This party was for the launch of Jonathan's new book How Many Roads?, but it was also, for us, a symbolic moment to celebrate our first ten years in Montreal and the sense that we have truly settled: we've never had an open studio party before, inviting our friends to see where we work and spend so much of our time, and for this party we really cleaned and reorganized the place, so it feels newly special to us too. Above, some of the guests are listening to Jonathan speaking about the project, and how grateful he was to everyone for being there with us to celebrate.
When I said a few words about myself and Phoenicia, I mentioned how I had never been the same as J. or some of the other guests who had always known from an early age exactly what they wanted to do with their lives -- mine has always been a question of trying to balance a bunch of different interests and struggling with the problems that created. It's only been since moving here, in the past decade, I said, that I've finally felt all the threads of my life coming together, with a sense of integration -- and it was quite wonderful to look out and see these friends who represent the different parts of my life -- artists, writers, musicians, gardeners, neighbors, family, friends who share a spiritual path, all of whom have come from many different parts of the world -- and to be bringing out this book from a publishing venture that also brings together many of the things I do that formerly felt separate. In the end, I said, it wasn't "success" that mattered, but giving yourself fully to things that you are passionate about, and sharing that with people you love.
J. gets smooches from our friend who blogs as Duchesse at Passage des perles.
Our niece came up from New Hampshire the day before to help us, and we couldn't have done it without her. We also had a lot of help from friends: here's some of the gorgeous food arranged (and photographed) by Priya Sebastien.
The author/photographer inscribes a book.
Happy guests.
More food beautifully arranged by Priya, with a Middle Eastern flavour.
The guests devoured a carrot cake, iconic of the 1960s (that was in the absence of the even more iconic brownies of that era.)
And here we are with screenwriter Martine Pagé (Ni Vu Ni Connu) who helped hugely by handling the sales during the party. She and her partner Ed Hawco (Blork Blog), who took these and many other photos as a gift for us that evening, were our first friends in Montreal and we've stayed fast friends ever since -- not surprisingly, we met through blogging!
Wonderful photos of a very happy event! Wish I could have been there, the studio looks amazing. Congratulations!
Posted by: Marja-Leena | October 21, 2014 at 04:46 PM
Thanks for these, Beth. Your friends (and yourselves) all look great. Wish I could have been there. May there be many more such celebrations.
Posted by: Natalie | October 21, 2014 at 05:49 PM
I was there in spirit and for the best of reasons. Quick glance through the pix and the only evidence of booze being available is the glass in your hand. Gracefully I would have conceded you the right. I mean, look, I'm even writing shorter comments.
Posted by: Roderick Robinson | October 22, 2014 at 02:16 AM
How delightful to share this event and, even better, your expression of it as a marker in your own migration. What a blessing to be surrounded as you were/are with love and appreciation!
Posted by: Vivian | October 22, 2014 at 09:17 AM
I wish you all could have been there, too! (Robbie, never fear, there were several cases of delicious Portuguese wine at the ready, though the guests didn't drink as much as we'd expected.)
Posted by: Beth | October 22, 2014 at 09:54 AM
What wonderful photos! You both look radiant, and I love catching these glimpses of your studio.
And, I'm so glad that after ten years in Montreal (amazing that it's been so long!) you're feeling the threads of your life and creativity integrating in a new way. <3
Posted by: Rachel Barenblat | October 22, 2014 at 10:00 AM
So sorry to have missed it -- should have played hooky from school! Beautiful photos of you both and your community of friends. Looking forward to seeing Jonathan's book soon.
Posted by: Donna | October 22, 2014 at 11:29 AM
Agree it is wonderful to see you two enjoying such a happy occasion. Also great to see Jonathan receiving well deserved recognition of his talents! Wish we could have been there...can't wait to see his book!!! Xxxoooo
Posted by: Kathy Hughes | October 22, 2014 at 02:47 PM
Is that Janet Best in the first photo? Small world.
Posted by: Andrea M. | October 22, 2014 at 07:41 PM
What a fabulous post! So happy for you both!
Posted by: Pica | October 22, 2014 at 11:24 PM
Montreal (and your friends) are very lucky (and grateful) to have you here!
Posted by: Martine | October 23, 2014 at 01:24 PM
This is such a good healthy looking group of people. Makes me want to move up your way. Everyone looks happy.
Posted by: Rubye Jack | October 25, 2014 at 11:46 PM
Oh what fun! I hope my copy of the book will be waiting for me when I get back to Hilo!
Posted by: Hattie | October 27, 2014 at 02:19 PM