The Works.

Tonight Don and I went to The Works festival kick off Gala. It was a really fun party! Lots of stylish people. Mini burgers and other delectable finger food. Wicked silent auction with themed works. Tasty drinks. Wonderful view.

I was initially wearing a sparkly faux diamond barret, but then I traded it in for a flowery hairband. I figured the party was going to be packed with arty people. A biggie hair thing was likely going to be okay in that setting?





And I wore a new dress! It's very flapper-esque. When I first saw it I hesitated purchasing it because I was afraid Dexter was going to pull it to pieces. But then I figured I've been a hard working mom this year. Just because there is a 13 month old around it doesn't mean mommy doesn't get to have something to wear when baby is NOT around.





But I only think the blush colour works if I'm slightly tanned.





Even I was slightly concerned that riding a bike in this thing would be problematic. It has two layers and the top one has holes all over it (I figured it would get caught in the saddle). Turns out it wasn't a problem.





So we arrive downtown and guess what I see? This horrible horrible car!





It's too terrible for words.

I know it's so judgmental. But this car is so... huge and unnecessary. That's just my point of view...





At the party there was an excellent silent auction. I liked these pieces. I'll have to go fishing online for the artist's name. Sometimes I am remiss with these (important) details.





I also liked this ring by Jody Moore.







They had these little pins for guests to wear. Very whimsical. Don had a chocolate doughnut one.





I photographed this girl several times because I loved her dress but had trouble getting it in focus. Later on I saw her from the front and realized I actually know her! Meet Josée. Artist and designer extraordinaire.





After drinks we moved into the ballroom for the program and food.

I shot this chandelier a few weeks ago when Crystal and I were here for brunch. It looks very different at night.





The party was fun. But drinks started at 7 and with the program we didn't have the opportunity to eat until. I was REALLY hungry.





Little creme brulées.





Out on the terrace the view was wonderful. Edmonton's river valley is super gorgeous and this is especially true after a rain.





Some chairs that were so pretty, but you couldn't sit on them because of the rain.





Evening sky.





I had a really interesting conversation with the husband of this architect lady. Sorry. I'm horrible with names.

He was cynical. But we believe in the same things. We share a vision for our city that puts am emphasis on community, good design, active transportation, and smart growth. He's been around for many more years that I have and doesn't seem to think these things are winning out over urban sprawl.

New developments perpetuate the reliance people have on motor vehicles. People get less active. Kids get less active. And ironically there are so many complaints about speeding in these car-dependent neighbourhoods. Do people realize it's their neighbours and members of their communities who are the ones speeding? Am I the only person who thinks this is ironic?

He said it was hopeful to meet a bright young person. Wow! What a great compliment.

Anyway. I still have a bit of hope. The guy said people have a problem with living beyond their means. That doesn't just mean people spend more money than they have. What he meant was people live beyond the means of the earth too. Just little things like turning off lights when you leave a room or trying to save a car trip or two. The cumulative effect of this sort of negligence is just demoralizing.

Some people just don't care. A lot of people just don't care.

Sigh.

But sometimes I meet people who DO care. And these people feed my own hope.

So tonight I got to wear my new dress. And I also got to have a really meaningful conversation with somebody interesting. Two for two.