Life Is a Great Adventure
By Marina Kochetova
“Life is a great adventure, a journey of surprises and obstacles,” sings singer-songwriter Elena Obolenskaya in one of her songs. Elena translates poetry, composes music for her own verses as well as for works by contemporary poets and classics of world literature. Audiences can enjoy her performances at the regular musical and literary evenings of the Ottawa Creative Literary Club (TOLK), where she has served as Vice President since the club’s founding. This year TOLK celebrates its 10th anniversary—its first major milestone. On this occasion, we present a closer look at its Vice President.
The Ottawa Creative Literary Club was born in the Obolensky family’s living room. Elena’s home concerts, followed by lively discussions, became the prototype for what would grow into a vibrant literary community. Over the past decade, TOLK has organized and successfully hosted numerous memorable events for a wide audience. Elena, a natural leader, has been their driving force from the very beginning.
Elena Emelyanova-Obolenskaya, a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Associate Professor, is far more than a scientist and expert. Her interests are wide-ranging, her talent undeniable and multifaceted. Her musical and poetic work can easily rival that of professional artists. Her love of music, singing, and poetry was inspired by her mother.
From early childhood, Elena sang with her mother, a choir soloist, and studied piano at a music school in her hometown of Chelyabinsk. Even then, this “gem of the Urals” stood out for her inquisitive mind. It is therefore no surprise that her creative work explores the mysteries of existence, the richness of human emotions, the changing seasons, and the worlds of animals and plants.
Each of us perceives life differently. People interpret the same events in very different ways. Elena, it seems to me, accepts life as it is—in all its diversity. Her poetry is more than words; it is a kind of mantra, promoting kindness, love, and well-being. When set to music, these messages gain even greater power, as music gives them a deeply human dimension.
According to Elena herself, the best and most meaningful events of her life happened in Canada. This country helped many of her dreams come true, and new dreams continue to be fulfilled. Her love of life shines through everything she does. She draws people’s attention to the beauty of the world and generously shares her observations and impressions through poetry and music. Her creative generosity is reflected in a constant flow of ideas that are carefully transformed into books and recordings.
Today, the works of TOLK’s Vice President can be found in two personal poetry collections, all four editions of the TOLK almanac, twelve electronic anthologies, six music albums, and on YouTube. Soon, her songs will also be heard on the airwaves of our Internet radio station.
The great adventure called life continues despite challenges and obstacles. I would like to conclude with a quote from Elena Obolenskaya’s work:
“May hope always stay with us,
And may our dreams come true.
May people become kinder
In a world filled with beauty.”
And I would add: People, let us learn to NOTICE beauty and appreciate it.