she said standing abruptly

“Oh really?”  

“Yea flight to catch”

“Ok well maybe I can walk you out?”

“Ok” she said thinking nothing of it

“Congrats again!” she said turning to face him

Before she could get out the door Harry was already texting her  

Harry: don't go

Bellina: I have to I already missed my first flight I can't miss this one

Harry: don't go pet,

Harry:  please

Bellina: Harry I can't miss my flight

Harry: you can take my jet or let me buy you another one

Bellina: no that's not how it works you know that, we'll meet again

Harry: what's the purpose of the damn rules if I no one can know we are dating, let me buy you ticket  

Bellina: no we made these rules together H you have to stick to them, I'm sorry I have to go but I'm glad I got to see you

He was angry with her, he didn't respond. Angry that she ignored him so well that other men would flock to her side without him interjecting and stopping that whole motion, mad that she was unfazed with his presence. He didn't like to be ignored, not like that it drove him mad.

After that incident Harry and Bellina didn't talk much although she reached out to him he wasn't in the mood he felt rejected by her and was in no mood to have conversations. He was letting his ego get the best of him. Which only caused Bellina to retreat back and not pressure him, she was only doing what they agreed upon. In public under no circumstances were they to act like they knew each other the relationship hadn't even gotten a status, he was still weary and he didn't want a title or social media to ruin things.

[relaxandsucceed]

Rumbling Along

So far this week we've moved from depression to anger and from anger to frustration. Today we make the move from frustration into irritation. #YEG #itsoktonotbeok

If we imagine that we are drivers, then being depressed is to be driving deep in a ditch. Fforward movement is a struggle, traction is bad, and we’re moving over too many obstructions that perpetually threaten to overwhelm our momentum.

It’s all slowed our lives to a crawl, where some may even have had suicidal thoughts about just shutting off the car altogether. Plus, the nature of the ditch…

[toknowbeauty]

🌺 #flowerphotography #muttartconservatory . Hope opens something in the human heart. Like shutters slowly parting to admit a winter dawn, hope permits strands of light to make their way to us, even when we still stand in cold darkness; but hope also reveals a landscape beyond us into which we can live and move and have our being. With hope, closely held interior thoughts are gently turned outward; deep desires, perhaps long hidden in secret corners of our heart, might be lifted up to the light. At times, hope peels back the edges of our imagination to free what waits underneath — a changed life, a new resolve, a yes pregnant with possibility. In other moments hope dares us to unfold a layer of desire — for relationship, for clarity, for courage. — Pamela C. Hawkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #flowerstagram #flowers #flowerlovers #flowermagic #edmonton #explorealberta #exploreedmonton #orchids #canada #friday #naturelovers #yeg #orchid #beautifulthings #beautifulflowers #travelalberta . Thank you @lilikoi.kitty for a lovely visit. (at Muttart Conservatory)

[yegdreon]

I do agree with this a lot. I Don't mind at all homo ships, but I see people shipping characters who don't even talk, just because it's gay. Worse than that, just people shipping an official aroace character.

Sometimes. The "het" ship is more compelling than the yaoi. I know. It's crazy. But it's true.

[yegdreon]

Came back to Project Sekai today. Gonna probably obsess with it for a while. Here's my team:

And here's my faves (most favourite to to least favourite):

[sweetlyeclecticvoid]

Whether your home is due for a decor update or you simply prefer to keep up with the latest interior design styles, experts have revealed the decorating trends that will dominate 2018. So, if you're planning to put your place on the market and want it to appear like the freshest spot on the block, you need to know what's hot and what's not. Do your New Year's resolutions include redecorating? If so, take a look at these 10 styles experts say will be all the rage in 2018 — and two that are so last year. 1. Mixed metallics Silver and gold no longer need to be separated like sparring siblings. Not only can these metallics be mixed but also they can be joined by their pal, rose gold, which brings a softer, warmer hue to any room. A big 2018 home trend we're anticpating is more colour in the kitchen: rich, deep tones accompanying mixed metals and modern neutrals. 📷 Pinterest A post shared by SC Morgan Custom Homes (@sc_morgan) on Dec 5, 2017 at 9:17am PST 2. Colorful appliances If you believe stainless steel has lost its luster (pun intended), you're not alone. The good news is 2018 is the perfect time to embrace a pop of color when it comes to your appliances. In addition to stoves in bright, bold shades, you'll also find washers and dryers that are so decorative it's almost a shame to relegate them to the laundry room. Rumour has it that stainless is on its way out and colourful appliances are headed our way. Would you opt for a colourful option like this cobalt stove? . . . . #MichaelHomes #customhomes #interiordesign #designtrends #hometrends2018 #hometrends #customhomebuilder #yeghomes #edmontonliving #yeg #ymm #fortmac #infillhomes #homebuilder A post shared by Michael Homes (@michaelhomesinc) on Aug 21, 2017 at 12:07pm PDT 3. Patterned flooring Goodbye, simple ol' hardwood! Patterned flooring adds interest to a room and can pull it all together. Expect to see geometric shapes as well as exotic Moroccan-inspired designs that will make guests stop in their tracks and take notice. Expected Trends for 2018. #1 Statement Floors! Forget statement walls — 2018 will be about statement floors. From bold colored geometric tiles to soft herringbone-style hardwoods. They're a great way to make a small room pop, without adding clutter. #2 Light Wood Cabinets! Homeowners are gravitating toward medium and light wood cabinets, particularly with flat fronts and clean lines. The warmth, texture and natural element wood cabinets add help make the space feel more inviting. #3 Matte Metal Hardware! What kind of drawer pulls and light fixtures do you want with those wood cabinets? Matte metal! Homeowners are moving away from shiny silver- or gold-accented kitchen hardware — they can make the space feel cold. #Trends2018 #HomeTrends #HomeDesign #Inspo #WhatToExpect #Realty #SouthFlorida #LuxuryRealEstate #AquaRealty #Florida #architecturelovers #RealEstateSouthFlorida #TopAgent A post shared by Alexis Tinsley REALTOR® (@alexistinsleyrealtor) on Dec 21, 2017 at 10:08am PST 4. Patterned fabrics Say "See ya!" to solids when it comes to home furnishings as well. Don't be afraid to juxtapose patterns, both geometric and florals, alongside neutrals for a one-of-a-kind look that shows off your personality. Zoffany Delamarre Fabric | Art Deco Trend 1920's @zoffanyfw @pepaastudio #new2018 #fabrics #luxury #luxurybrand #luxurydecor #luxuryinspo #luxurystyle #luxurydesign #interior #interiordesign #interiordecor #interiorfabrics #interiorstyle #interiorinspo #interiordesigners #interiorfashion #decor #decortrends#decoraçãodeinteriores #decoratingideas #decoracion #decorstyle #decoratingideas #decorfashion #homedecor #hometrends #homestyle #homestyling A post shared by Pepaa Studio 🇵🇹 (@pepaastudio) on Dec 20, 2017 at 2:22pm PST 5. Velvet furnishings Is there anything as luxurious as velvet? 2018 is the year to cozy up to this ultra-soft upholstery. Don't be afraid to select an eye-catching color that makes the room as interesting as it is inviting. #homedecor #decor #interiors #interiordesign #designer #designinspiration #modern#trend #hometrends #interiordesigners #interiordecorating #ineriorlight #bed#bedroomdecor #bedroom#bedroomgoals #luxury#lux#livingroom#living#familyroom#homegoal#livingroom#livingroomdecor #livingroomideas #familyroomdecor #familyroom#lux#luxurylifestyle #luxury #luxuryhome #lux#modern#contemporary#whitestyle #lux#luxuryhome#table A post shared by Inerior_one_ (@interior_one_) on Dec 18, 2017 at 11:09am PST 6. Color of the year: ultra violet If you've always had a love for lavender, this is your year! The Pantone Color of the Year is ultra violet. The blue-based purple evokes both a modern and vintage feel at the same time. The best part is it's extremely versatile. From the powder room to the bedroom, this soft hue can be dressed up with modern art and accent fixtures, or simply provide a stunning backdrop in an understated space. Add pattern and @pantone's 2018 color of the year for a modern update to your bathroom. A post shared by Home Design & Remodeling Show (@flhomeshows) on Dec 13, 2017 at 3:23pm PST 7. Curvy furniture & natural accent pieces Get ready to see curvier, rounder shapes in furnishings as comfort takes a front row seat in your living or family rooms. Adding to that more laid-back vibe, accent pieces add a more natural look, with woods featured prominently, particularly in the table arena. Because, let's be honest, bringing a bit of the outdoors in never goes out of style. HOT FURNITURE TRENDS FOR 2018 The hottest living room furniture trends for the coming year celebrate curvier, rounder shapes, comfort, colour and international glamour. Claire Gibson from leading furniture manufacturer, La-Z-Boy, gives us the inside scoop on these influencing trends. Read more here: http://ift.tt/2C7TDpD #furnituretrends2018 #seating #furniture #interiordecor #decor #decortrends2018 #lazboy#LZB #recliners #incliners #motionfurniture #home #livingroom #lounge #theline A post shared by The Line Communications (@thelinecommunications) on Dec 18, 2017 at 5:15am PST 8. Spa-like bathrooms Bathrooms get a fancy facelift in the new year. Transforming this space into a spa-like sanctuary may be simpler than you'd think. A new tub, luxurious black and white towels, floral arrangements, and candles all create an overall appeal that serves up an oasis in your very own home. #homedecor #decor #interiors #interiordesign #designer #designinspiration #modern#trend #hometrends #interiordesigners #interiordecorating #ineriorlight #bed#bedroomdecor #bedroom#bedroomgoals #luxury#lux#livingroom#living#familyroom#homegoal#livingroom#livingroomdecor #livingroomideas #familyroomdecor #familyroom#lux#luxurylifestyle #luxury #luxuryhome #lux#modern#contemporary#whitestyle #lux#luxuryhome#bathroom A post shared by Inerior_one_ (@interior_one_) on Dec 12, 2017 at 11:03am PST 9. Wabi Sabi Not to be confused with the Japanese horseradish, wabi sabi is the Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection. That means handcrafted items, including pottery, are going to be all the rage. So put them on display and embrace the notion that not everything needs to be flawless to be beautiful. Merry Christmas to you all #freakyraku lovers! 🎅🏼 #thefreakyraku #raku #makersmovement #slowliving #peoplescreatives #wabisabi #slowdesign #craftandfolk #nothingisordinary #potterystudio #forthecreative #tealover #handcraft #peoplescreatives #searchwandercollect #pottery #handmadepottery #creativelivefolk #simpleliving #ceramics #creators #makersgonnamake #clay #wheelthrown #kinfolk #christmas2017 #tableware #craft #homedecor A post shared by Francesco & Zaira (@thefreakyraku) on Dec 25, 2017 at 7:21am PST 10. Jewel tones Beige and gray are taking a year off as jewel tones arrive on the home decor scene with a welcome flourish. These shades will help warm up your winter by making your rooms more vibrant. Jewel-toned hues, gilded accents, and #modern prints create a colorful living room we #love. #jeweltone #glam #livingroom {shop link in profile} A post shared by Wayfair (@wayfair) on Apr 16, 2017 at 6:34pm PDT Trends That Are Out 1. Word Wall Art Word wall art is so 2017. In other words, you'll need to keep thoughts in your head and out of your living space. Looks like you'll need to find inspiration another way. Another (hopefully) satisfied customer AND before and after pics again! #paintinganddecorating #interiordecorating #wordwallart #nostencils #sayings #cuttingin #glossing A post shared by Holmes Sweet Homes (@holmessweethomes) on Sep 15, 2017 at 8:18am PDT 2. Barn doors It's hard not to love a rustic barn door, but just because it's an impressive design element, that doesn't mean it works in any home. If you've got an otherwise modern-style abode, we're sorry, but the barn door is going to stick out like a rooster in a henhouse. Benny built me a barn door 😍 #barndoor #homerenovation A post shared by Lauren Moran (@laurenmoran80) on Dec 26, 2017 at 2:23am PST

http://mytoronto-by-shawnvenasse.blogspot.com/2017/12/10-home-trends-thatll-be-hot-in-2018.html

[idbohemia]

My favourite thing to do in a small space like this bathroom is cover the walls in deep, dramatic colour. Embrace the coziness! And for a night owl like me, this dark chocolate room helps ease me into the morning. I layered in more shadowy tones with bronze fixtures, a black toilet seat and a gold-framed postcard of a showstopping @jpgaultierofficial wedding gown, picked up for me by @hausofjohnjames when we saw his amazing retrospective @sfmoma. The clay pitcher hides grooming essentials in plain sight, as storage is always a challenge in old homes like mine. Special thanks to @ushua78 at Custom Floors for hooking me up with the grey bamboo tile. At first, the Man and I thought it might be too contemporary in our home, but it is perfect. Photo by @briannahughesphotog #interior #interiordecor #decor #interiordesigncanada #interiordesign #homedesign #homestyle #interiorinspiration #interiordetails #housetour #currentdesignsituation #oldhouselove #homestyling #homedetails #interior123 #lifestyle #bathroom #bathroomdecor #bathroomgoals #bathroompic #vignette #apartmenttherapy #myhousebeautiful #canadiancreatives #instagood #yeg #igyeg #yegdesign #yeghome (at Edmonton, Alberta)

[yegdreon]

Go vote or I'll unbirth you. Joking, or...

[carlyasada]

'Immersed' in both thought and water, a female character floats among the jellyfish. She feels the energy of their glowing bodies as they reflect their unique hues back onto her. They drift like thoughts through her mind, stirring up deep emotions of uncertainty and unrest concerning the world we live in. • 'Immersed' for @rustmagic2017 Drone shot by @jeremy.filmsmore Completed in 4 days @montanacans @montanacans_usa • #art #mural #streetart #rustmagic2017 #yeg #edmonton #alberta #canada #spraypaint #painting #artist #carlyealey #globalwarming #climatechange #oceanacidification #jellyfish #immersed (at Chez Pierre Cabaret)

[yegcityofchamps-blog]

What makes Edmonton A City of Champions? www.facebook.com/YEGcityofchamps

          Being part of #AlbertStrong, May 2016 and for months after.

Some say that the deep love for the City of Champions spirit that Edmonton has is just for generations long passed by with time. This of course is just not true! Edmontonians can be very PROUD of their efforts! Citizens of all ages line-up to help evacuees from the Fort McMurray area as the northern Alberta city of up to 90,000 was completely evacuated as the “BEAST” engulfed whole neighbourhoods with an unstopped wall of flames.

It is still a miracle that no one was killed in the first day of this incredibly crippling, record-breaking wildfire. While hundred of thousands of Edmontonians literally stepped up to volunteer in countless ways, the City of Edmonton sent first responders, equipment as well as other city employees and supplies that could help with the unfolding disaster. These brave people risked their lives without question to help everyone they could in the Fort McMurray  region. Emergency response managers had more employees volunteering than they needed to go north when called. This was such a massive event that Canadian military personal were activated to help support first responders, including members from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based at Edmonton Garrison.

               "I know the pain that the Fort McMurray people feel,"

Quotes from @CBCEdmonton;****_ www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton_

With the countless amount of people taking part in all levels of the Fort McMurray wildfires relief efforts only a small percentage of first responders, city, business employees, government workers and volunteers were ever featured in the media or online. Not widely reported at the time was an incredible offer of help from a small group of brand new Edmontonians that were not just financially strapped but completely displaced themselves. This small group of Syrian refugees showed just how BIG the City of Champions spirit can be. Morhaf Aldiri, in spite of  arriving from a dusty refugee camp in Jordan to Edmonton in February 2016, he plus 20 other new Syrian refugees, also living in a northwest Edmonton neighbourhood stepped up to help with a small, but very thoughtful and kind gesture. "When I came it was very difficult," said Aldiri. "Another country, I don't know anything, any people, but lots of people help and help me, so it's very nice." Aldiri and his family know what it is like to run for your life leaving everything behind when their house was hit by a bomb in Daraa, Syria, in 2013. They had been without a home and country-less since that fateful day.Knowing what it is like losing everything in a second, Aldiri, 25, explains through a translator, "I know the pain that the Fort McMurray people feel," he said, "I lost my home as well in Syria, and it really touched me." His family not only knows what it is like to be without a home but also without a country anymore.

The very grateful Aldiri said “we want to return the favour", the group talked about what they could do to support the people affected by the monsters fires in and around Fort McMurray. The small group came up with the very family oriented idea of raising money to pay for a very special homemade traditional Syrian meal for as many evacuees that they could muster resources for. As word spread, more joined the effort, now with the help of around 60 Syrian families, other. Edmontonians and locally canvassed businesses, $3,500 was raised. With the help from the city of Edmonton the best date and venue was picked to hold the event. These Syrian refugees fit right into Edmonton’s championship spirit, if things work out they might one day be sworn as full-fledged Canadian citizens. Edmonton and Canada should be that lucky; for now Aldiri is very grateful for being able to re-build his life in a city and country where he finally feels safe

The Edmonton Journal listed just SOME of the service offered by Edmonton’s citizens, businesses, non-profit and government agencies;   www.EdmontonJournal.com

                             Reception and Rallying Centres

With the help of Canadian and international donations the Edmonton Red Cross was able to help through many agencies in Alberta.

 Edmonton’s Expo Centre at Northlands, 7515 118 Ave., was the main rallying point in the Edmonton area, offering access to phones, TV’s, radios, beds (including onsite pet care), food, cloths, personal and general supplies, showers, medical, mental, clerical/religious services, government agencies set-up to offer all services Alberta normally offers for supports to its citizens, plus pre-loaded credit cards, AHS had health care teams onsite plus beefed up Health Link lines, insurance companies set-up their adjusters onsite to offer services, food truck should up to help feed people. Volunteers showed up to offer help and so much more.

Many entertainers volunteered on site and the players from the Edmonton Eskimos football team, the Eskimos Cheer Team and team mascots also visited evacuees housed at the Edmonton Northlands reception centre.

                                       Food and Refreshments

The Edmonton Food Bank helped supply ten’s of thousands of people with food and personal supplies during the 2016 wildfire disaster.

Many in the general public took in evacuees to house and feed them. Others made food and drive it all the way up to Fort McMurray to hand it out to first responders that they would find just driving around. Amazing extra efforts.

Kinnikinnick Fresh at 10940 120 St. is offering gluten-free food and $50 vouchers to Fort McMurray evacuees with celiac disease.

The Pint Public House Edmonton locations at 10125 109 St. and 8032 104 St. offered a free meal for evacuees with Fort McMurray ID for a week.

Fatburger offered fire evacuees a Fatburger with cheese and soda or a free kids meal at their locations at Edmonton City Centre 10205 101 St., 5611 23 Ave., South Edmonton Common 1755 102 St., West Edmonton Mall, Namao 15987-97 St., locations in Fort Saskatchewan & Red Deer

 Block 1912 at 10361 82 Ave., offered a free scoop of gelato and a coffee for Fort McMurray evacuees.                                                         

 O��Byrne’s Irish Pub at 10616 82 Ave., offered a free pint of beer and a meal for Fort McMurray residence

 Naan-O-Licious at 10331 82 Ave., offered free biryani for evacuees.

Earls Edmonton locations including 11830 Jasper Ave., 8629 112 St., 4250 Calgary Trail, 13330 50 St., 9961 170 St. and 1505 99 St., offered any evacuees a free sandwich and drink.

Padmanadi Vegetarian Restaurant at 10740 101 St., offered free lunch or dinner to fire evacuees.

On The Rocks 11740 Jasper Ave., offered free meal & drink for evacuees.

Delux Burger Bar at 9682 142 St. and 14111 23 Ave., offered evacuees a free burger and drink.

Sandwich and Sons at 10184 104 St. and 13119 156 St., offered a free sandwich for evacuees.

The Bhartiya Cultural Society of Alberta at 9507 39 Ave. is offered free vegetarian meals to evacuees.

Moxie’s Grill and Bar at 10628 Kingsway Ave., offered a free entree and drink to fire evacuees.

Chianti Cafe & Restaurant at 10501 82 Ave., offered a free   half-size salad or soup, any one of their Pasta Creations and a   non-alcoholic beverage for evacuees.  

 Mary Brown’s locations at 11358 104 Ave. and 14969 Stony Plain Rd., offered a free meal evacuees.

Wheat Garden Chinese Noodle and Dumpling Bazaar at 10703 103 St., offered a noodle bowl or rice dish to evacuees.

 LOVEPIZZA 10196 109 St., offered free pizza for evacuees the first week.

Gurdwara Millwoods at 2606 Millwoods Rd., offered free vegetarian meals for evacuees 24 hours a day.

Celebrate Gluten Free Bakery & Cafe at 15213 Stony Plain Rd., offered free breakfast or a sandwich for Fort McMurray evacuees.

Quiznos, 5366 Windermere Blvd., offered a free lunch for first 2-weeks.

Remedy Cafe offered evacuees free wraps in all of their Edmonton locations at 10279 Jasper Ave., 8631 109 St. and 10310 124 St.

Fuss Cupcakes at 10441 82 Ave. and 17298 Stony Plain Rd., offered evacuees a cupcake and coffee for the fire evacuees.

Noorish at 8440 109 St., offered free vegan, vegetarian & gluten free meals for wildfire evacuees. They also collected donations of toys

                                                       Shelter

 Hotels, motels and everyday Edmontonians opened their rooms and homes to countless fire evacuees.

Ronald McDonald House Northern Alberta in Edmonton supported families with children with medical needs.

Inclusion Alberta helped people with developmental disabilities displaced by fires in northern.

Airbnb has activated their Disaster Response Tool, waiving all fees so those with Edmonton residences available to evacuees.

Alberta REALTORS Support for Fort McMurray posted available housing for evacuees on their Facebook page.

The Al Rashid Mosque is opening their doors for evacuees in need a place to stay at 13070 113 St.  

The Guru Nanak Sikh Society through their members they were able to offer dozens of spare bedrooms, basement suites and motel rooms available free of charge for Fort McMurray area evacuees. 

                                                     Showers

 All #Yeg YMCA locations open the doors to Wood Buffalo area evacuees so they could access drop-in facilities & showers, at the Don Wheaton YMCA at 10211 102 Ave., Jamie Platz YMA at 7121 178 St., Castle Downs YMCA at 11510 153 Ave. & William Lutzky YMCA at 1975 111 St.

The Fraser Community League at 14720 21 St., community league members opened up rooms and showers in their homes for evacuees, plus the league gave away food, general supplies and first aid item

                                         Education/Childcare

Edmonton’s Public and Catholic schools accommodated Kindergarten through high school students from the Fort McMurray area.

Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton offered respite care and supervised safe play space at the Maier Centre at 17451 103 Ave.

The Educational Daycare Group offered up to 50 daycare spaces free   for one month for children evacuee parents in need.

The six Edmonton-area Campus Alberta post secondary institutions – including Concordia University, King’s University, MacEwan University, the University of Alberta (for undergraduate and graduate students), the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and NorQuest College offered evacuee students help completing coursework and help them get official   marks and transcripts.

                                         Pets and Animals

The Alberta SPCA coordinated support for livestock, horses and other farm animals brought to the Edmonton Expo Centre.

The Companion Animal Welfare Society provided temporary care for pets including cats, dogs and small animals including reptiles.

The Edmonton Humane Society and Edmonton’s Animal Care and Control Centre coordinated animal care for people arriving in Edmonton.

Champion Pet Foods at 11403 186 St., offered free cat and dog food for Fort McMurray area evacuees.

Cozy Kitty at 4610 97 St. is offered shelter for displaced cats.

E&E Kennels offered free boarding services for dogs, cats and small pets at their #12 Boulder Blvd location in Stony Plain.

Also a list of Edmonton veterinary area practices offering assistance evacuees; www.albertaanimalhealthsource.ca

                                      Stress Relief Services

The Distress Line 780-482-4357 within Edmonton added extra support staff. those outside can reach the Rural Distress Line at 1-800-232-7288.

·       Boyle Street Community Services at 10116 105 Ave., The Mustard Seed Society, with locations at 10635 96 St. and 10568 114 St., is offered counseling, clothing and hot meals to fire evacuees.

                                                Medical

Netcare helped people fill prescriptions through Edmonton pharmacies.

Evacuated breastfeeding mothers were offered services.

Mental health support was offered 24-hours-a-day through the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.

Mint Health + Drugs locations offered free emergency medicine for evacuees who left their medication behind.

Urban Vision and Optometrists at 15957 97 St., offered a free pair of prescription glasses to evacuees who either lost or damaged theirs.

The Southwest Family Dental Clinic at 1719 Towne Centre Blvd., offered free emergency dental care for evacuees.

                                      Business supports

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce offered complimentary office space to businesses displaced by wildfires in the Wood Buffalo region at their World Trade Centre Edmonton building at 9990 Jasper Avenue.

Regus opened up their fully-serviced business lounges to assist business professionals displaced by Alberta wildfires. www.regus.ca

Local business of all kinds also offer, space, vehicle storage, and other supports to their business piers and competition.

                                                Storage

The U-Haul Company of Northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories including Edmonton offered 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container use for people evacuated.

·StorageMart donated a free month of storage in Edmonton for evacuees.

                                          Entertainment

City of Edmonton offered free admission to all city-owned attractions & facilities to evacuees, including , Muttart  Conservatory, John Janzen Nature Centre & Edmonton recreation facilities

People displaced by wildfires were offered free admission to any Edmonton and any of the 17 Alberta provincially owned and operated historic sites and museums. www.culture.alberta.ca

Allstars Playland at 9510 12 Ave., offered free admission to wildfire evacuee families the first week.

The Devonian Botanic Garden in Highway 60, five kilometres north of Devon, offered free. www.devonian.ualberta.ca

The University of Alberta offered free access to all of its recreation facilities and libraries – including their computers – for all Alberta wildfire evacuees.

The Telus World of Science at 11211 142 St., offered free admission for evacuee families the first week.

                                        Spa and Salon

Est-elle Academy of Hair Design 8004 Gateway Blvd., offered a shampoo, blow-dry service with a scalp massage for evacuees the first week.

The Beauty Parlour, located on the second floor at 10011 82 Ave., is offered a free shampoo and blowout for evacuees.

Echo Hair Design #205 8135 102 St., offered free hair cleanse & style

Many more locations also offered the same and even more free services.

                 Miscellaneous and extra supports offered

Fountain Tire at 8550 Yellowhead Tr., offered free repairs to tires damaged during the massive evacuation.

K.C Photography and other local photographers offered free family photo shoots to evacuees.

Edmonton Wedding Gallery & Bridal Plus Boutique at 10404 68 Ave., offered 50% off for those who lost  wedding gowns during the wildfire.

Anytime Fitness Old Strathcona at 10469 80 Ave., opened their gyms for evacuees to use while they are in Edmonton.

The Celtic Ceilidh Dance Academy at 6325 Gateway Blvd., offered free Highland and Irish dance classes for evacuees.

Fort City Church from Fort McMurray partnered with Edmonton’s Beulah Alliance Church 17504 98A Ave., to host a special church service.

Yoga Central at #104 5124 122 St., offered free yoga for Fort McMurray evacuees. They also collected donations of yoga clothing for evacuees.

 Long-time Edmonton children’s charity, www.SportCentral.org stepped up BIG-TIME to help Fort McMurray kids replace as much lost sports equipment that the “Beast” incinerated when it swept through the neighbourhoods. Over the summer with the added help from 3rd generation United Cycle sporting goods store owner, tireless, humble community worker, Wilf Brooks, they collect donations from citizens, suppliers and manufactures from across the country totaling more than

$500, 000 worth of hockey, baseball, football and other sports equipment. In early September 2016, Sports Central’s single largest donation headed north 435+ kilometres thanks to Rosenau Transport’s donation of a big-rig and driver. 

The jam-packed 52-foot semi-trailer was greeted with cheers and smiles from RCMP personal as well as hugs and tears from other community members.

Just a small sampling of the stories and events during May 2016 that featured the never wavering grassroots community spirit that runs extremely deep and into all corners of the community, without a doubt cementing Edmonton as Canada’s undisputed;

“It is amazing what you can accomplish when nobody    cares who gets the credit.”

Check out our Facebook PAge; www.facebook.com/YEGcityofchamps

[yegarts]

“I Am YEG Arts” Series: Erin Newman

First photo by Lauren Toma. Second photo by Kaylee Bergstrom.

Slowly is the fastest way to get where you’re going. For Erin Newman, that’s meant learning dance through sensing and embodiment of movement—finding connection through the relationship between choreography and meaningful movement. It’s a lifelong exploration that’s led her far beyond the dance studio. As a registered psychologist—and doctoral student—Newman brings movement and art into her therapeutic practices, approaching wellness and healing as both spiritual and somatic.

Dancer, forever student, and Artistic Associate at CRIPSiE—This week’s “I Am YEG Arts” story belongs to Erin Newman.

Tell us about your connection to Edmonton and why you’ve made it your home.

I was born on Treaty 6 territory Edmonton and have been living here all of my life. My roots in Alberta run deep. As a Métis person, I have ancestral connections to the St. Albert and Lac Ste. Anne areas. Edmonton is home.

What is it about dance that resonates with you as a form of storytelling?

To me, dance not only tells stories of people, culture, and land, it also tells the most intimate stories of all—that of the dancer and of the choreographer. Specifically for dancers, it allows a person to connect deeply into their own bodies, to resonate with their internal world of thought, emotion, and unconsciousness, and allows that to spill out in embodied dance form.

Tell us a little about your role with CRIPSiE and what makes it special to you and the city.

CRIPSiE (the Collaborative Radically Integrated Performers Society in Edmonton) is a unique group that I am privileged to be a part of. We are a collective of diverse individuals that create and perform integrated, inclusive, and anti-oppressive dance and art. Some of us experience disability, oppression, learning differences, mental struggles, or emotional issues. And some of us are allies committed to anti-oppressive art practices. We also are committed to performance, advocacy, teaching, and outreach for the Edmonton community.

I have been a dancer with CRIPSiE for quite a few years now. More recently, I’ve become an Artistic Associate, which is a team of CRIPSiE performers who make artistic decisions based on the needs and wishes of our CRIPSiE community.

As a dancer and a registered psychologist, what similarities do you see in the power of healing and the power of dance?

To me, dance and healing are interwoven, synergetic, and sometimes synonymous. In my own experience, as I found emotional and mental healing and wellness, I was better able to step into the art of dance, and, at the same time, when I stepped back into dance, I healed. There was a time in my life where I stepped away from dance. It took some time to come back to the art, but I am so glad I did.

I see dance as healing on a few different levels. It allows us to deepen into our own intimate relationship with ourselves through the process of embodiment, creative expression, and deepening our own knowledge and trust of ourselves. In the performance of dance, we can creatively move and express our inner world, and we are witnessed in doing so. This is a powerful experience of being seen, heard, and understood—which is an important human need. I think CRIPSiE is a fantastic group because we genuinely see, hear, and understand one another.

Dance can also be healing within the relationships it cultivates. There are beautiful bonds formed between dancer and choreographer, between individuals within dance groups, and in partnerships in social dance. In the case of the latter, healing can occur in the intimate connection that arises between follows and leads in couple dancing. A new dance form I am learning, Bachata, has taught me how to read signs of safety in my body, to lower my physical boundaries, and put trust into the closeness of another individual, while being present and mindful in my body in order to pick up cues of movement within the lead’s body. It has been an incredible experience of growth and healing in partnership with other humans.

Dance also creates healing through cultural connection and in groups of individuals. I am also a Ukrainian dancer with a group called Veselka, and when the war in Ukraine started, we spent the beginning of rehearsals circling together in unity and connection, bringing a sense of solidarity during a terrible time.

Photo by Mat Simpson

What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d had when starting out? And what’s something you knew instinctively that’s still serving you?

As a young person, I struggled to focus and concentrate in dance. I would watch choreography be demonstrated, and the expectation was to integrate what I was seeing into my memory and then be able to perform the movements in my body. I couldn’t easily learn dance in this way. I needed the choreography to sink deep into my body, and I needed to feel the sensations of the movement within my body before my brain structures could form the memory of the sensations and then form memories of the choreography itself. This “bottom up” processing wasn’t recognized or acknowledged by others in my world, and I knew that this way of learning dance wasn’t unique to just me and didn’t fit in with traditional forms of dance instruction. Thinking back, it may have been helpful to have had an adult validate and facilitate this kind of learning for those of us who learn dance through sensing and embodiment of movement, rather than rote and visual memory.

As frustrating as learning dance was for me at times, I knew that it felt better to be dancing than to not be dancing. And I think I instinctively knew that the dance community is big and beautiful and that I was fortunate to be part of it.

Tell us about someone who’s mentored you or helped set you on your path.

There have been so many people in my life who have touched my heart in so many ways, and that makes this question exceptionally hard to answer. My daughter, however, is the one I have to thank for my rediscovery of dance. As a new and single mom nine years ago, I started to lose myself in that role. Watching my daughter’s love for dance reminded me of my neglected dancer within. And so I began to learn how to create space for all parts of me—mom, dancer, therapist, and more—so that I could integrate all of these parts into my sense of self. To be honest, without my mom part I might not have learned how to nurture and care for my other parts. So without my daughter, I may have never reawakened my inner dancer.

What can people look forward to from CRIPSiE in 2023?

I’m excited to say that CRIPSiE has quite a few things in the works for 2023. We are currently in a project called “From the Inside,” where a number of our dancers are paired with choreographers to create solos based on the personal experiences of COVID-19. Also in the works is our regular fall performance—slated for October, 2023. We will be offering various workshops and classes as well.

What excites you most about the YEG arts scene right now?

I think the Edmonton arts community is big and vibrant, and within it, the dance community is absolutely thriving. I am excited for all the opportunities to be witness to others’ art and performances. I’m hoping to take in all the workshops, performances, and opportunities to join in dance wherever I can in the new year as a way to support, to connect, and to continue to find wellness within the arts.

Describe your perfect day in Edmonton. How do you spend it?

I love this question. A perfect day for me would involve picking up a chai or coffee at Remedy or Caffiend and then enjoying a nice walk in the river valley or Whitemud Creek. Or, if it’s cold, I would head to the Muttart Conservatory to breathe in plants. That smell is magical, especially in the middle of winter. This would be followed by an opportunity to dance in some shape or form, perhaps social dancing at a local Edmonton spot.

How do you hope to help shape Edmonton’s arts community?

I have a dream to one day open an arts centre that integrates dance, expressive art, and therapy. It would offer opportunities for neurodiverse and differently abled humans to create dance and movement within their own bodies, to co-create choreography in connection with others, and to have an opportunity to be seen, heard, and understood through performance. In the meantime, I will continue to explore sensation and movement in my body, learn new ways of being and moving, and connect where I can in the dance community.

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here all year and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along! Click here to learn more about Erin Newman, CRIPSiE, workshops, classes, and more.

Photo by Lauren Toma

About Erin Newman

Erin Newman (she/her) is a dance artist based in amaskwaciy-wâskahikan and has lived in Edmonton for all of her life. She has deep roots and connection to Treaty 6 territory, as well as Métis and Cree ancestral ties to the land. She has been involved in Edmonton’s Ukrainian dance community since a young age. As an adult, she has branched out into other dance forms, including integrated dance, contemporary styles, and is part of the Bachata dance team at ETOWN SALSA.

Erin has been moving creatively with CRIPSiE since 2013 and is forever connected through powerful relationships that are represented by meaningful movement and choreography. She has danced in New Constellations (choreographed by Lindsay Eales), Some of Our Parts (choreographed by Lindsay Eales), Succumb (choreographed by Alice Sheppard), On Being and Doing (choreographed by Peggy Baker), and has upcoming performance roles in CRIPSiE’s From The Inside project (choreographed by Krista Lin) and Alison Neuman’s piece, Crave.

Erin practices as an embodied psychologist at Honour Health and the Grief and Trauma Healing Centre, bringing body, movement, and art into therapeutic practices. She is currently a doctoral student at the University of Alberta, researching the impact of embodied practices, such as dance, on one’s individual healing and wellness. Her other pursuits and interests include Indigenous art, eco art, and being a mom.

[thesilenceoftheassassin]

Finally complete watch all of 13 reasons why. First off, I never thought I would watch a show like this in my life, let alone be engrossed by it. Big thanks to @josephineng8 for introducing me and sitting through it with me. Also thank you again for being there to explain and clarify some topics in the show and engaging me in some real emotionally deep conversations about them. I couldn't watch it alone or even begin to understand the topics covered within on an emotional level without you. I am so grateful ❤️. Secondly, this show is important. If you haven't watched it, then do so. If you're scared or an empathetic stump like me, then pick a wise friend or a partner to sit through it with you. Watch the bonus episode that involves the making of the show especially. It's important. It helps clarify some things if you're anything like me. Lastly, if you feel alone or have been through a bunch of crazy shit that you think no one will understand or will judge you for, then please seek the ear of someone; anyone you trust to just listen. Maybe that even takes the form of a trained professional that makes it thier mission to understand and empathize and help you begin to heal. If you don't find that person the first time then please keep looking and don't give up until you find someone that clicks with you and helps you through another day. This whole show has left me a slight emotional wreck, but it's worth the watch. #yeg #yeggers #13reasonswhy