Chroniques de la Bookworm Gracieuse
Initial Thoughts About the Gracious Bookworm
Consistent with many pieces that use local rock, this carving is guided by a comparative reading of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican and Andean interpretations regarding the intricate relationship between the arc of the horizon and the “spiraling’ movement of light, water and sound as well as complimentary Eurasian insights regarding “bundling”. The rock, moreover, was first encountered by the School of One Carver on a journey along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, just below the University of Alberta. The piece was also instrumental for the Carver's original design called "the Face of Light" which may be found unfolding in a variety of different works carved beginning in the Autumn months of 2014. While the sides of the carving were influenced by the deep fissures carved into the North Saskatchewan River Valley, the Gracious Bookroom will also gently rock or spin in a way which recalls a gentle breeze dusting the river before the impending freeze. The Gracious Bookworm was presented to S.T., a passionate student of History and equally enthusiastic bibliophile, just before S.T. departed for France in February, 2015. S.T., who first attended MacEwan University before the completion of an Arts undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta, worked for several years at the library of the Alberta Legislature, and, in September 2015, began graduate work at the University of Alberta's School of Library and Information Studies.
Chapter 1: Bonne France Journeys
Just before formal graduation with an undergraduate Arts degree from the University of Alberta S.T. and the Pious Bookworm travelled to Paris for the first time. The vignettes found below definitely will seem familiar for those people who recall their excitement and awe first visit to the City of Light. In this instance, however, S.T., definitely betrays a deep-seated interest and appreciation of the study of History and this travel account provides unique insight into the thoughts of a librarian regarding the monumental landmarks which continue to inform both popular and academic memories.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
2:00PMish February 20, 2015 0°C, Pouring rain, windy
Gracious bookworm had a rough first day on her tour of Paris. It was cold, windy, and wet. However, this made for little traffic! We walked around the grounds of the Eiffel Tower. It was everything I could have dreamed about. I was in awe that I was actually standing below the building I have dreamt about my entire life. It is iron, and brown, and, without context, would seem pretty dull and insignificant. But what it means -- the iconic landmark is impressive! The height and scale is extraordinary, especially given how old it was. Our friends (Bookworm and my friends, aka our free tour guides) gave us so many fun details about the tower. They noted how it is painted two different shades of brown to compensate for looking up to the top from the ground level, how it is painted every seven years for upkeep, and how the original architect hated it so much by the time it was completed that he lived there just so he didn’t have to look at it. Even though it was cold and wet, hot wine proved to be a practical “cold remedy”, and it ended up being a memorable and amazing day for someone who has always dreamed of seeing the landmark up close!
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Versaille, France
11:00AM-5:00PM February 22, 2015 7°C, Sunny, "Spring Like"
A visit to Versailles marked a very different day, one characterized by scenic French baroque architecture and, thankfully, some beautiful weather. It was sunny, making walking up to the entrance gates almost blinding, an appropriate experience for the first exposure to the Sun King’s famous palace. All of the gold, the statues, and the details were so intense I almost cried from being overwhelmed at the beauty and sheer volume of the place. Because of the beautiful weather, all the Canadians in my cohort (myself included) were so happy for what felt like May in Edmonton to be happening in late February. The weather made walking the grounds the perfect way to spend the day. Bookworm can be seen entering the gates, leaving the palace to enter into the vast garden found on the other side of the Palace, while another photo finds the “sculpted tourist” catching some lovely sun in one of the many hidden gems on the grounds, including Marie Antoinette’s “personal grotto.” Just imagine being royalty and having your own grotto! Sometimes I sometimes think that the French monarchy had it all figured out, and Versailles certainly reinforced that assumption. That is, until I remembered how they met their end and I immediately second-guessed my desire to be Marie Antoinette. I will be content with visiting her home and drinking the tea I purchased in the gift shop that is made with the fruit from Versailles garden.
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Chapter 2: Graduation Day, U of A
In this second chapter, S.T. takes an important step towards becoming a professional librarian. While the Gracious Bookworm helps marks specific time and delineate intimated public spaces, S.T. documents the experiences surrounding commencement ceremonies at the University of Alberta in July, 2015. Meanwhile, "Graduation Day, U of A" was not only shared by family, but was also further influenced by a clear bias for History and memories of the trip to France a few months earlier.
Convocation Day, U of eh?
1:30PM July 23, 2015 25°C, Unseasonably windy
Convocation Day was a bit of a long one. I was up early in an attempt to get the bathroom before my partner took it over and didn’t come out. Then, we had to be ready for my parents who were picking us up an insanely early time so that we could find parking at the Winspear Centre, instead of somewhere farther away. We got there, with only one or two other grads hanging around, and took pictures. We took serious pictures -- some of them silly pictures as well as a few candid pictures of us taking pictures. My father snapped one of me taking this photo. Here, Gracious Bookworm is hanging out, just outside the Winspear Centre, waiting patiently for us to go in and for me to participate in the convocation ceremony. It was a beautiful day, not too hot or too cold. In short, perfect weather all around.
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Historic Meal, Historical Impatience
Warm, sunny and sometime in the afternoon, July 23
After I walked the stage, my parents wanted to take my partner and I out for lunch somewhere nice. Because my Arts degree was in History and Classics, I requested the Union Bank Inn here in town, as it is one of the more “historical places” in the city. The first picture is from when we were waiting outside before our reservation, while the second one marks the moment before our tasty meal arrived. Bookworm was far more patient that the rest of us during both “waiting occasions”. Since it was an early morning, none of us had really eaten anything so we were more impatient than usual...
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Vive la boulangerie du nord!
Warm, sunny and sometime even later in the afternoon, July 23
Graduation Day, U of A, would not be completely without dessert. And I had just the place in mind I wanted to go. I requested that we go to what I think is the best French bakery in Edmonton. No one disputed my choice, especially since the pastries and baked goods are really superb. It was a great way to round out the day, and, of course, it seemed most appropriate since Bookworm’s first adventure was a trip to Paris. Here, she is enjoying a Pain au Chocolate and a Rosewater Macaron, feeling like she is back in her favorite place once again. After dessert, we walked back to the car and found a small pet shop with very small kittens. I wanted to take one home so badly, and my father agreed I should, but my partner said it wasn’t the time for us yet. In the end we waited only a month and FINALLY got the kitten that was right for us. I like to think it was those adorable ones we saw the day of my convocation that was the turning point in me getting one sooner rather than later.
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