Goodness me. Adrienne Clarkson. How can someone not be fascinated by this woman? She is an accomplished journalist, awarded the Officer of the Order of Canada, the 26th Governor General of Canada and author.

Last night she took part in the IFOA, at the half-full, intimate Premiere Dance Theatre. Dressed in funky a-line layers and knee-high boots, she came and plopped herself in front of the podium as if there was nowhere else she would rather be. I know there was nowhere else I would have rather been.

She was here to discuss her new book, Heart Matters. "A tribute to the people she loves. A tribute to human relations as being the most important part in ones life."

For almost one hour, Adrienne Clarkson guided us through how the book came to be. She gave us glimpses to how the people in her life and events have created who she is. The talk was real, inspiring and very emotional.

She presented us with stories from her book. She spoke in detail of her parents, the Japanese occupation in China during the war, the separation and meeting of her family, how the family was presented with the chance to come to Canada and essentially her parents ability "to take that leap which gave them their second breath."

She spoke of her work in a warehouse, going to university, studying in France and the cottage life as well as the people who brought colour to her life.

After her talk, she sat through a quick 15-minute interview with Pamela Wallin. Adrienne Clarkson spoke of how the book came out now because she was ready to tell it.

After asking a few questions about her book, Mrs. Wallin probed her for her thoughts on more recent events - her take on what is going on in Afghanistan, why Canadians have an identity crisis and the role of the Governor General - all of which Madame Clarkson so easily managed to steer away from.

The hour talk turned into an hour and a half...I could have sat there for the rest of the night.