You’ll be missed, Jack
On Saturday, I had the great luck to be asked to work the State Funeral and Tribute to the late Jack Layton’s life. I never met the man in person, but I’ve seen him from time to time over the years at the various appearances he made at Pride events, I’ve seen him and Olivia marching in the parade many times and even passed by him like a ship in the night as he merrily went about his way in the various communities he supported. Community, freedom and equality were vital to him and it showed in every facet of his life.
Standing watching the various leaders and VIPs speak, I was overwhelmed at the powerful words and heartfelt emotions expressed. I was overwhelmed at the sheer number of people that crowded in and around Roy Thomson Hall to pay their final respects. A good chunk of King Street was closed off, and a jumbo TV had been erected in the adjacent park so the hundreds of people who weren’t able to attend the event in person were able to feel a part of it, as they sat just outside. I loved that even though it was such a tragedy to lose such a great man in his prime, there was more of an atmosphere of celebrating his life than mourning his loss. He was a genuine, honest man with a big heart, who was an eager listener: an absolute paradox for a savvy politician. He was a man of great wisdom and he taught a lot of Canadians a very basic, but very important, lesson: respect and really listen to your fellow Canadians. It’s a lesson well learned.
The way Jack Layton lived his life is an ideal example of being fully in control of the story of one’s life as each page is being turned. He was present in the moment as it happened even as he strode toward the future that waited — one that he actively created. Even at the end of his story, he asserted himself on how he wished it to end. We should all be that bold and confident with the narrative of our lives.
“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”
~Jack Layton (1950 – 2011)~
Beyond the Page
Wow.
So here I am, ready to step out on the cyber stage and make my presence known with my first ever web page. It’s funny, I’ve always been what’s referred to as a lurker, shunning the bright spotlight of centre stage, instead preferring to watch and listen and record the spectacle of life from the wings, so I can enjoy it endlessly at my leisure for years to come.
Well no longer. Time to put myself out there!
So what’s my site all about? Words are our primary means of communicating and I want to share my talent for using them with you.
Beyond highlighting my work, this space on the internet will be my spot to show you what I’m capable of doing for you. Got a great idea you’re compelled to get out of your head and onto the page? I can help you realize that. Need a project already in the works edited, polished, or proofread? How about a professional webpage or blog you want perfect and error free? I can help you do that too. Is an important job coming up? Let me work with you to create a resume and cover letter that will dazzle ’em.
I will listen to your ideas and ensure they are clearly communicated in a way that informs, entertains and engages your audience — whomever they may be. Let’s discuss how I can best support your creativity.
Via the menu at the top right, next to Home and About, you’ll see Editor’s Letters, People, Places and Phenomena. This is my portfolio of writing to date. People gathers together all the interesting profiles I’ve written. Places will showcase my travel articles. Phenomena highlights interesting events and experiences I’ve been thrilled to be a part of. Editor’s Letters are, of course, my collective introductions to each issue of PinkPlayMags since becoming Editor-in-Chief. If you aren’t familiar with our sexy little glossy mag, head over and check us out!
Sometime in the near future I’ll be adding a section for my fiction. Once my current novel moves beyond the writing stage into the editing stage, I’ll post snippets to whet your appetite for the final release. I’ll also figure out a fun way to share my “rejection collection” as I shop my first book around until some lucky editor or agent decides to hop on board and sign me up for representation. It’ll be like my own mini-reality show — fun huh? LOL!
Until then, be sure to drop by for updates as I share the triumphs and frustrations of seeing my first book published, spend time musing on the power of stories and continue honing my craft.
Jeff Harrison
Jeff Harrison 