Our Christmas Present

I've posted before about how much I love Stuart McLean (the host of the Vinyl Cafe on CBC Radio). He is such an enigmatic storyteller...he could be sit and talk about paint drying and I would be totally enraptured by him. I can't pinpoint any one story that is my absolute favourite, but he does have one about gumballs that is just so simple, yet so....so elegant is the best way I can describe it.

It's a combination of Stuart's word choice and the smooth flow of his voice that just hooks you in...you are more or less commanded to sit and listen when he begins to speak. And, of course, there is the humour of his stories. I don't think I can even do justice in attempting to describe his humour...it's just something you need to witness for yourself.

I've had the luck of seeing Stuart's live show three times now and the honour of meeting him twice. He is such a genuinely warm and caring man. If I was granted a dying wish, it would be to have coffee with Stuart. I wouldn't even talk. Just to sit and listen to him read the lunch menu would be enough for me.

Stuart will be in Saskatoon on December 8th. I had the opportunity to buy pre-sale tickets back in August. I delayed buying them. I kept checking Ticketmaster to see what seats were available, but I kept putting off actually purchasing them. I waited and watched as the main floor filled up, then the first balcony, then the second and so on. Finally, last night I knew I had to buy tickets before they were sold out.

When I finally clicked "Purchase Now", it showed us as being seated in the orchestra section, row AA, seats 2 and 4. I thought to myself, "Shit! Do I have to bring a French horn with me and actually participate in the show?". Turns out, the theatre added 2 extra rows of seating at the very front of the theatre. We are in the very centre of that front row. Score! I can't help but think how choked the people who were originally in the front row are going to be when they see they're actually third row :-) As I've mentioned before, going to this show is mine and Mike's Christmas gift to each other...and now it just got even better.

I strongly encourage you to check out Stuart McLean's stories...you can download his podcasts on iTunes or listen to his live show on CBC radio. Trust me - you won't regret it.

Meeting Stuart in April 2006.

Meeting Stuart again in April 2008.

Even if you just watch the first minute or two, you'll get a feel for Stuart's brand of storytelling.