Girl About O-Town

This is another guest post is by Malcolm Gibb, a style-conscious social science type, arts & culture enthusiast and research oriented realtor.  He knows what he likes, but isn’t afraid to try new things! 

These are his reflections about something different he experienced a few weeks ago.

Pecha Kucha (pe-chak-cha), loosely translated as ‘chit chat’, is a face-to-face forum for creative individuals to present their ideas on a range of topics to an audience.  The variety of subjects attracts a diversity of people, but the regimented presentation guidelines are what set Pecha Kucha apart as an international movement.

Typically, there are around10 presenters.  Each presenter is allowed 20 images that show for only 20 seconds each, and the presenter speaks to the images.  This works out to ten topics presented in a little over an hour.  Pecha Kucha came to Ottawa for the second time this past March 31st, and followed this format closely with two sets of 5 unique presentations, and a 25 minute intermission in between. Image sources 1, 2 & 3

According to Wikipedia, presenters are traditionally from the design, architecture, photography, art and creative fields, but often include those from academia and the business world.  Ottawa’s version was no exception, and the array of  presentations was impressive: 

• An art exhibition on birds,
• a group climb up Kilimanjaro,
• an iron worker’s connection with nature,
• outdoor public art installations,
• Burundians telling their stories through film,
• the making of modern ruins,
• a printer of 3 dimensional objects,
• self-discovery through membership in a boy band,
• Jane’s Walk in West Center Town; and
• the many hands in the making of Ottawa’s modern architecture.

Image via Facebook: Pecha Kucha Ottawa

To facilitate the socializing, learning, and thinking that were the main attraction, wine, beer and soft drinks were available.   It seems there is no better way to engage people than to introduce them to a variety of fresh new ideas to talk about!  Ottawa’s Arts Court auditorium was almost full with over 100 people, and their number and diversity must be indicative of the movement’s success. 

There appeared to be no theme, which is part of what made it so interesting.  Still, I couldn’t help but seek a thread between the topics, which I concluded was the idea of belonging to a community. 

Plans are for Pecha Kucha to be held about every three months in Ottawa, though another has not been scheduled.  To catch the next one, check back to their website, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter. 

Perhaps I will see you there. 

A short while ago, I received a warm and very welcome comment from fellow Ottawa blogger Rachelle of Rachelleeatsfood.  It was to nominate me for a Kreativ Blogger Award, and share how much she enjoys reading girlaboutOtown.  How cool is that? Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

(Oh, and I love reading Rachelle’s blog too!  I live vicariously through her culinary adventures, and dream enviously of the day when I too will  throw together a gourmet meal from what lies deep in the recesses of my refrigerator!)

Anyway, the award comes with a few ground rules to  encourage us bloggers to continue spreading the smiles and to get to know each other better in the process.  Here they are:

1. You must thank the person who has given you the award.
2. Copy the award logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link the person who has nominated you for the award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 other Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs to let them know they have been nominated.

So, now for step 4.  The following list outlines 7 quirky things you might not know about me.  Whether you find them interesting or not is entirely subjective!  Bear with me…

1.  This girlaboutOtown was once a tomboy.  As a child, I refused to sport a skirt or dress, and I could not have cared less about what to wear where.  I played ball hockey with the boys and thought frilly pink stuff was yucky.   Things have changed though, and now I’m a bit of a girly girl, I confess.

2.  I used to be super outdoorsy. I was an Ontario Ranger at 17, a Ranger Supervisor for many years to follow, and I tree-planted too.  I even dated a forest-fire fighter one summer.  For a time, I seriously considered a career in forestry, but was eventually thrown off course…lured away by the novelty of politics and the glamour of poorly paid staff work on Parliament Hill.  Anyway, I suppose going outside is still OK in theory, but in practice I have become quite particular about ensuring optimum conditions.  Tee hee.   And, for those among you who have heard my occasional “when I was a Ranger” stories, here is a video that might finally provide some context!

3.  I detest the getting wet.  Yes, I am diligent when it comes to personal hygiene, and I do what I have to keep clean, but I don’t like showers, baths or swimming at all.  What can I say?  One would think that a childhood spent at the lake, several years as a lifeguard or even my more recent girly tendencies would ensure a lasting love of all things aquatic, but alas, this is just not the case.  This aversion might have a wee bit to do with an unfortunate water related accident I once witnessed, but whatever the cause, I no longer find it fun to frolic or splash.    I do however, still really enjoy being beside a lake or on the beach, contingent of course on sunny conditions! 

4.  Unless the temperature is 24 degrees or more,  I’m freezing cold.   Optimum conditions again.  You may have noted a theme.

5.  I hate going for groceries.  A lot.  This may seem like a strong feeling to have for an expert eater like me, but foraging for food inside horribly enormous stores makes me grumpy and mad.  Inevitably, I leave the list at home and end up wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles fighting my compulsive instinct to hoard so I never have to return again.  I know there is a better way, but planning meals and food preparation aren’t high on my list of priorities, so I just keep on repeating the excruciating experience over and over again.  Smart eh? 

6.  I’m super lazy about my hairdo.  Despite my desire to convey a classic and put together look,  this girlaboutOtown goes way too long between cut and colours. 

7.  Laundry is my enemy. I despise the chore, and avoid it at all costs.   Consequently, I let it go until it is piled high and wide, and there is virtually nothing left to wear.  Once done, the clean clothes linger unfolded forever, and don’t ever get put away.  I am not at all persuaded by all of the positive press in the design and decorating mags, and pretty pictures of done-up laundry rooms don’t even come close to convincing me that it might be kind of fun.  Unfortunately, the little girlaboutOtown suffers from my laundry neglect and spends most mornings trying to differentiate between dirty and clean baskets.   She has learned what to do when in doubt though, and can usually be found digging in the dryer for the last pair of clean pants anywhere.

Image source

As for 7 other Kreativ (Ottawa area) Bloggers, I nominate the following:

1.  At Home in Ottawa -   Read along with Ginger as she slowly updates & renovates her new home somewhere in Central Ottawa.  This girl knows what she wants and isn’t afraid of doing it herself.

2. Equal Opportunity Kitchen – I’ve mentioned this crew before, but they’re smart about food and funny too.

3.  dot dot dot – This blog is new to me, but I’m loving Mallory’s random mix of cheeky fashion, popular culture and photography.

4. Coffee with Julie – My admiration and respect for Julie just keeps on growing.  She writes with insight and sensitivity, and isn’t afraid to tackle tough issues. 

5.  tidyowl – Sara’s sweet blog combines local thrift finds with eye catching design from all over.  This girl has great taste!

6.  spinsandneedles – Melanie keeps on serving up the scoop on Ottawa’s crafting community, and is always coming up with crazy cool new ideas for fun events.

7.  meanoldmommy – Meanie makes me laugh out loud with her poignant and  honest stories of modern mommyhood.