Archive for July 1st, 2010

One of the greatest things about living in “Canada’s original city” (incorporated in 1785) is that one is surrounded by heritage and tradition.  For about thirteen years, I was involved with the tourism sector in Saint John, either giving tours of historic churches, being a visitor information counsellor, or — my favourite — working as a walking tour guide, introducing visitors to the area to my hometown.

I’ve lived in Saint John most of my life, having moved away just enough to realize that this is Home, and one of my favourite places here is the City Market.  Built in 1876, the Market is always a hub-bub of activity, and one never fails to meet a friend strolling through the aisles.  I can remember visiting the Market when I was a toddler, and getting my mother some mayflowers for Mother’s Day.  In high school, I would often stop to get some ice cream on my way to the bus stop.  The City Market is a constant in a Saint Johner’s life.

So it was only natural that when Chris, a lifelong friend who is visiting from New England and preparing to move back, suggested that we get together to chat, we decided to meet at Java Moose in the Market yesterday morning.

A little aside — One of the things that I’ve learned about myself is that I don’t do any work at home.  If I need to get schoolwork done, I go to the university.  I figure I could triple my output if I had a designated space in which to work and concentrate.  So I’ve been casually looking for a cheap “studio space” in which to create — writing, designing, painting, hooking — and not nap.

So, back to yesterday morning…  Because I’d hitched a ride uptown with Hubby, I got to Java Moose quite early.  As I waited for Chris, sipping my Wild Raspberry Iced Tea, my gaze drifted up to one of the ice sheds now used as offices in the Market.  It was vacant.

You know in the movies, when there is a glowy light and sounds of choirs accompanying a major epiphany?  Yeah — exactly like that!

My brain started swirling. How could I find out about it?  Okay — breathe — go to the Deputy Market Clerk.  How could I afford to rent it?  I’m unemployed and still looking for a job.  Okay — Figure out something I could provide that the Market could use.  I was so completely absorbed in this thought process that Chris greeted me with, “What are you up to?”

Over the course of the conversation with Chris, I figured out something I could offer in exchange for the use of the space.  Normally a huge procrastinator in cases where I might not be able to achieve something on which my heart is set, I sent an email to the Deputy Market Clerk the moment I got home.  I told her I had an incredible win-win idea and would like to meet with her.  Then I spent the next three hours getting my proposal together.

This morning was the traditional Canada Day flea market in the uptown, so Hubby and I were there bright and early, as we are each year.  After taking in the wares on King Street and in King’s Square, we wandered into the City Market and I took him down the side aisle to show him what I’d been bubbling over about last night.  “It’s up there,” I whispered, gesturing above the soaperie.  “That little room.”

Hubby looked at it, and looked at the little staircase leading up to it, and nodded.  As we walked up towards the east end of the market, I looked up at the Deputy Market Clerk’s office.  “She’s there,” I whispered.  “Up in her office.”

“Then you should go talk to her,” Hubby replied.

I hesitated, suddenly timid.  I’ve never been one to step outside my own shadow when it comes to something like this.  But after a gentle nudge from Hubby, I took a deep breath, scooted up the stairs and stuck my head in the office.  “Hi!” I said.  “I’m Karen — I emailed you yesterday.”

To attempt to wrap up a long story, I pitched my idea for the City Market (which I can’t share with you yet, because it’s still in the early, confidential stages), and asked about the little space.  The Bad News: it’s been leased.  The Stupendously-Awesome News: the new people have leased it for August 1st, so I can use it for the entire month of July!

The Deputy Market Clerk and I went down to look at it together.  Gazing out the windows, I just kept grinning.  I can’t believe I actually have it — a space to work, in one of the most personally-inspiring places in the city.  I’m almost beside myself with excitement!  Each morning, after checking the job bank listings online, I’ll pack my bag with my supplies for the day, be it writing or drawing or hooking or whatever, and I’ll either go with Hubby or hop the bus.  I’ll spend the whole day being creative!

It’s going to be an awesome July, Gentle Reader.  I can feel it all the way down to my toes!

Happy Canada Day!