Hot August Night

Wednesday, 06 August 2008

Oh Neil Diamond! Why do I love thee so? And why aren't you coming to Toronto on your tour? What the hell is that about? All I know is every time I've tried to go see Neil Diamond (and believe me I've tried) something comes up and I have to give my tickets away. Maybe it's not meant to be, Neil. Either way, "I'd much rather be forever in blue jeans."

Okay so ... had a great time in Montreal. You can read and watch all about it at the Just Comedy website. I didn't even realize that my uber talented friend and Last Comic Standing competitor, Erin Foley, was going to be there doing a Gala. So we hung out. She's going to be taping a half hour for Comedy Central at the end of August. And guess who's going? Yes, me. NYC here I come. Can't wait. I did find Montreal to be inspiring. I didn't know what to expect exactly but I was motivated and, well, kinda sickened but ... that comes with the territory. The territory of showbiz and all the shallowness that it can bring. But overall it was quite positive. Sometimes people in this business take themselves way too seriously. I do. Look at me writing all about my "super important" life. Comes with the territory I suppose. As Oprah and my good friend Eckhart Tolle would say (okay we're not friends but I just wanted to see if you were paying attention), "Remove the ego". Ha! In comedy? Oh Eckhart. Obviously you've never been backstage before a stand up show.

I've been writing, writing, writing. Ralph and I are working on a couple of new series ideas that I'm VERY excited about. I can't wait to write a TV series again. Really. Now it's in me and quite frankly I'm screwed. Because it's wonderful and fulfilling but a lot of work. A lot. And I'm just getting used to living a little. I've had a great summer. I saw my brother, Cale Gontier, rock out with his band, Thornley, at the Steam Whistle Brewery (see pic below). I was part of a wonderful lunch organized by Rosemary and Wayne Umetsu of R.U. Designs at the Indian Rice Factory. There were a plethora of awe-inspiring guests including Veronica Tennant, Measha Brueggergosman, Susan Coyne, P atricia Zentilli, Jian Ghomeshi, George Kohler and many more. I had a lovely conversation with a stunning woman named Ninalee Craig. She is the beautiful woman in the famous black and white print, American Girl in Italy. It was one of those special Toronto summer afternoons when you feel incredibly lucky to be living the life you're living. When you realize that with age there comes wisdom and grace. And as Eckhart would say, you are truly in the moment.

PS I included a photo of the lovely Sharron Matthews and I (as Gigi, don't worry I haven't completely lost it) backstage at "Bitch Salad". It was a great show. Thanks Andrew!