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NOTE: if anyone would like to add any comments to any of these sessions, please let Patrick know. |
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| December 6 - More to follow... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 1 - More to follow... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 4 - More to follow... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 6 - An old friend comes back to the table | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
August 2 - Another quiet summer evening - with a little
 contest! |
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This small but lively group are obviously enjoying the company and the conversation.
If you can identify these people (before the next FTN) and tell us what they do, we will offer
a libation (HINT: They are all regulars and their names and "occupations" or writing
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| July 5 - Smaller Group - all regulars but one | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Hey guys... where are all of those little write-ups you promised... my memory is failing... so I will say it in pictures... (Where you see this pin
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| June 7 - Perkins seems to be a hit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| We were spoiled last month when we got the party room at Perkins. We were able to turn the music down... no sports
bar atmosphere with televisions blaring out the latest game venues... we could actually hear each other from one
end of the table to the other. This month the party room was being used... well, for a party... a children's birthday party... so we were relegated to the north side of the restaurant, in a smaller seating area. However, with no TVs and few other customers, we still had a quiet time... good for writers and our often eclectic discussions. Here are the regs...
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| May 3 - New place, new people - Perkins! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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With construction tying up traffic around Carling Avenue and Merivale Road, we abandoned Monkey Joe's and settled on Perkins Restaurant on St. Laurent Boulevard, just north of the shopping center. We were able to get the party room which actually will hold about four times the number of 12 people that showed up for the evening.
The food is perhaps more formula, given the franchise, but it was palatable and the beer was cold. The room
was also very quiet. We
Two new people graced our evening, John Park and Jean-Serge Brisson with Gisela Messier, making a return visit, and you will recognize the regulars. As always the conversations covered a wide range of topics, including a discussion on whether or not an organized "distribution" group would work, to share in the promotion of members' books. We also had a lengthy "go-around" where each person in turn shared their thoughts and backgrounds with passion, humour and intimacy. Thanks to Bobbi Graham for introducing Gisela to the members; to Allan Levine for making Paul Mackan's trip easier; for the father and son team of Darryl and Craig McMahon anchoring either end of the table; to Ray Gompf for bringing trucking colleague Jean-Serge Brisson; to John Park sharing his new novel and love of science fiction; to Iris ten Holder tenacity for making the long bus trip from Lincoln Fields to the St.Laurent Transitway Station, and then using Shank's Mare the rest of the way; and to the team of Rosaleen Dickson and Patrick Meikle for completing the ensemble, who also escorted Iris back to Lincoln Fields, where the ever gentlmanly and loving Wim was waiting for his spouse. And here is John's ode on the evening: |
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| April 5 - Was this a "Love In?!" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A number of regulars missed this evening due to other commitments and it appears that the group was down to half the usual numbers. We were sorry to see Dorothyanne for a final visit before she left for Nova Scotia, and thanks to her creative writing and photo taking, we have a bit of a record of the proceedings: "Without Fr. Patrick’s civilizing influence, this week’s FTN turned rapidly into a series of romantic link-ups and adventures. Some writing was talked about, yes, and election mashups were gently and firmly tossed here and there, but the night was made for couples.
Most had left by the time this intrepid photographer managed to catch a shot or two, but Paul “the punster” Bennet was seen in deep and significant conversation with one unnamed female guest, and as you can see below, the romance just bloomed everywhere. Must be spring! Sadly, Michael came late to the party and was left alone, the other couples having left for greener pastures and ??? Will miss you all, so very much. Thanks for making me feel so welcome and for countless enjoyable evenings!
Hugs, DA |
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| March 1 - In like a lamb... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Thanks to Alberte Villeneuve for these photos. We had a busy month and were unable to add more text... the photos only tell half of the story... mostly from the booths side of the room. If anyone would like to add comments, please send them to us.
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| The day before Groundhog Day - February 1, 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Thanks to Victoria Ridley for "covering" this evening:
Now, I would have taken notes last night had I known that I’d be asked to write “two paragraphs” on our shared conversation. However, while my short-term memory is getting worse by the day, I can report this: Murray, Tim and Iris seemed to converse quite freely on technology matters, Iris saying that she was in the process of setting up a social site (or two?) for artists. Her teeny calendars with her photos of Bobbi’s cat, Mud Lake and drawings of the female figure were passed around, and she happily gave us all one.
Tim asked me several questions about the rock ‘n’ roll book I’m writing, which led us to the subject of collecting memorabilia. Murray said he was never really a collector of anything … I mentioned my husband’s extensive motorcycle “hobby” as well as my rock memorabilia collection … and Tim mentioned his early passion for roller coasters which resulted in his collection of coaster photographs. In conclusion, I can safely say that at our table there was considerable back and forth and much up and down! ;-)
Allan Levine in particular regaled us with his research
Have a paragraph to add? Send it in! |
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| Our first event of the New Year, January 4, 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Here are some of the topic links:
Oh, and by-the-way, here is who answered the roll call: Valerie Blondeau (up from TO, visiting her mom); Mary Dufton making her first appearance in over a year; then there were the regulars: Ray Gompf, Hal Doran, Darryl McMahon, Patrick Meikle, Rosaleen Dickson, Alberte Villeneuve (almost a regular), Dorothyanne Brown, Paul Bennett (Nearly a regular), Susan Hickman (gertting there), Paul Mackan (showing off his new book and soon sending us a blurb for our news page) Brenda Stewart, Michael Dorgan and Wim and Iris ten Holder (she of the contest winner from last month!) And now here is a more accurate account of the evening, from DAB:
Everyone seemed to have survived the holidays and rejoined in merry throng at Monkey Joe's to discuss writing, copyright, and other much more fun topics. Jokes were thrown (sometimes violently) between the Pauls, with Paul B repelling all assaults with terrifying puns, and Paul Mackan rejoindering (sic) with tales of nuns and other religious folk. Paul M. brought along a copy of his newly released collection of short stories, called, "Her Name was Helen" and available from Xlibris (http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=89616). I can't wait to get my copy! Paul had many positive things to say about the XLibris experience.
(This photo was supplied by newbie, Valerie Blondeau. She was trying to get the "Tower of Rings!) The poor waitress suffered through moving patrons and orders in odd combinations but Patrick refused to let her photograph him. I suspect I will have to bring my camera next time to ensure that our fearless leader is captured on film. Discussion as usual swerved into several unexpected byways - Terry Fallis' book "The Best Laid Plans" and the future of self-publishing and ebooks, the illness called susto and how to recover from it (http://dorothyanneb.wordpress.com/), the upcoming performance of T.S.Eliot's "Murder in the Cathedral" (http://www.thirdwall.com/whats-on/murder/) on February 25th, and much more I can't remember. Note to self: one glass of Keith's is probably enough. Attendees included: Me (DAB), Paul "the man about town" M, Paul "the punster" B, Alberte "the charmer" V, Iris "the artist" t H, Darryl "save the world" M, Rosaleen "onion rings" D, Ray "the man" G, Patrick "the unseated" M, Brenda "the smiler" C, Hal "the secretive" D, and Michael "the eye" D, as well as some guests from the far land of to-ron-to who visited our tables briefly, and perhaps some more down the other end of the table that I've missed. We heard news of Pandora and also of Bobbi, who was recovering from something unpleasant and was unable to attend. We missed you, Bobbi! Hope you are well soon. |
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an eye on this area... we will be putting our next contest up, shortly! |
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| The first real winter gathering - December 7, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 In spite of the cold weather,
15 hardy souls gathered for the last FTN of 2010. They included in B to V order: Paul
B., Aimee and Ron B., Dorothyanne
B., Rosaleen D., Hal
D., Michael D., Bobbi
G., Paul M., Patrick
M., Darryl and son Craig
McM., Wim and Iris t-H., and Alberte
V. (I have included links to their individual web sites if they have one). (Note the neat logo that I put up,
stage left... it came about as a result of my conversation with Alberte as we talked about a web site.) Lots of conversations and loads of laughs... the group gets on famously. One of the highlights was Patrick's update on Pandora Ballard... now a resident of Vancouver (Burnaby, to be more precise). He had an opportunity to "do" lunch with her at one of the famous "White Spots", while he was out there taking care of his dear, recently departed mother's memorial service. We miss you Pandora and from the comments around the table, you are very highly thought of in these here parts. Another note of interest, Iris made up some calendars using her talent as a photographer and designer. She has some up for sale... How about it Bobbi... can you enlighten us on your sample? And Iris... how about a pic with some instructions on where to get ours? Also, Patrick and Alberte hope to collaborate on getting her a column on his Rockland community news web site, the Canaan Connexion. We just need a good name... any suggestions for our "Living" section? (Some that have come in... A Slice of Life; Wit, Wisdom & Whimsy; Simple Living; Living Words; Bits and Bites of Everyday Life; Thoughts for Living; Living Thoughts; Words to Live By; Home Grown; Life in Words; Living in My World; The Villeneuve Connexion...) And thanks to Mr. Hal... the iPhone man... with his instant mobile access to search the Internet, we curb a lot of arguments and confirm a lot of facts. More notes from Dorothyanne Brown: A cold wind blew in a merry band of hoodlums, the band of wicked riders known as the FTN. In one corner, the girls were chuckling about the foibles of love, in another the local standup comedian, Michael, was regaling the crowd with a review of his act, which ya gotta give him credit for, given the occasional hostility of the crowds he's performing for. Imagine being the last to speak before dancing at a singles event, where everyone just wants an excuse to get close.... There were the usual theatre reviews from Paul, our man about town. Onion rings were eaten, the waiter was harassed - and it turns out he was a poet! The difficulties of finding work in this cold Northern town were chewed over with the sandwiches, and there was some mumbling about the government, but then there always is. Hal made an appearance and then vanished into a flurry of cold air. And the hardest worker amongst us, Bobbi, detailed her new project, making the rest of us (or more particularly, me) feel positively lazy by comparison. Co-conspirators Alberte and Patrick curled up in a corner, debating column names and plotting. Paul B. inserted the worst of puns whenever possible while enjoying a dreadfully delicious-looking chocolate cake. Rosaleen presided over all, trying to keep some semblance of order in the mob, but all was lost as the beer flowed (though, alas, no Moosehead), too much coffee was drunk, and the fatty onion rings settled in for a cold winter's night of digesting. Cards were exchanged, ideas were as free-flowing as the beer, and once again, the evening was a success. And now for some photos...
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| Movember 2, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Yes... I'm rambling... that's 'cause the people who said they would write up this gathering must have gone south! So let's throw out a few photos instead... -pwm
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| Another First, another Fifteen - October 5, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Cliché: "A picture is worth a thousand words." There was another good turn out at 15 and included Darryl Mc., Ray G., Bobbi G., Rosaleen D., Susan H (just back from her western odyssey), Patrick M., Paul M., Dorothyanne B., Iris t-H, Hal D., Brenda S. and two new recruits in John Cook and Paul Bennett. Welcome! Sharing a laugh is Dorothyanne and a friend, Mr. Pun, aka Paul B. |
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| As Poirot might have said, "Last night's FTN was almost raucous" - September 7, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Last night's FTN was almost raucous. The restaurant turned off the noisy music so we could hear each other think and speak in the comfort of the
company. I Bobbi was there, and if ever I can't remember her name, the solution is simple: Simon Teakettle. (That's Bobbi,
networking/mentoring with Victoria.) Dorothy Ann was bubbly and wanted to - and did - remind us that Penguin (England) is breaking with its own tradition
and accepting unsolicited book proposals (look it up on Listserv or e-mail Dorothy Ann because I've forgotten what
she told us). (That's DAB, with Michael and Norm.) Norm McIsaac(left, with Michael), our infrequent flyer, parachuted in looking for an editor for his Ray Gompf (right) and a woman whose name befuddles me (something about Hari - she wore a charming hat)(That would be Sat Hari!). There were faces new to me and I didn't get their names. All told we were about fourteen, including Patrick, our able enabler, and (This is John and Sat)
Whether a good time was had by all I cannot say. It certainly was by me, and I recommend FTN to you. (Brenda. now a "regular".) Peace,
A little mentoring going on in the background
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| NOT the FTN - Saturday, August 21, 2010 - NO future Saturdays planned! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 We pulled out this
event for the several people who have told us that meeting on a Tuesday evening is not convenient. For a first
"NOT" it turned out O.K.... we had seven colleagues come out... six regulars but only one newbie, Joanne
Munday, a self-proclaimed WD-List "lurker" with an infectious smile.More fine conversations and good networking opportunities. Hope to see you out again, J.G.M.? NOTE: After the September "NOT the FTN" we only had five people out and not newbies... so unless anyone wants to make a specific request to hold another Saturday session, we'll keep the gatherings to the regular Tuesday.
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| Despite the heat and thunderous weather - August 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thanks to Dorothyanne for this fine report... Despite the heat and thunderous weather, a small and loyal group of FTNers gathered at Monkey Joe's for discussion and general foolishness. Topics ranged from true love to false love to Dr. Wicked's Write or Die to writing non-fiction book proposals to the government (growls) to flooding (that's you, Patrick) to relationships with daughters to the census to the 3-day-novel contest to writing erotica - well, you get the idea. It was the usual wonderful sharing between a group of fascinating people. We nagged poor Victoria about submissions, cheered Alberte about her book, teased Bobbi just cos she takes it so well, shared philosophies with Paul and Ray and Hal.  Oh, and I know I'm forgetting the end of the table - I know Michael arrived late and left early but
I'm so sorry to have forgotten the names of our other two attendees...<hanging head>. I do adore the way
the table always sets itself up like a Grade 8 dance, with women at one end and men at the other. Next time I vow
to mix things up more. Although I am quite happy with my dinner companions every time I attend, no matter what
their gender or background. Everyone is so full of life. Love it.We missed our other usual "regulars" (and you know who you are)(Patrick was tending to a "flood in his basement ;-(), and for the rest of you folks on the list, why not join us? Writing is pretty solitary (unless you are like me and need to write in crowds) and it is delightful to meet with like-minded types. Monkey Joe's was wonderful as always, with attentive waitresses and flowing beer and water and coffee - but perhaps just that tiny bit warm (necessitating more water, beer and cooling things). Which was pretty wonderful in itself. Dorothyanne Brown
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| The July gathering was "one of the best ever" - July 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The room was a little noisy, with the overhead speaker, but when we took a vote to stay, or leave MJs, out of the 14 in attendance, the vote was 11 to 3 in favour of staying. Now, we have checked out another location (Biagio's on Richmond, the former Peter's Pantry), great facilities (an isolated, enclosed room, parking and accessible), apparent good food, but the room comes with a commitment to have at least 15 people every time out, or pay a substantial surcharge, which I for one will not offer my credit card.
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| Former FTNer celebrates birthday - June 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| FTN - June 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
  Can you spot the five new people who came out this month? One of them was Susan (above) who was in conversation with a dynamic Katherine Hobbs. A freelance and a mystery writer. Katherine is running as a candidate in the next municipal election. Her site. By-the-way, that's cola in her glass (grin)! |
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  Darryl (left) proud father that he is, brought out his award-winning writer son, Craig, who had just won a contest, the Wynter Blue Publishing Wyn Lit 73 (hour) novella writing competition... and he just graduated from Canadore College in North Bay. Meanwhile, down the table new visitor Brenda Chapman enjoys the rendez-vous, along with Sat Hari who was making a return visit after around a ten-plus years absence. (See her pic below.) |
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| Tuesday May 4 - Changes and goodbyes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The May 4 Meeting was another success... we had an overflow of people and had to sit some in
the adjacent booths. |
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If you don't arrive early, you don't get to sit at the main table... Changes? Paul got a trim! Goodbyes? Pandora attended her last FTN for a while. She moved out to Vancouver shortly after this gathering. The Connector? Yes, he's usually there, but he's taking all the pictures. |
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| The April 6 FTN - A few new faces | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
  We had 17 people out for this month (including
newbie Percival Marcaida on the left)... almost
a record. We had to seat a few people in the "overflow"... booths across from the main table. Apart from
some early issues with the loud music volume, the evening was by all accounts another success. The "Connector"
introduced everyone around the table and gave his colleagues the opportunity to mention anything they wanted about
current projects, works-in-progress, or requests for information. Freelance
writer and editor, Melanie Fogel writes: Katherine Hobbs and I attended our first FTN on the 6t h. No one likes to show up alone at an event where you're not sure
you'll know anyone, but we needn't have worried--the conversation never stopped. In fact, if Katherine hadn't given
me a lift to the place, we wouldn't have had a chance to speak to each other at all that evening.It's difficult now to recall what we said about what. Katherine remembers covering art and architecture, especially here  in Ottawa. Her campaign for city councilor, of course, and her project to get every
Ottawa artist of any stripe (writers, musicians, painters, etc) into Wikipedia. If you're interested in getting
involved, you can contact her through her web site, http://katherinehobbs.ca.In my area, the topics covered classical music, stomach muscles, the old Café Wim on Sussex Drive., my copyright  infringement woes,
ISPs, Katherine's campaign for city councilor, and other stuff. And Patrick Meikle: how we'd met him, why we liked
him, and how much he means to the writing community here in Ottawa. Were your ears burning, Pat? |
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| Tuesday, March 2, 2010 - The usual suspects | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Another 12 people showed up this evening. I sat at the far end of the table so missed a lot of the conversations,
however judging by the dynamics, a lot of participation was going on. If anyone wants to
add to the info, feel free. Monkey Joe's seems to be working out O.K. We may have a couple of surprise "visitors"
in April, and I'm thinking that we may have to start squeezing people in, or use the booths on the north wall to
accommodate everyone. Best to get there early, to get a good seat. See you there. |
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| Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - Another fun evening | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thanks to Dorothyanne Brown for this update: Another delightful First Tuesday Networking! Our group is growing.... I believe there were a Baker's Dozen of us all gathered in Monkey Joe's tonight, sharing laughter, tips, conversations far and wide. We discussed Facebook and the new Freelance Writer's Page started by Bobbi http://tinyurl.com/ylhrmg9 and the workshop being taught on Social Networking and Marketing by Murray (sign up NOW through the Ottawa Independent Writer's: membership at oiw.ca as tickets are going fast). (NOTE: As you read this item, the spaces for this workshop may be gone!)  We talked about Paul Mackan's
upcoming book launch for "Dream Girl, Dream". Patrick has been enhancing the offerings on his web site
and told us about them: http://www.anabelassociates.com/In around all the business chat and trading of business cards were swooping topics of the new rap musical at the GCTC, the Oscar nominees, the foibles of adolescent boys, the joys of successful self-employment, and much more I can't remember in amongst the laughter and the getting to know you conversations. As always, the food was yummy, the waitress was fabulous and tolerated all of our discussion and teasing, and the only wish was for more.  I find these networking
sessions very useful. First, I meet some fascinating people who are passionate about what I am passionate about.
Second, I learn new things every time. Third, it keeps me honest. For some reason I feel I have to have something
written before I attend, so it helps my procrastinatory impulses. And fourth, I come away inspired and enthused.
I highly recommend them. Those of you lurking on the list might want to come join us!Dorothyanne Brown |
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| New Year's FTN - January 5, 2010 - Monkey Joe's gets the vote! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Our informal FTN gathering started the New Year at a new location, Monkey Joe's. From my perspective it was one
of the best meeting places we have had, and judging by the nods around the table the vote was unanimous to meet
there again. The group included: Murray, Hal, Ray, Rosaleen, Darryl, Aimee, Ron, Paul, Pandora, Patrick, Dorothyanne
and Bobbi. - PWM Read three reports (click on name) from the evening: Bobbi Graham; Darryl McMahon; Aimee Britten Here is a report from Barbara Florio Graham: There were 12 of us, at a long table at the back of Monkey Joe's where it was blissfully QUIET! The consensus was that the location is ideal and the food excellent. They have a varied menu, with a number of items priced very reasonably. I had a roast beef focaccia sandwich, onion rings and coffee for about $15. A side salad would have cost an extra $1.99, but the sandwich contained more than enough lettuce and tomato. Our end of the table (Murray, Hal, Ray, Dorothyanne and I had a lively and wide-ranging discussion which included advice about shipping items across the border, car insurance, and why I shouldn't bank by phone, a description of Christmas dinners with a few ethnic specialties and childhood memories (mine from an Italian family, Hal's from growing up on a farm), and a brief discussion of what each of us is currently writing. But the highlight was Hal showing off his new iPhone (about to be eclipsed by Google) and a solid endorsement of Mac computers, which just about everybody (except me!) has bought recently. I'm hoping Dorothyanne will contact me soon, to let me know if she adopted the black and white cat she saw at the Humane Society. It's always neat to meet another cat-lover, and there was a brief discussion about cat antics which also included Murray and Hal.  So what did the other end of the table talk about? Cheers Bobbi
Here is another note, from Darryl McMahon: A pleasant evening once again with interesting and stimulating conversation. I found the new location (Monkey Joe's) to be more conducive to hearing others than at ESM. As I mentioned to a few last night, my New Year's Resolution is not about reducing my waist line, but about reducing personal greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. To this end, I am constructing a Web site with a Canadian perspective and aimed at the consumer / citizen, providing information on how to go about it while saving money on energy costs and maintaining quality of life. If some of you have the time to do some proof-reading and critiquing, the Web site is now up at http://www.10n10.ca. Structure and static content is almost done, and I hope to start on the meat of the content in the next few days. It is intended to be a year-long effort. Suggestions on content and emphasis, questions you would like answered, and similar are also welcome. Looking forward to next month's escape from the winter doldrums.  Darryl The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy (in trade paperback and eBook) http://www.econogics.com/TENHE/ Journey to Forever reviews The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html#tenhe
Yet another report, from Aimee Britten: To friends, friends I have just met and to those I look forward to meeting in future; I am delighted to provide you this personal report on a very special night (FTN). It may be fact. It may be fiction. Or, it may be a bit of both. I will leave that to you to decipher and enjoy. (And, please don't kill me if you find errors of any kind. Cheers.) As a freelancer, I found the evening was very energizing and that it ended far too early. Everyone was animated. The atmosphere was celebratory and the conversation delightfully rich with anecdotes, opinion and philosophy. However alas, I do understand that some sleep is required for good health. Our great conversations, debates and musings will continue at the next FTN. Of that, I am certain. We exchanged lingering goodbyes before quickly dispersing towards our vehicles and starting our individual journeys homeward. The dark sky wrapped its thick cloak around us. The crisp winter air was in sharp contrast to the deep warmth of the preceding hours, spent with kindred spirits and new friends. On the trip home, I reflected on the evening: A dozen people attended the First Tuesday Night of 2010 and it was a resounding success by all accounts. A decidedly unscientific poll of those seated close by revealed that, without exception, each person thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The choice of restaurant was inspired. Location, parking and public transportation access are good. Inside, Monkey Joe’s is whimsical with a kitschy decor style and extensive pub-family menu. The food was great. The service was welcoming and friendly. The ambient noise level was low, particularly compared to that of Eastside Mario’s. Our group was tucked into a comfortable nook that offered a certain intimacy and "freedom of expression." We could actually engage in audible conversations, without screaming over loud restaurant noises, clattering dishes, pots and cutlery, on top of chatter and shouts of other customers trying to speak to each other. Of course, the best parts of the evening were the wonderful company and the fantastical, dynamic conversations throughout. Seated at a long rectangular table, it was not possible to speak with everyone. However, everyone appeared to enjoy themselves. At our end, many topics were discussed, freely, fervently and if needed, with reckless abandon and ignoring political correctness. No subject was off limits, from writer’s challenges to history, politics and cultural dilemmas. We also spoke of current projects, goals and various aspirations. The men were occasionally boisterous and the ladies also, especially me. (For those who haven't noticed, I love to talk and talk and talk-- particularly to grownups!) Paul regaled us with tales of adventure. Pandora revealed her challenges and quest to complete “the novel.” Dorothyanne appeared to enjoy her first FTN and from the snippets of conversation that I caught from time to time, Bobbi and Rosaleen shared their knowledge, guidance and invaluable wisdom. In addition to describing their current pursuits in the world of writing/communications, Darryl and Ron appeared to enjoy political and cultural discussions. I also noted that after several unsuccessful attempts, Patrick abandoned thoughts of organizing the evening into a structured meeting. Subjects of conversation materialized from tangents and heartfelt opinions were soundly dissected, even if only for a few minutes. Not surprisingly, many words were used; many words were misused; many others were abused; while others still were confused... I loved it all! And so to all those who gathered on a chilly winter night that was the first Tuesday night of January 2010, thank you for a lovely time. I look forward to seeing you again at the next FTN, along with more members of the writer’s list. If I misspelled your name, please let me know; or failed to mention those who sat at the other end of the table, kindly accept my humble apologies. Your presence and positive spirit were essential to a very fine evening. I look forward to our next get-together.  Also importantly, I want
to thank you, Patrick. Without you, there would be no FTN in the first place.Best wishes to all for 2010. Aimee (Aimee Britten aimeebritten@hotmail.com Consultant, Writer and Film Maker) |
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| The November FTN - November 3, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The FTN revived! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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And so it appears that the FTN is back!
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| A Little History - How did the FTN start? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Over the 15 years that Patrick Meikle taught Freelancing
For Magazines, many of the participants in wanted to keep in touch, and so the First
Tuesday Networking sessions started about 1991. We gathered in many locations and saw many people come and
go. However a mainstay core met continuously for about twelve years. This "board of directors" as they
came to be known, welcomed new people on the first Tuesday of every month. Then back in 2004 due to personal commitments
Patrick was no longer able to organize the FTN sessions. No one else took on the task and so the monthly event
quietly retired, until its revival in 2009. |
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| Early pictures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Bumpers - Original FTN location, closes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Reading a story in the Ottawa Citizen some years back I saw that Bumper's Roadhouse closed. It was located at
580 Bank Street, just south of the Queensway and was for a number of years the meeting place for the first FTN.
The original FTN was an extension of my freelance writing class when a few class participants wanted to continue
meeting to keep up the interest and momentum. Ironically, the two guys who were so enthusiastic came to the first
session and never returned.
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The
Meeting at Monkey Joe's?? |
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The last few get-to-gethers at Perkins have been a blast... its a good place, good parking, close to bus routes,
disabled accessible,
, click
on their picture to go to their website or references)
were able to control the sound, and as Bobbi mentioned, it was probably the first time in
years that we could hear the conversation from everyone around the table. And thanks to our university criminology
student Sabrina, the service was good.
Last
night I was sitting with 
Murray Roy Roy McGregor, Tim Covell, and Iris ten Holder—an affable bunch. Since I had attended FTN
only twice before, I remembered having met Iris, but Tim was a new acquaintance (a friend of Dorothyanne's I believe),
and I had heard Murray once when he gave a lecture on social networking at an Ottawa Independent Writers’ gathering.
E-books
were discussed with at least the following conclusions: they’re good for those with poor (aging?) eyes in that
the font can be quickly changed from small to large; they’re not good for underlining or making notes in the margins
(which Murray and I have no qualms doing with our books); and Iris reminded us that e-books are definitely not
ideal for reading in the bathtub!
From Patrick: Rosaleen
and I arrived a little later than the rest, and thanks to my suggestion that people get out early if they wanted
to sit at the main table, all the places were taken... so Rosaleen and I sat in the back booth. I found
it was kind of like holding court, as various members of the group would visit our table, sit down, or stand, and
chat a while.
into a little known Canadian soldier of fortune, who evidently was
one of the models for the character in the Indiana Jones movies.
Roast pig? Germs in Restaurants?
Susto? Story ideas? New visitors? Missing regulars? Counterfeit money? Home renovations? Paying for email? Calendars
anyone? These were just some of the topics that were mulled over at this month's social... and there were a lot
more discussions and belly laughs generated by the 17 writing colleagues who graced the corner pocket at Monkey
Joe's. See what you missed.
We
introduced some of the new visitors, offered words from a few MIAs, such as Bobbi Graham and Pandora Ballard, read
out some potential writing markets sent in by Randy Ray, kudus to Mary Dufton on breaking in to the mainstreem
market with her 
Patrick
entertained all by singing songs from "Cats" while showing around Iris's beautiful calendars - three
types are available - one with Iris' beautiful paintings (which Patrick referred to as "the nudies"),
and the other two photographs of Mud Lake and Bobbie's sweet Terzo, respectively. Iris shared miniature versions
of the calendars with all.
We are
please to announce that
This meeting kicked of the
month of "Movember" although nothing was said about it... ie. men growing mustaches to raise money for
prostrate cancer... SEE: 
(Actually it was
our own resident bard, Paul Mackan (stage right) who filed this report:)
don't usually write a report such as this because I have a terrible time with names.
novel.
our doyenne, Rosaleen Dickson, who is a sweetie, sharp as a tack,
filled with goodwill towards all writers, and an encyclopedia of knowledge and experience who will never hesitate
to correct one's misinformation with a 
melting smile and ask the most pertinent questions to keep one on one's toes.
Patrick
says...
(From
Patrick)
The FTN is back thanks to a
July 2009 suggestion from Ray Gompf, a regular in the early years, who wrote through the 
So we put out the call
for the first Tuesday in August and we got 12 people out.
(We have suspended the FTN meetings at Monkey Joe's while Carling Avenue is
under construction.)