COVID 19 Interviews: VCC Jewellery: How Students Shine On

The Jewellery Makers at VCC always have a stunning Grad Exhibit, as well as special sales throughout the year and more. I look forward to seeing their work light up the main hall of the downtown campus! I have seen so many examples of how Students are connecting with their public by posting photos of their home studios and examples of ongoing projects: rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The pieces are displayed in clear boxes that the students design. Each is unique. Here is an example. Recently, I was thrilled to meet Karin Jones, Department Head, at the Vancouver Civic Centre, at another fabulous display. I loved the idea that VCC Jewellery was moving more into community exhibits and thought perhaps that the Vancouver Civic Centre would be a perfect place for a combination of VCC Fashion and VCC Jewellery to do a joint event. Now I will have to look forward to that, during this time when we are isolated. My friend, Writer, Marilyn R. Wilson, has written an ongoing series of interviews with local Entrepreneurs and I have been inspired to follow her lead in highlighting Artists and Designers and learning how they are moving their businesses and studies forward.

During COVID 19, everything is closed and I asked Karin to tell us more about how the VCC Jewellery Program, Staff and Students are going ahead, despite this isolation. Thank you, Karin, for your time and reflections.

Interview with Karin Jones

1. Please tell us about your business, length of time, audience, goals 

VCC's 2-year, full-time, Jewellery Art and Design Diploma program was founded in 1988 by Maciek Walentowicz. Previously, VCC had a Jewellery and Goldsmith apprenticeship program geared towards training people as bench goldsmiths. At the time, Walentowicz saw a need for a more artistic program that would serve the needs of people (many of whom were women) who wanted to learn jewellery and open their own businesses as studio jewellers. Since then the program has trained 10-20 students a year, preparing them for careers as studio jewellers and bench goldsmiths. In recent surveys we found that 80% of our applicants entered the program with the goal of being self-employed. We also found that our students are wanting to learn techniques more in depth rather than having a dabbling of many different techniques. We're currently re-vamping the 2-year program to make sure students learn each technique well enough to leave the program with a higher level of confidence in their skills. We will then be working on adding a third year where students can learn more specialized techniques that haven't been covered in the first 2 years.

2. How did you work with people before COVID 19? 

Before COVID 19, all our classes were face-to-face. The instructors would work in the workshops with up to 20 students at one time. They would perform demo's while the class gathered around their workbenches watching and taking notes. Even our so-called "theory" classes (Gemmology, Art History, Design, Drawing, Business Management and 3D digital design) were very hands-on and conducted with the whole group present in the classroom.

3. How has social isolation affected you and your work/the program? 

When the restrictions were put in place, we were just entering the phase of the program when students spend 5 weeks working on their own projects in the workshop to present at our year-end show. We have had to revise this so that the students can work at home. Many of them had spent 6 months working on ideas, designing and refining their designs in preparation for the year-end show. Now they have had to completely re-think their ideas since some don't have access to even the most basic jewellery equipment at home. However, we have already seen some stunning results as they experiment at home with a range of materials at home, from plastics, to organic materials and paper. Those that have workbenches and torches at home are using them to create some interesting work as well.

4. What are some of the strategies you and your students are using to reach your public/customers/audience right now? 

We have finally started using Moodle, and online course platform that VCC has had for years, but that we have never used. This allows instructors to post demo videos and resources, schedule Zooms, and generally keep content in one place for the students to access. In addition, students are regularly posting photos of their progress, so that instructors and peers can make comments and suggestions. 

In terms of reaching the public, we're working on creating an online exhibition, since we are likely not able to have our show in the lobby this year. In addition to sending out press releases like we always do about the show I will be teaching students to how to write their own and try to attract some attention.

We have also started doing info sessions on Zoom. Our next one is on May 5 at 5 PM. To sign up, you can go to: https://vcc.ca/applying/apply-now/info-sessionstours/jewellery-art-and-design/

5. Do you have a motto, mantra, role model/mentor that leads you forward?  

Our current team of faculty started working in the program under Department Head Dariusz Bebel, who has since passed away. His motto was always "Just go for it!". You really can't argue with that! All of us need to adapt and change to rise to whatever challenge we are faced with. This is especially true of artists, and I think as creative individuals were are well positioned to find inspiring ways to adapt to changes.

The photos are by Juliana Jara, who's using recycled plastics which she's melting into petal shapes, and colouring with different inks and paints. 

Sarah Murray (VCC) and Karin Jones 

COVID 19 Interviews: Strategies for Moving Fashion and Performance Art Forward

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas and Interview with Colleen Lanki of Tomoe Arts

My initial response to COVID 19 and isolation, was to repost as many Designers, Writers and Artists, I know as a way of shining the light during these dark times. Friend and writer, Marilyn R. Wilson, had a better idea. She asked the many she knows, especially those with Businesses, to answer 5 questions, which serve as an excellent way for me to follow her excellent example of showing how people are responding and moving forward. 

The questions are: 1) Please tell us about your business, 2) How did you work with people, before COVID 19? 3) How has social isolation affected you and your business? 4) What are some new strategies you are using to reach people, during this time? 5) Do you have a motto, mantra, role model, mentor that inspires you to move forward? Marilyn invited me to guest on her blog: Olio by Marilyn and here's what I wrote about keeping the blog current as well as trying other new technologies and resources during COVID 19 here.

My first interview is from Colleen Lanki of TomoeArts. A Master of Japanese Dance, Scholar, Teacher, Community Builder and Friend, Colleen is a first in so many ways. I have written about her here, in the past. I hope to see more of her and her company on Facebook and other venues. Japanese Dance, Kimono, Music, Story, watch for Tomoe Arts.

Interview with Colleen Lanki 

1) Please tell us about Tomoe Arts, length of time, audience, main goal. 

I have been a performing artist all my life. I lived in Japan for 7 years, where I worked as a voice actor, ran a bilingual theatre company and studied noh (Medieval Japanese theatre) and nihon buyō (dance of the kabuki theatre and of the geisha). My nihon buyō teacher always believed in internationalizing her art form; ballet was practiced around the world, so why not buyō! I founded TomoeArts in 2008 to help make that dream a reality. Our main goal is to promote Japanese arts and culture and make them accessible to everyone. Our work is to bring people together in conversation! We sponsor master artists from Japan, do concerts with local dancers, and create new interdisciplinary works. Our audiences are all ages and backgrounds and we have terrific support for the Japanese and Japanese-Canadian community.

2) How did you work with people before COVID 19? 

All of our activities involve small or large group gatherings. Performance/dance classes and workshops are in person at the Dance Centre, our educational Salons are run out at UBC, and performances are in various locations – including at large outdoor festivals. The performing arts are really about gatherings, celebrations, and being in contact with each other". 

3) How has social isolation affected you and your staff? 

Though necessary in this crisis, “Social Isolation” is antithetical to everything we do, because we are in the business of bringing people together. This is why the arts, culture and hospitality businesses have been hit so hard. We are a small organization, so can adapt but it has been hard. I can no longer go to our little office at The Dance Centre. I am teaching a few dance lessons online – which feels very strange but allows for some level of contact with my students and we laugh a lot at the challenges. I have had to cancel multiple workshops and performances, scrambling to reschedule and hoping for the best. Everything has either been cancelled altogether or squished into next autumn.

4)What are new strategies to reach your audience, now? 

I have been keeping people informed through emails and social media. I am putting up links on our Facebook page to related online shows and things that might interest our audience. On April 18 I did my first Facebook Live performance to commemorate the weekend we would normally be performing at the Sakura Days Japan Fair. I was able to use the gorgeous tea room at Sabi Tea Arts, where I danced a short piece and chatted a bit. It felt very odd being in the space all alone, but we had terrific response including folks getting dressed up and eating special cherry blossom themed goodies while watching. We may do another sometime over the summer. I think we can learn from these new online ways of connecting - and perhaps come up with some innovative performances and events, but really, I can hardly wait to gather in person again...

5) Do you have a motto, mentor, symbol, mantra, that leads you on. 

One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star. – Nietzsche Thus spoke Zarathustra
(I’m not the biggest Nietzche fan, but I love this quote)

Work from LOVE not fear. 
(I think I am a closet pessimist. I seem pretty optimistic but I get pretty gloomy and fearful at home so need to remember this to make good choices)

I have had many, many mentors…and I am so grateful for all of them.

Links here:

http://www.tomoearts.org/
https://www.facebook.com/TomoeArts
https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoeArts
https://www.flickr.com/photos/46550780@N03/

Colleen at a 2017 Tomoe Arts Event

Colleen at a 2017 Tomoe Arts Event

Colleen at a 2016 Tomoe Arts Event

Colleen at a 2017 Tomoe Arts Event

Colleen at a 2017 Tomoe Arts Event

Photo credit - Colleen Lanki

First time Colleen hosted a live performance on Facebook

COVID 19 Moving Forward with Trip Taylor, Student Designer / Illustrator, VCAD

Writing by Colleen Tsoukalas and Interview with Trip Taylor

COVID 19 has forced us into isolation and has stopped programs, events and businesses from operating as they did in the past. Marilyn R. Wilson has published a series: Entrepreneurs and COVID-19 and I thank her for the idea to share what Designers and Artists I know, are affected by it. I know that Fashion Programs are going ahead virtually, but how do students maintain their inspiration and keep their work in the public eye? How can they share their talents and continue to contribute to community, when they may have lost sources of financial support?

I have long been fascinated with the art of illustration and because I think Fashion Events gain so much from coverage, including illustrations and the presence of Artists at work, close to the runway, I want you to meet Trip Taylor, a multitalented Fashion Program student at VCAD. Trip volunteered to attend VFW to support a fellow VCAD Designer, @Gundula Hirn, as well as to enrich the blog by sharing his illustrations and his first time at VFW. Thank you, Trip, for your reflections and strategies for moving on. Ever onward!

Trip shared his expertise again, VIFF, Vancouver International Fashion Festival, Vancouver, here. When students attend events like this, they not only represent the high calibre of instruction, but also bring their perspectives to the Fashion Community. Voluntarily making this huge contribution when events are on is one thing but how about now? I asked Trip five questions: 1) Please tell us about your work, length of time, audience, main goal, 2) How did you work with people before COVID 19? 3) How has social isolation affected your work and yourself? 4) What are some new strategies to reach your audience during this time? 5) Do you have a motto, mantra, mentor, role model that leads you on?

Interview with Trip

1) I’ve been drawing and making art as long as I can remember. It’s always been my passion. Growing up on the Gulf Islands, beautiful nature was always a influence on my work. During my high school years is when this hobby matured, as I qualified for the intensely competitive Advanced Placement Program and began getting commissions. I began being selected for and participating in exhibits on the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. 

My work began quite simply with many Anatomy/Botanical studies. Once I picked up a brush, I began to explore styles and new subjects. I was (and still am) heavily influenced by the iconic surrealist painters. (Salvador Dali is my favorite). You may even find some subtle Dalí references in some of  my pieces. Now moving in to the Fashion World, I hope to inspire more and more people to think outside the box. Don’t shy away from the unusual or uncomfortable. Art, in all its forms, is a beautiful opportunity to expand our minds so profoundly. 

2) Before this pandemic, I mostly worked solo and sales and work were usually provided via word of mouth. Not much has changed in that regard, though I’ll admit...school keeps me very busy!

3) I think this isolation has most definitely influenced my work. The drastic changes in the world are both exhilarating and at times frightening and that most certainly effects the content being produced for most artists. Sometimes it can be rather hard to focus. So much time to think and so little stimulus can make the brain run rampant. I’ve been doing my best to just keep pumping out every idea I have in some manner and going back to reflect upon them later. 

4) Like most people during this time, I’ve been trying to utilize social media to show/promote my work. Thankfully I’m always producing something through school, so I haven’t lost my mind yet. I am keeping up my connections with fellow Designers and keeping future events like @VFW and @VancouverInternationalFashion Festival, in mind. 

5) A few of my artist role models include Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo and Ansel Adams. All fantastic people with wonderful stories where I find inspiration . 

I often reflect on a beautiful passage written by Walt Whitman that goes as follows: 

 “This is what you shall do; Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body.”

I was the winner of this years Telio scholarship at my school (VCAD). Also to be noted I was the very first first term student to win. Selected as the upcoming artist at the age of 16 to participate at the “art and music in the gardens” in Saanich, which showcased more than 100 different artists. My drawing was selected to be the logo for the BCATA for a year and was printed on various merchandise (...2008, I think). I was the winner of the Fine Arts award on my graduating year (2010) from GISS (Gulf islands Senior Secondary) Recognition by School and Community leads me forward and inspires me further to share my journey.

I have a personal Instagram in which I post most of my artworks, but will be expanding to more platforms with professional accounts very soon.

Book Review: Notes On A Missing G-String by Local Author, Winona Kent

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

One of the greatest things about the Noir Crime Writers' Read and Share Event is that you go to the Shebeen Whiskey House, snug in the back of the Irish Heather in Gastown, and hear local crime writers read from their latest. You can meet them, buy a book, get it signed, drink Whiskey or a Caesar and have a delicious dinner or snack. The brick wall and metal staircase in the lane, make for great photo ops, fedoras (or not). Last time, I took friend and writer, Marilyn R. Wilson (Life Outside the Box, The Wisdom of Listening, Blog Olio by Marilyn) to chat with other writers about these and future plots and projects. I sat next to Winona Kent and drawn to the bright orange cover of her latest, "Notes On A Missing G-String", I decided to open it, up and find out how notes became notes about mystery, music and pole dancing. Published in 2019 by Blue Devil Books. this is her 8th novel and she has written a novella and many short stories and articles, as well.

This is the second novel featuring musician and amateur sleuth, Jason Davey. I like him because he is British, plays a Fender Guitar, (actually super hero like: multi-instrumentalist, song arranger and writer) speaks French and has an ear for accents and languages, knows his teas, cooks and eats (does smoke but may quit) has a good heart, is loyal, knows fashion and looks the part, endures a lot of physical punishment but recovers quickly, (a case of the flu might not put him out of action) likes and is liked, (except by the bad ones) has a son in university and an older daughter, Jennifer, who has recently appeared and introduced herself. She, too, is a creative: a photographer and an adventurer. There are women in his life: his ex and the mother of the daughter he has just met, his current partner, Katie, Gracie, the 14 year old daughter of a band mate, a girl who has disappeared and must be found. Then there are the pole dancers and 'entertainers' who are attracted to his good looks and potential to solve problems with crime bosses, kidnappers, murderers ….

This novel has many storylines and the crimes are imaginative and seemingly unsolvable. But Jason, with his likeable combination of methodical note-taking, common sense, athletic abilities, solid partners, family, friends and helpful connections, (I like the Greek Lawyer) manages even without a cape, to fire walk (literally) through multiple challenges and as dastardly Braskey says: "...to engineer a clever distraction."

28 Chapters, intricate plotting, fast moving, music history (60's), human yet super human hero, food, fashion and fun, what else is needed? I hope to see more of Jason Davey. Would love to see a super female partner, so more from his partner or daughter? Very British in the many word plays, Soho District descriptions, and food. Yes, food. Never fun to be in a place or read about one where it rains all the time or where everyone only drinks coffee and smokes. Sustenance, eye candy, accents, intrigue, music, photography and even jewellery. All here, and a great read, especially during a very isolated time.

Thanks, Winona Kent.

Bracelets on Fossils

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

Now that warmer weather is coming, you will see more of my bracelets. I see so many varieties trending now: link and gold charm bracelets are popular as are word bracelets. I am rarely without one but since I can't go out and display them, here are a few of my favourites on a rock full of fossils. 

A silver steam punk piece with a love heart charm. This was a treasure found MySister's Closet Boutique Thrift, reopening in the near future and always supporting Battered Women's Services. 

A sterling silver black crocheted two dimensional bracelet by Pam Jackson of Street Cat Designs. She is a most prolific Artist, who is at so many fabulous Vancouver events. I bought the one of a kind piece at this event

Third is a  silver charm gift from my parents, for my 21st. There is a charm from St. Louis as they took a trip through there, that year. Niagara Falls is where they honeymooned, and I have been there just a while ago (it seems) here. The charm with my name, has my life long friend's name, Bobbie Yoshihara, on the back. 

These are my travel bracelets: one is for Hawaii and the other represents the oceans. Sea symbols are also great for the Pisces in me!

This one has two bracelets: one of stones and flower designs and the other a set of green evil eyes, very good for casting spells. My jewellery tells stories. Doesn't yours?

Unsigned Treasures: Brooches From My Closet

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

The CAFA Closet Challenge post  I wrote yesterday, really had me thinking about my closet! I have always been a believer and wearer of fabulous brooches, and have too many to count. Many of them have come from different stores throughout the years. These days, they often come from My Sister's Closet.

Here are a few of my favorites taken on a fossilized ammonite from Nevada (Thanks L. Tsoukalas for the prop and the help with these photos)!

What are you wearing these days? I have seen a real mix of outfits on social media, from casual, all the way to cocktail. Love to hear yours!

Art Deco Bird, big, simple lines, wore it to a Drawing Class at Emily Carr. I knew we would have to draw and figured I could copy this design. Japanese Heron with red dot on its head. Wings are fan like and make we want to dance. Greenish blue pin I wear with Kimono or scarves, from our Vancouver specialty store, @buttonl,button. Red winged stylized bird, that I like to think of as Canadian.

The ammonite is silver backed and can be worn as a necklace or as a brooch. An Aztec pattern overlays with pinks and turquoises shining through. Copper frog with ceramic oranges and greens was a gift from a student who said that I helped her learn that frogs just might turn into princes. Swallow, blue and white, makes me think of travel, flight and looking up.

Another bird pin, enamel colours over copper. Reminds me to wear colour. Wooden brooch with hand and flowers. Souvenir pin, likely West Coast, city, water and whale. I heard from a stylist, recently, that brooches are out and if you do wear them, wear them only on your scarves. I disagree. Did you see the Queen's fabulous one, gleaming from her shoulder, totally drawing your eye away from the pearls? Brooches, classic, vintage, modern, precious whether gold or not. Statement!

CAFA Closet Challenge!

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

Over the past few weeks, I have seen many articles related to the new barriers the Canadian fashion industry will face due to the Covid 19 epidemic. Many industry experts have been looking for ways to highlight Canadian talent and raise funds for small businesses. A great example of this is the CAFA (Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards) closet challenge. This challenge is a great way of highlighting the tremendous talent we have here, and to celebrate what would normally be in the news and on the red carpet, world wide. I have been following all of the reposts featuring people wearing Canadian designs on the CAFA Facebook page and decided I would take part in the challenge too!

Both my daughter Anthea (who now primarily supports the behind the scenes of Clothes Line Finds) and I have attended CAFA events, e.g., myself here in Vancouver 2014 and Toronto 2014 and Anthea in Toronto 2014 as well.

In keeping with the idea of showing Canadian favourites in my closet and jewellery case, I am sharing some photos featuring Vancouver Designers: Chloe Angus Designs, Wendy Van Riesen (Dahlia Drive), Melissa Ferreira (Adhesif Clothing), Yifat Jovani Designs, Terry Sasaki, Aniimiism by Cassie Dee, Fluevog, Kapade, and always fabulous jewellery by Carolyn Bruce Designs.

You can find the original Facebook post here if you want to participate!

Wearing Chloe Angus Designs and Fluevog Shoes

Wearing Chloe Angus Designs and Fluevog Shoes

At Artworld Expo

With Dianna Drahanchuk and Nahla Hopfe wearing Cassie Dee

Wearing Carolyn Bruce Designs and Roxanne Nikki Designs

With designer Terry Sasaki wearing Terry Sasaki!

Wearing Yifat Jovani at the Little Black Dress Gala 2018

 At Vancouver Fashion Week wearing Wendy Van Riesen (Dahlia Drive)

See one of my articles about Wendy here

  At Vancouver Fashion Week wearing Wendy Van Riesen (Dahlia Drive)

  At Vancouver Fashion Week wearing Wendy Van Riesen (Dahlia Drive)

Wearing Kapade and Fluevog

Read about the Ivan Sayers event I attended wearing this outfit here

Wearing Fluevog in New York!

Wearing Carolyn Bruce Designs

With Melissa Ferreira Schwager of Adhesif Designs

Books In My View During Covid 19 or Reading and Looking Out

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

As many of you know, I am often out and about in Vancouver; whether it be attending fashion shows, working at My Sister's Closet, or visiting the fabulous Vancouver Public Library and their marvellous events. There is always something to do in Vancouver! 

Since we have been in lockdown, I have been using my newfound spare time to reflect on many of the events I have attending over the past ten years. I will be writing an upcoming post on all of the wonderful Canadian designers we have seen, supported, and worn! More to come on that soon!

I have also been reading up a storm. Since the Vancouver lockdown started approximately three weeks ago, I have read two Canadians, two Americans and a Brit. A cookbook, a mystery, a series of interviews, a fashion autobiography and a book of poetry. Reading and going out are my absolute favourites, however, now, I read, look outside and continue to practise my photography. If I can't be there, I will darned well imagine that I am! Here are some titles I've enjoyed on the never ending journey. What have you been reading? Leave your book suggestions in the comments. I would love to hear them!

IN A PINCH (Effortless Cooking for Today's Gourmet) 2010, is by born and raised in Vancouver, Chef and owner of the Gourmet Warehouse, Caren McSherry. I love her very first sentence: "Different lifestyles make it hard for me to suggest what you should have in your pantry." Tells me right away that what she is going to recommend will be things I might have. Sure enough, her list is doable: Balsamic Vinegar, Beans, Black pepper, butter (yes!) Chili paste and chili sauce, Chocolate, Figs, Grapeseed oil, preserved lemon, rubs, salt, Smoked Spanish paprika (might buy some) and Vanilla. There are varieties and adds to that, if you like, but otherwise you can do a lot with these. If you want to get fancier, she lists 10 (only 10) must haves: Amaretti cookies, Risotto, Capers, Chicken stock base, Dion mustard, Fleur de sel(might buy) jarred lemon curd, Moroccan spice rub, Olive Oil and Panko. So, while we know many of these, it is her skillfully delicious Appetizers, Soups & Salads, Main Courses, Sides, Sauces & Marinades, and finally, Desserts, that make this a great resource! Quick and easy food, beautiful photographs and a list of where to find the ingredients you don't already have, bring the Gourmet to your kitchen.

Source

RIVER OF LIES, 2020, the 5th in the BC Blues Series is by R.M. Greenaway and is her latest, set in North Vancouver, B.C. Read any of these and you will want to follow the complicated lives of her detectives and the solved or unsolved crimes. More details here.

Source

JULIA CHILD THE LAST INTERVIEW (And Other Conversations) with an introduction by Helen Rosner, is a series of interviews with Julia, from 1964 to 2004. Through, these, you learn about Julia's life and many accomplishments. In spite of her great success as an Author, TV Cooking Program Host, Fundraiser, Trail Blazer, and more, she remained down to earth, passionate about good food and friends and teaching. In her words, "I'm Not a Chef, I'm a Teacher!" This collection, a small book of interviews, was published in 2019 and since I always want to hear more about her, I had to read it.

Source

FASHION CLIMBING, A Memoir with Photographs, by New York Times Photographer, Hat Designer and beloved blue jacketed 'eye on the street', Bill Cunningham, was published in 2018. The book jacket is grey with one of his own illustrations, that calls to those who love elegant clothing and piles of fabulous hats. The actual book cover is blue, like the French blue workers jackets he was easily identified by as he snapped all that gorgeous wearable Art on the streets and at the shows and events. This book was widely reviewed and is a true example of his enduring creative vision and the choices he made to sustain it. The movie, Bill Cunningham, New York shows him at work, but the book tells the real story. Bill Cunningham inspired this post. 

 Source

YOU TOOK THE LAST BUS HOME by Brit, Brian Bilston. Published in 2017, this is a book of quick, funny, serious, visual, rhyming and not, poetry. The idea of the bus and the road on the cover appealed to me since I often think of titles and first lines when I am on the bus, looking out. One of my favourites is "Why I Have Never Read War and Peace Ten Excuses". Many of my students, assigned this one for an essay, due tomorrow, wanted to know if I had read it, and if so, how I had carried it since it was so big and heavy. ha ha Here is a verse I love: "I think I left it on the bus, Or perhaps my dog ate it, although it may have been the cat, (she thinks Tolstoy's overrated)."

Source