I've given myself over to "The pursuit of Pleasure and the Appreciation of Beauty" since my retirement began last fall. It's a quote from one of John Gloag's books, describing the life of a Georgian gentleman of leisure and it seems to fit well enough. Gloag's Georgian Grace, published in 1955, is a delightful primer of what went before the unfortunate combination of the industrial revolution, the means of mass production and Victorian "good taste" combined to knock everything off kilter for a while.
What sort of volunteering, possum?
Last night, with a friend to see Fritz Lang's Secret Beyond the Door at Lightbox. The campiest melodrama I've ever seen, with Michael Redgrave ( Vanessa's Dad ) as a deranged architect ( well, aren't they all ... ) who installs rooms in his house that are the actual rooms where murders took place. His lovely new wife, who is surprised to discover she's his second wife, is increasingly nervous. It really has to be seen to be appreciated. Then, we snacked in Canteen ( their sticky toffee pudding will be back on the menu in the fall ) and thence home to Deepest Riverdale.
Last week, to a couple of lunchtime concerts at the City Room - two Bach cello pieces performed by Rachel Mercer one day, and a Bach/Brahms/Barber combo later in the week. After the cello concert, my pal Libby and I ate at Bodega on Baldwin ( so many B's ), which has a pleasant patio, and then to the AGO to see the "AbEx" show. Sorely tempted to buy the Jackson Pollock painting jigsaw puzzle in the gift shop as we left.
Today, to the free lunchtime concert - part of Tafelmusik's Baroque Summer Festival - at Walter Hall. How nice the acoustics are there. The Handel was particularly enjoyable. The harpsicordist was a cutie, too. Then downtown, briefly ( free pizza being handed out at Ryerson ) in the heat. Later today I'm off with a friend to the ROM for the annual Chairs' Reception, which includes a preview of the Bollywood film card/poster show, plenty of chatter ... and more food and drink of course. I shall not starve, or remain sober for extended periods of time, as long as the gravy train is still running.
Anyone out there going to any Luminato stuff this year? The 1001 Nights looks like it'll be good, and some of the dance appeals to me. There's also the National Ballet's new Alice In Wonderland, which has been getting good reviews. And, of course, Devo and Men Without Hats are at Yonge-Dundas Square real soon, which promises to be one of the better outdoor retro freebies. Also, I've made an appointment for a couple of urban Torontonians and I to visit the BMO Project Room on the 68th floor of FCP to see their art collection - it's not a gallery that many know about.
It seems that there isn't a down season here any more as far as cultural stuff is concerned.