Stories with Stuart McLean

     Everything with Stuart McLean involves an adventure. He's the type of individual that I strive to be, a storyteller. A wizard of spoken or written word, a man that can make you learn about yourself by reading his tales of others. Back in 2010, I remember walking through a Shopper's Drug Mart before work and having a book cover catch my eye. It depicted a crow writing in an book with his beak, with an open ink bottle to the side. I figured I may as well buy it and check it out for my shift, but didn't expect that four years later, the author would be the first name featured on the second year of my own literary journey, an adventure of (almost faithfully), learning and sharing the stories of those around me in Canada. But as I said, everything with Stuart McLean involves an adventure, a tale. Including the story of how our phone call with each other came to be.

     I was sitting in the loft like upstairs of my co-workers house, with some music blaring (it may have been Harry Connick Jr, but I could be wrong) and good food was being digested. Christmas was fast on its way, and the staff of the newspaper The Sputnik from Wilfird Laurier's Brantford campus was taking a well-deserved break with the last issue of the term off to the presses. We were all getting ready for the exciting "non-denominational gift exchange", as we all jokingly referred to it since some of us didn't participate in Christmas, and felt Secret Santa needed a new title for the day. Some really cool gifts were exchanged, and I was getting very excited to see what I would get. When I eagerly ripped off the wrapping paper during my turn, I tried to best to hide my initial concern. It was just a red notebook, and a pen. Now, feel free to judge me, but with all the cool gifts going around, I was hoping for something a little cooler than a notebook, not that there's anything wrong with them. Then as I was smiling and thanking whomever my gift-giver was, someone suggested I open it. Upon doing so, I found a note on the first page, it read;

     "In my first year of journalism, I did a radio project about the magic of storytelling over the airwaves. It was this very project that gave me my first 'celebrity' interview- an interview that I still very proud of today. It was Stuart McLean, from CBC radio's 'The Vinyl Cafe'. [...] To me, Stuart is one of the most influential voices of Canada. I pulled some strings, and Stuart is excited to be a part of Canadian Stories. Tell [them] it's a Christmas present from me- [they'll] understand."

     Knowing how much this meant to my boss Layla, who gave me the gift, sincerely touched me. She was willing to share one of her proudest moments with me, so I felt the pressure to make it all is was worth. With that, at noon on a Monday, I picked up my phone, and called the home of CBC's Stuart McLean.

A smiling Stuart McLean 

Photo retrieved from http://www.cleveland.com/tv/index.ssf/2008/10/canadian_vinyl_cafe_show_sched.html

     As I've said twice now, everything with Stuart is a story, including how his family first came to Canada. As Stuart told me, he's "a true Canadian, born of the snow". Unlike many tales I've heard of new beginnings, snow was the drawing factor for Stuart's Australian parents to settle in Quebec, with a pit stop in England. I heard a story of life after war, with Stuart's father trying to find employment. He began at a English firm with a branch out of Australia, before moving to the main office a continent away. While there, he befriended the owner of the company and began to form an almost father/ son like relationship, which I've learned weren't uncommon with the fractured families resulting from the Second World War. Stuart's father found great success during his time in England, and was offered the chance to form a new branch in one of three possible countries; New York City, New York, Montreal, Canada, or Johannesburg, South Africa. The choice seemed obvious, the aspiring business man and his young wife would move to Canada, for new beginnings, a new family, and skiing. Resulting in one of the most iconic Canadian literary figures. 

    An iconic figure who, as it were, didn't enjoy academics very much. As a child, Stuart would go to his room after supper as he was told to do to 'do his homework'. With his textbooks sprawled on his desk, a drawer was casually left open. You wouldn't find the expected comic books or Hardy Boys series his fellow students were enraptured by, but the tales of young journalist Ken Holt who would go around the world with his friend Sandy Allen solving mysteries. Whenever his mom would enter to check on her son, he would causally lean his hip on the drawer, closing it and hiding the book, while at the same time making it look like he was leaning over his work, heavily involved. With a slight chuckle, Stuart hinted that the tales of Ken may have been what drove his journalistic pursuits. With a sigh, I wished I was as smart as that as I kid so I could get away with things.

     It wasn't books that were his love though, it was radio. In his most definitive answer of our interview, Stuart proudly told me how from day one he was "in love with radio." He would sit down and listen to the "Dave Boxer Show", catching some of the new pop songs of the month, and when it got dark outside, he would try to pick up stations from Boston, New York, such as WKBK when "the radio waves were bouncing around the atmosphere" in the hopes of hearing that good old American rock n' roll.

Stuart with a collection of books.

Photo retrieved from http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2013/12/06/stuart_mclean_the_man_of_a_thousand_stories.html

     In a powerful foreshadow, the tales of journalistic detective Ken Holt and the global radio waves soon meshed together in the late 1970s, when Stuart was in his late twenties. Landing a job with CBC's Radio One, Stuart soon became a well known name from his time on the very successful program "Sunday Morning". Referring to himself and his co-workers as "foreign correspondents of days gone by", he shared tales with me of young writers who would be standing in the Toronto airport ready to travel the world, with "a handful of money in our hands and a briefcase of research", prepared to interview "everything that moved" to provide a Sunday show sharing with the listeners all that's happened around the world that week. It was here that he learned the technical side of writing, but it was in his next radio journey that he found something much more important, his voice. 

     Starting in the mid-1980s, Stuart began working on the popular program "Morningside" with famed Canadian radio host Peter Gzowski. Gzowski, who has been estimated to have conducted over 25000 interviews really got to know people, understand who they were, a skill Stuart found too. It was during his time at Morningside that McLean would meet another individual that would change the course of his life, a man by the name of David. Together with David, they would soon conceptualize one of the most well-known Canadian literary characters. They would create an average guy named Dave, who owned a independent record store called "The Vinyl Cafe". Little did Stuart know, he had just conceptualized a character that would be loved by millions.

     The Vinyl Cafe started off as a replacement show for the summer, a program that could be added in during the time slots of radio hosts who were on vacation. The driving agenda for Stuart was to provide the best show he could for the next week, and somehow top what he had done on the previous show. Tales of observation, self-discovery, familial bonds and simplicity in the complex were heard by those sitting by their radios or driving around to wherever they may be heading. With no idea as to what people thought of his program, he continued when he could, and even tried a live show after his third season. Ambition driven, they made both the radio program a success, and the live shows too. The result? A spot on the network with a weekly show. Not to mention several international tours, several best-sellers and over a million books sold. As Stuart told me, "It was a bit of an unplanned journey. We never sat down and said 'Okay, here's what we're going to do, we're going to conquer the world'". I guess some of the best ideas are the spontaneous ones.

Stuart relaxing over a meal.

Photo retrieved from http://walrusmagazine.com/articles/2010.12-books-mister-nice-guy/

     In 2011, with years of the Vinyl Cafe under his belt, Stuart was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. The official citation for his award stated the following;

     "Author, journalist and humorist, Stuart McLean has been informing and entertaining Canadians for more than 30 years. Host of the popular radio series "The Vinyl Cafe," he engages his audience with timeless stories that resonate both at home and abroad, showcasing small communities and the talents of local musicians. He is a warmly regarded mentor to aspiring journalists and a generous supporter of community and charitable causes, particularly those aiding abused and underprivileged women and children."

     For someone who spent so many years stressing the beautiful aspects of our country, and really trying to explain what made 'us', 'us', and why that was so special, I asked what this distinction meant to him. With a proud sigh, he told me it was a confirmation. A confirmation that at least somebody thought he was on the right track in his ideas, at least one person believed that the path he was taking in life was a successful one. As he said, a confirmation that at least someone thought his compass was "pointing true North". With that compass pointing him North, he has no idea what he'll run into the future along the way. He doesn't want to plan for the future, whatever happens, happens. He's still being driven by those early ambitions- providing the best show he can, and making it better than the week before. With pride, he told me The Vinyl Cafe will probably be referred to his life's work. It means a lot to him, and affects his life in and out.
     With that, I said goodbye to Stuart, and thanked him for our time together. I could see what Layla meant, and was glad she could help me out. Stuart told me "we Canadians need each other", but sort of left it at that, leaving me to wonder what he meant. There were a million possibilities, but I feel even the simple gesture of Layla giving me this conversation as a gift, and Stuart agreeing to it, is a sign of how when we do need each other, we're there for each other.
      Turning around, I grabbed that book I bought so many years ago, and realized I had left a page marked with a folded (clean) tissue. Odd, as I never leave books marked in anyway, and after years of journeys and years of moves, it managed to remain marked. It was a story called "Maynard Helmer", about a man named the same. Maynard was referred to in the story as "a fixture in the village", a person that everyone couldn't help but knowing.
     I feel it's safe to say that Stuart McLean is the same for Canada.

Stuart McLean

Image retrieved from http://www.banffcentre.ca/event/6266/stuart-mclean-a-vinyl-cafe-christmas?d=2013-12-07+19:30

BOOK PREVIEW- Late Night Chats with Hayley Wickenheiser

      It was around 11:30 at night. My dad was asleep. as was my older brothers' cat, Justin, who perched on top of the couch I was laying in. As a way to kill time, I put on the movie “Little Miss Sunshine”, probably one of the best movies of all time. I guess I'm a sucker for feel-good films, even if they feature heroin addicted grandpas, as this one did. While watching the movie, and watching the second hand slowly tick by, I knew that Hayley Wickenheiser was three provinces away playing the sport she'd become famous for. Hockey.
Any second now she would be finishing that game and calling me shortly afterwards for a rather brief interview. Let's be honest though, I didn't care how long the interview was, it was with Hayley Wickenhesier! Widely regarded as the best female hockey player in the world! The thing that caught my eye though was her Olympic record. If I'm a sucker for Little Miss Sunshine, I'm an even bigger one for the Olympics, especially the winter games. An obsession that started back in grade six when my then-teacher, Mrs Gale Pollock, allowed us to watch some of the events of the Turin, Italy games while sitting on the library carpet back in my old public school, Harris Heights (now renamed). Thanks a lot Pollock, you set me on the track of my only athletic obsession, but I'm forever grateful!
In 2002, Hayley won the gold medal for women's hockey with the Canadian national team. Already, I would of loved the chance to have a chat with her... I mean, Olympic gold! But she didn't stop there, those 2006 games that sparked my passion brought Hayley another gold. Myself on one side of the world learning the wonder of the games, and her bringing in her second gold from them.
Every Canadian, as remembers the 2010 Olympic men's team winning a dramatic gold medal game, and I think Sidney Crosby's name will be remembered in Canadian Olympic lore because of it. But three days before that amazing gold medal moment, Hayley and our women's national team landed their third consecutive gold. Three gold medals, (not to mention a silver from the 1998 games), and she would be calling me in three minutes. I couldn't wait!
“I GOT IN! LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, I GOT IN, I GOT IN, I GOT IN.” Shit. That was being screamed from the movie at the top of young actress Abigail Breslin's lungs, as high pitched as possible, while my dad was yelling at me to turn it down and I was just trying to turn the whole darn thing off because while all of that was happening, the phone was ringing with whom I assumed to be Hayley on the other side. Quite, tranquil, moment down the drain, and stressful situation rising. I angerly jabbed my finger into the television remote to shut it down, took a deep breath to calm myself, and thanked the Olympic champion for calling me, acting as if nothing had happened. I was on the phone with Hayley Wickenheiser! I was in the big leagues now!

Image Retrieved from: http://olympic.ca/team-canada/hayley-wickenheiser/

Kim Cloutier- Canadian Model

    My upstairs neighbour Jenna and I were watching the Victoria Secret Fashion Show (my first time ever) and she voiced the idea that I should consider interviewing a model. It hadn't really crossed my mind before, but as soon as she suggested it, it was something that I felt could have some serious potential. With that in mind, Jenna and I started looking at a list we found of well-known Canadian models. To be honest, we looked for a mix of a good story and, well, honestly, who we thought was one of the best-looking Canadian models currently in the business. Hey, it's best to be honest, right? We decided who I was going to try and reach out to, a 26-year-old from Quebec named Kim Cloutier. I really had no idea how to reach out to her, but I did notice that she had Twitter. Well, it's a modern world we live in, so I just decide to send her a tweet asking if she'd consider an interview. Imagine my surprise when I hopped on Twitter the next day and realized she had followed me, and sent me a private message curious for more information. After we messaged back and forth on Twitter a few times, Kim decided she'd love to do an interview. With excitement, I planned a time and date to Skype.

     Leading up to my interview with Kim, I realized I knew very little of the modelling world- from how you get into the career, to how you come around to getting contracts, and what the work week was like. It all seemed like really basic knowledge, but I didn't have a single clue and was really curious. Unfortunately, school and work got the best of me, and by the time I was to speak with Kim, I had no questions prepared. With that in mind, I winged it. Totally winged it. Luckily, it turned out great. It was an hilarious, wide-ranging discussion, touching on The Notebook, musician Adam Lambert, and even some of the psychological troubles of being a model. There was tons of laughter from both of us, and it turned out to be one of the funnest interviews I've ever conducted. In short, the story of Kim Cloutier is incredible.

Kim's first "big" photo shoot- Abercrombie and Fitch, 2008

Retrieved from http://abercrombieandfitchmodels.blogspot.ca/2008/06/kim-cloutier-next.html

     At about the age of seventeen, Kim's father (well-known photographer Michel Cloutier) voiced the idea that maybe "she would interested in modelling" herself, to which she replied with a definite no. Photos may have been her father's thing, but it wasn't something that really interested her. Her life as a teenager continued as normal, and (as I've learned some teenage girls tend to do), Kim and her girlfriends would occasionally flick through magazines. After a while of seeing photo shoots that seemed fun, she decided to ask her father after all if he could get in touch with the people he knew in the modelling world, and see where it went from there. To both of their surprise, her career exploded. Her first shoot was pretty big in itself, Elle Quebec (a magazine, branching from Elle Canada). I didn't know much about Elle Quebec, but when I asked what she felt to be her first "big contract" was, it was a name I recognized immediately- American clothing retailer Abercrombie and Fitch. It was a big set with 25 models in total, and a really welcoming photo crew. Having the chance to shoot with Abercromie as a teenager was a fun experience, and when explaining modelling to others her age, it was really a company that stood out. She finished high school, and turned 18. In was then that she moved it, and started travelling for her career.
     I couldn't imagine what she was going through. She told me it was difficult at first, she was "really suddenly, and really early" dropped into an adult life. From having her mother there to "cook and do my laundry", Kim transitioned to being based in Montreal and France for the sake of her career. That back and forth lasted for about three years, and then she finally moved to New York state. During the span of those three years, she had the chance to do one of her most memorable shoots, and I made sure to ask about it. I asked all about the time she had the chance to do a "rather racy" photo shoot with Grammy-nominated pop-musician icon Adam Lambert, only a few months after he was named runner-up in American Idol season 8.

Kim Cloutier and Adam Lambert (one of the "non-racy" shots)

Retrieved from http://forums.thefashionspot.com/f52/kim-cloutier-41778-35.html

     Although she seemed sort of shy when using the wording that she had heard back then, I asked how she ended up getting that contract. It was like any other contract, Adam had voiced that he wanted to do a shoot with a "sexy woman", and Kim's agency was approached. They decided that she would be the best for the job, fit their criteria, and she was pleased to take it. She was nervous at first, but that eventually changed. It wasn't due to Adam as a person, since he was "super nice" as Kim informed me, it's just that some of the shots in mind were a bit outside of what she was used. Never the less, it was a blast.
      Kim then seemed to predict one of the things I was going to ask about right after, by saying she could never forget the time she had the chance to be in the famous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. This was back in 2009, a year before the Adam shoot, and had to be one of the funnest photo shoots her career has yet to ever hold, Kim informed me. This was due in part from how well known the publication was, and in part from how different of an experience it ended up being. She told me how she was flown down to Mexico and was working with an extremely incredible team of photographers. This was paired with a red carpet release, and I'm sure the feeling of a real appreciation for her (occasionally) underrated art form. In that 2009 issue (with Bar Refaeli on the cover), Kim was named "Rookie of the Year", a title she still proudly lists on her Twitter biography. 

Kim Cloutier posing in a photo shoot.

Photo from http://www.listal.com/viewimage/1474439h

     Sitting on a stool, while Skyping Kim from my kitchen of all places while making some coffee, with my roommate beside me doing some homework, I decided to take a more serious direction to the interview and touch on what I have heard to be some of the biggest struggles of modelling as a profession- the competitive atmosphere, and what I assumed to be the inevitable toll it took on your mental well-being. I was glad when Kim was not only willing to answer, but willing to answer with complete honesty. First, I began with competition, wanting to touch on other models from Canada. Kim voiced some of the other big names on the scene today from our home and native land, such as Coco Rocha, Jessica Stam, Heather Marks and Linda Evangelista among others. When asked, she said she didn't feel in competition with them at all. In fact, it was the opposite. She was always proud to see others from Canada excelling in the industry, especially those from her home province of Quebec. Being Canadian is also a big asset globally, as she recalled several memories of people getting excited whenever she mentioned her home nation, or informing her "how cool Canada is".

     Then, the psychological. Kim told me it's ever present, even if her, especially in her early day. At age 17, she would have people commenting on your visual appearance (negatively as much as positively), which got to her. There was pressure "to always be thinner, be more toned, change your hair", she was literally in an industry that paid based on appearance. She realized at a young age that you needed to be grounded, and a strong person mentally to not let it get you to a place you shouldn't be. Luckily, she had those traits. It got to her, but never made her stay up at night worrying. It was taken in stride, and the next day was always a new one.

      There was one last stereotype, that I had knew to be around from a life of television and film viewing, that I decided to not question Kim about. I didn't need to, as she busted it without even mentioning it. I hate to even write it, but there is the common stereotype that models are generally not that intelligent. I was never one to believe this, and Kim solidified that for me. Even through our short Skype conversation we had the chance to have some incredible conversation, on topics ranging from authors Marie Laberge to Paulo Coelho and his famous book, The Alchemist. I sincerely hope that stereotype is bashed soon, because like most stereotypes, it's based on nothing. We also did have the chance to touch on her favourite movie, The Notebook. Although it's a great movie, I still had to poke some fun at her choice. She knew it was coming though, she began laughing before she even got her answer out and started with "oh, this is going to be very cheesy, but..."

      She knows that the career she's in is generally a short one, and really depends on being "in the right place at the right time" or "the look of the month." As of now, she's travelling for work about once a week, and is enjoying every moment while she can. For model Kim Cloutier, the dream would be a chance to do a shoot for a cosmetics line, or a perfume, as she feels that would something really fun that she's never yet had the chance to do. Of course, the best case would be getting a contract with Victoria Secret. I laughed, thinking at how full circle that would be from how the idea to speak with her came to mind.

       Maybe I'll just have to watch next year to keep an eye out.

Kim Cloutier strikes a pose.

Photo from http://www.viewmanagement.com/models/969-kim-cloutier

"Feeling Music" with Craig Cardiff

     It was getting close to midnight if I recall, and I was sitting in a rather comfy armchair at the Brown Dog coffee shop, located on my university campus. On the couch beside me sat Juno nominated recording artist Craig Cardiff, listening to a group of fans discuss with him the show he just put on, and simply how their days had been going. Just as I had experienced a few weeks before with Rob Dyer, Craig seemed to be someone who genuinely loved hearing people's stories, and more importantly, someone who loved to share the gift of music with all who would listen. I don't mean just sharing his amazing voice, but also discussing how music can actually make you feel something, something about yourself, others, or life in general.
     As the crowd dispersed, Craig turned around and with a smile, and introduced himself formally. We had met for a couple minutes before his show began, but more so just exchanging pleasantries. After some small talk and explanation of the Canadian Stories initiative, I pulled out my cue cards holding the discussion points I hoped to reach during our short time together. But, before I could get a question out, Craig had some comments and questions of his own for me. First, he informed me that him and I "listen to music the same way". That led me to look at him with what must have been a confused face, because I really had no idea what he meant. So, he explained.
     "You had your hands grasped together, and you were looking down." He told me that he knew I wasn't being rude and not paying attention, but that I was, as he worded it, "listening with my whole body." What I think he meant by that was that it wasn't simply in one ear, through the brain and out the other, but that I was listening to the words and the sounds with it, and trying to figure out what he meant by it all. It's not something I think I intentionally do, but something I've for sure noticed since meeting Craig.

Craig Cardiff!

Photo provided by Lindsay Chung

     Like me, Craig Cardiff came from small town Ontario. But unlike me, his singing voice set him on the course of an amazing journey. All my singing voice (and more importantly, my rapping) gets me is disgusted looks and pleas to stop. Since Craig had a long drive home ahead of him, we didn't have much time to touch on his early days, but there were some career highlights I wanted to touch on. One of them being a rather large and unique experience, singing with the former Governor General of Canada, The Right Honourable Michaelle Jean. For those who may not know, the Governor General (David Lloyd Johnston being the current one) acts as the Queen's official representative in Canada for ceremonial and Constitutional duties as she acts as the Sovereign for fifteen current nations. I had the chance to travel to Rideau Hall (the official residence of the Governor General) once in grade ten as part of a field trip, and Michaelle Jean (who was Governor General at the time of the trip) had always been someone I found extremely interesting, so I really wanted to know how this experience came around.
     It was 2012, and Craig found himself nominated for his first ever Juno award! The nomination was for "Roots and Traditional Album of the Year: Solo", and he found himself up against David Francey, Dave Gunning, Lindi Ortega and Bruce Cockburn (who eventually won). The experience with Jean was dubbed by Craig as a "happy accident stemming from the nomination". As a collaboration between the National Capital Commission and the University of Ottawa to raise awareness of the Juno's being held in Ottawa, the two organizations offered him the chance as a nominee to preform with the well-known stateswoman, which he gladly accepted. The nomination alone to him meant a lot, this only adding to it. It was nice for him to be acknowledged more so than often, and it was nice to meet the "gracious and very kind" former Governor General. But, this time really put other aspects of life into perspective for him. Fully recovered since then, at the time, his father suffered a stroke. With a newly increased media presence directed at Craig as a Juno nominee, questions for him asking what he was thinking or how he felt about the experience automatically made him think about the well-being of his father, a valuable lesson regarding what truly mattered in life.

Craig preforming at the Brown Dog, in Brantford

Photo by me!

      As an artist, Craig has the chance to learn valuable lessons, learn what really matters in life at every single show. Not just by taking the time to speak with one or two fans afterwards, but with his self titled "Book of Secrets", one of the coolest things I've ever seen. He felt that his performances, and that of other performers, were "very egotistical". "I mean, look even here, there's only one microphone." With his books, he's able to give people the chance to share their stories with him, as they've allowed him to do for them. The books, essentially, are free range. At the start of the show, and during the performance, a blank notebook and pen are passed around for you to simply write or draw in. What you're feeling, how you're feeling, the concerns facing you in life or even why you're life now is better than it has been before. They're for you to be honest, and anonymous, and finally say what you may have been holding in. Quite frankly, I find it amazing. Craig equated it to my interviews. "Like your writing, there's a story that gets told and a story to be ferreted out." Like I do, he loves hearing people's stories first hand. It's an honour.

     Though, since he encourages you to be honest, to not be afraid to finally say what's on your mind, I imagined there must have been some difficult things to read. His reply confirmed my thoughts. "For sure, there are some difficult things, but also some beautiful things." Some of these anonymous messages are then shared online by Craig to show the range, and often the similarities, of the happiness and sadness in people's lives. I think to end, I want to share one of the most touching I've seen, and thank Craig for sharing so much with us. His voice, his cheer, and the message that, as his album says, "Love is Louder than all this noise"

     "The night I thought I lost my love, he sent me a song. I sent him back your 'Last Night at the End of the World'. And I took a break, and let go.

     He's sitting beside me tonight, holding my hand, and this is the second time we've been to see you.

     We'll be back every time you're here.

     I've never been so happy." -Anonymous, to Craig Cardiff

Craig and I meet before his show.

Photo by Jaime Addario

Frankie Flowers (Frank Ferragine)- Canada's Weatherman!

     In short, it takes somebody really impressive to have me get up at 4:00am on my Christmas holidays. Not to mention, it takes somebody really impressive for me to talk my photographer Victoria into getting up at 4:00am as well to take photos. Needless to say, Frankie Ferragine (also known as Frankie Flowers), a special live viewing of Breakfast Television Toronto and a tour of the Breakfast Television studios was enough to get us up. By 4:30am, we were on the 401 heading to Toronto, music blaring to keep me awake, with the recurring message from my mother in the back of my mind. "Make sure you meet Kevin Frankish. His suspenders are sexy!" Okay mom...
     We were to be at the studios for 7:00am, but when I arrived in Toronto I came to the startling conclusion that I really didn't know where the Breakfast Television Studios were. I pulled out my phone and went to the ever handy Google to help me as fast as possible. Luckily, my decision to park under Toronto City Hall at Nathan Phillips Square was smart, as the studio only happened to be about one kilometer away. The problem is, when it's freezing, a kilometer still sucks. With the thought of meeting the hilarious television hosts, and Canada's favourite weatherman in person, I hustled as fast as possible. That wasn't the only thing keeping me driven. This may seem juvenile, but upon my research for the Frankie interview, I noticed some of the amazing guests Breakfast Television had on their show. From Hilary Duff to the Right Honourable Mr Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada, on their show within the weeks prior to my arrival, I was very curious as to who else I may be able to meet. I did in fact meet someone I thought pretty cool, but that comes later.
     After getting to the studio and being given seats right near hosts Kevin Frankish and Dina Pugliese, Victoria and I came to a conclusion that surprised us both. The studio was nothing like we expected. It was a large room, rather empty, with only about fifteen people on the floor working. They were all working extremely hard, and the dedication and passion for their jobs was evident, but we both just expected more. More people, more cameras, more, I guess.

Hosts Dina Pugliese (left), and Kevin Frankish (right)

Photo by Victoria Alexander

     After having the chance to see "holiday outfits for the whole family" from lifestyle expert Shoana Jensen and "last-minute gift ideas for the techie" from the shows' Digital Media Correspondent Winston Sih, someone pulled up a seat beside us. After learning that the university I currently attend (Wilfrid Laurier, Brantford campus) happened to be her alma mater, I found out that she in fact was a recurring guest on the show (although, not today). Her name was Christina Cravero, the author of the successful fashion blog titled "The Style Mogul." We discussed our respective works, and made sure to "like" each others pages on Facebook. While chatting with Christina, another guest came on the show, who looked oddly familiar. Victoria felt that way also, and she's normally better at noticing those things than I am. When I asked Christina, she told me it was none other than Brad Smith! The bachelor from Canada's most recent season of, well, The Bachelor (also, coincidentally, their first season)! As it happened, I knew a fair bit about Brad already. Not from watching the show (not saying that I haven't seen it... guilty confession), but from the fact that I had been asked to interview him before, and I had found his dad, Larry Smith, interesting in himself. The Honourable Mr Larry Smith is currently a Senator for the Government of Canada from Quebec, a former Canadian Football League Player (as was his son Brad), and the former Commissioner of the whole Canadian Football League. But, it was Frankie I was there for, and I decided to post on Twitter about just that. Evidentially, a smart move.

     Having not yet actually met Frankie, I saw him hurry into the room where Dina was filming segments from his upstairs domain. He came over and introduced himself, and apologized. A rather odd start to our meeting, until he explained why. In all the busyness of his early morning, it slipped his mind that we were coming today! Until, that is, he happened to check Twitter and read the post I had made only a few minutes earlier. We spoke in quite tones as the commercial break was ending, and then he suggested we head upstairs to his weather fortress (my term, but feel free to use it, Frankie). Excitedly, Victoria and I hopped in the elevators and away we went.

Frankie shows us the green screen he films in front of.

Photo by Victoria Alexander.

     Now, everyone I've interviewed has been extremely welcoming. From Prime Minister Paul Martin, to my hometown mayor of Ingersoll Ontario, Ted Comiskey. But, some people just go that extra mile during interviews, Frankie included. I had the chance to look at some pictures hanging around his office of candid Breakfast Television memories (such as a Toy Story themed Halloween costume shot), learn the history of the building in which they filmed in, get a detailed weather report for the upcoming few days of my hometown, have the chance to meet everyone behind the scenes and to have them explain their roles to me. It was an interviewers dream, to really have the chance to be fully emerged in the experience. Not only that, Frankie happened to be one of the most photogenic people in the world. Big smile, nice outfit, and an eagerness to take as many candid photos as possible. One with him open-armed at the green screen, or presenting fake weather in front of it in a style reminding me of Wheel of Fortune's Vanna White, one of him and I pointing to the Breakfast Television logo, or one of me in front of the screen database with tons of different news networks on behind me. After the whole tour, we sat down at his computer and I had the chance to learn all about a job I sincerely, no word of lie, considered at one point. A television weatherman.

As I sip my coffee, Frankie shows me the weather report.

Photo by Victoria Alexander

     Two generations back, Frankie's grandfather made a long trek from Italy, to England, finally settling in Canada. Fellow Ontarian's (well, Canadians) will agree with me, we're all about our farms. Near Bradford, Ontario, you can find several of those, one of them being the long maintained Ferragine property. As a child, Frankie was responsible for packing heads of lettuce, as everyone was part of the work. It wasn't just vegetables that were sold though. At one in the morning, then and now, Frankie's father would be awake selling flowers. Loving his work, and sincerely loving the people he had the chance to communicate with. These passions, flowers and people, would be passed on to his children- Frankie and little brother Tony. At a young age, Frankie developed a motto- "wild about weather, passionate about plants." After all, these two "made the perfect marriage." He realized from a young age that without truly learning the weather, you truly couldn't master the art of gardening- his passion. Therefore, he learned all he could, with such individuals as Bob McIntyre from CTV guiding and inspiring him. Initially doing some spot work on television networks, he soon solidified himself as a recognized weather personality and gardening expert, and as the years progressed, even developed a fan base as the Breakfast Television weatherman.
     If a career as a weatherman came as a surprise to everyone, including Frankie, the so called "mild-celebrity" he's developed has come as an even bigger shock. Be it pumping gas, coaching his tyke hockey team or walking down the street, he's recognized as "that weather guy" or "Frankie Flowers", a welcomed shock. This made me wonder, was it all good attention? I mean, even I've became angry at the occasional weatherman for getting the reports wrong. Although the majority of the attention was positive, it wasn't always. One of the issues I voiced, getting the weather wrong, was something he was stopped for every now and then. The response to this from Frankie surprised me. To him, they had every single right to criticize him for messing up. "People can pick on me, people can tease me. If I got it wrong, the have every right." It goes to show how seriously he takes his job. On the other hand though, he jokingly reminded me that he had an Italian father, and was used to being given a hard time for just about everything, so it didn't get to him too often. The times when people complain about the weather as if he could change it though, that gets pretty old.
     This goes hand in hand with the very early mornings, lack of sleep, not being able to see his children off to school, and general lack of his ability to have a social life at night. Ever the optimist though, Frankie told me the joys of no lines at the bank, no lines at the coffee shop, no traffic and how his "mild-celebrity" can be used for charitable reasons- such as awareness for Ewing's sarcoma, a form of cancer that very much effected Frankie's life.

Frankie discusses the life and memory of his brother, Tony Ferragine.

Photo by Victoria Alexander.

     The younger brother of Frankie, Tony, grew up to become his best friend. Yet, in 1998, disaster struck the Ferragine family. At only 22 years old, Tony was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, and passed away. Breakfast Television has given Frankie a platform for advocacy and awareness for families such as his own who have lost someone, or are fighting battles with cancer. Something he is forever grateful for. Flowers may have become his trademark, and I see constant videos of him explaining the benefits of home gardening. His third book for example entitled "Power Plants" written with Bryce Wylde (which comes out later this year), explains just how much homegrown plants can help you as an individual. But, after meeting with Frankie in person, I see just how much he's using his appearance to benefit a wide-range of things. He truly is a great guy. 

     His brother taught him many things, one of which was to live each day to it's fullest, with no regrets. It's Frankie's sincere belief that he is now living everyday for two, himself, and his brother. The future of television personalities are never guaranteed, but he tells me he does have some goals in mind. First, hoping to maintain the balance he has of being on television and his work at the Bradford Greenhouses. Second, motivate as many Canadians as possible to garden, and third, create something he will be able to pass down to his young children. To me, he already has something he can pass down. His incredible personality, dedication to his work, and love of life in general.

     Frankie told me "if interested, I should keep in touch." Don't worry Frankie, I will be.

Frankie and I fool around in the Breakfast Television Studios.

Photo by Victoria Alexander.

Meeting His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto- Christmas, the Pope, and Angry Birds

     I think it was about half way through high school that I finally decided I no longer affiliated with any form of religious beliefs. It's not that I had an event in particular that lead to a falling out, it's just that, well, religion in its many forms isn't something everybody associates with. With that in mind, in no way did I think I would ever be driving through downtown Toronto on a hot August day with my photographer Victoria, trying to find the office of His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins, the Archbishop of Toronto. It hadn't even been a week since I had returned to North America from a trip to the South Pacific, and I was off to meet one of the most respected religious leaders in my province, let alone my country. Now, even though I'm not religious, I think Pope Francis may be one of the coolest guys around. That's one of the many reasons why I thought it would be really interesting to meet The Archbishop. In the 2013 papal conclave to name the successor to Pope Benedict XVI (only five months before my steaming hot drive to downtown Toronto), three Canadians had the chance to cast their votes. Three, out of the only 115 total electors worldwide. Thomas Cardinal Collins was one of these three, one of these only 115. I found that pretty amazing.
     After searching far and wide for a parking space, and getting lost trying to find the Offices of the Archdiocese of Toronto (why do I even mention getting lost anymore, I've never not been lost on a way to an interview), Victoria and I arrived, both a little nervous. This man oversaw 1.8 million Catholics in the Greater Toronto Area, and was only the sixteenth Cardinal in Canadian history. I don't believe you need to be Catholic to understand the respect this man generated from his community, and the influence he had over many. Surprisingly to some, it wasn't in fact Pope Francis that the Cardinal and I were to be speaking about that hot, August day. In fact, we were talking about something months away. I wanted to finally ask someone in a position of power in the church a question that had been on my mind for, well, years. These days, what do they think of non-religious individuals celebrating Christmas? Because trust me, on that (hopefully snowy day), I'll be like millions of others. Ripping open gifts with a grin on my face, drinking eggnog, and stuffing in that, well, stuffing. Like every interview I've done, my conversation with Cardinal Collins at some points went way off topic, and I soon realized, like many I've spoken with, the Archbishop is one of the coolest people ever.

 The Archbishop listens while I explain Canadian Stories

Photo by Victoria Alexander

     I remember going to Guelph earlier this year to see a singer named Hannah Georgas in concert. While thrift shopping in the time before hand, my friend Sydney pointed out a massive church that sat on top of a hill. I've been lucky enough to go to both the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, and the well known Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, yet I never expected a church so close to home to have the same effect on you. Little did I know then, but years before, young Thomas Collins went there himself, to the Church of Our Lady Immaculate, with his father.

     Although everyone in his family was religious, the Cardinal's father, Thomas, was a very prayerful man. The future Cardinal was in awe of his fathers dedication to his beliefs. This continued on even when Thomas Sr was faced with some medical issues. As the future Cardinal was entering the first grade, if he can recall the time line correctly, his father was diagnosed with tuberculosis. This was followed by strokes in the years to come. During those years, he maintained his patience and love in times of immense suffering. Thomas Cardinal Collins lost his father at the age of 20, back in 1967. In those years of difficulty for the family, the way that his father dealt with the suffering, the way he accepted it, had profound impact on his sons life. Thomas Cardinal Collins realized the power of faith. 

     Growing up, many individuals who were devout in their faith continued to earn the respect of young Thomas. There were the nuns from his time in public school (the Cardinal informed me they dressed just as you would see on television), there was "old Father Newman", who the Cardinal joked was probably twenty years younger than he is now when he received the "old" title, there was Father Lloyd Ryan, and then, in the early years of high school, Father John Newstead, who had the biggest impact of them all. Father Newstead was one of the future Cardinal's high school teachers, providing His Eminence with an awe for English literature that would last for years. This impressed me, because I always tended to find high school English rather boring. Father Newstead would take the youth to ordination ceremonies, in which I was told new priests are named. The teacher also brought young students to the hospital to visit patients, an outing he did every single night, as he recalled the times he was young in the hospital with what the Cardinal recalls to be emphysema, and no visitors. It was in grade eleven that Father Newstead suggested Thomas become a priest, advice that would change his life. After finishing high school and a university degree, Thomas decided to take the advice, and start the road to become a priest. 

     After earning his undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and English Literature at St Jerome's University in Waterloo, Ontario, the future Cardinal then went to London, Ontario. He studied Theology at a Seminary, while getting a Masters in English at Western University. The work started piling on, but like myself, Thomas liked a challenge. In his words, "the more I study, the more I enjoy what I'm studying". I couldn't put it better myself. School wasn't over for him then though. After London, Thomas was off to Rome for three years to continue his education, at around thirty years old at this point. Thomas studied the bible at the Pontifical Bible Institute, and a Doctorate from the Gregorian University. It was while overseas that times as a student became difficult. As his explained it, "I studied a summer of Greek, summer of Hebrew, summer of Greek and Hebrew, summer of German", it all just became too much, and by November of his third year, "I was just shaking." Making it home for Winter Break, and speaking to his bishop, he was told he just needed a break. His three weeks were spent at home, catching up with his mother. At the time, the future Cardinal didn't realize just how much this quality time meant. His mother was much more ill than he knew, and passed away from leukemia a few days after he next returned home. 

     After various positions in churches of Southwestern Ontario, at age 50, Thomas Collins was named a Bishop, on May 14th, 1997. At this ceremony, Thomas was allowed to have two priests present. One of them was one of the easiest choices he could of ever made- Father Newstead, the one who set him on this path.

                                                     The Archbishop explains his time in Rome

                                                                Photo by Victoria Alexander

     Only a month after being named a Bishop, Thomas received some news. He was being relocated, and was named the Bishop of St. Paul, Alberta. I asked if it was difficult to make this sudden move, one province for the majority of your life, then a sudden move with minimal notice. He informed me that tears were in fact shed, tears from his heart. Friends would be missed, and his two sisters who still live in Guelph more so, but his brain told him this was the right thing to do. As a Priest, I was told, you make an oath of obedience to your Bishop. As a Bishop, you make an oath of obedience to the Pope. If the Holy Father asked for this to be done, then he knew this was what he needed to do.The little town of St Paul had a sign that Thomas remembers to this day. It read- "A People Kind of Place", in which it really was I have been told. He was ready to start his new life. Things were made easy when he made new friends and colleagues, and the whole time he was there, his sisters would always fly down to be with their "baby brother" for Easter and Christmas. It ended up only being a year and a half that he was in St Paul, as he received a phone call one day over coffee. While sitting with his staff (only about three people), he received a message from the Nuncio in Ottawa. The Nuncio, I was informed, was the Pope's representative in Canada. Pope John Paul II had a new plan, a higher one, for (at the time) Bishop Thomas Collins. In 1999, he was named Archbishop of Edmonton, which in short means he was the head Bishop for the Metropolis of churches around the Edmonton area, if I understood correctly. Within a week, he was gone from the town of St. Paul. 

     Again, Edmonton wasn't that long either. Yet, in the time he was there, after 26 years and 168 days as Pope, John Paul II passed away, to be succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI. Therefore, in 2006, it was Pope Benedict XVI that had a message for the Nuncio to give to Bishop Collins. He was to return to Ontario, and become the Archbishop of the largest and most populous city in Canada, Toronto. Travelling was all part of the job, as with one who is in the army, likened the Archbishop. Sometimes, this could be in the most extreme circumstances. An example given by Thomas being Pope Francis. Like Pope Francis, Thomas entered the Sistine Chapel and could of been the one named Pope, yet Thomas had the chance to return home, and Francis will now never be able to call Argentina home again. In the words of Thomas, "once you're a Priest, you're a feather on the breath of God." The people at the Archdiocese of Toronto (where the Cardinal's office is) are like a family to him now, and he's happy to say he things this is his last stop. Unless he becomes the Pope, I joked. 

Thomas Cardinal Collins in a Maple Leafs sweater- St. Peter's Square, Vatican City

Photo from The Canadian Press

     As can be seen in the photo above, the Cardinal likes having fun. What I'm sure can't be grasped from the photo is that this was taken on days before Pope Benedict XVI would be naming Bishop Thomas Collins to the College of Cardinals, as I mentioned, only the sixteenth Cardinal in Canadian history. According to recent numbers, there are roughly just over 200 Cardinals worldwide (with Cardinals Collins, three in Canada), with the role of advising the Pope when he calls on them, and electing a new one upon the death or stepping down of the current Pope. To Thomas Cardinal Collins, it was an honour. As I've mentioned, I'm not religious, but I can fully understand the pride Thomas Cardinal Collins must have felt. Receiving the red hat and red robes of a Cardinal, and the Cardinal's ring given to him by the Pope, was one of the greatest experiences in his life. But, even though you're entitled to vote for a Pope (as long as you're under 80 at the time of the Pope stepping down or passing on), the opportunity doesn't often arise. In the case of recent Toronto Archbishops who have been named Cardinals, Cardinal Archbishop James Charles McGuigan (1894-1947), had the chance to be part of the conclave which named Angelo Roncalli as Pope John XXIII, Cardinal Archbishop Aloysius Ambrozic (1930-2011) had the chance to name Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI, whereas Cardinal Archbishop Gerald Carter, one of the most respected religious leaders in Canadian history, never had the chance to partake in a Papal conclave. After only one year as a Cardinal though, Thomas Cardinal Collins did have the honour (as mentioned), and was one of the 115 who had the chance to name, in my eyes, one of the coolest people of 2013 (and Time Magazine's Person of the Year), Jorge Bergoglio as Pope Benedict.

 Cardinal Collins with Pope Benedict XVI

Photo from The Catholic Register

     But, of course, I said I still need to touch on Christmas, and Angry Birds, which is how I wanted to wrap up. Right as my time with the Cardinal Archbishop was wrapping up, I asked what he felt about how non-religious interviews such as myself celebrating Christmas, commonly known as a Holy Day, and how he celebrated it himself. Well, he told me news that I found relieving, it really didn't matter to him if I celebrated, or not. To him, celebrating brought all of us closer to the Holy Day, and to each other. With that, although it's become rather commercialized, he hopes that some may take the time to think of the word, "Christmas", and it's breaking apart into "Christ's Mass". Maybe, some people may be encouraged to listen to that message one year, which would make the Cardinal very happy. Although I'm not sure my views on Christmas would of changed, I'm glad to hear that the Cardinal supports my families celebration of Christmas. Since the Pope trusts him, I'll take his word that's it's okay for me to celebrate today. Yes! It's Christmas as I'm writing this last paragraph. It's snowing out, as I hoped for, and my dad just brought me a steaming cup of tea.

      It's cool to know what the Cardinal is doing right now too. Last night, as he informed me, he celebrated midnight mass in Toronto, finishing his night rather late. After that, he heads to Guelph to the home of his sister, and takes a long nap on the couch. Something I can easily relate to. About this time, I think the Cardinal would be waking up from his name, and getting ready for dinner with his sisters' families. Then, they'll exchange gifts, and enjoy their time together. Happy to be all back home together, in the same province again. Big sisters, and little brother.

       As I was leaving the Archbishops office, I was glad to have learned more about religion, and happy to have been able to meet with such an influential person. I sincerely hope I have the chance to sit down with the Archbishop again, as I feel we have many more stories to share with each other. Including, yup, Angry Birds. I couldn't help but notice the Angry Birds stuffed animal in his office (it was the red bird). That, in my eyes, was the best way to end the interview. I'm not allowed to tell the College of Cardinals or Pope Francis, I was told, but that bird may be his favourite cardinal. He placed the stuffed animal on his shoulder, and whistled the Angry Birds theme. It was officially decided then.

      Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, is a very, very, cool guy. 

With that, the Cardinal and I bid farewell.

Photo by Victoria Alexander

Rob Dyer; Enjoying the Ride

     I think my photographer Victoria asked me to consider interviewing Rob Dyer about five times over the span of a few months. But, when I say she asked me five times, I want you to know that's a couple times a day. “Seriously though, look into it.” or “If you're going to consider Rob you should do it before this date, he's busy over the next while.” or “Have you emailed Rob Dyer for an interview yet.” After a while, Victoria did something she has never done, and I found it absolutely hilarious. When she learned I still hadn't messaged Rob, she took asking him upon herself. I was getting to it... I swear. She attended a music festival in Toronto called “Riot Fest”, where her idol Rob Dyer, founder of the charity “Dream Love Cure” and the “Skate4Cancer” movement had a booth set up to sell some of his` merchandise. She asked if she could talk to him for a second, and explained the Canadian Stories work, asking if he would ever do an interview. With a grin, he said he would love to and gave Victoria the contact information. People ask me how I get in touch with people, all I can say is sometimes it's as easy as asking.

     Needless to say, Victoria didn't stop there. “Have you emailed Rob yet?”, “Have you emailed Rob yet?”, “Have you emailed Rob yet?”... on and on until finally, I sent an email to Rob Dyer. Again, didn't end there. “Have you arranged a time yet?”, “When are we going to interview Rob?”, “You should mention this in your Rob interview”, I think I'm getting my point across, I know for sure that Victoria was. Finally, with much excitement when I told Victoria, I had an interview time arranged. November 16^th, at 4:00pm. Two hours after the time I had arranged to meet with Holocaust Survivor Judy Cohen, my interview posted last week. I mean, it was two hours after first arriving at Judy's house. More than enough time, right? Apparently not...

Victoria and Rob at Riot Fest

Photo provided by Mariah Etten

     We hustled out of Judy's condo and into my car, time was not on our favour, as my maps told me. After checking our estimated time of arrival, I was shocked to see 4:01pm. No way was I being late, it was maybe time to go a little on the other side of recommended speeds. Until we were detoured for a closed road. And another. And another. I'm not making this stuff up, and you can imagine how mad I was getting. Upon finally getting to the Skate4Cancer shop on Queen Street, and finding a parking spot, Vic and I took some deep breaths. We were stressed, anxious, excited, and well, felt extremely bad for making Rob wait.

     Running around the corner to his shop and opening the door as fast as possible, I first laid my eyes on Rob (hmmm, that sounds a little romantic, don't mean it that way). Covered in really cool tattoos, and a weak attempt at a Movember moustache (sorry man, cold hard truth), he had a massive grin while listening to a customer. Like, actually caring about what they said. Made me realize just the type of person he was. He hugged them on their way out, and thank them for stopping in, then turned to Victoria and I. When I introduced myself, I was also granted with a massive hug and a big “thank you so much for coming”! We sat down on his store windowsill, and I was finally ready to ask some questions, which is why I was shocked when he had a fair bit of his own, first.

     He asked me if we had spoken to anyone else today, and I told him the story of Judy Cohen. Amazed, he told me how beautiful of a story her's was, and was glad I could share it. Then we came to the topic of hometowns, and after I was surprised he knew Ingersoll, he was surprised I had interviewed someone from his hometown of Newmarket. We touched on the story of Cliff Thorburn, and Rob was amazed at the story of a man who followed his passion so far. Now that I think about it, Cliff may not have been from Newmarket, but still, I loved how amazed Rob was by stories. Just like I was, that's why, with excitement from Victoria and I, we started talking about Rob's.

Rob laughs at my stories!

Photo by Victoria Alexander

     If you ever meet Rob (I highly suggest it), you'll see he's one of the most outgoing people out there. But that's not really how it was in high school, he told me he was sort of an introvert. During breaks, he would go outside and see kids skateboarding. A thing he would come to fall in love with. They were all there, having a blast in their group, but at the same time doing there own thing. It was something that immediately appealed to him, so right away he went and rented all the skate videos he could find (you know you're getting old when...)

     He never really stopped after first learning in grade nine. For as long as Rob could remember, his mom had been suffering from skin cancer. With this, and the struggles of high school, skateboarding became a way to get through the harsh times and the best times of life. It was like his punching bag. About a year before Skate4Cancer started, another challenge would arise. His mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. Rob was only 18, and of course, things became really hard for him. Skating is what he turned to. Together with his mother and some friends, they worked on one final idea. With his inspiration Terry Fox in mind, he played with the idea of taking his skateboard and riding straight across America. From California, through the southern states, and up the east coast, ending back home in Newmarket. About six months into his planning, his mother passed away. As I've read online, Rob also lost his grandmothers on both sides, and a friend, to cancer. Five months after his mother passed away, he started his skate. Those months and that journey became a way to keep his love for her alive, and for him to keep her memory alive as well. Their last project. He was only 19 when he started the journey of a lifetime, the same age I am now. Skating across 19 may have been a crazy idea, but he was glad it started then. Back when anything could be possible, and as Rob showed many, it was.

     His journey wasn't over. From America, Rob skated across Canada. Through New Zealand. Through France, and coming up, Australia round two. The dedication in that alone is phenomenal. Round one through Australia had to come to an abrupt stop part way through the journey, when one day Rob was struck by a car to finish. The job isn't over I was told, he needs to go back. The awesomeness of this guy is crazy, allow me to put it into perspective. Rob has skated 25438 kilometres this past decade. That's more than skating from Toronto, Ontario to London, England, and back, twice, plus some. Crazy. All for cancer research.

     It took a while for the Skate4Cancer name to get around, about five years according to his memory. Rob hosted events such as music tours in which he would sell his merchandise, with all the money going as a donation to Wellspring for cancer research. This year, about four months ago, he opened his shop in downtown Toronto. It's crazy to think that all the money from the store as well is going to charity, it really shows just how awesome some people are. What makes it better though, is that Rob is learning from his experiences. Back when he was going through his losses from cancer, he just wished there were more people there outside of his family group that he could speak to, he's decided to now be one of those people. If you're ever having a bad day and just need someone, they're always around at the shop to chat. He told me this is a massive journey, a massive battle we're all on, and he understands how just being there as a set of ears is one of the best things he could ever do.

Rob and I think about the future of Skate4Cancer.

Photo by Victoria Alexander

     I looked around the shop and just had to ask, where do you think all of this is going? With a laugh he told me he has no idea, and looked around at the shop too. He's young, he told me, he really lives day to day. Rob got up, shook my hand and gave me a hug. I gave it right back with a smile, glad I met him, and listened as he turned around and added;

     “In skateboard jargon, I'm really just enjoying the ride.”  

"I'm no therapist, but I promise you this:

I will listen, I will care."

Photo of Rob and I by Victoria Alexander!