We lived in the Beaches area  four nine years and the Goof  is a Toronto land mark, your typical greasy chinese food restaurant. The letters in the neon sign burnt out decades ago, that's how it got it's name the " GOOF" Recently the place has gone upscale, although the sign still remains the same.

My career started to take off after I got the teaching job and realized my own ability to sculpt - ironically I didn't study sculpting in art college. I was inspired by the 3D caricatures of a British show called Spitting Image, an outrageously funny satire of politicians and Royalty. Three dimensional illustration became popular in the eighties so I took my work around to art directors and managed to get some freelance work. 

I was happy to be doing illustration in my own style, and in a medium that I felt comfortable with. Ken loved to take pictures so he became my official photographer. 

After living in Toronto for thirteen years, the traffic and pollution became increasingly tiresome, but that was part of life in the city. The thought of moving elsewhere did cross our minds, until I landed a teaching job at the Beach Art Centre. I was excited at the prospect of teaching, but a bit terrified at the same time. My nervousness wasn't visible to the students because the lights were out and all eyes were on the image and not me - fortunately!

Having Raymond, our second child, made me a full-time mom, even though my mother-in-law often corrected my grammar as if I were still a child myself. I actually didn't really mind, because in a way she was doing me a favour - it was like having a tutor, and that meant less class-time for me!

I was eager and willing to learn French, but my first class was so upsetting I never returned to it, unfortunately. Defeated by my own frustration, I was down and out - but not for long! I got back up and carried on with English, even though at times it felt as if it was not my first language. I really can empathize with immigrants who have to learn English - it's not a easy language!!!

I finally got to study King Lear at a local highschool in the evenings, when I had more energy. Writing the papers was hard, but overall the subject was fascinating to learn, and fortunately Ken helped me over some rough spots. I managed to get through the year and decided to take on two courses a week. I was still somewhat resentful I didn't get this stuff during the five years I spent in vocational school, but proving to myself I could do it helped me move on. 

Learning French was my next big challenge!

Having a baby has its challenges, and I think my profanity vocabulary grew that day! The responsibility of raising a child was daunting, but Alex was a joy to hold and behold... You're never really prepared for what's ahead, but I soon learned to take things one day at a time and enjoy the rollercoaster ride of parenthood.