Monday, January 4th, 2010
wearing a silly hat my mom gave me at Christmas - photo: Megan Hamilton
Happy New Year, all! I hope everyone had a lovely, stress-free holiday season, whatever you may celebrate (or not celebrate – don’t want to exclude anyone…). As usual, I spent the holidays with my family back on the east coast of Canada. I was born and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, and most of my family still lives there.
New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada: everything is in both English and French. Of all the cities in NB, my home town of Moncton is the most bilingual – in fact in 2002, Moncton became Canada’s first officially bilingual city. It’s roughly 65/35 English/French, with many of the French-speaking population living in Dieppe (the Greater Moncton Area consists of Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview). There is even a local dialect called “Chiac”, where English and French are quite literally mixed into one language, with French endings added to English words and the like. It’s quite hilarious to hear sometimes. One of my all-time favorite Chiac phrases, overheard on a hot day at the Shediac wharf years ago, was “oh mon dieu, je dois “cool-ay off” (= oh my god, I’ve gotta cool off)”. I just love that.
(…there is a Route 66 tie-in here – bear with me…)
closed-up rock and curios shop in Holbrook AZ
Moncton is the most centrally-located city in the Maritimes, which may explain why it has become a shopping mecca for the region. The largest mall, Champlain Place, is actually located in the French-speaking city of Dieppe. A trip to the big mall is a linguistic adventure for any visitor. I grew up in the place so I didn’t realize how bizarre it was until I brought my good friend Anne Marie home for a visit a few years ago.
Here’s the thing about shopping in Dieppe: most of the salespeople in the mall will serve you in French, whether you speak English or not. They speak English too – but often they just keep going in French. Someone from away like Anne Marie might assume that this is some pride of heritage thing, where we Anglophones are in Dieppe, the French area, and they’ll be damned if they’re going to speak English to us… (and trust me: there are more than enough anti-French and anti-English sentiments around – it’s like our version of racism)… but that’s not how I experience it. To me it’s always just felt like everyone in Moncton knows that both languages are spoken there. And although many people aren’t bilingual, you simply develop an ear for the other language enough to have these strange dual-lingual transactions. Oddly, it sort of works. Here’s how it goes:
Cashier: Bonjour, vous avez trouvé tous que vous cherchiez? (did I find all that I was looking for?)
Me: Yes, thank you.
Cashier: Bon. C’est dix dollars, quatre-vingt, s’il vous plait. ($10.80)
Me: Here you go. Do you have a gift box for that, by chance?
Cashier: Oui, j’en ai. (gets box)
Me: Thank you!
Cashier: Merci beaucoup, bonne journee!
I’m so used to it I don’t even think about it. But poor Anne Marie was baffled. Not only did she not know what was being said to her, but she was even more confused when the cashier’s colleague walked by and the two of them spoke in English – then the cashier returned to Anne Marie (who was clearly speaking English the entire transaction and was having trouble understanding the woman’s French), and reverted back to French again! My Moncton virgin friend just didn’t know what to think.
On my Route 66 trip, I was reminded of this whole phenomenon when I passed through Holbrook, Arizona.
Indian head neon sign on empty building - there is a lot of this sort of vernacular iconography on Route 66, and I plan to write a whole post just on that, FYI
My father’s birthday was fast approaching and I needed to send him a birthday card. I spotted a post office, found parking for the triangle, and went in to mail the card to my dad. I noticed in passing that the customer ahead of me looked like she was probably Native American (or, “Indian”, as they say in these parts of the country). The man serving her looked like he may have been Indian too, but I wasn’t sure. He was very friendly and made small talk with her in English.
Suddenly he said something that clearly was not English to her. She chuckled and responded in what I assume was the same language. He said some more things in English – then there it was again: that very foreign-sounding language. I just couldn’t place it. I knew there were a lot of Navajo in this part of the world, so I wondered if that was what they were speaking. They kept switching it up, English and this other language… I was immediately reminded of shopping at Champlain Place back home, and I couldn’t help but laugh to myself.
When I got to the counter, I asked the man what language they were speaking. “Navajo!” he said with a smile. I told him that I liked how it sounded, and he responded that Navajo is a very hard language to learn. To this I replied, “well, I guess that’s why your people were so valuable as code talkers during the war.” “Oh,” he said, “I’m not Navajo. I’m from Mexico!” (What th-…?) I asked him where in the heck he learned Navajo. “Eh, I pick it up here and there,” he said with a shrug. (I could say the same thing about Chiac, I thought.) So, I decided to use the opportunity to practice my Spanish, and we completed the transaction in his own native language – which seemed to really tickle him.
I found myself missing Anne Marie in that moment.
old fresco on side of curios shop in Holbrook
OK – updates on this end: I just finished crunching all of the .jpegs into movie clips for the time-lapse sequence. This week I’ll meet with an editor to lay all 158 of them down onto a timeline, and burn a DVD to be played at the upcoming car show at Artcite. It’s a very basic, rudimentary version of the Route 66 time-lapse sequence – this is definitely still a work in progress – but I am really looking forward to seeing them all linked together. I think it’s going to be pretty cool once it’s all done.
I want to thank Melody Friend for curating and arranging the show of my work at Green Peas Casual Foods in Culver City. I believe it comes down today, unless they decided to hold it over. This was my first showing of any sort in the LA area, and I’m very grateful to Melody for all of her support over the years. Thanks, Mel!!
As far as the hate mail goes… suffice to say, some people seem to think that it is in bad form for me to try market the work I created on Route 66. Seems I’m not supposed to make any money from the Mother Road, even though I spent so much of my own time and money creating photographs and writing about it…
I don’t get it. I am a photographer. That’s what photographers do. We explore places that are interesting to us, then we share the beauty and wonder that we find through our images. Are we supposed to give away our work for free? Is sharing it online for free viewing not already enough?
I understand people who are passionate about their interests, and many people are very passionate about Route 66. It’s a glorious road, rich in history, and driving it is probably the best road trip out there. It offers a glimpse of small-town America of days past, where people took the long road and “stopped to smell the roses”. It’s wonderful, and I hope that more and more people opt to leave the interstate and kick around these sweet, friendly little towns. (I finally saw the movie Cars over the holidays, by the way – and I can see how it has done a lot to promote the Route. It’s a good thing.) But although I love Route 66, none of this means I shouldn’t try to sell my images of it. As most of you know, I lost my job and am trying to make a go of it as a freelance photographer/writer. This will most likely mean I will lose my house, too. We live in a Capitalistic society and money is a necessity. I can’t live on air. So, please: don’t expect me to not market my Route 66 work. And please don’t publicly call me a “fraud”, a “fink”, a “low-down scoundrel” or a “user” when I do.
One thing I learned from the experience: fanatics can actually do more harm than good to their own cherished causes. This angry man who claims to love the Mother Road so deeply is actually doing it a disservice by attacking those who don’t revere it in the way he thinks we should. It is a real shame. There should be a place for – and an acceptance of – everyone on the Route.
the famous Wigwam Motel in Hobrook - more on this place later on
Fortunately there are people who are thankful for what I do, and their moral support is awesome. I really need to thank many of you for that – and I especially want to thank Larry for the incredibly insightful email he sent once he realized my confidence was shaken. Larry, I printed that thing out and read it daily. Thank you so very, very much. I hope to meet and thank you in person one day.
…enough on that! Time to press on! Back to the time-lapse now. Thanks for reading.
And, play nice. 
Tags: Anne Marie, Chiac, curios, Dieppe, hate mail, Holbrook, melody, Moncton, navajo, New Brunswick, Wigwam Motel
January 4th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Glad to see you back home safe and sound…after your visit home (if that makes sense :lol).
I’m lucky if I can blurt out a few pleasantries in French…and forget understanding spoken French! I managed to teach myself enough French to get by reading some menus, museum placards, newspaper headlines, and street signs when we visited Quebec or France…not hearing French here on a daily basis, understanding spoken French or properly pronouncing what I can read is beyond me.
I find it curious when people think you should give away all of your photos (or writing) for nothing. People who should know better wonder why you feel you should charge a fair price for your work…profit-making businesses can be the worst offenders in this regard. As for the purists, if they can exist on air…more power to them…the rest of us have to work for a living
January 5th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Interesting post. I have been asked many times to sell my photos, but I always refuse and give it away. Of course, I do this for fun and not for work. I wonder next time I do the Route if I tell folks that I am taking photos for commercial purposes, if they will be just as open to me as when I do it for fun and sharing. Not sure, but I believe not. Plus, what legal liabilities will there be? Many of my photos were taken while I was clearly tresspassing (inside a building, on private grounds, etc), that if I commercially pulish them, am I liable? I don’t know, but lawyers are expensive. Certainly rudeness in unacceptable and I am not justifying anyone, I am just saying that maybe there is more to this when you go commercial than not…
January 5th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
James, you don’t sell your work? Man, I’m screwed if people as good as you are giving it away.
You raise a good point wrt legal issues. I don’t think that was the problem in this case, but it is something to consider nonetheless. This whole copyright thing is quite baffling…
January 6th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Good Luck on your shows.
Unfortune about the nasty e-mails but hey you can’t please some people no matter what.
Keep up the great work love all your pictures and stories
January 7th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
There’s that little face!!! Not much different than the one on the photo of you at about 6 that I like so much, with the glasses.
January 8th, 2010 at 11:47 am
What, Sandi? You had a showing in Culver City, and I missed it?
That’s what I get for working 5 hrs. a day! My email-reading rhythm has been broken!
But, I am needing the money, not necessarily for myself, but for my kids, whose income is now less during this iffy economy. I understand how hard it is to keep your home, Sandi. Can your parents help? I have decided we should not let any of our property go, if it’s possible to keep it, even if we need to kick in to help each other.
I loved the bilingual parts of this post, both in New Brunswick and Arizona. I am tutoring 5 students, going to their homes. The children are learning English in school, but Spanish is spoken in the homes.
Yesterday, one of my kindergarten twins was being stubborn. Having taught for 36 years in the L.A. public school system, I’m not used to defiance. So, I began speaking to her in Spanish. That has always worked for me with students, whether in elementary, junior or senior high. It worked again last night. Helen’s tutoring session was from 6-7 p.m., and there were other things she would rather be doing, but speaking to her in a language she understood worked, and eventually, she did oral work she was proud of.
Your photos and writing are marvelous, Sandi. They make my day. There is something attractively ecumenical about your work, and I thank you for it.
Is there any chance that I would be able to see what was in the showing in Culver City? Do you have pictures of the display?
Thanks for who you are. We are richer for knowing you.
January 8th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Jane, didn’t you get the email I sent everyone who commented on the blog about the shows I had going on? (which, by the way, was what prompted the nasty email — this guy was a supporter from before) I thought you and I spoke about this, and you told me to be sure to tell Dan Rice about it… or maybe my memory is shot!
Yeah: the show in Culver City is actually still up – the place wants to keep it longer. Go get some yummy food and have a peek, if you get the chance. It’s a selection of b&w infrared stuff from Canada, Spain, Japan, California… etc.
Thanks for the lovely comments, Jane. Nice work with the kids!
January 10th, 2010 at 11:13 am
What’s the address in Culver City, Sandi? Also, do you have a telephone number? Maybe I should look back in the posts. I don’t remember the email to which you are referring. I’m sure I would have printed it, but I have been working a lot.
January 10th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Okay, found it. Green Peas Casual Foods, 4435 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City 90230-4847; 310-397-9815.
I would be happy to buy some of their food. I hope they are open today.
January 12th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
I never got your schedule. Can you please send me it. Thanks!
January 13th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Your mom’s post piqued my curiosity. Do we get to see a split screen of the 6 year old you with the picture of you at the beginning of the post?
I enjoyed the post. The intermingling of languages reminded me of when I was addressed in an e-mail as “Chou,” which I believed to be French; and speaking only English I wasn’t sure what I had been called. Google translator translated it to mean cabbage. Now I’ve been called a lot of things but cabbage was a first. I knew the person who sent the e-mail wasn’t angry with me…but cabbage; what did that mean? I later was told in French “Chou” means cabbage but in Canada it is a term of endearment. At least that is what I was told.
I hope the New Year is treating you well.
January 15th, 2010 at 2:15 am
I sure am glad I found your site, thanks to Chris and Cherie at Technomadia.
I am planning a 66-day trip along the route 66 and will be setting up a website and a blog about it soon. I sure would love to talk to you about what to look for and where to go etc.
I have always enjoyed photography, so I will be taking a lot of pictures too (thank God for digital)
Love what you have done and wish you the best with your endeavors. I know you’ll manage well financially.
Rasheed
January 21st, 2010 at 6:36 am
TSB, for your info Chou (or as I prefer, Chou, Chou pronounced shoo shoo) is a lovely term of endearment so your were told right. Sometimes the French in this neck of the woods say Petit Chou, which means little cabbage. Sandi, I think you should put that cute photo I mentioned in your blog. I know you don’t like it, but it is very sweet, and innocent looking. Little intelligent face with glasses! My petit chou!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Rasheed: Yeah, aren’t Chris and Cherie great? Yay for your Route 66 trip! I look forward to your blog/site. Feel free to shoot me an email to ask any questions you’d like, happy to help. Thanks so much for the reassuring words, too.
January 27th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Mom: innocent looking? I think I look evil! OK, I’ll oblige you and TSB. Look for photo of 6-year-old Sandi in grade 1 soon. (As you like to recall, Mom — upon returning home from my first day at school, disgusted at the simplicity of my homework, which was to learn the word “duck” from a flashcard with a picture of a duck on it: “Duck? DUCK?!? I KNOW what a DUCK is!!”) … you’ll see what a little smartass I was in grade 1 by the photo…
January 28th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Now that I’m tutoring, I don’t have to insult children by giving them work that is too easy for them. And, I don’t have to give them work that is too hard. I love it. I’m fitting the shoe to the foot.
January 29th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Jane, I’m so glad you’re getting satisfaction from your tutoring. I’m sure you are an awesome tutor!! (how’s the Spanish going?)
January 30th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Definitely need the Spanish! Don’t know what I would do without it!
My current two students are in high school. I’m working with one in Algebra today from noon till 3:00.
Right now I’m hungry, and I’d like to go to Green Peas, but when I call, I get their fax. Their website says they open at 6 a.m., but perhaps that’s just on week days.
I’ll keep trying.
January 30th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Okay, I’m at Green Peas! I had a great Italian omelet and a bowl of fruit. I also had a chocolate chip cookie and a cup of coffee.
Your photos are up. I have my camera, and I took a picture of the picture of you, to document that I am here.
I’m going to ask about one of your photos. How much is the small one with 66 and the small building in the background.
I asked, and the guy said I would have to contact you. The reason I asked is that there is no price on some of them. I thought maybe somebody had bought them and left them up.
Well, this was a very positive experience, but I notice somebody left a very negative message on the Green Peas website not too long ago. I guess that goes with the territory. Some people would rather complain than make a difference. Some people enjoy making others ‘wrong!’
January 30th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Jane – Don’t I know it re: making others wrong! I’ve heard only good things about the place so far… although not having prices on some of the pieces is not good. I’ll need to look into that.
Thanks for checking it out, I really appreciate it. As far as I know, they should still all be available for sale. I’m going to contact Melody and/or the restaurant to see what’s up. I’ll email you separately about the photo sale.
Wish I could have been there to share the experience!
April 29th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Hi Sandi,
I got your messages a few months back, but I must not understand social media well enough, because I couldn’t get my responses to go through. I’m SOOO sad to have missed this show in Culver City because I could have promoted it so well for you. Please feel free to call me directly in the future if you still have my number. I hope you’re well.
Your pal on the pier,
Dan Rice
May 9th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Hi, Dan. I didn’t realize your last name is ‘Rice.’ I went to school with Tim and Christina Rice. Their mom and dad were George and Onis. Any relation?