Hot Scoop!

I can't believe that I've failed to mention the most exciting development in my life these days. For the past year and a half I've been commuting to Toronto every afternoon to work until late into the evening. I think I can easily write off 2010 as one of the least fun years of my life. All I did was travel and work. Mike and I are lucky to work in the same office, because we'd sneak away for a half hour when I got into work, but that was pretty much the most time we spent together each day. It was hard. Harder still, I missed out on all kinds of great things happening in Hamilton, like Knit Nights or amazing seminars put on by The Cossart Exchange.

Two weeks ago, I quit my job in Toronto. At the end of this week, I'm in Hamilton full-time. All day, all night. My heart is soaring. And even better? Starting Friday, you'll be able to find me helping out the Buttrums at the Hamilton Farmers' Market.

Gary, Kieran, Mike and I stopped by the market last night to get a sneak peek. The other half of the library renovations by David Premi Architects Inc. was slated to open January 21st, but due to some unforeseen problems it was pushed back until tomorrow, February 1st. While we visited, all the vendors were in full gear trying to get their stands in order for the big reveal. Walking down the ramp from the main entrance, there was a nice feeling of familiarity to the space, but then my eyes caught sight of the glass wall into the library and it made me gasp in delight. The two spaces compliment each other beautifully.

The most stunning addition to the market is the restored Birks Clock. I remember when it used to stand in front of Jackson Square, but I did not remember the scale of it. Standing 17 feet tall, and weighing 2000 lbs, you'd be hard pressed not to immediately notice this centerpiece of the renovations. The bronze has been repainted and the mechanisms fully fixed to make sure that the knights joust and spin around on the quarter hour. Stunner. The best view is from the main staircase. You'll be amazed by the detail that close up.

Not to get all civic and ranty here, but city of Hamilton, this clock is a mere fraction of the beauty that the Birks Building was, and where now sits an 80% vacant office building. Stop tearing down our heritage.

Rant over. Market photos continue.

For as much uniformity as there is with clean lines and glass walls and stall sizes, it was nice to see that the market gave the vendors freedom to dress their stall as they wished. For as stark as concrete bones can be, each stand is splashed with a bit of colour, has unique hand-painted signs or other individual touches. There seems to be a diverse selection of product available, and a couple of new faces, including the fine folks at Red Hill Coffee. The addition of a community kitchen is intriguing, and I am looking forward to seeing how it will be utilized.

I mean, just imagine how incredible this place is going to look once it's filled to the brim with delicious food, and more importantly, buzzing with people and activity. The renovation on this side doesn't feel as open as the library (yet this may have been a symptom of seeing it at night and not taking advantage of all the amazing natural daylight sources) but the effect is nice for a farmers' market. Crowded and clustered together, but in a warm, homey way. Like all those times that the party inevitably ends up in the kitchen, even though there is more space in the living room for everyone.

Personally, I've really been missing the market during this hiatus. If I didn't have to go down, I'd be making the trip anyways tomorrow to check it out. You should too. Maybe even make plans to meet a friend under the Birks Clock, just like people used to.

Boys, shall we meet under the Birks Clock? I call this photo "Hunks of Hamilton" and I couldn't not post it. My heart is seriously doing backflips over the fact that from here on out I'll be seeing a lot more of these faces, and a lot more of this city. Having amazing public spaces to share with those faces in this city? Heart backflips times a million.