from an ex-patriate...

To my dearest Queen and Spadina,

It has been a little over a year now since we were together. I hope you don’t resent me for leaving you; it hurts me more having to move back to Etobicoke. So much more than just an intersection, you had become a way of life for me. With your shops, restaurants and cafes you had spoiled me with your riches. You were never dull and your personality shined with many colours of beautiful women, super funny (but mental) street people and friendly faces around every corner.

You have defiantly changed my life and I couldn’t imagine the person I would have been without you. Every day I dream of the moment of leaving the suburbs and running back to the place I know is my home. I miss you Queen and Spadina and I hope you never forget the time we cherished together.

Love,

Nick

*Nick lived at Queen and Spadina while working in the service industry. After deciding to go to back to school to pursue an education in Advertising, he couldn't afford to live in his neighbourhood and pay his tuition. He chose his life goal over his lifestyle and moved back to the 'burbs. He finished his program and just got an internship. I think he and QSW may reunite in the near future :)

Click on the title to see a clip I have chosen from "Neighbours", featuring a young Kylie Monogue, to dramatize the moment. I think the guy in the first scene may be ( or closely resembles) the coach from Australia's Next Top Model. Just sayin'.

Dear Queen Street West...

my name is dana.

this summer, The Summerworks Theatre Festival has introduced a new initiative: designing walking tours that will lead theatregoers around the community of the festival, which is our beloved queen street west. i am not a historian. i have trouble climbing family trees. i like stories and i want to collect them and share them.

if you have a story about this neighbourhood, write a love letter. if you have a favorite restaurant in the neighbourhood, write a love letter. if you have an awesome neighbour who lends you sugar and never complains when you play rock band at 4 am, write a love letter. if you met the love of your life at the bovine sex club, write a love letter. if you got dumped at the bovine sex club, write a ... letter. basically, if you have a story, please share it.

it's nice to get a love letter.

love,

dana