I'm a little bit country...

5.10.07

Last night after work I was standing at the corner of Queen and John in Downtown Toronto, like I do, waiting for the streetcar. Starbucks in one hand, cell phone in the other. Screaming teenagers standing outside the MuchMusic studios to the right of me, ranting homeless dude to the left of me. And usually? Usually this is the kind of energy I thrive on. I'm a Big City Girl. Capital B, C and G. I love the noise, the hustle, the bustle. But yesterday I was tired. I leaned against the lampost on the corner while I waited to be crammed onto the streetcar like a commuting sardine. When I peeled myself off the post I noticed a white, sticky substance on my jacket, my purse, my hands. Someone had used glue, the kind of glue you apply from a bucket with a paintbrush, to stick up a poster for an event at a nightclub. "Party with Paris". Sponsored by Paris Hilton. What the hell? I realize that I'm not the first person to complain about getting a sticky mystery substance on their clothes thanks to Paris Hilton, but I took it personally. Not hot, Paris. Not hot at all.

It was that exact moment that I really started to look forward to the four day weekend I've got coming up. The Robeau and I are going to Collingwood, for what I am calling a "country get away". Of course anyone who is truly outdoorsy is laughing their ass off at me right now. Collingwood, North of Toronto, is about as urban a "country get away" as you can get. It's ski country in the winter and it has a lot of Yuppie money pumping into it, which means a fancy grocery store, a beautiful strip of quaint shops and yes, a Starbucks. We've gone a few times because the Robeau, he likes the country and this seems like the best compromise. Last year, we found a ski chalet that we can rent for a bargain when it's the off season. It's on 10 acres of land. There are trees everywhere. And a hot tub! Did I mention the hot tub?! We really only hit the Starbucks on the way in and out of town, but it makes me feel better just knowing it's there.

Crickets still make me nervous, but the view from the kitchen of our little get away is helping me find my inner country girl:


I've loaded up the ipod with a bunch of new CDs including Terence Blanchard's A Tale of God's Will (about Hurricane Katrina) because he never fails to inspire me. I've got some (new to me) Carmen McCrae for singing along with and of course, the new Joni Mitchell CD, Shine (available only at Starbucks!) because what is more perfect for a Canadian country get away than a little Joni Mitchell? I'm going to sleep late, go for long walks with my camera and put Bailey's in my coffee first thing in the morning. I may even make an Apple Crisp. I'm a little bit country like that. Small c.


9 comments :

  1. Anonymous7:05 PM

    From one BCG to another, GOOD LUCK!!! That looks very country to me. Don't forget the Bailey's!!! (So happy you get to take a little vacation though; have fun!!! :))

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  2. Enjoy the Vaca--sounds like you've earned it. Paris tried to get you to stick around (tee hee!) but you're too wiley...

    It sounds like a lovely escape you've got planned, though, seriously. We're going to do something similar in November (+ hot tub, + also children...alas), and I can't wait!!

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  3. Ma Kettle you ain't!

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  5. Make sure you get some oatmeal in that apple crisp girl. My big city ways have been taken over my Rhode Island, I'm ashamed to say. I need a getaway like yours except substitute ski cabin and 10 acres with sidewalks crammed with people and food carts on every corner. I need to get back to the big city asap!!

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  6. "I realize that I'm not the first person to complain about getting a sticky mystery substance on their clothes thanks to Paris Hilton, but I took it personally. Not hot, Paris. Not hot at all."


    Bwah ha, ha.

    There is a monologue in this story. I swear it.

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  7. I cannot wait until I have another 4-day-weekend. I guess I don't have to remind you to have fun, do I?

    BTW, I love that "the corner of Queen and John" sounds like the name of a '70s variety tv show with a drag queen and a random guy named John. That could totally be a stage show!

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  8. Anonymous4:05 PM

    (As always, thanks for your notes, always make my day!) Guess you probably survived the country by now (i.e. poison ivy! poison oak! spiders! What do they have out there?!!!) :)

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  9. Anonymous5:14 PM

    Hi Tracey,
    Sounds like you had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend in the country! I loved your Enough Of The City description - some days does it ever get like that!
    Let me know if you'd like to hook up for that lunch date near your office. The AGO is closed now, but Sophie and I will do something else after.
    xo Rachel

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