The word in Spanish to retire (jubilar) has its root from the Latin jubilare which means to shout for joy in relation for the ceasing of work responsibilities.
I remember going to retirement ceremonies when I worked for Canadian Pacific Limited. Old men were given rocking chairs, watches and told to read their wives’ job jars in the kitchen. I told Rosemary that these assignments depressed me. She would say, “Alex, you have to go. We need the money.”
Since late in my life I now think I may be an artist I keep taking photographs, scanning my plants and try to find people who have yet to let go. My friend Ian McGuffie calls the Gulf Islands where many of my photography peers move, “God’s Waiting Room.”
I am happy to report that Canada’s first Poet Laureate George Bowering (90) published a book of poetry at the end of May and will publish a memoir in a month,
And there is someone who lives in Salt Spring on the Gulf Islands who has not given up to rest on her bookish laurels. This is Celia Duthie who has had a show at 884 East Georgia since this last Thursday and will close today Sunday her exhibition of lovely wood blocks and linocuts.
I went twice and I particularly gorged on her son’s bread. He has a stupendous bakery in Salt Spring.
Duthie’s art is influenced by her mentor/teacher Richard Tetrault. Because the gallery is in Tetrault’s home you can also enjoy his art which is stellar and which he makes every day.
The show closes today at 5.
