Your Occasional Ham

Deborah Clague June 11, 2024

My best friend of the past four months is keeping me busy. Being in advertising/design, I’ve also gotten to put him in some of my work (earning those treats).

Ham at six months (©2024, Deborah Clague).

Prince Albert National Park

Deborah Clague May 19, 2024

Elk, Prince Albert National Park (©2024, Deborah Clague)

Hampton, Prince Albert National Park (©2024, Deborah Clague)

Ham at three months (left) and four months (right) (©2024, Deborah Clague).

Three Months, Four Months

Deborah Clague April 4, 2024

Your occasional Ham

Deborah Clague February 13, 2024

Ham with his Care Bear (©2024, Deborah Clague)

My valentine and I (©2024, Deborah Clague)

Still have all my fingers (©2024, Deborah Clague)

Book Recommendations

Deborah Clague February 9, 2024

In The Weeds: Around the World and Behind the Scenes with Anthony Bourdain
Written by Tom Vitale

Since his untimely passing in 2018 there have been a number of books released on the life of Anthony Bourdain, each providing insight into a complex personality who inspired an audience to see the world through a new set of eyes. ‘In The Weeds’ was written by a long-time director and producer of his various travel series providing a level of intimacy and knowledge that few others would possess, including a behind-the-scenes narrative that was engrossing and, at times, outright shocking (there is one passage in particular about Tony’s behaviour that is indefensible). I am a bit disappointed to learn that what was presented on-screen didn’t always match the reality. But such is Hollywood.

Favourite line: “After years of traveling, I’d curated quite a collection of memorabilia, each item a physical manifestation of a memory, and my house had become a museum of these souvenirs from an alternate universe.”

Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny
Written by Holly Madison

Years ago I boarded an Airbus 319 heading from Louisville to Chicago. It wasn’t a long flight but the seat next to me was vacant and I was grateful for the additional space on the small aircraft. After the last of the passengers took their seats, I wondered why we weren’t closing the gate and hitting the tarmac. About twenty minutes after our scheduled departure, another passenger joined us and sat next to me.

Making small talk, he introduced himself as Dirk Johnson and shared that his profession was a journalist who had once worked for the New York Times. ‘What an interesting person’, I thought to myself, my own life (at that point) feeling rather boring in comparison. He then told me his partner was meeting him at the airport and asked if I knew her. Her name was Christie. Christie Hefner. Admittedly the name did not ring a bell when he first said it. But then he told me who her dad was.

There are few people alive who haven’t heard of Playboy or felt its influence. It changed the culture (for better or worse depending on your personal lens). But most people haven’t had a glimpse into the inner circle, the days and nights of life at the actual Playboy Mansion, like Holly Madison has. I’d seen this book highly recommended over the years and finally decided to read it. Loving a gossipy celebrity memoir, this one was certainly interesting in that regard but the absolute lack of self-reflection (and personal accountability) coupled with the vitriol towards others was a complete turn-off. Lots of bridges burned within these pages.

Favourite line: “On camera, Kendra was spontaneous, carefree and brimming with those bumbling mishaps ripe for television. And let’s just say, when it came to Kendra, none of those dumb blonde moments ever had to be scripted.”

Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland
Written by Gerald Clarke

Another book that kept popping up in recommendations. I never really knew much about Judy Garland. I was only knowledgeable that she played a major role in one of the most beloved films of all time. This biography taught me that her life was a tragedy almost from birth, with parents determined—at all costs–to make their children famous. From aiding teenage eating disorders to enabling drug addiction, it seemed Judy never really had a chance at normalcy.

Favourite line: “Disaster is usually woven from several threads, unrelated yet combining to form a pattern of chaos and calamity.”

Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness
Written and illustrated by Kristen Radtke

A beautifully written and illustrated graphic novel that examines social isolation and how the constructs of modern life exacerbate it.

The Ham Era

Deborah Clague January 22, 2024

Introducing the latest winner of the canine Powerball lotto – Hampton Augustus Cuddlebug Clague, a miniature goldendoodle to be henceforth known as Ham:

Someday, we’ll meet again (Illustrated by Deborah Clague, 2024).

Deborah Clague January 13, 2024

This one is for Monty (©2023, Deborah Clague).

Case Study: New Hope Dog Rescue 20th Anniversary Cook Book

Deborah Clague December 2, 2023

Over the past year I have volunteered with New Hope Dog Rescue (NHDR), a registered non-profit and foster-based organization that has been rescuing and re-homing dogs in need since 2003. My role started with social media content creation and has evolved into marketing coordination. One of our recent initiatives has been the creation of a cook book in celebration of NHDR’s 20th anniversary.

The Project: The New Hope Dog Rescue 20th Anniversary Cook Book was a joint undertaking between myself and the fundraising coordinator of NHDR meant to showcase the culinary talents of our volunteers and supporters, and share the stories—happy tails—of our many adopted alumni throughout the years. At nearly 200 pages and 55+ recipes, there was something for everyone to try ... including your dog! The piece also shared the history of NHDR and their active involvement in the community which includes a First Nations spay-and-neuter program, hospital care program for those with longer-term medical needs who require assistance caring for their pet, and animal safekeeping program (ASK) for those fleeing domestic violence.

Advertising revenue supported the cost of printing. Full-page advertisements were purchased by local businesses such as BOSS Plumbing, Canine Action Project (C.A.P.), Erindale Animal Hospital, Pet Valu, Rainbow Restoration and the YXE Underground Podcast. Interior pages were printed in one colour to maximize profit. Because of this, design needed to retain readability and remain engaging for viewers.

Social media posts on the New Hope Dog Rescue channels were the only means of promotion outside of word-of-mouth. The cook book was sold at sponsor venues and events leading into the holiday season.

The result: The first print-run of two hundred cook books sold out within two weeks. A second limited print-run of one hundred additional copies was ordered to meet demand. These are also on track to be sold out by the end of the year. In total, the cook book will have raised over $6,000 for New Hope Dog Rescue. It is a success that will ensure further care and support for animal welfare in Saskatchewan ensuring these dogs find the support, medical care, and forever families they deserve.

For more information on New Hope Dog Rescue, please visit newhoperescue.org

Book Recommendations

Deborah Clague November 10, 2023

Highway of Tears
Written by Jessica McDiarmid

In continuation of my personal learning on the treatment of Canada’s First Nations population, I recently read Highway of Tears which examines a stretch of highway in northern British Columbia that has come to symbolize the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. This book explores history of the area, shares stories and personal recollections of the MMIW, and discusses how long, systemic inaction from RCMP and government led to continued, avoidable tragedy.

Favourite line: “The widespread propensity to refer to marginalized teenagers who are victims as “women” perhaps belies, however unintentionally, the deep-seated tendency in our society to judge victims rather than perpetrators, to find reasons not to care.”

The Women in Me
Written by Britney Spears

From being one of the world’s biggest pop stars to a woman who represents the right for personal freedom and choice for those affected by poor mental health, Britney’s story is, indeed, a fascinating study. While this (presumably first) memoir is light and lacking some of the details and introspection I was hoping for, I always appreciate hearing people share their perspective. This song will also never not be a total banger transporting me straight back to my twenties. For that, I will always be intrigued.

Favourite line: “But as much as I’ll own my flaws, ultimately, I know that I am a good person. I can see now that you have to be smart enough, vicious enough, deliberate enough to play the game, and I did not know how to play the game.”

You Will Find Your People
Written by Lane Moore

I first heard of Lane Moore a few years ago and she has quickly become one of my favourite authors. Every time I read her words, I feel like I have found a kindred, empathic spirit. Someone who acts as a lighthouse for others experiencing loneliness and melancholy as an adult, and letting them know they aren’t alone. Her second book, You Will Find Your People, explores how to navigate and create meaningful friendships during a time when they become harder to maintain. It’s a subject not often talked about but perhaps more pervasive than we realize considering how isolated western society has become.

Favourite line: “Having someone you connected with briefly in a really meaningful way is still a form of friendship, one with great value in its own right, even if you feel like it should become more than that to “count”.

Steve Jobs
Written by Walter Isaacson

This book has been in my rotation for months and I am still not finished. I’m only currently on page 250 (of 577). It’s not a terrible book; far from it. Walter Isaacson is an amazing wordsmith. I’m just not sure when I will complete it as, despite being a visionary who led a team to bring us some of the greatest innovations from the past century, Steve Jobs was a terrible human being. He comes across as a ruthless, narcissist with no regard for friends, colleagues and even family. Amongst the other books I’ve recently indulged in, this biography is too much of a contrast and nothing I choose to be inspired by. One day I will return to it … but for right now, I will leave it at page 250.

The One-Eyed Fox of Waskesiu

Deborah Clague November 2, 2023

Before the first snowfall, I spent a day solo hiking in Prince Albert National Park. I wasn’t alone though. I made friends with the one-eyed fox of Waskesui.