tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4567467772206559202024-02-21T06:42:36.799-05:00Toronto is My TownFrom Downtown Toronto Ontario Canada and the shores of Georgian Bay & Blue Mountain, my Collingwood Shangri-La escape, I write about people and the goings on here and music, literature and life in general. Equally left brained (IT Project Manager) and right brained (creative writing and learning to play the Ukulele). Love live music and red wine and long conversations. Pull up a chair and join me from time to time and we shall share both thoughts and company! Blog comments welcome!Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.comBlogger338125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-916293993690228632018-03-25T18:09:00.002-04:002018-03-25T18:12:14.095-04:00A New Day a New Blog!Well, it has been a long time since anyone has seen me post anything to these pages. I am just briefly back to let anyone who might trip by that I have moved to WordPress and now after a long absence, I am going to try to get back into the rhythm again.<br />
<br />
I have another blog which I have posted more recently to: <a href="https://peggysbucketlistadventures.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Peggy's Bucket List Adventures</a>, and even that one I abandoned last year after being confronted with Google's abandonment of Picasa and the need for that to be used for my iPad blogging tool - Blogger did not work well on the iPad. I have a new Camino planned and this time I am hoping to blog it all. We shall see. The first thing I have to do is get a better blogging tool than this Blogger site and software has turned out to be. So I am continuing my blogs on WordPress, <a href="https://epeggyh.wordpress.com/2018/03/25/a-new-day-a-new-blog/" target="_blank">you will find me here </a>fumbling around for a bit as I figure out how it works. I have my fingers crossed that there will be a better access for composing offline and uploading pictures. Since Google purchased Blogger and Picasa they seem to be content to let them die a slow death, and that seems to not be the case with WordPress.<br />
<br />
Hope you will wander over for a visit sometime... with encouragement I might be able to resurrect this blogging habit!<br />
<br />
To Keep In Touch you just need to remember epeggyh... as in //https:epeggyh.wordpress.com.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-74282671251252248662015-01-13T15:35:00.000-05:002015-01-13T15:35:12.506-05:00Toronto and Another Cold Weather Alert<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVA_tpZsfh8vSwHgQNqDeV6b0aZz1hA6G33grhnXB5KQN1CBR4G1jaEYdd-QMIXHyd0DTOjfypZXsjhcXXe06iqYNbe3BFdsueyuJRdMezZPf_aANDyIlziNfwaa651M4uejmrxw6nCHI/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVA_tpZsfh8vSwHgQNqDeV6b0aZz1hA6G33grhnXB5KQN1CBR4G1jaEYdd-QMIXHyd0DTOjfypZXsjhcXXe06iqYNbe3BFdsueyuJRdMezZPf_aANDyIlziNfwaa651M4uejmrxw6nCHI/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The radio nudged me awake today at 7:30. Most often, the guys on CBC Radio help me to start my day. "It is minus 21, minus 30 with windchill this morning. The City has declared another cold weather alert, the 5th so far this winter", Gill Dempsey's cheerful voice proclaimed. As I opened my eyes I wondered if I would see a winter wonderland scene outside - last night they had predicted some snow this morning. The south wall of my condo is all glass - I am still debating window coverings - and so provides an exquisite view of the Lake right from my bed. Not only the lake, but the island airport, the CNE grounds, Ontario Place and for good measure, the Gardiner Express Way, Lakeshore Go Trains and the 509 Trolley route. Boats, planes, cars and trains all in motion. No, not snow, I could see beyond my balcony and the hint of sunrise. There was something more magical at play - today my eyes lingered over the lake as the dance of the wisps was underway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBBWWjbDNDAfQedv1X9CO4kcIaEcoHQY81o7HwfqJvTctZUtvIe-BMkm-jAkTsACurco9OIbXfL7ihwO6VvVt6N4dSJymuo2lN3mzSZq_HxBxVWkKaniiDLUD6HEq9Y0f6tlZ4uIEoxiI/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBBWWjbDNDAfQedv1X9CO4kcIaEcoHQY81o7HwfqJvTctZUtvIe-BMkm-jAkTsACurco9OIbXfL7ihwO6VvVt6N4dSJymuo2lN3mzSZq_HxBxVWkKaniiDLUD6HEq9Y0f6tlZ4uIEoxiI/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The sun was peaking through the low cloud to the south-east. Wispy
tendrils coming off the water, in the distance leaping up into the sky as if they were transfusing the clouds above providing Buffalo with it's lake effect snowfall. This is becoming a familiar sight - the air being so very cold over the
lake that clouds seemingly formed directly from the water and rose up
into the sky right before your very eyes. Yes, another cold day.<br />
<br />
We
haven't yet heard the words "Polar Vortex" being bandied about by the weather man this year as yet - last year it seemed the 2014 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neologism" target="_blank"><b>neologism</b></a> . So far this year, the Weather Forecasters just refer to it as an arctic air mass (meaning just cold weather) and tell us it is descending upon us yet again. I am hoping we are not in for any Polar Vortex weather this winter. Anyway, the weather this last week or two has been damn cold that is all. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFtI8O92VMH7Iyh7Cjod6ZggFd7YHRzEcnL1ie3_wZiYvvIi8xp8RpV6DNOmUsnX9ZjF2siZudnkUh0hv3aPzY5CH_SDFM40PZTFNIapB9SLi9qMKqFBFTmUTLlXJqC-0Dojta2_k14gL/s1600/IMG_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFtI8O92VMH7Iyh7Cjod6ZggFd7YHRzEcnL1ie3_wZiYvvIi8xp8RpV6DNOmUsnX9ZjF2siZudnkUh0hv3aPzY5CH_SDFM40PZTFNIapB9SLi9qMKqFBFTmUTLlXJqC-0Dojta2_k14gL/s1600/IMG_1463.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The view to the west was not quite as spectacular as to the east, but it was great to see blue skies all around. I can cozy up and enjoy the sun and the view and dream of warmer days and make travel plans. Abby was no more anxious to rush out for her morning stroll than I was, so I wandered over to the kitchen to make coffee and settle in for an easy do it morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFovt0c4gyyY5D5_K9WzShlOH6En9BAJIUBvbEeHNw4PLz5efhtn6F-CZqIGfu8frLlDg3PniOt5CywxaTbtIUm-2uv8L3aRdiZbli54zRcQecXI-wBqnzZUpyO3UXv7WLm6z_pS46eGo/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOfyCru9BOgi0BfZJRsSvTu4hPieXzgvgT4_6lEqUGsV65hM_1rBA7EbMxF1knhurLQn5wexkya_-EfprSo9vtgCVpgV5-xYFCCXl8VS5d4xdeCVmL4Kvxa7HkKZnCOxDjhUxKlcdRQjf/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOfyCru9BOgi0BfZJRsSvTu4hPieXzgvgT4_6lEqUGsV65hM_1rBA7EbMxF1knhurLQn5wexkya_-EfprSo9vtgCVpgV5-xYFCCXl8VS5d4xdeCVmL4Kvxa7HkKZnCOxDjhUxKlcdRQjf/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6ARZKwn4_0L5Jcvac-Ksl5CVuCTmm640COHMIt6-0tTXBl93n1mTmIuwIagUSK9XAO_K0e_GV1mIR0FH0CocxtqCw0vVpHeW6YYcnhAtQ6nXlOTbLYBPV-1ToiVVp-qRyutuqslMyhdY/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
I had been hoping for a much milder winter this year. I guess we can all blame global warming for this.<br />
<a href="http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=0b1ed4b4920c0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD" target="_blank">According to the City of Toronto Statistics</a>, we have had 1 less cold weather alert in the city than last year at this time - but last winter we had 36 cold weather alerts - 4 times the number for the previous winter (2012/2013)! The highest number by far in the last decade! With the 2 recent deaths of homeless men in our streets, I am glad that the City has seemed more open to calling an alert rather than not. I looked for stats to see how many homeless died last winter, but apparently that is not a question that the search engines can answer. Here is to hoping that we don't have any more deaths due to the homeless dying of exposure this winter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEChvVWoDw-4aU0MzFzPh07O2T9ZuHOy5MU6kLCUqioBbMLSQLM2_jbkN7NBbhyphenhyphennqL4hR-ZoY1IJlvAFcRcoSftXzawwFYgSwzedg8c1D763t-u4Lw5aeAypBR47bfT4kl3PXUMH40jPLp/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5eDTzV6a9F4" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
For the geeks out there - I found a You Tube video which explains the Polar Vortex and last year concluded that these cold weather events would continue and increase in the face of global warning. <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212095514000170" target="_blank">According to a Science Digest published study: </a>"... thermal and wind driven ECWAs (Extreme Cold Weather Alerts) will continue for Toronto under climate change scenarios, although with gradual decreasing frequency." The weather models the researchers used projected out to 2050 - but of course I will be long gone by then so I guess I'd better get used to bundling up. And as for the homeless? I think I will pick up a bunch of warm socks and start handing them out instead of change. Seems we are in this for the long haul.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com5150 East Liberty Street, Toronto, ON M6K 3R5, Canada43.6386974 -79.4162180999999818.116662899999998 -120.72481209999998 69.1607319 -38.107624099999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-38106793968783457212013-04-06T00:52:00.000-04:002013-04-06T12:51:59.929-04:00Nature Beauty and Gratitude - Unwinding after a Wicked Week<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/b5DYFL4Wl4k" width="560"></iframe>
We get so wrapped up in our busy selves we forget ... to stop ... and look at the beauty that surrounds us ... to listen to the words of a spendid poem ... to admire the sights we pass by each day ... to savour each bite of our meal.. to enjoy the people we meet and talk with ... to hear the music and to slow down and live in the moment.<br />
<br />
If these words resonate you might want to check out <a href="http://thequietplaceproject.com/thequietplace" target="_blank">The Quiet Place Project.</a> I have the iPhone app on my phone. If you need to slow down some time and be quiet with your world you might want to visit The Quiet Place.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cKyf7Tl4A0J4hSNWwtAyhGCnGns_gFwtRrToORW8aevFJQZWTA1qmgR6XhO2GH7grMJUoPeaWGauIzE5U8rxpeWIZasvJfqYXfiMBjswqkoh-BbFqf4ma4QywgpncF6acyQKd8Y69TbJ/s1600/IMG_3471.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cKyf7Tl4A0J4hSNWwtAyhGCnGns_gFwtRrToORW8aevFJQZWTA1qmgR6XhO2GH7grMJUoPeaWGauIzE5U8rxpeWIZasvJfqYXfiMBjswqkoh-BbFqf4ma4QywgpncF6acyQKd8Y69TbJ/s640/IMG_3471.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This is going to be the shortest post of original words that I have ever posted, I think. My mind is not really on Toronto today. I had a hectic week and after I complete one more item from my job jar I will be heading up north soon for some time with friends. As spring approaches and so does the anniversary of the start of my epic journeys of last year, thoughts of some of the beautiful places I saw wander in and out of memory. Such memories as the one represented by the picture above when I spent 4 days in the French Alps at Chamonix. I could have stayed there a lifetime.<br />
<br />
Since it is poetry month, I need to slip a poem in here and there is one which I think fits my theme, since music is my choice way to de-stress. I have written before of the musician Luciana Sousa and how she has set some of Neruda's poetry to music in one of her albums. Here is another from her album "The Poems of Elizabeth Bishop and Other Songs".
Luciana Souza put these lyrics to music in a Carole King type arrangement and its folksy and
yearning style is a perfect match for the words. I couldn't find it on You Tube so I had to create one myself.<br />
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<div id="article_body">
<div class="inset">
<div class="artist secondary_link">
<div id="review">
<div class="review-body">
<div class="editorial-text collapsible-content" itemprop="description">
<h3 class="title" itemprop="name">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Sonnet</span></span></h3>
<div style="margin-top: 20px; min-height: 570px;">
<div class="KonaBody">
by Elizabeth Bishop<br />
<br />
I am in need of music that would flow<br />
Over my fretful, feeling finger-tips,<br />
Over my bitter-tainted, trembling lips,<br />
With melody, deep, clear, and liquid-slow.<br />
Oh, for the healing swaying, old and low,<br />
Of some song sung to rest the tired dead,<br />
A song to fall like water on my head,<br />
And over quivering limbs, dream flushed to glow!<br />
<br />
There is a magic made by melody:<br />
A spell of rest, and quiet breath, and cool<br />
Heart, that sinks through fading colors deep<br />
To the subaqueous stillness of the sea,<br />
And floats forever in a moon-green pool,<br />
Held in the arms of rhythm and of sleep.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A1NHqx7Z3OE" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-24715182389613916472013-03-31T19:00:00.000-04:002013-03-31T19:00:43.454-04:00One More Cup of Coffee for the sake of Science!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe56zrpqtx13xX7fguV80QEYwUEkziywmWaKU-vcuV0k_KsP5QAx0dTg_pZYnGTm9ZAdfpXlJLTrTESybsA8h4kfWKCwmjNzllsTNJ6amGw_olwjjSyDKPuhyphenhyphen1ewCNXM_sLmfagYpnlea/s1600/Eric+and+Charlotte.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbe56zrpqtx13xX7fguV80QEYwUEkziywmWaKU-vcuV0k_KsP5QAx0dTg_pZYnGTm9ZAdfpXlJLTrTESybsA8h4kfWKCwmjNzllsTNJ6amGw_olwjjSyDKPuhyphenhyphen1ewCNXM_sLmfagYpnlea/s320/Eric+and+Charlotte.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I had the great treat of heading out to Kitchener/Waterloo on Friday to visit with my son Eric and his sweetie Charlotte. The day's highlight was a tour of <a href="http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/" target="_blank">the Perimeter Institute</a>, where Charlotte works as a Scientific Programs Assistant. The architecture of the building is very impressive in both creature comforts as well as aesthetics - nice to see that the world's top researchers in physics are well looked after and are surrounded with things to support creativity and <a href="http://www.supermemo.com/help/faq/genius.htm" target="_blank">foster brain power</a>. There are lots of spaces (aside from the offices) with casual, comfy lounges for fireside theoretical math discussions and recreational facilities like fooseball and squash courts when they need to get away from the heavy thinking. Apparently this work also requires lots of coffee - expresso, of course, and there is a machine at the ready 24/7!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perimeter_Institute_for_Theoretical_Physics" target="_blank">According to Wiki:</a><br />
The building design was awarded a Governor General's Medal for Architecture for the design in May 2006. The building next to PI, housing the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery,
won the same award for its architects in 1997. Perimeter Institutes's
building features an open glass facade along the north and west sides,
contrasting with the slate-black metal walls of much of the rest of the
building. Each researcher's office, as well as various lounge areas,
features a full-wall <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=456746777220655920" title="Chalkboard">blackboard</a> for those huge equations which is a necessary work tool for solo or group work theorizing.<sup> </sup>The 55,000 square feet expansion,
The Stephen Hawking Centre at Perimeter, opened in 2011. <br />
<a href="http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/about" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/about" target="_blank">From the Perimeter Institute website:</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Perimeter Institute is a leading centre for scientific research,
training and educational outreach in foundational theoretical
physics. Founded in 1999 in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, its mission is to
advance our understanding of the universe at the most fundamental
level, stimulating the breakthroughs that could transform our future.
Perimeter also trains the next generation of physicists through
innovative programs, and shares the excitement and wonder of science
with students, teachers and the general public.</blockquote>
The Perimeter Institute is funded through a combination of public and private donors and is a world class facility supporting an International team of researchers. Mike Lazaridis (co-founder of BlackBerry/RIM) is the Perimeter Founder and Board Chair. A long time supporter of scientific research for such places as the Institute for Quantum Computing at the
University of Waterloo and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical
Physics, he announced this week that he is leaving Blackberry to focus his efforts on Quantum Valley Investments, a $100-million
fund he launched with Doug Fregin, a co-founder of Research In Motion/BlackBerry.<br />
<br />
All this is pretty exciting stuff - if you go to their website you can <a href="http://perimeterinstitute.ca/research" target="_blank">read more about the sorts of research being done here</a> - to save you a click here is the introductory paragraph. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Perimeter Institute is a major centre for theoretical physics research,
attracting a diverse community of resident and visiting scientists from
around the world. They cluster in a highly collaborative and
interdisciplinary environment to forge new, mind-bending ideas about the
ultimate nature of our universe, from space and time to matter and
information. Over 150 resident researchers and 1,000 visiting scientists
a year work to unlock nature’s most profound secrets hidden deep inside
the atom and far across the universe </blockquote>
<br />
If you look at the listing of who's who for Perimeter Institute you will see Stephen Hawking is "Distinguished Visiting Research Chair" and he has not only the most recent expansion of the building named after him but also works there during part of the year. <br />
<br />
<br />
For my blog sphere friends from afar, "Kitchener-Waterloo" (K-W), 100 KM to the NW of Toronto, is Canada's 10th largest metropolitan area. Made up of the Cities of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchener,_Ontario" target="_blank">Kitchener</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterloo,_Ontario" target="_blank">Waterloo</a> (also known as "The Twin Cities but you can't tell where one starts and the other ends so I think they must be conjoined twins LOL). Waterloo is a hot bed of high tech companies and has 2 Universities so it is a place of top drawer brain concentration. The City of Cambridge is also in the K-W Metropolitan area, but for some reason it doesn't merit an initial in the K-W moniker. I guess KWC sounds too much like a radio station.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4jTUhwONTjiJ4qEYTKBtShwXnoJ5R6GMsdEsmRi3BwR6ZYWg6_H8fLHkd50yuptX0d8AJwZOR6y5LDP84112Lsup0yEyRtQgki8y2rbMCi79R9EHWMplIIWLSXcNHCCQ56Z4xeBIrFha/s1600/Collages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4jTUhwONTjiJ4qEYTKBtShwXnoJ5R6GMsdEsmRi3BwR6ZYWg6_H8fLHkd50yuptX0d8AJwZOR6y5LDP84112Lsup0yEyRtQgki8y2rbMCi79R9EHWMplIIWLSXcNHCCQ56Z4xeBIrFha/s320/Collages.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I scored a great blackboard coffee mug. I guess theoretical physicists always need to be near a blackboard, not only was there a mini blackboard on the coffee mug (and chalk was provided!) but there were blackboard surfaces everywhere - many with bits of math on them - which I was warned not to photograph!<br />
<br />
It just so happened that Eric was hosting his monthly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Band_%28video_game%29" target="_blank">Rock Band Game</a> night at the Rum Runner pub and so I went along and helped schlep the equipment and after a tasty pub dinner, enjoyed the musical stylings of the various K-W Rock Band enthusiasts. I think everyone in the room was harmonizing at the top of their voices when <span class="st">Bohemian Rhapsody was the chosen song. </span> A good time was had by all! It seems that more than a few of K-W's scientists like to rock it out on a Friday night. I just might go back again after I practice a few tunes!<br />
<br />
The coffee mug sits proudly on my shelf in my office and that prompted me to look for a good "Coffee Song" to include in this blog<b>. </b>I found a Dylan song which has been covered by quite a few really great voices, but my preference was for this version by a little known band from the Netherlands by the name of Heger Walter Band.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8at2Yb7wrY?list=FLVZjV6l8sKlaBFoy_Dghzhg" width="560"></iframe>
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">One More Cup Of Coffee</span></span></b></h3>
<h4>
<span style="color: red;">by Bob Dylan<b> </b></span></h4>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;">
Your breath is sweet<br />
Your eyes are like two jewels in the sky<br />
Your back is straight your hair is smooth<br />
On the pillow where you lie<br />
But I don't sense affection<br />
No gratitude or love<br />
Your loyalty is not to me<br />
But to the stars above<br />
<br />
One more cup of coffee for the road<br />
One more cup of coffee 'fore I go.<br />
To the valley below.<br />
<br />
Your daddy he's an outlaw<br />
And a wanderer by trade<br />
He'll teach you how to pick and choose<br />
And how to throw the blade<br />
He oversees his kingdom<br />
So no stranger does intrude<br />
His voice it trembles as he calls out<br />
For another plate of food.<br />
<br />
One more cup of coffee for the road<br />
One more cup of coffee 'fore I go.<br />
To the valley below.<br />
<br />
Your sister sees the future <br />
Like your mama and yourself<br />
You've never learned to read or write<br />
There's no books upon your shelf<br />
And your pleasure knows no limits<br />
Your voice is like a meadowlark<br />
But your heart is like an ocean<br />
Mysterious and dark.<br />
<br />
One more cup of coffee for the road<br />
One more cup of coffee 'fore I go.<br />
To the valley below.
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/_1R5mdg4PQ0" target="_blank">The Original by Bob Dylan</a>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-51742614676733531552012-07-17T23:36:00.001-04:002012-07-17T23:36:19.261-04:00Homes Sweet Homes<p> My last post to this blog was nearly 4 months ago. Since then I have been in Cuba for 5 weeks, home 1 week and then in Europe for 3 months. In that time I have been pretty consistently sharing my travel experiences in my other blog <a href="http://peggysbucketlistadventures.blogspot.ca/" target="_self" title="">Peggy's Bucket LIst Adventures.</a> I have a bit of catching up to do on that blog for reasons explained in my last blog on that site, but in the meantime, I am going to restart this blog and catch up on things here.</p><p> I arrived home last week and had a happy reunion with my family and set about catching up with a pile of "to do's" which were waiting for me to come home. I am sad to say that my adventures are probably going to be cut short a bit. I had wanted to travel to the east coast of Canada and tour Newfoundland, but I think my funds are running a bit low. I had counted on having my Collingwood Shangri-La rented until September but my tenants turned delinquent and I am having to evict them with rent owing. So I will be losing a few months rent and (I will find out this week when they vacate), I understand that there are damages to be repaired. I won't go into details, but suffice to say that I will come away with several thousand fewer dollars than I had expected on the "inflow" side of the budget</p><p>Not to say that it is all bad. I love my Collingwood retreat, and am looking forward to getting it back on the 22nd of July. It will be wonderful to spend the rest of the summer up on Georgian Bay, if I can't go out east.</p><p>I had rented both my homes out while I was away and over the next 2 weeks I will get each of them back again. It will take a bit of effort to get all my personal stuff back in place, but it is the start to getting back in to a normal routine. Kind of hard this week, since I don't have possession of either of my homes and still feel a bit like a gypsy. In the meantime I will see how empty the coffers are and when I will need to get back to the 9 to 5 world. It will take a bit of adjustment for sure.</p><p>The other bit of news is that I have not wasted any time since I have been back and now have a new puppy to look after. Her name is Abby and she is part Yorkie and part Lhasa Apso. She was born May 6th, which makes her nearly 10 weeks old. I had forgotten how much work new puppies are. So instead of going out east I will be training my new puppy. I am hoping to have a month or so before I hve to leave her each day for work. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQmwXRfawHJXMI6iLsvPuj97Fln6OPEjk1qhQLDb6vLHjz0eBEHKIRD_9faXyuKqgdlcfAUdyWIF8JT50p0ka00gozX_j2sdrQ1xNNwVf6KIE1GdsCaoqUexCfpqb5EEa7gQdOt4U6I1N/s500/Photo%2525202012-07-17%25252010%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQmwXRfawHJXMI6iLsvPuj97Fln6OPEjk1qhQLDb6vLHjz0eBEHKIRD_9faXyuKqgdlcfAUdyWIF8JT50p0ka00gozX_j2sdrQ1xNNwVf6KIE1GdsCaoqUexCfpqb5EEa7gQdOt4U6I1N/s500/Photo%2525202012-07-17%25252010%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1342580434412.5298" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="384" height="512"></a></div><p> Abby lounging in her basket. Isn't she small?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ab4utRl7pspbZg0WkX03d2Ilq6vG-sfEFIpi-yXiKvJfjrKxDLkSF-yPbyPivRPqSDe7IcN3BOyjpegRIQlaAXDr5cDW-zUAaPfKELpAZ3fGGixH_2ujDvsvLqMwc7LpMPre5VYLv59y/s500/Photo%2525202012-07-17%25252010%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ab4utRl7pspbZg0WkX03d2Ilq6vG-sfEFIpi-yXiKvJfjrKxDLkSF-yPbyPivRPqSDe7IcN3BOyjpegRIQlaAXDr5cDW-zUAaPfKELpAZ3fGGixH_2ujDvsvLqMwc7LpMPre5VYLv59y/s500/Photo%2525202012-07-17%25252010%25253A48%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1342580434468.7388" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> She will be big for a Yorkie as her parents were 11 and 15 pounds. I expect that she will remain on the lower side of this range, maybe even less, since apparently she is 3/4 Yorkie.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Dog Song </p><p> I love this song by Nellie McKay. It is peppy and it is jazzy and it is exactly what I will be singing when Abby gets her 2nd booster shots and can come out of doggie quarantine when her immune system is full of those doggie vaccinations.</p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gs-Ltx8ZApQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p> </p>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-36360682196638221922011-12-25T17:33:00.000-05:002011-12-25T17:33:51.869-05:00Merry Christmas to Friends Past, Present and Future....I haven't had any time to blog for longer than I can remember. There are the usual excuses - too much to do with the hours I have and there is little time left to even get a half decent night's sleep.<br />
<br />
I especially wanted to make time today to wish all my friends in the Blogsphere the very best of the holiday season. I hope you have a great time with friends and family over the holidays and your wishes for wonderful things next year all come true. Special thoughts of love to my dear friends who I won't be able to see this Christmas. Though you might be far away know that I still carry thoughts of you in my heart.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="275" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ei3rTITyOhY" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have planned a new blog for the New Year. I am going to call it "Bucket List Adventures" as it will contain my travel blogs. I have not done justice as yet to my Iceland trip of the summer and I have just about completed plans for my 6 month sabbatical which will start on Feb 15th. I will keep this blog on the back burner for next July when I return from Europe and settle back into my Toronto routine. <br />
<br />
Watch in the coming days for the first blog in my new site. I have spent a great deal of time planning my Cuba, Spain, France and Italy itineraries. It takes a lot of time to check out lodgings, points of interest and to researching equipment to take on a 1,000 KM trek not to mention the training program I have started in earnest. Lots to do.<br />
<br />
I have discovered that the University of Havana intakes new Spanish Languages students each month. So after a couple of weeks of R & R treking Cuba, during the month of March I will be taking a 4 week language course in Havana. <br />
<br />
For my Europe leg of my holiday 6 weeks will be spent in Spain walking the Camino - The Pilgrim's Trail via the <a href="http://www.followthecamino.com/en/via-de-la-plata/?gclid=CKyutKeinq0CFUIDQAodu3GzsQ">Via de la Plata</a> route. After that it is France and Italy for the remaining 6 weeks. One can only remain in the EU for 90 days in each 180 days and long term visas seem impossible to get. So I will return to Canada with enough time to maybe have a bit of a trip to the East Coast before I am back to work in September. <br />
<br />
I will put a link to my travel blog on this site when I get the inaugural post finished.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-33710856282417520632011-10-16T23:48:00.001-04:002011-10-16T23:48:17.284-04:00No Mega-Quarry -- Foodstock Protest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiwLdQ0XPiut62YB3CaufWNbp-15-XNLKgN6zx7rhWbslphXsWu_8ltuIATW_IWY2YeHo8hZ2c_WdG-H13jgpJ8V4IXc5VCZqzGXsJ2vFez1GICN3e1oKC78Ih6Dl_gL1WoNzguaD8rox/s1600/FOODSTOCK-POSTER-FINAL-194x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiwLdQ0XPiut62YB3CaufWNbp-15-XNLKgN6zx7rhWbslphXsWu_8ltuIATW_IWY2YeHo8hZ2c_WdG-H13jgpJ8V4IXc5VCZqzGXsJ2vFez1GICN3e1oKC78Ih6Dl_gL1WoNzguaD8rox/s200/FOODSTOCK-POSTER-FINAL-194x300.jpg" width="129" /></a>OK, so I have got to start blogging again - even though I have less than no time.
I miss spending time writing and trading comments with my friends in the blogsphere. Going to try to get back at it again. The plan this time is to ease back into this habit once again. Lets hope that I can keep these blogs coming with some regularity.<br />
<br />
Today I attended Foodstock. Lots of protests going on these days and this is one that I can get behind whole heartedly.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjwNnzZxeP8j0CxyATrrp66MH-xHye1MWr43Dl7fvB1hLwR9PEjr8vep5VIGf5nG9OybOZX51_co15dUbbxaSA7b5cXFgHIDTa5RMD9Jrq1d6rfkAXhv_EDP65s5pyfsD5Nf9h48iiwSl/s1600/IMG_3782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjwNnzZxeP8j0CxyATrrp66MH-xHye1MWr43Dl7fvB1hLwR9PEjr8vep5VIGf5nG9OybOZX51_co15dUbbxaSA7b5cXFgHIDTa5RMD9Jrq1d6rfkAXhv_EDP65s5pyfsD5Nf9h48iiwSl/s320/IMG_3782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prime Class 1 Farmland in Melancthon Township - the location of Foodstock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ontario has some prime farmland in the area I drive through on my way to Collingwood, just north of <a href="http://www.townofshelburne.on.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp">Shelburne </a>. Highway 124, which runs north from Shelburne all the way to Georgian Bay in the centre of Collingwood cuts through the middle this wonderful potato growing land. Maybe soon to be x-wonderful potato growing land for 8,000 acres which have been proposed to become Canada`s largest aggregate quarry. There are two things which threaten the countryside in these parts, in the eyes of the locals and some not so locals. One thing generating a lot of protests are the windmills which are slowly marching north (Go to the Town of Shelburne website if you want to see) - but explaining that is another blog. The other item which is more certainly threatening the countryside and is not debated by anyone who lives near or travels up and down highway 124 is the proposed Mega-quarry. <br />
<br />
Quoting from a <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/02/us-quarry-idUSTRE7815J820110902">Reuters news</a> release:<br />
<blockquote>
<span id="articleText">The project, which would supply crushed
limestone for Toronto's booming construction industry, has counted value
investor Seth Klarman's Baupost Group as one of its investors.<br />
<span id="midArticle_1"></span>Highlands
Cos, the company behind the quarry, plans to carve out the huge pit on
thousands of acres of potato fields it has bought up about 100
kilometers (62 miles) north of Toronto.</span></blockquote>
<span id="articleText"></span><br />
I might add that I am not sure the above news release is entirely correct. According to some of my research the limestone to be quarried may actually be destined for distant countries as the supply is way more than Toronto would absorb.<br />
<br />
<br />
As I am told, many of the local farmers sold their land to Highlands Cos. after being told that the land would be maintained as farmland. They are sick that the land will end up as a giant hole in the ground (see below) , and an eyesore for the folks in the area. More importantly, it would ruining the water table for the farmers around who did not sell out. Being at the highpoint in the southern Ontario landscape, headwaters of 5 rivers supplying water to a large rural area, it could threaten the water supply for a lot of folks.<br />
<br />
I have put together this little bit of a photo-diary to tell you about the event, which was a fundraiser for the "No Mega-Quarry" cause. If any of this has struck a chord and you weren`t able to get out and leave the suggested $10 donation in exchange for the food and music - go to <a href="http://nomegaquarry.ca/">No Mega-quarry </a>and leave your donation now.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20111014/southern-ontario-mega-quarry-foodstock-event-111016/">Go here if you want a full news report of the event.</a> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKR9agmmB-CWY6xKjwzF4qDTu60zYaqZnVrDFgxBVumfrD1l3c5U9GsDRO1aLJgWyzkmOTICoBSFfoKQ0mxDSXTj3d-3P7S2-ZKNtX43lds1eu6u5UcsIFdUdPCCdRNxXHNcfgf2qOq62Q/s1600/quarry-thumb-480xauto-2246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKR9agmmB-CWY6xKjwzF4qDTu60zYaqZnVrDFgxBVumfrD1l3c5U9GsDRO1aLJgWyzkmOTICoBSFfoKQ0mxDSXTj3d-3P7S2-ZKNtX43lds1eu6u5UcsIFdUdPCCdRNxXHNcfgf2qOq62Q/s320/quarry-thumb-480xauto-2246.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken from the David Suzuki Foundation web site explaining the environmental impact of the mega-quarry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/panther-lounge/2011/05/billion-tonne-mega-quarry-to-improve-the-local-environment/">Go here to the David Suzuki Foundation to find out why the Mega-quarry is a bad thing for the area.</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2Ay7eD9i2n_pyWgoilZAtBwD_wjo-RPl7SZgMXsPMwmQHQf7hQGIDTBfcFd-WVtasMGf9vZDlUIjKbFHh_sq_fW-tejEYNcd0ZfLOMPIIBZvyZzGHY0L3sFydzG-ljY2ikghpkPfRCOB/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2Ay7eD9i2n_pyWgoilZAtBwD_wjo-RPl7SZgMXsPMwmQHQf7hQGIDTBfcFd-WVtasMGf9vZDlUIjKbFHh_sq_fW-tejEYNcd0ZfLOMPIIBZvyZzGHY0L3sFydzG-ljY2ikghpkPfRCOB/s320/IMG_3797.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Support for the No Mega-quarry group comes from all quarters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutolnFDieOpoDUV-EEAe3A25sJO8xWIdYsK3ChQ_uEgMPLA4IKpdCub7UfsEwrfft9gdrTGxHQ6bdyk1WcURFZJWSiSexEVAmveoE4xVTD4vZQWfZpUcmBthpfgHh8YcAIKrMVbXDdLRv/s1600/IMG_3799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutolnFDieOpoDUV-EEAe3A25sJO8xWIdYsK3ChQ_uEgMPLA4IKpdCub7UfsEwrfft9gdrTGxHQ6bdyk1WcURFZJWSiSexEVAmveoE4xVTD4vZQWfZpUcmBthpfgHh8YcAIKrMVbXDdLRv/s320/IMG_3799.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paths criss-crossed through the woods with a foodie tent every 5 yards or so.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HVLaggbthmDhDYqoZOZbTCtQq_i-W-4LMPYQHAhj7UcBeCcwxWzzJJp8OhPYeswS0wnmxul2t7f3bf6TT7SYUsPARvmn5lUpfEUkos0Pvzh-0ca25LuZjs10okh4fKEq_x2_jlso3Nhu/s1600/IMG_3800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HVLaggbthmDhDYqoZOZbTCtQq_i-W-4LMPYQHAhj7UcBeCcwxWzzJJp8OhPYeswS0wnmxul2t7f3bf6TT7SYUsPARvmn5lUpfEUkos0Pvzh-0ca25LuZjs10okh4fKEq_x2_jlso3Nhu/s320/IMG_3800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long lineups but for some pretty scrumptious food. We entertained while waiting by telling jokes. Did you hear the one about (oops - can`t say that one in mixed company!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfsoE-ImfxxriuDycZ-6W3vsSCKaR9BJmAfKSlIUEb3IyB4sbENP_aoJIRGtedTLwKghgvIbsEcj90JRNWPOE61GgTY-W9VJ2-Z7kEdu9cxsXL6N_DCcrBoTZgHdAalD5RS2qNznm1iNR/s1600/IMG_3801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfsoE-ImfxxriuDycZ-6W3vsSCKaR9BJmAfKSlIUEb3IyB4sbENP_aoJIRGtedTLwKghgvIbsEcj90JRNWPOE61GgTY-W9VJ2-Z7kEdu9cxsXL6N_DCcrBoTZgHdAalD5RS2qNznm1iNR/s320/IMG_3801.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not only were there 100 of Toronto's top Chefs represented but also many local top drawer eateries. This one is on our list to visit when next in Thornbury.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl95ZShkFCr3Fq6FXbFROZunDWqaMDiJPP7pVCPWJ7LT7WPKcLjFzB58hHJXBwzNsJB5Q1RO2PK0VoXHUFJ6gO1sJUo39Y4Jl3Kn5LE1wTb43VoKn_mbpK6qDQzMXs2Vqr8i8I1_V_w9mL/s1600/IMG_3803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl95ZShkFCr3Fq6FXbFROZunDWqaMDiJPP7pVCPWJ7LT7WPKcLjFzB58hHJXBwzNsJB5Q1RO2PK0VoXHUFJ6gO1sJUo39Y4Jl3Kn5LE1wTb43VoKn_mbpK6qDQzMXs2Vqr8i8I1_V_w9mL/s320/IMG_3803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was pretty cold and rainy, but the sun broke out a couple of times.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ALW2DKPlcb_-H-rQwtWtGHXIDl7-91eOvvGmGrZHxW5573F71rQfrg8Uv-FAb0pd9tJ9mk0rGtliK8KrWRUIEMlBP2Ii0cTKy60Di5Het9Y0Q4Qo5pwwL8D1uYq0Ezfui5AtQipdBFFg/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ALW2DKPlcb_-H-rQwtWtGHXIDl7-91eOvvGmGrZHxW5573F71rQfrg8Uv-FAb0pd9tJ9mk0rGtliK8KrWRUIEMlBP2Ii0cTKy60Di5Het9Y0Q4Qo5pwwL8D1uYq0Ezfui5AtQipdBFFg/s320/IMG_3808.JPG" width="174" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not only were there roving musicians, but also there must have been a poet leaving his/her thoughts hanging about. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqlS1-kKqU5I9ZQEDMh9WZQhrpvg57494K7kJMWBJc9oCp5z9YlYLjZd0uy3HNeMbXFd4noXeBjlNkdSETaunfQdhgss6g5X-i_C61YJQ81RCdf_pjUCOJZSW3RCwPGOMQsAFvoRtsxV/s1600/IMG_3819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqlS1-kKqU5I9ZQEDMh9WZQhrpvg57494K7kJMWBJc9oCp5z9YlYLjZd0uy3HNeMbXFd4noXeBjlNkdSETaunfQdhgss6g5X-i_C61YJQ81RCdf_pjUCOJZSW3RCwPGOMQsAFvoRtsxV/s320/IMG_3819.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Michael Stadtländer got my vote for the best dish (a spectacularly tasty cabbage soup garnished with squash) but also for speedy service and rustic ambience.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSpDtNGD2E25Li8FNA55DNks1z7IneLgNkcCKAG0kGLWC766VZIHLpeoAKN7qippHCczh_8o6JCYiX9vadjkbD0N84YJXULO41cJRJkX9Zf6EuPEAulcd7EBsmSSlkl5Ia0FvG-cC78c1/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSpDtNGD2E25Li8FNA55DNks1z7IneLgNkcCKAG0kGLWC766VZIHLpeoAKN7qippHCczh_8o6JCYiX9vadjkbD0N84YJXULO41cJRJkX9Zf6EuPEAulcd7EBsmSSlkl5Ia0FvG-cC78c1/s320/IMG_3823.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Stadtländer serving up his soup from a massive pumpkin! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIRxXE7wg6tbMffrLYIh39TqTaPiLx7zV2MhrZw0bunN6EiLYsy3sQYBbdLuSG0ioemSqV8X02JUrcIh1Wt7XlCEOJRnb-ePe3MjaTi8dj6waCps5avX-_wPZuhbNYNFdaUz8bb2zSr2c/s1600/IMG_3810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIRxXE7wg6tbMffrLYIh39TqTaPiLx7zV2MhrZw0bunN6EiLYsy3sQYBbdLuSG0ioemSqV8X02JUrcIh1Wt7XlCEOJRnb-ePe3MjaTi8dj6waCps5avX-_wPZuhbNYNFdaUz8bb2zSr2c/s320/IMG_3810.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fields were rather muddy, it being a cold and drizzly day, but we all had our wellies on! Lots of room for the 28,000 in attendance to stand and listen to the local Ontario music.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLQWHskXVs9TxEujgsW2p456mPjnwRSZcSVjlucsEUQT7uR5aUECouZUcSQ-Y64bWnyRuFdWiv7zRL4RPa6kmGK1sVQm2LKKikJUT2dxTUypVV4RX-q0wncDtg6cSH3F1mZZ__E23jRn_/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLQWHskXVs9TxEujgsW2p456mPjnwRSZcSVjlucsEUQT7uR5aUECouZUcSQ-Y64bWnyRuFdWiv7zRL4RPa6kmGK1sVQm2LKKikJUT2dxTUypVV4RX-q0wncDtg6cSH3F1mZZ__E23jRn_/s320/IMG_3811.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got finished our tour of the food tents to catch a bit of Cuff the Duke. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7gJ-5_AYsFnD388l3kvoxqs-FgYQmXZeEsnjwALOOxTtaQVotOWobwwWVU0QN3bBTL4zClDk0xX1Wr1Gaff35nBmwMV6HA-zucYPLB6pPTqab-jrmYKzMwViP6l1ecMIQE6Esx-C2sws/s1600/IMG_3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7gJ-5_AYsFnD388l3kvoxqs-FgYQmXZeEsnjwALOOxTtaQVotOWobwwWVU0QN3bBTL4zClDk0xX1Wr1Gaff35nBmwMV6HA-zucYPLB6pPTqab-jrmYKzMwViP6l1ecMIQE6Esx-C2sws/s320/IMG_3826.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayden was next on stage after a talk by a speaker from the David Suzuki Foundation, who explained the implications of the Mega-quarry to the local water table and environment. To follow were Ron Sexsmith & Colleen Hixenbaugh and Members of the
Barenaked Ladies. The finale featured Jim Cuddy and Cuff The Duke.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Music to Dance Around the Kitchen With <br />
<br />
I have been listening to a lot of Chris Issak these days. Here is one that I was rockin' around my kitchen to earlier tonight as I cooked up a storm. I am on a diet - the Dukan diet to be exact. This diet (similar to the Atkin`s diet but a bit more sensible) requires that I eat copious quantities of meat and fish and dairy. So Sunday night's ritual is to get out my George Foreman Grill and cook up 3 or 4 types of heavy duty protein foodstuffs and pack them up in lunch size containers so I can continue ridding myself of my muffin top. Yes, I know - need to join a gym also - I am working up to that. Anyway, the song following has found it's way into my brain and is on continual loop.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9ymEJN6U000?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
I want you to want me<br />
I'd love you to love me<br />
I'm beggin you to beg me<br />
I need you to need me<br />
<br />
I want you to want me<br />
I'd love you to love me<br />
I'm beggin you to beg me<br />
Put on old brown shoes, put on a brand-new shirt<br />
Get home early from work if you say that you love me<br />
<br />
Baby, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin?<br />
Didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin?<br />
Feelin all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin.<br />
Baby, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin?<br />
<br />
I want you to want me<br />
I'd love you to love me<br />
I'm beggin you to beg me<br />
I need you to need me<br />
Kick on old brown shoes, put on a brand-new shirt.<br />
Get home early from work if you say that you love me.<br />
<br />
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin?<br />
Didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin?<br />
Feelin all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin.<br />
Baby, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin?<br />
<br />
Feelin all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dyin.<br />
Baby, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin?<br />
<br />
I want you to want me<br />
I'd love you to love me<br />
I'm beggin you to beg me<br />
Oh I need you to need me<br />
I want you to want me<br />
I want you to want me<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=8f72bb3f-8919-49ce-b761-db8883f0db3f" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-6238724678165873892011-09-11T13:17:00.000-04:002011-09-18T16:35:07.740-04:00Sad September Day and Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IvwXVU5R1bVtpQWaX6yu8lgyQGJ8o99hU1gVnlh6vPfct377K0GVhll_npPais3dJNPqCy6Sn4l6a2ghrgkvL1FPz24fQY1W2zEUHXPp4CWfcwjGSBF8wQKjlMK7PLn_k4axRjPz8gja/s1600/NLE+%252710+-+9-11+WTC+Attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IvwXVU5R1bVtpQWaX6yu8lgyQGJ8o99hU1gVnlh6vPfct377K0GVhll_npPais3dJNPqCy6Sn4l6a2ghrgkvL1FPz24fQY1W2zEUHXPp4CWfcwjGSBF8wQKjlMK7PLn_k4axRjPz8gja/s320/NLE+%252710+-+9-11+WTC+Attack.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
Today is a day of sad remembrance and a day of reflection. Ten years since the Twin Towers fell and the word terrorism took on a new significance.<br />
<br />
Ten years ago today, I was in class at Sheridan College, having quit work and back at school to retool and go back into the IT field. I recall classes becoming deserted as whispers of a terrible accident surfaced and many of us wandered over to the student union building, where live coverage was being telecast on a huge TV screen. It was here that I saw the 2nd tower being hit - pretty much the same picture as I have included above - and then over the next two hours, the two towers each collapsing. As the brain absorbed the event I viewed the footage being replayed over and over again and tried to make sense of what was happening. Many of us sat spellbound in front of TVs for most of the next 4 or 5 days as we came to terms with what we saw.<br />
<br />
I don't think much learning went on at school that week. We were in shock and in disbelief of the magnitude and horror of the attack.
That was 10 years ago. The world has changed so much since then in response to this event. Today as we we reflect upon it, I am not sure if we are any more hopeful about our future and our "War on Terror", despite the fact that Osama Bin Ladin has been caught and killed. We are for sure more careful and I am happy when I see the extent of security when I get on a flight. I am hopeful that with the increased vigilance of the authorities, we can be spared of any more horrors as the world witnessed on 9/11.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaedROwaNJVH9eKK8CWI3AxmZWf7sY-aWCAdpJzx7WyIPGq8yAXzQKQ21NQpenfz6V_Rf3plLbh6zRCH1cnZCE7TqF5zB7jJ7J-OOSlM8Yj2sbqo8clQAP1f9as2Ji-O5oYA0hd2UZTD-z/s1600/IMG_1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaedROwaNJVH9eKK8CWI3AxmZWf7sY-aWCAdpJzx7WyIPGq8yAXzQKQ21NQpenfz6V_Rf3plLbh6zRCH1cnZCE7TqF5zB7jJ7J-OOSlM8Yj2sbqo8clQAP1f9as2Ji-O5oYA0hd2UZTD-z/s400/IMG_1511.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This week has been a pretty sad one for me, so my mood is in keeping with this day of remembrance. My dear little dog Bella is no longer with me. She developed a health issue which put her in a great deal of pain and for which there were few options and no certainty of recovery and a life without pain.<br />
<br />
Bella was a fabulous dog and a great friend and companion. I put together a <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110150086917956295695/ATributeToBella?authkey=Gv1sRgCPH1grfoupPzrQE#slideshow/5650733482122402866">small photo gallery</a> as a tribute to her life and would invite my friends to visit it and celebrate her life with me.
When Bella arrived in July of 2005 she was a tiny puppy and she could not even climb the stairs. She grew to be a very well behaved and wonderfully loving dog.<br />
<br />
Each day, when I opened the door she was there to welcome me home and ready for our routine of play time. We would roll around on the floor until finally she would go fetch her treats and sit down to have a chew while went about my "get home from work" routine. Each morning before I left I would give her a few dog buiscuits. She always saved at least one to eat after I got home.<br />
<br />
Bella saw me through more than one failed romance during her life. As relationships ended and new loves came afterwards, she was there to console when I pined loves lost and there to make friends as a new suitor arrived.<br />
<br />
She and I were a team and we loved one another dearly. I have to thank all my dear friends for their concern and condolences and their understanding of what it means to lose a dog. I am so glad for the love of such wonderful friends. Friends make difficult times easier. <br />
<br />
So this week has been a sad one, but moreover it has been a week for me to mark a time of change. While thinking of the changes in my life in the last 10 years, I am also thinking with great anticipation at the changes to take place in the next decade. As you know, this fall I am in full planning mode for my getaway, not only reviewing travel literature and drafting itineraries as I make decisions about where to visit and how long to stay. I will have a lot to occupy my thoughts and keep me busy. When I return from my travels it will be time enough to think about the possibility of a new dog.<br />
<br />
As I was sorting through memories and thinking about changes in my life over these last 10 years and the love I have lost with the passing of Bella, and other people who played a role in my life during this last decade and who no longer do, it struck me that we have great capacity to love and to love again. We don't know what is around the next corner. Two weeks ago I would could not have imagined that Bella would be gone. Maybe what happens next will be bad, like the loss of a dog, but maybe it will be good like the arrival of a grandchild. (I am thinking of my friend Barb here who is expecting her first grandchild at the end of the year). Once a new love arrives, we don't forget our old loves, but the new love helps us to move on.<br />
<br />
<br />
I wanted to end this blog with something uplifting. Music always lifts my spirit and I thought of a song which always makes me feel good when I listen to it. The song also expresses the hope and the cure for all our woes. The simple message in this song is wonderful and so apt. I am sure will make everyone reading this blog smile and feel just a little bit better. <object height="344" style="background-image: url("http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/U1eobGf1tBo/hqdefault.jpg");" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U1eobGf1tBo&hl=en_GB&fs=1">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U1eobGf1tBo&hl=en_GB&fs=1" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com222 Ramblings Way, Collingwood, ON L9Y, Canada44.5166878 -80.246460544.5138573 -80.251396 44.5195183 -80.241525tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-67076607586996936042011-08-29T20:00:00.000-04:002011-08-29T23:23:04.105-04:00End of Summer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcpWI9QCho2iIVUc7vIMJDy4EsP7hU36pKnhOt0g2IJb5QCdMIx_a0AfUeVIV9iImRGPM3RVGjpi3SsWsfZjtUa2MZDndDDm6dH1_v3WZKIXnz1tJG7K_Cc04xUj3tu7CTbdQgQy4XLYh/s1600/IMG_3252-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcpWI9QCho2iIVUc7vIMJDy4EsP7hU36pKnhOt0g2IJb5QCdMIx_a0AfUeVIV9iImRGPM3RVGjpi3SsWsfZjtUa2MZDndDDm6dH1_v3WZKIXnz1tJG7K_Cc04xUj3tu7CTbdQgQy4XLYh/s320/IMG_3252-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat Trip through "Hole in the Wall" - Pointe Au Baril, Georgian Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
End of Summer really seems to have arrived. The nights are cooling down, even days are calling for a sweater as I head off to the salt mines in the morning.<br />
<br />
This end of summer is a bit different for me this year. Lots of change in the air and I feel decidedly unsettled. It is less than 6 months until I take my sabbatical and go off on my adventures. I am moving into full planning mode now. Lots of details to look after. The primary item I have covered - my home and my dog. Thanks to my son's friend Amanda I have someone to move in here and look after Bella. Next important is what to do about my beloved Collingwood Shangri-La.<br />
<br />
After much thought I decided to find long term tenants for the property to ensure that I didn't have a drain on my funds during the time away. Also, maybe I am wanting to make sure that I don't have to rush back if I like where things are heading me when I am gone. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0aMxvErlbDMUolBKi8piRL_DUntIbcvLHGifM6V6IJqNkuYIXauz3-Wjv-PDATu4th8u0ICvC2oxa4LxHNMEG7dYQZV8KD7uUN0d1Hgk27Dly7X8SrR3NmQ3gxhCljPy_clwFgC7FvPA/s1600/IMG_3250-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0aMxvErlbDMUolBKi8piRL_DUntIbcvLHGifM6V6IJqNkuYIXauz3-Wjv-PDATu4th8u0ICvC2oxa4LxHNMEG7dYQZV8KD7uUN0d1Hgk27Dly7X8SrR3NmQ3gxhCljPy_clwFgC7FvPA/s320/IMG_3250-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat Trip through "Hole in the Wall" - Pointe Au Baril, Georgian Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I put an ad in Craig's list on Saturday to rent out the property. If I can get long term tenants installed, I can put it on "autopilot" presuming that the tenant will pay their rent on time. With the expenses covered I will be free to go wherever my heart sends me next February - that is until I run out of travel money. LOL So that means for the next month I will be busy getting rid of stuff. I had previously thought that I might keep my wonderful resort condo as my home base and just rent it out for the 4 ski months next year but that seems kind of silly given for sure I will be away all next summer and back just in time to try and rent it out for ski season the year following. Maybe I will want to continue my travels for much longer, and in fact regardless, I have decided that I will rent it out until I am able to retire and instead go on more trips in the coming years. Lots of time to enjoy my Shangri-La once I retire.<br />
<br />
So I need to get rid of a lot more stuff than usual - I may even have to clear out all the furniture if a tenant comes along who doesn't need it furnished. I will be sad to leave my place of serenity but know that it is necessary to position me for maximum adventures as a gypsy in this next phase of my life.<br />
<br />
If you know of anyone who is looking for a sweet spot in Collingwood send them over to <a href="http://gallery.me.com/epeggyh#100095">my photo album of my Collingwood Shangri-La</a> and have them get in touch if interested.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8I6wkOJfLSgpMoqxvoy_qsxN1EgMnxQw8_eQHJzGVRMAFPwWtNqhfH4eimJoSuqbb1OU3_ZimpKtN0mVyUJoXjQA5buPEZttPfTcvfsOgpZ11neG9reKlYDUxZsSx2z-TdigAd_jP-Ph/s1600/IMG_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8I6wkOJfLSgpMoqxvoy_qsxN1EgMnxQw8_eQHJzGVRMAFPwWtNqhfH4eimJoSuqbb1OU3_ZimpKtN0mVyUJoXjQA5buPEZttPfTcvfsOgpZ11neG9reKlYDUxZsSx2z-TdigAd_jP-Ph/s320/IMG_3361.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian National Exhibition - View from my balcony - An End of Summer Ritual in Toronto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have been doing lots of stuff over the summer in "real life" and so not really blogging much. I am planning on doing a few blogs to catch everyone up on the goings on - my trip to Iceland (wonderful), lots of stuff up Georgian Bay way (my weekend at Pointe Au Baril where I took the first two pictures) are just a few of the great things I have been up to this summer.<br />
<br />
Lastly, I need to tell everyone that my baby is starting University this fall - frosh week is this week to be exact. Tegan has been living with her father for quite a few years now and is moving out of his home to be closer to school (ok .5 km instead of 5 km LOL) ... anyway, I am so proud of Tegan and wish her well in this segment of her life. <br />
<br />
<br />
Vacation over, we go back to routine.<br />
Students go back to school and <br />
<br />
weekend cottage trips are replaced by weekends raking leaves,<br />
Days grow short and nights grow long.<br />
Summer romance is over. <br />
<br />
We mourn end of summer.<br />
What comes next?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>End of Summer can be a sad time because the good times and fun come to an end, but more importantly it is a time of new beginnings - for some exciting beginnings. So with mixed feelings, sadness that I won't have the solace of my Collingwood Shangri-La for a few years and excitement that goes with planning a new long term travel venture I have chosen a song by Dar Williams to send us off.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dar Williams is described by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dar_Williams">Wiki as an American singer-songwriter who specializes in pop folk.</a> She was born in 1967 in New York State. To learn more about Dar <a href="http://www.darwilliams.com/">Williams go to her official site.</a><br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/McyPesx6lWc?fs=1&hl=en_GB">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/McyPesx6lWc?fs=1&hl=en_GB" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
The summer ends and we wonder where we are<br />
And there you go, my friends, with your boxes in your car<br />
And you both look so young<br />
And last night was hard, you said<br />
You packed up every room<br />
And then you cried and went to bed<br />
But today you closed the door and said<br />
"we have to get a move on.<br />
It's just that time of year when we push ourselves ahead,<br />
We push ourselves ahead."<br />
<br />
And it was cloudy in the morning<br />
And it rained as you drove away<br />
And the same things looked different<br />
It's the end of the summer<br />
It's the end of the summer,<br />
When you move to another place<br />
<br />
And I feel like the neighbor's girl who will never be the same<br />
She walked alone all spring,<br />
She had a boyfriend when the summer came<br />
And he gave her flowers in a lightning storm<br />
They disappeared at night in green fields of silver corn<br />
And sometime in july she just forgot that he was leaving<br />
So when the fields were dying, she held on to his sleeves<br />
She held on to his sleeves<br />
<br />
And she doesn't want to let go<br />
'cause she won't know what she's up against<br />
The classrooms and the smart girls<br />
It's the end of the summer<br />
It's the end of the summer<br />
When you hang your flowers up to dry<br />
<br />
And I had a dream it blows the autumn through my head<br />
<br />
It felt like the first day of school<br />
But I was going to the moon instead<br />
And I walked down the hall<br />
With the notebooks they got for me<br />
My dad led me through the house<br />
My mom drank instant coffee<br />
And I knew that I would crash<br />
But I didn't want to tell them<br />
There are just some moments when your family makes sense<br />
They just make sense<br />
<br />
So I raised up my arms and my mother put the sweater on<br />
We walked out on the dark and frozen grass<br />
The end of the summer<br />
It's the end of the summer<br />
When you send your children to the moon<br />
<br />
The summer ends and we wonder who we are<br />
And there you go, my friends, with your boxes in your car<br />
And today I passed the high school, the river, the maple tree<br />
I passed the farms that made it<br />
Through the last days of the century<br />
And I knew that I was going to learn again<br />
Again, in this less hazy light<br />
I saw the fields beyond the fields<br />
The fields beyond the fields<br />
<br />
And the colors are much brighter now<br />
It's like they really want to tell the truth<br />
We give our testimony to the end of the summer<br />
It's the end of the summer,<br />
You can spin the light to gold.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-88765775687115458962011-08-13T14:10:00.000-04:002013-04-06T11:15:39.215-04:00It is Marvelous to Wake Up Together - Elizabeth Bishop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAovHMY8T3SIHHXZwe7fOga8e4AW6OySN1w4XVc8wdGVyx4HQbOYcT4zsF-eMsCnpIqLIYMiSiwEoPVj6ubS16kzRYCyqzDPt7mogxVNCSZEXr09ZB0rVKxU1Jj4_xV4-qT9Fu7hrUbi_/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAovHMY8T3SIHHXZwe7fOga8e4AW6OySN1w4XVc8wdGVyx4HQbOYcT4zsF-eMsCnpIqLIYMiSiwEoPVj6ubS16kzRYCyqzDPt7mogxVNCSZEXr09ZB0rVKxU1Jj4_xV4-qT9Fu7hrUbi_/s320/IMG_2996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago I was doing my usual CBC Radio Sunday thing and listened to a documentary exploring the work of American poet Elizabeth Bishop. It is the centenary of her birth and there are many projects commemorating the event this year. I rushed over to Amazon right a way and sent off for two of the newly published volumes, "Prose" and "Poetry". They arrived on Wed and I have been dipping into her delightful poems each night since. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo7khhHN9D8RksEEbWNS6mmA9Nl-mY3lDHlVwGKV1oDJ5s_MFYABPcSm_s5Jg_201XEhBvW65BrDzF4ozbUCdSa4r_yMZD9ErnrsEMcWjjTw9EhzWoXBqbkhbyBBddkiFXJgy8v8hHeVR/s1600/IMG_3011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo7khhHN9D8RksEEbWNS6mmA9Nl-mY3lDHlVwGKV1oDJ5s_MFYABPcSm_s5Jg_201XEhBvW65BrDzF4ozbUCdSa4r_yMZD9ErnrsEMcWjjTw9EhzWoXBqbkhbyBBddkiFXJgy8v8hHeVR/s320/IMG_3011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="color: red;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It is Marvellous to Wake Up Together</b></span></div>
<div style="color: red;">
<b>by Elizabeth Bishop</b></div>
<br />
It is marvellous to wake up together<br />
At the same minute; marvellous to hear<br />
The rain begin suddenly all over the roof,<br />
To feel the air suddenly clear<br />
As if electricity had passed through it<br />
From a black mesh of wires in the sky.<br />
All over the roof the rain hisses,<br />
And below, the light falling of kisses.<br />
<br />
An electrical storm is coming or moving away;<br />
It is the prickling air that wakes us up.<br />
If lighting struck the house now, it would run<br />
From the four blue china balls on top<br />
Down the roof and down the rods all around us,<br />
And we imagine dreamily<br />
How the whole house caught in a bird-cage of lightning<br />
Would be quite delightful rather than frightening;<br />
<br />
And from the same simplified point of view<br />
Of night and lying flat on one's back<br />
All things might change equally easily,<br />
Since always to warn us there must be these black<br />
Electrical wires dangling. Without surprise<br />
The world might change to something quite different,<br />
As the air changes or the lightning comes without our blinking,<br />
Change as our kisses are changing without our thinking<br />
<br />
<br />
This was not the first time I connected with this poet. A Brazilian singer I like a lot - Luciana Souza - has an album titled "Poems of Elizabeth Bishop". <a href="http://torontoismytown.blogspot.com/search/label/Luciana%20Souza">I have blogged about this singer who does great Bossa Nova </a>jazz before - she has set the lyric to Neruda's Love Poem 65 on her album titled "Tide". Listening to the iTunes samples from her Bishop album, in which she has set 4 of Bishop's poems to music, I am tempted ... but no more purchases for me! I am saving my shekels for travel!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLIxg6-ztuksJeMsJCslT4hAoVu-FroZiSccbluhgnuOtIgniX5igkXBZj7tnBbfI8HYMgzyFNme5OSm4rl47rlSx-nOqY0_ujb7ZtFbo_lcRNVGnCsado_zvwBo8Ckcr7FkYCP9wTR1E/s1600/Elizabeth+Bishop+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLIxg6-ztuksJeMsJCslT4hAoVu-FroZiSccbluhgnuOtIgniX5igkXBZj7tnBbfI8HYMgzyFNme5OSm4rl47rlSx-nOqY0_ujb7ZtFbo_lcRNVGnCsado_zvwBo8Ckcr7FkYCP9wTR1E/s1600/Elizabeth+Bishop+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
According toWiki:<br />
<blockquote>
Elizabeth Bishop (8 February 1911 – 6 October 1979) was an American poet and short-story writer. She was the Poet Laureate of the United States from 1949 to 1950, a Pulitzer Prize winner in 1956 and a National Book Award Winner for Poetry in 1970. Elizabeth Bishop House is an artists' retreat in Great Village, Nova Scotia dedicated to her memory. She is considered one of the most important and distinguished American poets of the 20th century</blockquote>
Elizabeth was orphaned at a very young age and was adopted by her paternal side family after a bit of to and fro with her British relatives grew up with family in Worcester, Massachusetts. Her father was quite wealthy and her inheritance kept her for her whole life and so was able to focus on her writing rather than having to marry or support herself. She lived in Key West for a period of years - she was friends with Pauline Pfeiffer Hemingway who had divorced Ernst by that time. She also has claims as a Brazilian poet, as she lived in Rio with her latin lover (Lota de Macedo Soares) for 15 years - I think she really should be billed as an International Poet. As has been the case for many great literary figures, there is the thread of emotional anguish and tragedy about her life circumstances which I expect fueled her work.<br />
<br />
The Wiki article explains her sexuality as follows:<br />
<blockquote>
Bishop did not see herself as a "lesbian poet" or as a "female poet." Although she still considered herself to be "a strong feminist," she only wanted to be judged based on the quality of her writing and not on her gender or sexual orientation.
</blockquote>
From my research, there is no doubt that she is one of the most important poets of her generation. I love her poetry and look forward to finding some time to read her prose. Her style described, <a href="http://www.vogue.com/culture/article/the-heart-of-the-matter-the-life-and-work-of-poet-elizabeth-bishop/">in an eZine article from Vogue</a>: <br />
<blockquote>
Bishop’s work was highly personal, growing directly out of life
experience rather than aesthetic exercise. She wrote about what she
observed in a tangential way, so that the effect isn’t self-focused, but
opens outward into a larger, more universal inquiry.</blockquote>
<br />
I have heard enough in these documentaries to know that there is much more to find out about this literary figure and I want to spend some more time with her.<br />
<br />
If you wish to listen to the Radio Documentary go here: <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/books/2011/06/should-we-have-stayed-at-home-wherever-that-may-be-100-years-of-elizabeth-bishop.html">Should we have stayed at home, wherever that may be: 100 years of Elizabeth Bishop</a> She is well loved and celebrated still by her Nova Scotia family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCFFuOjABUkcMiRKA3KZ8kcEL9BPrUBYZspp5dAY_2yXQvhFMivLAHOBkGqRSeM5iSP6ud3eKj5KvuV6sJI6zllAcTAEUI9VdWs731CedYHoRaAuk0e1w3kiXTNL1Dn4-l_aC4CGsdk6e/s1600/Elizabeth+Bishop+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCFFuOjABUkcMiRKA3KZ8kcEL9BPrUBYZspp5dAY_2yXQvhFMivLAHOBkGqRSeM5iSP6ud3eKj5KvuV6sJI6zllAcTAEUI9VdWs731CedYHoRaAuk0e1w3kiXTNL1Dn4-l_aC4CGsdk6e/s400/Elizabeth+Bishop+1.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
<div style="color: red;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">One Art </span></b></div>
<div style="color: red;">
<b>by Elizabeth Bishop </b></div>
The art of losing isn't hard to master;<br />
so many things seem filled with the intent<br />
to be lost that their loss is no disaster.<br />
<br />
Lose something every day. Accept the fluster<br />
of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.<br />
The art of losing isn't hard to master.<br />
<br />
Then practice losing farther, losing faster:<br />
places, and names, and where it was you meant<br />
to travel. None of these will bring disaster.<br />
<br />
I lost my mother's watch. And look! my last, or<br />
next-to-last, of three loved houses went.<br />
The art of losing isn't hard to master.<br />
<br />
I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,<br />
some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.<br />
I miss them, but it wasn't a disaster.<br />
<br />
Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture<br />
I love) I shan't have lied. It's evident<br />
the art of losing's not too hard to master<br />
though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.<br />
<br />
<br />
As I researched facts for this blog I stumbled across a biography of Elizabeth Bishop on Google books <a href="http://books.google.ca/books?id=SWdngGZv3cYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=elizabeth+bishop:+Life+and+the+Memory+of+It&hl=en&ei=E6NGTqahE42ftwfQ0pG7AQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false">"Elizabeth Bishop: life and the Memory of It "</a> which I started to read. I think I shall go back there now and continue reading it for a while before I slip out the the Blue Mountain Peak to Shore Music Concert. Looking forward to sipping some drinks on a patio tonight and listening to the Sarah Harmer concert. I hope the rain holds off!<br />
<br />
Have a great Saturday!Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-89424289550256670802011-08-07T14:13:00.004-04:002011-08-08T19:49:27.278-04:00A triple play - Poetry, Music and Science<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrelLIhMA3G22cfaWjgTpjVggSTk5hmNWpxGV8Ggq__EhFi2oDHvKYMFvZ4o-B-xjNNGaGdGdBLYnFRht8B_E4MsEWqItiQq-br0ywnkBEfF-jKJg8YcFAnyZLwuiJVaGi2Z2-40gGBevO/s1600/Symphony+of+schience+segan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrelLIhMA3G22cfaWjgTpjVggSTk5hmNWpxGV8Ggq__EhFi2oDHvKYMFvZ4o-B-xjNNGaGdGdBLYnFRht8B_E4MsEWqItiQq-br0ywnkBEfF-jKJg8YcFAnyZLwuiJVaGi2Z2-40gGBevO/s400/Symphony+of+schience+segan.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes wandering aimlessly through the great halls within the Internet results in some great finds. Symphony of Science is one of them. The Poetry of Reality is the 5th in the Symphony of Science Music
Video series and is among my favourite of the now 10 videos. They are
all well worth viewing, if you have an hour to spare.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1JJ4boY22qo?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://symphonyofscience.com/index.html">According to the Symphony of Science Website</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
The <b>Symphony of Science</b> is a musical project headed by John Boswell, designed to deliver scientific knowledge and philosophy in musical form. At this site you can watch music videos, download songs, read lyrics and find links relating to the messages conveyed by the music. The project owes its existence in large measure to the classic PBS Series <a href="http://www.hulu.com/cosmos">Cosmos</a>, by Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan, and Steve Soter, as well as all the other featured figures and visuals.</blockquote>
I might add, it also owes its existence to the generosity of its patrons as they fund the work through donations. Downloads are available for free.<br />
From a visit to the site and the "About the Symphony of Science" tab, John Boswell provides us with some background and his inspiration for his unique sampling technique he uses to produce these videos. The site tells us "Inspiration from The Gregory Brothers and DJ Steve Porter, coupled with experience with remixing, composition, and auto-tune, led to experiments with remixing scientists, culminating in Carl Sagan's "A Glorious Dawn" in Fall of 2009."<br />
<br />
Amazing to see that they have raised funds for ten of these free Videos to date. If you like this little taste, you can visit the site and enjoy a great feast for all 3 senses at the <a href="http://symphonyofscience.com/index.html">Symphony of Science website</a>.<br />
<br />
I intend on hooking up my iPad to my HD TV when I get home from Shangri-La this weekend and watching them in all their glory! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCNeY-6dEnCnQIg_TzRN2PCzfxQ-tmSgkHln-F2sU1xt0sac-45F1ZQaK-8jzUsV2bRFiZPl5yfXHbkTtsD9ULOKTPiX_Wwn3DYEgL-KwsXiQ4KQcNnnIp7cBBtBvXuWUVJEmfnof8ypT/s1600/sagan_hawking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCNeY-6dEnCnQIg_TzRN2PCzfxQ-tmSgkHln-F2sU1xt0sac-45F1ZQaK-8jzUsV2bRFiZPl5yfXHbkTtsD9ULOKTPiX_Wwn3DYEgL-KwsXiQ4KQcNnnIp7cBBtBvXuWUVJEmfnof8ypT/s400/sagan_hawking.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Following is the first Video which was produced in the series- "A Glorious Dawn" featuring not only Carl Sagan but also Seven Hawking. I have included the lyrics - all are available on the website.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zSgiXGELjbc" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
[Carl Sagan]<br />
If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch<br />
You must first invent the universe<br />
<br />
Space is filled with a network of wormholes<br />
You might emerge somewhere else in space<br />
Some when-else in time<br />
<br />
The sky calls to us<br />
If we do not destroy ourselves<br />
We will one day venture to the stars<br />
<br />
A still more glorious dawn awaits<br />
Not a sunrise, but a galaxy rise<br />
A morning filled with 400 billion suns<br />
The rising of the milky way<br />
<br />
The Cosmos is full beyond measure of elegant truths<br />
Of exquisite interrelationships<br />
Of the awesome machinery of nature<br />
<br />
I believe our future depends powerfully<br />
On how well we understand this cosmos<br />
In which we float like a mote of dust<br />
In the morning sky<br />
<br />
But the brain does much more than just recollect<br />
It inter-compares, it synthesizes, it analyzes<br />
it generates abstractions<br />
<br />
The simplest thought like the concept of the number one<br />
Has an elaborate logical underpinning<br />
The brain has its own language<br />
For testing the structure and consistency of the world<br />
<br />
[Hawking]<br />
For thousands of years<br />
People have wondered about the universe<br />
Did it stretch out forever<br />
Or was there a limit<br />
<br />
From the big bang to black holes<br />
From dark matter to a possible big crunch<br />
Our image of the universe today<br />
Is full of strange sounding ideas<br />
<br />
[Sagan]<br />
How lucky we are to live in this time<br />
The first moment in human history<br />
When we are in fact visiting other worlds<br />
<br />
The surface of the earth is the shore of the cosmic ocean<br />
Recently we've waded a little way out<br />
And the water seems inviting<br />
<br />
<br />
I see from their website that in July they released the newest -#10 - in the series. It is titled "Children of Africa". It is a musical celebration of humanity, its origins, and achievements, contrasted with a somber look at our environmentally destructive tendencies and deep similarities with other primates. Featuring Jacob Bronowski, Alice Roberts, Carolyn Porco, Jane Goodall, Robert Sapolsky, Neil deGrasse Tyson and David Attenborough.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f0vlrTVC2tQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Not sure why comments seem not clickable - republishing to see if I can fix that.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-33220728111698749262011-07-31T13:46:00.005-04:002011-07-31T13:57:26.290-04:00Vintage 80s Pop to Suit My Mood<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
OK, so I haven't posted in a long while and this post shouldn't even count since it is just a musical selection of some songs I listened to this morning. This is however all I can manage at the moment. For my dear regular visitors (are there any left since my absence?) you might be wondering - I did go to Iceland? I did and I found it to be a fabulous place - full of amazing geography, distinctive culture and incredible history. I also figured out the path that the sun takes from sunup to sunset when it only dips below the horizon for an hour - to satisfy my curious mind. (The next question: what is it's path when you are standing on the North Pole? Sadly, I guess I will never know.) I will get to my Iceland travels at some point no doubt. But not today. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Today I put my toes very gingerly back into the Blogsphere with a musical selection for a nostalgic Sunday. Longer and more meaty posts will need to wait in line for my time and attention.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GiC5vzsTHpzAni-WS9UeYGPvwhs1DmOGlFaK7YRBIT5-8IPntAvZz51T73xDdtOLgguy4aZVQ9peo9sZ5TGUpnvzWef5fRU2wxinnygoYbXjdlRGkXSMpGvSbaYJ7fOBO6Gi5EXNVpI2/s1600/david-bowie-freddie-mercury-200a-082908mb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GiC5vzsTHpzAni-WS9UeYGPvwhs1DmOGlFaK7YRBIT5-8IPntAvZz51T73xDdtOLgguy4aZVQ9peo9sZ5TGUpnvzWef5fRU2wxinnygoYbXjdlRGkXSMpGvSbaYJ7fOBO6Gi5EXNVpI2/s1600/david-bowie-freddie-mercury-200a-082908mb.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>Under Pressure</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I wonder why this tune caught my ear on the radio yesterday? LOL - we hear that which resonates, I guess.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Under_Pressure">According to Wiki: </a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
"Under Pressure" is a 1981 song recorded by Queen and David Bowie. It marked Bowie's first released collaboration with another recording artist as a performer, and is featured on Queen's 1982 album Hot Space. The song reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart. It was also number 31 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '80s.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The song was played live at every Queen concert between 1982-1986.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gpn8MANhdLU" width="425"></iframe></div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>You Take Me Up</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTQL-Abmku0S6g2sevkIVlL3j-spO2-IQqQm7NkYGfTmyZZzwOhEowrpCAcr3co9_bedsm_cm1QeXJTAAP2en1RcOvrYbkrAY1nB_JC9x-nMV1qfRBco2cuqofgNdk1Ge8vEM78xmKqv9/s1600/Thompson+Twins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTQL-Abmku0S6g2sevkIVlL3j-spO2-IQqQm7NkYGfTmyZZzwOhEowrpCAcr3co9_bedsm_cm1QeXJTAAP2en1RcOvrYbkrAY1nB_JC9x-nMV1qfRBco2cuqofgNdk1Ge8vEM78xmKqv9/s1600/Thompson+Twins.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thompson_Twins">According to Wiki:</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The Thompson Twins were a British pop group that were formed in April 1977 and disbanded in May 1993. They achieved considerable popularity in the mid 1980s, scoring a string of hits in the UK, the US and around the globe. The band was named after the two bumbling detectives Thomson and Thompson in Hergé's comic strip, The Adventures of Tintin. A predominantly synthpop trio, they were joined on stage at Live Aid by Madonna and were at the forefront of the second so-called British Invasion.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
This is a fun Video to watch and it draws an odd caricature of my life at the moment,"It's a labour of love so don't ask me why". I put this one on my wake up play list. :)</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gqbbqzwTpyM" width="425"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I work on the frontline</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I work to survive</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And I sleep in a fever - so this is my life.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I cry in my sleep - cry boy</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
cry boy</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
It just makes me weep</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
when I try how I try.</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I know what it means to work hard on machines.</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
It's a labour of love</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
so please</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
don't ask me why.</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I'm looking for reasons - day in</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
day out.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: red;">I'm trying too hard</span> - he's trying too hard.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I'm moving in circles - too hot</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
too hot.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Don't get very far - don't get very far.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Should I ask she to dance - dance boy</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
dance boy.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
If I promise romance</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
will you come for the ride.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I know what it means</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
to work hard on machines.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Do you believe in love one that lasts for all time.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
You take me up</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
oh ho</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
you take me up to the higher ground.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
You take me up so high</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
now I never want to come back down</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I'm glad in these hard times - day in</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
day out.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
There's hope in your eyes - hope in his eyes.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I don't need a religion - too hot</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
too hot.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
'Cause this love never dies - love never dies.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I believe in today - believe boy</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
believe boy.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
It's better that way and you work through the night.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I know what it means</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
to work hard on machines.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
It's a labour of love</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
so please</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
don't ask me why.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
You take me up</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
oh ho</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
you take me up to the higher ground. . .</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I cry in my sleep - cry boy</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
cry boy. . . .</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
You take me up</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
oh ho</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
you take me up to the higher ground. . .</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
You take me up. oh ho. you take me up to the higher ground. . .</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOCY_GVnXETUK60JLv0E-NWXb74EB-Czu2cD89LVA_uUL3GbKdQvEUDgm_nQaX-Bj7GO26YYrUKVPoNsgz0_4imn8WhTJ-XAwkX2JYFHTOIrQxJ8dyvCM3JnNVXO2cTEq7rCCJ2nMNEnj/s1600/Huey_Lewis_Power_of_Love_US_Cover.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOCY_GVnXETUK60JLv0E-NWXb74EB-Czu2cD89LVA_uUL3GbKdQvEUDgm_nQaX-Bj7GO26YYrUKVPoNsgz0_4imn8WhTJ-XAwkX2JYFHTOIrQxJ8dyvCM3JnNVXO2cTEq7rCCJ2nMNEnj/s1600/Huey_Lewis_Power_of_Love_US_Cover.PNG" /></a></div>
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>The Power of Love</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
There is more than one song which was released in the 1980s by this name. The song that is best known was featured in that great 1980s movie Back to the Future. The You Tube is not embeddable <a href="http://youtu.be/-NMph943tsw">so you need to go here to see the Video</a>, which features clips of the movie that made this song famous.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Power_of_Love_%28Huey_Lewis_and_the_News_song%29">According to Wiki:</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
"The Power of Love" is the title of a 1985 single by Huey Lewis and the News written for and featured in the 1985 blockbuster film Back to the Future. It gave the band their first number-one hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, their second number-one hit on the U.S. Top Rock Tracks chart, and was a top ten hit on the UK Singles Chart, where it appeared on UK editions of the band's fourth studio album, Fore!. The song was nominated for an Academy Award at the 58th Academy Awards.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Also released in the in the 1980s (1984 to be exact) was a song by the same name written by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. It was also a top 10 hit and stayed in the #1 spot for 18 weeks in the UK. It is slower and more sensual and is a good listen also. I prefer this one by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/ShN8UIk5-mw">Go here is you want to take a listen.</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>Welcome to the Pleasuredome</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEktW7bKrfYqKnf7XVqpGR4M7la1Rjiz7HLIea7YdAriARbwa_lZ1j7b35TzvUWyQIXGa-E7tWtgxlVPO5EQhJ6XVEA92e9xMsPeNUkXeNWvATpKsjnetXb-ND-0ppSK6iSVh-LdacHHq5/s1600/Frankie+Goes+to+Hollywood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEktW7bKrfYqKnf7XVqpGR4M7la1Rjiz7HLIea7YdAriARbwa_lZ1j7b35TzvUWyQIXGa-E7tWtgxlVPO5EQhJ6XVEA92e9xMsPeNUkXeNWvATpKsjnetXb-ND-0ppSK6iSVh-LdacHHq5/s320/Frankie+Goes+to+Hollywood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_to_the_Pleasuredome_%28song%29">According to Wiki</a>:</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<blockquote style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
"Welcome to the Pleasuredome" is the title track to the 1984 debut album by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. The lyrics of the song were inspired by the poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.<br />
<br />
While criticized at the time of release and afterward for being a song that glorifies debauchery, the lyrics (and video) make clear that the point of the song, just as Coleridge's poem, is about the dangers of this kind of lifestyle. This song, along with Relax, made Frankie Goes To Hollywood even more controversial than they already were.</blockquote>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Oh, what I would give for a little debauchery in my life right now. LOL<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xZwNXiFWsZQ" width="425"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br />
Kubla Khan</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
by Samuel Taylor Coleridge</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
In Xanadu did Kubla Khan</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
A stately pleasure-dome decree:</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Through caverns measureless to man</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Down to a sunless sea.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
So twice five miles of fertile ground</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
With walls and towers were girdled round:</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree;</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And here were forests ancient as the hills,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
But oh! that deep romantic chasm which slanted</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover!</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
A savage place! as holy and enchanted</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
As e'er beneath a waning moon was haunted</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
By woman wailing for her demon-lover!</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And from this chasm, with ceaseless turmoil seething,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
As if this earth in fast thick pants were breathing,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
A mighty fountain momently was forced:</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Amid whose swift half-intermitted burst</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Or chaffy grain beneath the thresher's flail:</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And 'mid these dancing rocks at once and ever</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
It flung up momently the sacred river.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Five miles meandering with a mazy motion</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Through wood and dale the sacred river ran,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Then reached the caverns measureless to man,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean:</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And 'mid this tumult Kubla heard from far</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Ancestral voices prophesying war!</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The shadow of the dome of pleasure</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Floated midway on the waves;</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Where was heard the mingled measure</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
From the fountain and the caves.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
It was a miracle of rare device,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
A sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice!</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
A damsel with a dulcimer</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
In a vision once I saw:</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
It was an Abyssinian maid,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And on her dulcimer she played,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Singing of Mount Abora.</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Could I revive within me</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Her symphony and song,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
To such a deep delight 'twould win me</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
That with music loud and long</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
I would build that dome in air,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
That sunny dome! those caves of ice!</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And all who heard should see them there,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And all should cry, Beware! Beware!</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
His flashing eyes, his floating hair!</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Weave a circle round him thrice,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And close your eyes with holy dread,</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
For he on honey-dew hath fed</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
And drunk the milk of Paradise.</div>
Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com322 Ramblings Way, Collingwood, ON L9Y, Canada44.516016720452711 -80.246608257293744.515309220452714 -80.2478422572937 44.516724220452708 -80.2453742572937tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-66832878175801669052011-06-05T15:06:00.000-04:002011-06-05T15:06:20.328-04:00Awesome Saturday - Great Dinner, Visual Art and Music<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpZqnVVXLO9_luwT7KIDZcqzIpj6LpQr5f3vSrrOVLraLWqS1YpojloC3QseYU1AHuVVpuF3LjVtqFy43QgR6dpf-7W6ryQyUAEOhcMDk8MB01xYLE4vLFyNjacO9xZUYhMFKJeJQqv2H/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpZqnVVXLO9_luwT7KIDZcqzIpj6LpQr5f3vSrrOVLraLWqS1YpojloC3QseYU1AHuVVpuF3LjVtqFy43QgR6dpf-7W6ryQyUAEOhcMDk8MB01xYLE4vLFyNjacO9xZUYhMFKJeJQqv2H/s400/IMG_1370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main highways through Toronto's core are closed to cars today for the annual Ride for Heart. Click to see the great detail I am getting from my new Canon SX220!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I had just a great day yesterday. Not only did I get my errands done as 11 Ikea boxes sitting before me are evidence of, but I had a fabulous evening thanks to my son Eric.<br />
<br />
Eric had invited me along to enjoy the Zoe Keating Concert and we ended up having a chock full evening with dinner and an art show added onto our itinerary. Eric was even heading out after the concert for his 1st Saturday in the month standing <a href="http://www.yelp.ca/events/toronto-rock-band-jam-session-rockie-raccoons">group Rock Band event at Rockie Raccoon's Eatery</a> afterwards. More energy than I! <br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Gladstone Hotel - Dinner and Art</span></b></div><br />
We were able to meet and catch up on chit chat at The Gladstone for dinner before the show. Eric was not familiar with the <a href="http://www.gladstonehotel.com/hotel">Gladstone</a> as a visual arts showplace and so after dinner we snuck upstairs for a quick look at whatever was on the walls. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEndyirf2GFcgPfoaHciokWZLK_UgDdVE3bsbQ1AJkmYZ5oRu2uIIYU_z9QAjyOl8-Oz_RDPDiHi9gIYezSbUaYydZXHxdwv8DVLC0uFT9Ci1v5PEIsr9zQTk1NviQrJdQSHfKa4C1ZIk/s1600/250px-Gladstone_Hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEndyirf2GFcgPfoaHciokWZLK_UgDdVE3bsbQ1AJkmYZ5oRu2uIIYU_z9QAjyOl8-Oz_RDPDiHi9gIYezSbUaYydZXHxdwv8DVLC0uFT9Ci1v5PEIsr9zQTk1NviQrJdQSHfKa4C1ZIk/s400/250px-Gladstone_Hotel.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br />
I have written about the Gladstone Hotel before. It is a small (37 room) boutique hotel located 10 minutes north of Liberty Village in the trendy Queen St West strip. The rooms are fabulous, each uniquely designed and a must stay place for the well moneyed in the arts. You might want to check out the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_129023326">Gladstone and the Building Storeys exhibit</a> where I provided background information on the hotel and wrote about an exhibit of photos of old Toronto Industrial Buildings, many which were taken by <a href="http://www.uerev.com/index.php?pid=home">"Urban Explorers"</a> (who explore urban areas which are mostly off limits to the public). In researching this blog, I noticed that the Gladstone web site now has a video which gives a walking tour of the hotel, restaurant and art spaces, so I will say no more but <a href="http://www.gladstonehotel.com/hotel">direct you there is you are not familiar with the Gladstone</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY0G2wnKkFeJUx8y2manIFBFZmA8blnUf3gueJ3r8NIpKokRcBovbn_Dhg1mhHgkZtMXlL9DNPlw9FJQDm9S7ExCBM1rBSSrtg5xExLXsSen-lKjdokAFdnESupWoUJDtVrhpyWgHg0XZ/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY0G2wnKkFeJUx8y2manIFBFZmA8blnUf3gueJ3r8NIpKokRcBovbn_Dhg1mhHgkZtMXlL9DNPlw9FJQDm9S7ExCBM1rBSSrtg5xExLXsSen-lKjdokAFdnESupWoUJDtVrhpyWgHg0XZ/s320/IMG_1299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The Hotel has gallery space on the top 3 floors and often there will be a show open to the public, which is why Eric and I wandered upstairs. When we got there we discovered that there was a charity art event happening, "Make It", a show and sale of stuff produced by 30 local artists, designers and craftspeople in aid of the Furniture Bank. We hurried through and had a quick look at the art on display as we were anxious not to be late for our concert. I was struck by the interesting pieces by Natasha Kudashkina, some of which were 3D art pieces. Actually, I preferred looking at them without the 3D glasses, but it was kind of interesting to see how the 3D effect changed the look of the works.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYcJrdMzEWhgGxAU5JGAW84TZSVwQzrhwXDMRhSWfx74rNfI0jUpopf21tcKDjUNTLGPAJ86KymbEiZrU3p9hjC8I0BH-4Wbq8lD1oFgVTNkQo0Z8fGwpS1wjucvOyhQdzFZE9BlFeode/s1600/IMG_1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYcJrdMzEWhgGxAU5JGAW84TZSVwQzrhwXDMRhSWfx74rNfI0jUpopf21tcKDjUNTLGPAJ86KymbEiZrU3p9hjC8I0BH-4Wbq8lD1oFgVTNkQo0Z8fGwpS1wjucvOyhQdzFZE9BlFeode/s320/IMG_1297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAxsuwVdIhKjeRFy2kTUb7mzJCyoFmYyX2uHich5b3nBVbcemAdQNDFgrNE5YRgthjwwzX8MXWMRSBmT5P47nzGLKFzUXvMlhvR_2XaCpYo_PUKh1LRT2M__5EWCkC2vho57RmbQw6rGR/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAxsuwVdIhKjeRFy2kTUb7mzJCyoFmYyX2uHich5b3nBVbcemAdQNDFgrNE5YRgthjwwzX8MXWMRSBmT5P47nzGLKFzUXvMlhvR_2XaCpYo_PUKh1LRT2M__5EWCkC2vho57RmbQw6rGR/s320/IMG_1302.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>The Great Hall - Music of Zoe Keating</b></span><br />
The venue for the main event of the evening was Toronto's Great Hall.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUtXWgaUsnxdYgg5HFxOqUarkRQuOTcnnhpZssCfV0Bo4vqcr8W9Sj7UcZ6AoaDY_lQH3EfEt3kRlSG5nrxR_zBa5lzDWkRLJ0dmHn481G_wt4SUiykd95KQBIM8kvWL4CD45HLB-7c67/s1600/IMG_1316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUtXWgaUsnxdYgg5HFxOqUarkRQuOTcnnhpZssCfV0Bo4vqcr8W9Sj7UcZ6AoaDY_lQH3EfEt3kRlSG5nrxR_zBa5lzDWkRLJ0dmHn481G_wt4SUiykd95KQBIM8kvWL4CD45HLB-7c67/s320/IMG_1316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The building was constructed in 1898, the same year as the Gladstone Hotel was built. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_129023368">From their Website</a><a href="http://the%20great%20hall%20was%20built%20in%201889%20by%20the%20founder%20of%20the%20moore%20corporation,%20samuel%20j.%20moore,%20architects%20gordon%20&%20helliwell%20were%20chosen%20to%20design%20this%20four%20storey%20building.%20is%20approximately%2030,000%20sq%20ft.%20with%20a%20full%20basement.%20it%20housed%20the%20first%20west%20end%20ymca%20in%20toronto.%20the%20%22y%22%20offered%20athletic%20facilities%20that%20included%20a%20gymnasium%20with%20a%20raised%20running%20track,%20and%20a%20basement%20swimming%20pool.%20canadian%20native%20marathon%20star%20tom%20longboat%20worked%20out%20here%20when%20he%20won%20the%20boston%20marathon%20in%201907,%20as%20did%20chocolate%20magnate%20and%20accomplished%20amateur%20wrestler,%20morden%20neilson,%20it%20was%20also%20home%20to%20some%20of%20the%20earliest%20basketball%20games%20ever%20played%20in%20history./">:</a><br />
<blockquote>... It housed the first west end YMCA in Toronto. The "Y" offered athletic facilities that included a gymnasium with a raised running track, and a basement swimming pool. Canadian native marathon star Tom Longboat worked out here when he won the Boston Marathon in 1907, as did chocolate magnate and accomplished amateur wrestler, Morden Neilson, it was also home to some of the earliest basketball games ever played in history. </blockquote> As a sidebar, the <a href="http://www.lostrivers.ca/points/Cadbury.htm">Neilson Ice Cream and Chocolate Factory</a> was an important employer in the greater Parkdale area (which includes this area of the Queen West strip as well as Liberty Village) with their factory located on Gladstone Avenue. My own mother started her first job there having left school and moved out on her own at age 16.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCc6jUpOJIXQVoo7n7wvM4rjSm9d4cy13rmlP0ABs8wz9LnNr1MEZXoZZplXGUTSojNUoTykn4vmTOvKZqNsC6aEniotfEVLSttaduFJEEAtyE4rdgIaxKlolJWFO6XSHBpVzDGNbrj2I/s1600/theGreathall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCc6jUpOJIXQVoo7n7wvM4rjSm9d4cy13rmlP0ABs8wz9LnNr1MEZXoZZplXGUTSojNUoTykn4vmTOvKZqNsC6aEniotfEVLSttaduFJEEAtyE4rdgIaxKlolJWFO6XSHBpVzDGNbrj2I/s320/theGreathall1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from The Great Hall Venue Website.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The Great Hall is located on the upper two stories of the 3 1/2 story building utilizing the old gym and running track area of the building. The acoustics were fabulous and my only complaint was that there were no chairs put out - it was a standing event. Which did make it easy for me to scootch up stage side and get some spectacular photos and video, but also meant that at the end my feet thanked Zoe for not doing an encore. <br />
<br />
I would have forgiven the long wait outside to get in if we had been seated upon entrance, but when you add the wait standing outside to get in, the hour wait inside until the show started and then the standing time for the show - it was too much for many of us in the audience. Now that I have gotten my complaints out of the way, let me tell you how impressed I was with the musician!<br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Zoe Keating - Avante Garde Cellist </span></b></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkZxGzbO7OLqtjjxUAtWHtg1PJiKO3btFJWkgsjM8lXNf7Xo-HiWdwyt8BRwMfrHqnM3uhSJIRHndkKuTfKZfe0N2HMM6De5i9Nqey5MnXKV21HmAU9xCA9-F75zkzyYVpH9yOmUnCeMe/s1600/IMG_1335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkZxGzbO7OLqtjjxUAtWHtg1PJiKO3btFJWkgsjM8lXNf7Xo-HiWdwyt8BRwMfrHqnM3uhSJIRHndkKuTfKZfe0N2HMM6De5i9Nqey5MnXKV21HmAU9xCA9-F75zkzyYVpH9yOmUnCeMe/s400/IMG_1335.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This close-up was taken with my Canon sx220 using the low light settings and zoom from about 15-20 feet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Zoe Keating is a Canadian Cellist from Guelph - a city which is a few hours north-west of Toronto. Her music is very hard to describe - its root is classical, but it is too experimental to describe just as classical. She has many film and multimedia credits in her portfolio as well as an impressive list of venues she has performed her "layered" solo cello compositions. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zo%C3%AB_Keating">According to Wiki:</a><br />
<blockquote><b>Zoë Keating</b> (born February 2, 1972) is a Canadian-born cellist and composer based in San Francisco, California.<br />
In her solo performances and recordings (particularly the ongoing project she calls "One Cello x 16"), she uses live electronic sampling and repetition in order to layer the sound of her cello, creating rhythmically dense musical structures. Zoë's self-produced album <i>One Cello x 16: Natoma</i> has four times made it to #1 on the iTunes classical charts. Keating is the recipient of a 2009 Performing Arts grant from the Creative Capital Foundation.</blockquote><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLpEI3aHUMi3ujXeIYpyXWBB7XZwOBRMX3C-bdMyPHyBDi5CjAjPRjnwqEuYhS66xb9fQL93FUJWxk89DllmNnQno99z5BqJzuNtKB23B3L66JdtnQAL7JdlutYHkxo9rlpiCUE_G40K1/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLpEI3aHUMi3ujXeIYpyXWBB7XZwOBRMX3C-bdMyPHyBDi5CjAjPRjnwqEuYhS66xb9fQL93FUJWxk89DllmNnQno99z5BqJzuNtKB23B3L66JdtnQAL7JdlutYHkxo9rlpiCUE_G40K1/s400/IMG_1344.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is evident that this music requires more than the normal focus to perform the piece.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The part that I found very interesting is that integral to her sound is the use of a sampling board and a Mac computer, which she activates with a foot pedal during the performance. She slowly builds up layers of the sound by sampling a number of bars of the song and replaying it while she adds other sections of the Cello to her "orchestra". Combine that technique with some pretty innovative compositions and you have some mighty fine listening. Never mind we were all standing on our feet for quite some time.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4qwtr6F_990" width="560"></iframe><br />
I recorded a video to bring to you a small sample of one of her compositions - "Hello Night". You will agree, I am sure, that it is a very interesting sound.<br />
<br />
Zoe is herself a very interesting person. She comes across very genuine and bursting with creativity during the performance. She did explaining some of her thoughts behind a few of the peices, but said that she encouraged everyone to ascribe their own meaning to the music. I purchased her CD, "Into the Trees" at the show and am enjoying it now as I write this blog. It does match my mellow mood these days.<br />
<br />
If you want to know more about Zoe and her music you might want to watch this You Tube documentary I found. It is from the <a href="http://www.intel.com/visuallife/">Intel Visual Life series</a>, which brings us a personal look at some very interesting folks - uploads to a contest on Visual Life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/63wanWqzav8?fs=1" width="480">&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Bu&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;</iframe><br />
<br />
Zoe also did a 5 minute live recorded Ignite Events presentation titled "Should you quit your job to go on tour with a rock band" - because that is exactly what she did. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hzq-uT9siQ">Go here if you are interested to hear her tell more about her transition from a career in technology to an award winning "Layered Cello" composer and musician.</a><br />
<br />
You can go to<a href="http://www.zoekeating.com/"> Zoe's website </a>for more information on her music and concert schedule. Another <a href="http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/interview-twitter-millionaire-zoe-keating-on-the-value-of-tr.html">interesting article is this interview in Music Think Tank</a> which talks about her tech savy with social networking and her free song download in exchange for a tweet offer.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-22313763276996514682011-05-29T12:00:00.017-04:002011-05-29T14:26:39.473-04:00Walking in the Rain and Waiting on a Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFR1JLrcdElQ5IEi0V2alwk0QyZfxFJmevnxUH1sw9hilnISemERHIgdKI3zAgpDIDleZkXBnBuQ_seAJCoxqjQV6WxAlAvo7Xnub5YzzCnI66mDaGutw3ntOILe4AETjqjt4VQTOgb5c6/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFR1JLrcdElQ5IEi0V2alwk0QyZfxFJmevnxUH1sw9hilnISemERHIgdKI3zAgpDIDleZkXBnBuQ_seAJCoxqjQV6WxAlAvo7Xnub5YzzCnI66mDaGutw3ntOILe4AETjqjt4VQTOgb5c6/s400/IMG_1246.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Rainy days are really not all that bad when it is warm and you are dressed properly. A gentle rain is very calming. How does that saying go? There is no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.<br />
<br />
This morning when I woke up it was (predictably) ... raining. Whats new, eh? So far in May we have had 137 mm of rain in 17 days (and 3 more days to go in the month) in a month when we usually average 73 mm over 12 days in Ontario. A rainy May for sure. But unlike last Sunday, the rain is not teaming down, it is gentle and the winds calm. A nice rainy Sunday by any rainy day standard.<br />
<br />
This morning I went for a walk in the rain with Bella and snapped some photos on the path to the Rupert's Landing Marina. The blossoms are nearly at their peak but will be gone by the time I am back next. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMMgMpt2DGh279VZeHolGNSHQq5fXR7M-dSjsN6durfZuS6pYJ0hYKRlFTmv_M-jUpKjILhPRJws-bVWIgck5w14jEFQTJJW5v8F6xI9pqWCAEqBbKRVeUsewNSV8s47UpSkjT-8G95AO/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8iHYo_ZcDExJqgdv6a-hu7f6WU0ShIVzse4UbErdyiS-JteeQTCnaqitqBbJ7lr0H1cz9OuL28ePAEQ770lfbKe4dramPitfuAAdS7DybYUAbYxLXZOZuMyOaBAEiT-HlqUyxm4WrYZ3/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8iHYo_ZcDExJqgdv6a-hu7f6WU0ShIVzse4UbErdyiS-JteeQTCnaqitqBbJ7lr0H1cz9OuL28ePAEQ770lfbKe4dramPitfuAAdS7DybYUAbYxLXZOZuMyOaBAEiT-HlqUyxm4WrYZ3/s400/IMG_1251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As I left my place to go for the walk I noticed that the tennis players had opted to finish their game in the light rain rather than let it ruin their usual Sunday morning tourney. All is well in Shangri-La land I feel mellow and happy. Being here is quite a contrast to the frantic work week mental activity with my Toronto City Life. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy both, just right now there is no balance. I need to find a way to move into a slower lane during the work week days and not just leave my life for weekends<br />
. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3OcvzWfwHrdcS-65fIFsWRODLwCLs1cj87AB9nnN1fjZsVc0vufzgfSm7bIM5xNIBa8oZyj4jgILBIqL1V9pMUlcUgKJEnya2WKbBMujDocK25VH9MOLt2fZLUC5S9rTtEVefng0kPtD/s1600/waiting-on-a-friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3OcvzWfwHrdcS-65fIFsWRODLwCLs1cj87AB9nnN1fjZsVc0vufzgfSm7bIM5xNIBa8oZyj4jgILBIqL1V9pMUlcUgKJEnya2WKbBMujDocK25VH9MOLt2fZLUC5S9rTtEVefng0kPtD/s1600/waiting-on-a-friend.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I was quite the Rolling Stones fan in my growing up years. Still am really. I like the mood of their hit "Waiting on a Friend" and the video captures the mellowness of the song and warm vibe of the music very well. The song and video convey the message that there is no need to hurry, or rush or be impatient but wait for your friends and take time to hang with them. This song is from their 1981 album Tattoo You, which was released as the album's second single and it reached #13 on the US singles chart. An interesting factoid about this song is that it was actually written in 1972 in Kingston, Jamaica but was without lyrics and unrecorded until it was resurrected for the Tattoo You Album. The lyrics were written with the then new video/MTV media in mind. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waiting_on_a_Friend">According to Wiki </a>: <br />
<br />
<blockquote>The video ... featured reggae artist Peter Tosh sitting on a stoop with Jagger who is seen waiting on Keith Richards. The building is found at 96-98 St. Mark's Place in Manhattan, which is the same building featured on the album cover of Led Zeppelin's <i>Physical Graffiti</i>. The video also features Ronnie Wood ... </blockquote><blockquote>The lyrics see a more mature side of singer Jagger represented. He speaks of setting aside women and vices in favor of making some sense of his life and finding the virtues inherent in true friendship:<br />
<table class="cquote" style="background-color: transparent; border-collapse: collapse; border-style: none; margin: auto; width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="color: #b2b7f2; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 35px; font-weight: bold; padding: 10px; text-align: left;" valign="top" width="20">“</td> <td style="padding: 4px 10px;" valign="top"><i>Don't need a whore, I don't need no booze, don't need a virgin priest/But I need someone I can cry to, I need someone to protect</i>.</td> <td style="color: #b2b7f2; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 35px; font-weight: bold; padding: 10px; text-align: right;" valign="bottom" width="20">”</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>The song is noted for its dreamy qualities brought on by the soft guitars, smooth rhythm, and Jagger's lilting refrain of "doo-doo-doo"'s. </blockquote><br />
So I am in feeling very mellow at Shangri-La this weekend and while I am not waiting on a friend at the moment I share the value of friendship that this video evokes. I am sure if you listen to the song and watch the video you will feel very mellow and glad for your friends also.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/w5-MO4nhSjg" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Waiting On A Friend Lyrics</b><br />
<br />
Watching girls go passing by <br />
It ain't the latest thing <br />
I'm just standing in a doorway <br />
I'm just trying to make some sense <br />
Out of these girls go passing by <br />
The tales they tell of men <br />
I'm not waiting on a lady <br />
I'm just waiting on a friend <br />
<br />
A smile relieves a heart that grieves <br />
Remember what I said <br />
I'm not waiting on a lady <br />
I'm just waiting on a friend <br />
<br />
I'm just waiting on a friend <br />
<br />
Don't need a whore <br />
I don't need no booze <br />
Don't need a virgin priest <br />
But I need someone I can cry to <br />
I need someone to protect <br />
Making love and breaking hearts <br />
It is a game for youth <br />
But I'm not waiting on a lady <br />
I'm just waiting on a friendPeggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-82721900351966489382011-05-28T22:41:00.000-04:002011-05-28T22:41:11.353-04:00This and That and Travel Plans!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGtlt_kSz694xqgmZBMxs7RPtqt10YZpSMI-lBa39n-0KgxkBrIoWummzUAnSFh7bMRZm2CgOWfRwP2hI7QILJtbJ3Rbz62IZRnGpZz-kuR3EgDm6kvK9v2iaVYMsfILJ3HaBzwvFmok8/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGtlt_kSz694xqgmZBMxs7RPtqt10YZpSMI-lBa39n-0KgxkBrIoWummzUAnSFh7bMRZm2CgOWfRwP2hI7QILJtbJ3Rbz62IZRnGpZz-kuR3EgDm6kvK9v2iaVYMsfILJ3HaBzwvFmok8/s320/IMG_1135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Ok, I have been slacking off in my blogging. Lots of reasons. At the end of every week I feel like I have run a mental marathon. Some weeks I feel lucky to get across the finish line, other weeks I feel like I didn't manage to even get to the finish line, but the odd week - and this was one of those - I feel like I crossed the finish line and am in the Winner's Circle! Last night I scooched up to my Collingwood Shangri-La for a weekend of well earned rest and relaxation. Just 'cuz I felt on the plus side at week's end doesn't mean that I am not exhausted from the week. I need my weekend R&R for sure. Though the weather isn't perfect and it promises to pour rain tomorrow, I am happily cocooned into my nest and busy planning a bathroom renovation! The work will start on Monday! Yeah!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHVE8pR_kZaJGAXPHP4-9dh17P8jNn9aCmXWpNe54nYi7KLvUBrQX2ay3bCme97_0AXo1DFwjo5Aiyinv4XYnyO5yQgwiuyJcgUKol3x8iiIoMMGG2jkKlRx1nX4LtILaCgaDYmAUlCVx/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHVE8pR_kZaJGAXPHP4-9dh17P8jNn9aCmXWpNe54nYi7KLvUBrQX2ay3bCme97_0AXo1DFwjo5Aiyinv4XYnyO5yQgwiuyJcgUKol3x8iiIoMMGG2jkKlRx1nX4LtILaCgaDYmAUlCVx/s320/IMG_1227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I am also starting to gear up and plan for my 6 month sabbatical next year. This summer I am training for my 5 week walk through Spain (which is part 2 of my 6 month travel escapade) - my 1,000 km walk on the <a href="http://www.theviadelaplata.com/">Vía De la Plata or Camino Mozarabe route of the Camino Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim's trail</a>. The trip is in the early planning stages but not too early to start training. I am going with my friend Barb (of Gopher Broke Farm) and we have set up a dozen dates to do <a href="http://brucetrail.org/">Bruce Trail</a> hikes to get in shape and see how our knees hold up. The Bruce Trail follows the edge of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Escarpment" title="Niagara Escarpment">Niagara Escarpment</a>, one of the thirteen UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves in Canada, for almost 900 km (560 mi). The land the trail traverses is owned by the Government of Ontario, private landowners and the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC). Gopher Broke Farm is in the Niagara Escarpment area and Blue Mountain, which rises above Collingwood is also part of that geographic area. In short, we are in hiking country!<br />
<br />
This week I bought my hiking boots. It has been some years since I owned a pair of hiking boots. I am going to make sure that they (and I) will be well broken in by next spring! We are lucky to be in the middle of Ontario's Bruce Trail, not so lucky as to be in an unseasonably wet spring. I guess that is something else we need to get used to. As I recall "the rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain". At least 500 km of the journey will be through the Spanish Plain - which as the saying goes, has a tendency toward rain. I also bought a GoreTex hiking jacket this week. That should guarantee that the rain in Ontario lets up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr1t4yUZDX4ZDQ_2VFNf7vSRldJtv5FjQruboWm5AHTLpUx_qVzN36t__hZyizR0EXG8AU7osGWZ9GseFoFSJ3S0fKxKFnBZnMBJUrScp96xyCvqECUuT5rLSKyYLG0FeVmED8sfXpmI6/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr1t4yUZDX4ZDQ_2VFNf7vSRldJtv5FjQruboWm5AHTLpUx_qVzN36t__hZyizR0EXG8AU7osGWZ9GseFoFSJ3S0fKxKFnBZnMBJUrScp96xyCvqECUuT5rLSKyYLG0FeVmED8sfXpmI6/s320/IMG_1197.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I noticed a nest on the balcony rail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkmyqxZEORz2P8TJiaIls0k04P1HrWV8bo3CFRcoiJ1g6yW5zFFkE6kdpIMePOrC26XT8jwTmvK8Zfbgf7rMZw2AD4QL2o_P4cxOMzdbpgiI8xKRqp9waf2hutUjX7Uv3VjGN8YoRlsuP/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkmyqxZEORz2P8TJiaIls0k04P1HrWV8bo3CFRcoiJ1g6yW5zFFkE6kdpIMePOrC26XT8jwTmvK8Zfbgf7rMZw2AD4QL2o_P4cxOMzdbpgiI8xKRqp9waf2hutUjX7Uv3VjGN8YoRlsuP/s400/IMG_1200.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma Robin was sitting on an egg!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>As I said I have been really busy - lots of things, but one other exciting thing is that I have been planning my trip to Iceland! I will be leaving on the evening of June 27th and spending just 4 days there but the 4 days and nights are jam packed with activities. There will be 24 hours of sunlight each day so I will be able to get 8 days of sight seeing in!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNTkwAqZNSOVCCKdCCAKHJOmtNqxKyzpw8eo2mgUz-qVizLiJbxjjgT4xF6xMTYnc0W5Qjk8d6sxNuSXp-kkgQhOP53iBBq8LIvrhe0og16I35N07okMI1UtDbvISErhdBAIvugcQDT7W/s1600/map_of_iceland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNTkwAqZNSOVCCKdCCAKHJOmtNqxKyzpw8eo2mgUz-qVizLiJbxjjgT4xF6xMTYnc0W5Qjk8d6sxNuSXp-kkgQhOP53iBBq8LIvrhe0og16I35N07okMI1UtDbvISErhdBAIvugcQDT7W/s320/map_of_iceland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZO4L6DikZ7JpQm4KfqGsVZVWAj9epeTmJD8tzfAGGozhP-5rmVnClfWuPyxwXZThLyjH6SYV8InadEpVSnK6VQoU7vEi2C5SJ3STIzmXk4xoU4qJI57xbg4dKOewB7hfgvSnlhVqUo-L-/s1600/Reykjavik+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZO4L6DikZ7JpQm4KfqGsVZVWAj9epeTmJD8tzfAGGozhP-5rmVnClfWuPyxwXZThLyjH6SYV8InadEpVSnK6VQoU7vEi2C5SJ3STIzmXk4xoU4qJI57xbg4dKOewB7hfgvSnlhVqUo-L-/s400/Reykjavik+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Highlights of my Itinerary:<br />
<ul><li>4 hour excusion to Geysir ad Gullfoss</li>
<li>8 hour midnight sailing trip to watch whales and see the sun set and rise immediately thereafter and have a midnight fish bbq with fresh caught fish! (The other reason for the Gore-Tex jacket!)</li>
<li>a 3 hour Reykjavik city bicycle tour</li>
<li>a day at the Blue Lagoon Hot Spring</li>
<li>a night out clubbing! </li>
</ul><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmk3u1Xl4VRxi1dz1j_jct1gAVlddgHFW2HC-KivpNaYiK85Z9I6_Ekn1J_wNvE4Tqc84sOMsIrCl9qRab59LGBhnSdg7J0Tg7foxEjsbZyYxbtAmb066F8g3cGkRF65b3g3aRmP2DL0T/s1600/husavik6_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmk3u1Xl4VRxi1dz1j_jct1gAVlddgHFW2HC-KivpNaYiK85Z9I6_Ekn1J_wNvE4Tqc84sOMsIrCl9qRab59LGBhnSdg7J0Tg7foxEjsbZyYxbtAmb066F8g3cGkRF65b3g3aRmP2DL0T/s320/husavik6_big.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale Watching and Sea Angling under the Midnight Sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibck-jQEwLThvClN7B2KgqGDq42NVNEpTrUE1zfOakApwTDMCT41uUs4S5BCDmq7gXDBUJhEGK9iTW3AKTAhe8_SxKYWqa8t05l5owRBEtgjOLQH4EPbVIa1ZeDzr3lyJlkYYAotU9kA6p/s1600/1341_07_1---The-Blue-Lagoon--Iceland-_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibck-jQEwLThvClN7B2KgqGDq42NVNEpTrUE1zfOakApwTDMCT41uUs4S5BCDmq7gXDBUJhEGK9iTW3AKTAhe8_SxKYWqa8t05l5owRBEtgjOLQH4EPbVIa1ZeDzr3lyJlkYYAotU9kA6p/s320/1341_07_1---The-Blue-Lagoon--Iceland-_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Blue Lagoon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlJTFkrNcDx4B4QgGHcscLNVTdmtyGoDRDLLkRK0NhG9KIYs7vWPh-L9hCmCnwKeU4BZ0d7cOsLn4RHgnJgNWk3EDg94tncN_b9PSVAWNc-tUY5wA9T3k5pH9SsToY4GRNlWf9Kw3jwkA/s1600/Iceland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlJTFkrNcDx4B4QgGHcscLNVTdmtyGoDRDLLkRK0NhG9KIYs7vWPh-L9hCmCnwKeU4BZ0d7cOsLn4RHgnJgNWk3EDg94tncN_b9PSVAWNc-tUY5wA9T3k5pH9SsToY4GRNlWf9Kw3jwkA/s320/Iceland.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geysir is a must see when in Iceland</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
The last reason for me being so busy is that I have caught up (and nearly completed) all of my organizing for my new condo. I am now waiting on contractors who will be installing window coverings and a mirror closet door and then I will be just about done. I am one bookcase away from finishing my guest room and unpacking the rest of my moving boxes. The last (and most exciting) finale of to my Condo decorating adventure will be when I receive the art which my dear friend Michael Golland is creating for my living room wall. I can't wait!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yaII4AeWxsw" width="560"></iframe><br />
Michael Golland is Liberty Village's Artist in Residence and as I recall I have mentioned him in my blogs a few times.<br />
<br />
I have already one Golland work - the Heart which is shown in my blog profile. I just love his work and I am so happy that he has agreed to do something for me.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com328 Ramblings Way, Collingwood, ON L9Y 5C7, Canada44.5166875 -80.24645989999999144.516684500000004 -80.246465399999991 44.5166905 -80.24645439999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-82043831335811133202011-05-21T20:25:00.000-04:002011-05-21T20:25:28.904-04:00Chris Isaak and Wicked Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-ISQMMJNMqA-5UOFfZmqrNgmRSvEn3B9a1KgjnInTgrwiu_grVBVqHm3yZASVUtG4py2YTRnxk6ZV486TNzFrkdlGo7vMRUDW6s-KvK64nsgvL31wXF0GAeGZQ5J5zoN3PAs_QC4_iDB/s1600/chris-isaak-482x298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-ISQMMJNMqA-5UOFfZmqrNgmRSvEn3B9a1KgjnInTgrwiu_grVBVqHm3yZASVUtG4py2YTRnxk6ZV486TNzFrkdlGo7vMRUDW6s-KvK64nsgvL31wXF0GAeGZQ5J5zoN3PAs_QC4_iDB/s320/chris-isaak-482x298.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There is such a large amount of fabulous music out there - I keep tripping over great songs and then get stuck on that artist for a while. I recently heard <a href="http://www.chrisisaak.com/">Chris Isaak</a> on CBC Radio 2 singing his major hit Wicked Game and I was reminded that he has an incredible voice and a great sound. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Isaak">According to Wiki, <b>Christopher Joseph "Chris" Isaak</b></a> was born June 26, 1956 in California.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-The_Great_Rock_Discography_0-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Isaak#cite_note-The_Great_Rock_Discography-0"><span></span></a></sup>. He is both a rock musician and an occasional actor. <br />
<br />
After the tune played on the radio, the program host went on to say that the video which accompanied the song was the hotest, sexiest video he had ever seen and he remembers the video every time he hears the song. Because of the video he thinks of the song as the most romantic he has ever heard. I had to watch the video and I have to agree - I would vote for a guy like Chris Isaak and a romp on the beach and in the ocean any day... LOL<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGkmwGvUl0w9lgKXWvSEaOW_g3_o_dFujTm-z-4BKi_ccPLwcwtCerrqCax47RhQ78I8eNurZHGPIiZ9tteemiR3oZ-rGrCxFzJ6uj56IIj4J1LxW-WR654fHDkcFS7D5ii1xw3d4j96-/s1600/Ruperts+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGkmwGvUl0w9lgKXWvSEaOW_g3_o_dFujTm-z-4BKi_ccPLwcwtCerrqCax47RhQ78I8eNurZHGPIiZ9tteemiR3oZ-rGrCxFzJ6uj56IIj4J1LxW-WR654fHDkcFS7D5ii1xw3d4j96-/s320/Ruperts+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great day started with fog coming off the water - pretty sights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I ended up buying his Best of Chris Isaak (Remastered) album and there are some wicked great songs on it. I listened to it all the way up on my drive to my Collingwood Shangri-La. I thought I would share the video which has resulted in a mellow mood and me waking up humming this morning and is really appropriate for my very mellow day at my Collingwood Shangri-La.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UAOxCqSxRD0" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
Wicked Game"<br />
<br />
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you.<br />
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do.<br />
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you.<br />
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you.<br />
<br />
No, I don't want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)<br />
No, I don't want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)<br />
With you (This world is only gonna break your heart)<br />
<br />
What a wicked game to play, to make me feel this way.<br />
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you.<br />
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way.<br />
What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you and,<br />
<br />
I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)<br />
No, I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)<br />
With you.<br />
<br />
The world was on fire and no one could save me but you.<br />
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do.<br />
I never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you.<br />
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you,<br />
<br />
No, I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)<br />
No, I want to fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)<br />
With you (This world is only gonna break your heart)<br />
No, I... (This world is only gonna break your heart)<br />
(This world is only gonna break your heart)<br />
<br />
Nobody loves no one.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-44983028531130446592011-05-15T16:26:00.000-04:002011-05-15T16:26:48.475-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc50ricW-AAWHiAV0olQCLLD1sETAfz4GqW9u-Y94m0wLxG1kspSvIR31FUz0rbpWrpJPF2KrThKy76BLj_kkNl6HRwMFoQWog7qfS5gX1ETx_RAoQcCmNZ1CBi9qDVJaXT2jihhb_ovBk/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc50ricW-AAWHiAV0olQCLLD1sETAfz4GqW9u-Y94m0wLxG1kspSvIR31FUz0rbpWrpJPF2KrThKy76BLj_kkNl6HRwMFoQWog7qfS5gX1ETx_RAoQcCmNZ1CBi9qDVJaXT2jihhb_ovBk/s320/IMG_0993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My favourite month is May. In the month of May things start coming alive in our City. As we move through the month there are more and more weekend activities and the weather moves from cool to absolutely perfect. Well almost perfect. We Torontonians brave the outdoor cafes and patios in 10 degree weather just cuz we can. By the end of May we get reliable 20 degree weather which is a bit more comfortable to sit out on a patio and sip a beer or a glass of wine. None the less - by the 2nd weekend in May all respectable outdoor patios have tables outside open even if they have also a few propane heaters at the ready! <br />
<br />
From the May Victoria Day holiday (the 3rd Monday in May) through to the September Labour Day holiday there will be 2 or 3 major street festivals and events every weekend not to mention the regular attractions which run through the same period. It is hard to decide what to do but for sure there is something for everyone's taste and sensibilities. Go here to the <a href="http://www.toronto.com/thingstodo/events">Events Toronto site </a> or here to the <a href="http://wx.toronto.ca/festevents.nsf/">City of Toronto Events site</a> if you would like to check into all the events our city has to offer.<br />
<br />
Not only do all the outdoor attractions (including restaurant patios) open in May but people start to go out doors in May. Everyone is busy dusting off (or like me, buying) their bicycles, going to the garden stores and stocking up on seeds and plants and garden furniture and getting ready to enjoy summer. <br />
<br />
One activity I have never managed to time properly in previous years was an outing to High Park to see the Cherry Blossoms. Tuesday night last week I slipped over to the park after work - it is not too far from Liberty Village- and joined the thousands of other Torontonians who like me, had been listening to the CBC Morning Show and were told that there was a spectacular display of blossoms this year and that they were at their peak in the next few days. Blooms last about a week, but not even that long if there is rain so they would not last until the weekend. The weather was fabulous even at 7 p.m. when I managed to arrive, but I was disappointed that the sun had given way to clouds. While I did not have the backdrop of blue to show off the blossoms in their best light, none the less, it was an exquisite sight to see so many trees in full blossom and it was worth the effort to see them. <br />
<br />
Maybe next year, I can manage to sneak away from work early and do a picnic dinner in the park, as many who were already at the park when I arrived had done. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmvhzOr5CA0MRfQE1kH2Y498wnVbhxhGpahAm6QZ6l8MhexE4Ak_xx1xmyTFvjD1wFd_ixfZpXVcK6hGxK3wXVKG7wT5UaycETqU1Ht0zhvnXojFqc1sUs_Mtj6LzM5OTSXQVpHpwxBcl/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmvhzOr5CA0MRfQE1kH2Y498wnVbhxhGpahAm6QZ6l8MhexE4Ak_xx1xmyTFvjD1wFd_ixfZpXVcK6hGxK3wXVKG7wT5UaycETqU1Ht0zhvnXojFqc1sUs_Mtj6LzM5OTSXQVpHpwxBcl/s320/IMG_1025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
For my far away friends in the blogsphere, <a href="http://www.highparktoronto.com/">High Park</a> is Toronto's largest public park and it spans 400 acres (nearly 2 sq km) and features many hiking trails, sports facilities, diverse vegetation, a beautiful lakefront, a small zoo, playgrounds for children, a couple of eateries, greenhouses, and various outdoor venues. The elevation rises a bit up from the lake shore and the views are spectacular. It is the place to <a href="http://www.highpark.org/cherry.htm">see Cherry Blossoms</a> or Sakura trees as they are called, in the City of Toronto. The first Japanese Somei-Yoshino Cherry Tree was planted here in 1959 and it was present from the citizens of Tokyo in appreciation of Toronto accepting re-located Japanese-Canadians following the Second World War. The growing collection has been added to over the years thanks to the generosity of more than just a few folks.<br />
<br />
The following slide show features the magnificent Sakura Blossoms as well as some of the other spring flowers in bloom at High Park. I was also able to take some shots from high on the hill overlooking the lake and the large (35 acre) Grenadier Pond, which is at the western edge of the park.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XrsA3vkOdHs" width="425"></iframe><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=3e57486d-6c29-493a-9576-0308c74dbb04" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-53287423024393281592011-05-10T20:40:00.000-04:002011-05-10T20:40:07.350-04:00Long Time No Post - A quick updateSeems like I have taken an extended time away from blogging, but (sadly) it was entirely unplanned. Just too much on the go these days. I have been holding back until I get my list of 20 things crossed off from my "Must do before summer" list. The good news is that I am almost there. The bad news is that I got 2 new items when last week I ended up buying and putting together some furniture from Ikea which now has to be disassembled and returned and new pieces fetched and a second assembly session scheduled. Oh well... the place is shaping up nicely! As you can tell, I have been catching up with, among other things, my feathering the nest tasks. I am very excited as I have even managed to order my window coverings!<br />
<br />
I owe a special thanks to my friend <a href="http://www.michaelgolland.com/">Michael Golland</a> who spent Sunday evening helping me figure out the best placement of furniture and hung some of my Cecily Moon pieces on my walls. He has graciously agreed to create a wonderful piece to hang on the larger empty wall which will be a focal point for the room! <br />
<br />
In the meantime, until I get more time to blog, I thought I would check in with folks and post a few pictures and a brief update and a song that grabbed me as I walked home from work tonight. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4mQkAvuF_C9uCnVPd9k42YJd7XOqDf8D1SUAtH_dLumqOELZOMukATofie6uDCVVjNRT8AYpBKBJLAtP7Q8YKWrbEHZoJjOCVSijWthtI9V7-5MKShUb6j6Q0u83WKaI05oBfG_oEWwD/s1600/Balcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4mQkAvuF_C9uCnVPd9k42YJd7XOqDf8D1SUAtH_dLumqOELZOMukATofie6uDCVVjNRT8AYpBKBJLAtP7Q8YKWrbEHZoJjOCVSijWthtI9V7-5MKShUb6j6Q0u83WKaI05oBfG_oEWwD/s320/Balcony.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost got my living room sorted around.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtynuwSVm3tAD5Ju4z41P4RALL5-r9XLvMcET5GPUuvfOGBhP68-rJZxdFe8maTfx5EhTe21WeTJwkWpb0O4EtVVnGq7Lx9wtezb23AC8y-KSwgIZ-yywQgbFnEspgyNeSLioFxXOhQB2/s1600/Balcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtynuwSVm3tAD5Ju4z41P4RALL5-r9XLvMcET5GPUuvfOGBhP68-rJZxdFe8maTfx5EhTe21WeTJwkWpb0O4EtVVnGq7Lx9wtezb23AC8y-KSwgIZ-yywQgbFnEspgyNeSLioFxXOhQB2/s320/Balcony.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My balcony is at the ready for sunshine and R&R!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE8U0jSGyizGzII4-19LqYNE3bskD0fOPBNYvPyuxnPWfkyxKJEBv-TaMiOY8uQCeAVfeuN3yKFWNF3IkYqAUFG_WMSXFHM3SXAyj7V9n6eHb_JQyeKa6sQztkUnm42j5gxyICTOWBAel/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE8U0jSGyizGzII4-19LqYNE3bskD0fOPBNYvPyuxnPWfkyxKJEBv-TaMiOY8uQCeAVfeuN3yKFWNF3IkYqAUFG_WMSXFHM3SXAyj7V9n6eHb_JQyeKa6sQztkUnm42j5gxyICTOWBAel/s320/IMG_0963.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new vehicle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifr_8pHEcdFzZ3V3iosY7TbxYx7jPdTPYl1woyPWBG7ewFea0OWb-4Lj8FUY9JUuuBIZS1p5YAkJquWdpQBp1R1rT2bT85h2gESSXTAgC7UJutUUsfpzE7_E9U2hdyUsRiXKtWpfI8lVHf/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifr_8pHEcdFzZ3V3iosY7TbxYx7jPdTPYl1woyPWBG7ewFea0OWb-4Lj8FUY9JUuuBIZS1p5YAkJquWdpQBp1R1rT2bT85h2gESSXTAgC7UJutUUsfpzE7_E9U2hdyUsRiXKtWpfI8lVHf/s320/IMG_0975.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practising with my zoom lens</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTPw4MCtfYEf1KUUmugz2A7nhKSUqOA43uuMbUUIe9awkt6aL3cWdnZ_UV-cxvxugdZ2lAT_Wz2OlGoA5kI6wGnb33pdD2OvsqAvIrmCeojr2KjQJAxxg3LokmOmJgRtKlfrX5guKRCXb/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTPw4MCtfYEf1KUUmugz2A7nhKSUqOA43uuMbUUIe9awkt6aL3cWdnZ_UV-cxvxugdZ2lAT_Wz2OlGoA5kI6wGnb33pdD2OvsqAvIrmCeojr2KjQJAxxg3LokmOmJgRtKlfrX5guKRCXb/s320/IMG_0977.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoom to the max! All from my balcony!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Walking home today it seemed such a warm and (near) summer day when I heard this song by Donovan I cast my mind back to days of my youth. It was fun to listen to the song and remember what life was like back then.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdcB9EFtatKWeo2dLLJTSC8oKnkcqMAUIsR6rCeMq0XtuIR3a2uKN7hE8K8L9CrxmKTBNk_Kv9mt9bNwC_vOZTNGC4qMYitRhYfgPzIlQJWbc_tPrGIKEG2c97bHLXkWlODQAfg2qUwik/s1600/Peggy+at+14+Years.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdcB9EFtatKWeo2dLLJTSC8oKnkcqMAUIsR6rCeMq0XtuIR3a2uKN7hE8K8L9CrxmKTBNk_Kv9mt9bNwC_vOZTNGC4qMYitRhYfgPzIlQJWbc_tPrGIKEG2c97bHLXkWlODQAfg2qUwik/s320/Peggy+at+14+Years.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Remember Donovan? <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan">According to Wiki</a>:<br />
<blockquote>Donovan (born Donovan Philips Leitch; 10 May 1946) is a Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist. Emerging from the British folk scene, he developed an eclectic and distinctive style that blended folk, jazz, pop, psychedelia, and world music. He currently lives with his family in County Cork in Ireland.</blockquote>It is his birthday today! <br />
<br />
Wiki provides us with some interesting background to the song Sunshine Superman and the period it was written in:<br />
<blockquote>By 1966, Donovan had shed the overt Dylan/Guthrie influences and become one of the first British pop musicians to adopt a flower power image. More importantly, his music was developing and changing rapidly as he immersed himself in jazz, blues, Eastern music, and the new generation of US West Coast bands such as Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead. He was now entering his most creative and original phase as a songwriter and recording artist, working in close collaboration with Mickie Most and especially with arranger, musician, and jazz fan John Cameron.</blockquote><br />
<blockquote>Their first collaboration was "Sunshine Superman". One of the first overtly psychedelic pop records, it was an innovative and eclectic blend of folk, rock, pop and jazz. The arrangement was augmented by prominent harpsichord and sitar, and set against a funky conga-driven back-beat. It also contained subtle but unmistakable references to LSD – notably, the line, "I could've tripped out easy, but I've changed my ways".</blockquote><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hTuPbJLqFKI?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
Sunshine Superman lyrics<br />
Sunshine came softly through my a-window today<br />
Could've tripped out easy a-but I've a-changed my ways<br />
It'll take time, I know it but in a while<br />
You're gonna be mine, I know it, we'll do it in style<br />
'Cause I made my mind up you're going to be mine<br />
<br />
I'll tell you right now<br />
Any trick in the book now, baby, all that I can find<br />
Superman or Green Lantern ain't got a-nothin' on me<br />
I can make like a turtle and dive for your pearls in the sea, yeah!<br />
A you can just sit there a-thinking on your velvet throne<br />
'bout all the rainbows a-you can a-have for your own<br />
'Cause I made my mind up you're going to be mine<br />
<br />
I'll tell you right now<br />
Any trick in the book now, baby, all that I can find<br />
Everybody's hustlin' just to have a little scene<br />
When I say we'll be cool I think that you know what I mean<br />
We stood on a beach at sunset, do you remember when?<br />
I know a beach where, baby, a-it never ends<br />
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine<br />
<br />
Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm<br />
I'll pick up your hand and slowly blow your little mind<br />
'Cause I made my mind up you're going to be mine<br />
I'll tell you right now<br />
Any trick in the book now, baby, all that I can find<br />
<br />
Superman or Green Lantern ain't got a-nothin' on me<br />
I can make like a turtle and dive for your pearls in the sea, yeah!<br />
A you-you-you can just sit there a-thinking on your velvet throne<br />
'bout all the rainbows a-you can a-have for your own<br />
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine<br />
I'll pick up your hand and slowly blow your little mind<br />
When you've made your mind up forever to be mine<br />
<br />
I'll pick up your hand<br />
I'll pick up your hand<br />
And slowly blow your little mind<br />
(Fading)Blow Your Little Mind<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HCCjv2OiTxE" width="425"></iframe>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-28233613827428086732011-04-20T20:08:00.000-04:002011-04-20T20:08:08.144-04:00Return from ParadiseAgain not a long blog - too much to catch up on this week and tomorrow night I am heading off to my Collingwood Shangri-La! I thought I could at least share with you some photos of my trip. I stayed at <a href="http://www.solmelia.com/hotels/cuba/varadero/melia-las-americas/home.htm">Melia Las Americas</a>, which is located within the Veradero Golf Course. Spent a lot of time at the beach, reading and sipping a Pina Colada.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSCRROIkmF-BrYoTIrewFFpLaUQMFcVe0iMj4EsCPJNasn3Cj84JVHHHB9JALFF_d87Z2-LzykB7EWTHJTCqBe_NZm7gSuP8rfy-03m1hGrTLpMEKSM7pR7wcP9EwlYOqLwkreEMKFUso/s1600/Melia+Las+Americas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSCRROIkmF-BrYoTIrewFFpLaUQMFcVe0iMj4EsCPJNasn3Cj84JVHHHB9JALFF_d87Z2-LzykB7EWTHJTCqBe_NZm7gSuP8rfy-03m1hGrTLpMEKSM7pR7wcP9EwlYOqLwkreEMKFUso/s320/Melia+Las+Americas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Resort's Web site</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I0rq3OU286BjGfZkJA8amIpZJv9Vwngk5-yz55ZrfZbUbrPWeXm1JCxa4SgyiJUXxru9gTPy7ioJ7PYGa-3IOcy48f3TG_mndcdFxin6Slg5hKyLfnVnaDHHXsJbxaXgbfPIZYNZ8PUd/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I0rq3OU286BjGfZkJA8amIpZJv9Vwngk5-yz55ZrfZbUbrPWeXm1JCxa4SgyiJUXxru9gTPy7ioJ7PYGa-3IOcy48f3TG_mndcdFxin6Slg5hKyLfnVnaDHHXsJbxaXgbfPIZYNZ8PUd/s320/IMG_0379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is one view from my hotel room. The <a href="http://www.varaderogolfclub.com/en/xanadu.asp">"Xanadú" Mansion</a> you see on the right is the Club House of the Varadero Golf Club. It was originally constructed in 1930 for French American millionaire Irenee Dupont de Nemours (of the Dupont Chemical Company) who built it as his retirement home. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynFNlHQOm2pccS5pHZhckM5Ln2KVom_iNwjCTYlW9Ijp03GbfkFANCTzV7qxEjA5sybAU-b4gqK7hzC6ygpYemst_S-jpQKI0BBEUMbsy9MNFnWW4r-8l_mKzLopEIHrQKyxmrcLcvGal/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynFNlHQOm2pccS5pHZhckM5Ln2KVom_iNwjCTYlW9Ijp03GbfkFANCTzV7qxEjA5sybAU-b4gqK7hzC6ygpYemst_S-jpQKI0BBEUMbsy9MNFnWW4r-8l_mKzLopEIHrQKyxmrcLcvGal/s320/IMG_0378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty nice to wake up and see the ocean. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3GRdtI733c448_p03_toxvpZO9TlrrtD1zJZbYBT9pyadaLBQjKChRZ-Is-N2KtbqntV1WLcN5LGxbbg8AK1FvRB9GDPfEyMEtSkUuxM0VMOeFkdRk9RVOaveTxzsZZwlsD1fuM4XBkE/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3GRdtI733c448_p03_toxvpZO9TlrrtD1zJZbYBT9pyadaLBQjKChRZ-Is-N2KtbqntV1WLcN5LGxbbg8AK1FvRB9GDPfEyMEtSkUuxM0VMOeFkdRk9RVOaveTxzsZZwlsD1fuM4XBkE/s320/IMG_0380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not that I spent much time in my room, but couldn't ask for a better view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaV_k-DC3riBjs9fygeTErsu0aS7TPeRauxQRcoeDwcIYH4k2-f2pR23QTXPdIm5p-iEyMl_37KEM4ZzhLeEmZZJTWk8W5wj0Z4f3g8_pIw6zQOU-Kb1TBGMMi3VEWNuTIbQWs1EaNmBz/s1600/IMG_0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaV_k-DC3riBjs9fygeTErsu0aS7TPeRauxQRcoeDwcIYH4k2-f2pR23QTXPdIm5p-iEyMl_37KEM4ZzhLeEmZZJTWk8W5wj0Z4f3g8_pIw6zQOU-Kb1TBGMMi3VEWNuTIbQWs1EaNmBz/s320/IMG_0569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Dupont Mansion as seen from the beach.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPJ9drN1oHWzkA8u_ff3d2j0pZ6sG7bp0xu8PCwJjoOxecjJEXe2eKGIKBS7nDnWvxwdFXpKOyRau5NOZJ7URQ9EjZxpkmAoe5XgWUXth6_uG9X6740pTBc9DGbZ_XoCOwfQnuJQwq9Mh/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPJ9drN1oHWzkA8u_ff3d2j0pZ6sG7bp0xu8PCwJjoOxecjJEXe2eKGIKBS7nDnWvxwdFXpKOyRau5NOZJ7URQ9EjZxpkmAoe5XgWUXth6_uG9X6740pTBc9DGbZ_XoCOwfQnuJQwq9Mh/s320/IMG_0486.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beach at Veradero can't be beat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVijbmRyPvcSEPd51BnXrz0SVlEJYbp3xB6tNey-BLgLizcCZJzUGP4pbKkNOfCGcBfClHzhmz2PF-90kF3XK9vceGfXvZP3tFeC6MeRAoNXcFwpkSdJNMXnfu_wiEJ5tlNdfbUWuW9jng/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVijbmRyPvcSEPd51BnXrz0SVlEJYbp3xB6tNey-BLgLizcCZJzUGP4pbKkNOfCGcBfClHzhmz2PF-90kF3XK9vceGfXvZP3tFeC6MeRAoNXcFwpkSdJNMXnfu_wiEJ5tlNdfbUWuW9jng/s320/IMG_0477.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water was amazingly blue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E9eBzMR2rbtfQXA8VbES_PvbgwQHuMli4eJzjTcnokAcOA2Z-OlOCWJAfFXF1SBCUwy_eKJ37lAh1jeYFB-_E8uDFdmi6jt0M_VPLyIyX8RwJuyACt_mE2sZiEdZoBlaNHzGb3k_CPbt/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E9eBzMR2rbtfQXA8VbES_PvbgwQHuMli4eJzjTcnokAcOA2Z-OlOCWJAfFXF1SBCUwy_eKJ37lAh1jeYFB-_E8uDFdmi6jt0M_VPLyIyX8RwJuyACt_mE2sZiEdZoBlaNHzGb3k_CPbt/s320/IMG_0732.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a hard time trying to figure out what to do with my days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M0K_dY8BEWu-K78TWjb_Xfb6dEQjZXgIkufTxHrTGiu_3ouVEy1QfeVa4MHMyJrPxn7Im6CPp-VWr8yrVrqqbArgQX7wxq_aqRer_I1Mhq55O5SrS2AAaWA-46hJBV_9hOHTKm1yvu8D/s1600/IMG_0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6M0K_dY8BEWu-K78TWjb_Xfb6dEQjZXgIkufTxHrTGiu_3ouVEy1QfeVa4MHMyJrPxn7Im6CPp-VWr8yrVrqqbArgQX7wxq_aqRer_I1Mhq55O5SrS2AAaWA-46hJBV_9hOHTKm1yvu8D/s320/IMG_0648.JPG" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63QpyG-lVBGjo4sn4PFnhgZkK8IqPI4g62QlAt_BmYxCfGBxyTBJ6H2I9JrP8dwWeA7vG7s9OfE3GKWKXTMx2WuZ9S-nkBKCYIdDAX8hE-5ZmKb2MqFT8EdJe8nn-oIsls2JJkIesULup/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63QpyG-lVBGjo4sn4PFnhgZkK8IqPI4g62QlAt_BmYxCfGBxyTBJ6H2I9JrP8dwWeA7vG7s9OfE3GKWKXTMx2WuZ9S-nkBKCYIdDAX8hE-5ZmKb2MqFT8EdJe8nn-oIsls2JJkIesULup/s320/IMG_0635.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A friend of mine preferred poolside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBGH-MFdbdBQES4Yprih7f5ne3CVRO5ww-taEhKRvbHDCHcUy88bRIGBBoUmKC_MHPJRTOzQft_G2eUWDwxhQ8L2AdHP7EFtpcVQb9AQhKxbjtPoo1TF2Jy9JLh0spyMX7iFS17J8JlgW/s1600/IMG_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBGH-MFdbdBQES4Yprih7f5ne3CVRO5ww-taEhKRvbHDCHcUy88bRIGBBoUmKC_MHPJRTOzQft_G2eUWDwxhQ8L2AdHP7EFtpcVQb9AQhKxbjtPoo1TF2Jy9JLh0spyMX7iFS17J8JlgW/s320/IMG_0686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco was great fun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSoRo5KqZlDY6c-eWqhIWUD7lkk4jmcq8xZf4Dr4km2n8yMpvllsay-e9zKuMod5qijwxqZ3825WOmJ0mLAoq-7B_0CB_qaj4xXrL1Jj1kA3qyZdRmGxX0SYP5EabwDRnbSl5dPW1R23W/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSoRo5KqZlDY6c-eWqhIWUD7lkk4jmcq8xZf4Dr4km2n8yMpvllsay-e9zKuMod5qijwxqZ3825WOmJ0mLAoq-7B_0CB_qaj4xXrL1Jj1kA3qyZdRmGxX0SYP5EabwDRnbSl5dPW1R23W/s320/IMG_0724.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cayo Blanco white sand paradise</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLK1SRKgzK4L3Q3Pd7EyS937HYQem02hfLsxwrYj9NSn6i2aECALauG03SdxRdsYGp2WALWnb-IE7hFc-hqv77KLuTwFBDhMJkeDtJcTdn6Q8UMMLvo8NmxOFA3pxIEDabGVRnVDU3GWN/s1600/IMG_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLK1SRKgzK4L3Q3Pd7EyS937HYQem02hfLsxwrYj9NSn6i2aECALauG03SdxRdsYGp2WALWnb-IE7hFc-hqv77KLuTwFBDhMJkeDtJcTdn6Q8UMMLvo8NmxOFA3pxIEDabGVRnVDU3GWN/s320/IMG_0808.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too soon my vacation was over. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-1718788653030857702011-04-09T10:21:00.000-04:002011-04-09T10:21:19.089-04:00In a FogI am heading off to Cuba for a week of fun in the sun. So no time for a long blog as I have lots to do to get ready for my Monday flight. Spring has definitely sprung this week and last week's freezing temps have retreated throughout the week with promise of a truly spring like 13 degrees Celsius (55 F) today! I wish I had time for a long walk but sadly today no chance and tomorrow forecasts rain. <br />
<br />
The warming breezes coming up south over Lake Ontario gave us some interesting fog this week. I snapped the following pics one night as I got home and the fog rolled in over the Lake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXyQOEuyGosfcjnzXFuVLwzhkztRi-R_f5hiXkz3pHr16m1PHbuEY5Ak4gS-2z-0Hi3CSNFNv82T1Tq_43TlTdV9RQ4sxMxDB6FUFAWwVaCck4I1ZGii3U5zsTFmgr4lBVlFuzY4hqT8D/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXyQOEuyGosfcjnzXFuVLwzhkztRi-R_f5hiXkz3pHr16m1PHbuEY5Ak4gS-2z-0Hi3CSNFNv82T1Tq_43TlTdV9RQ4sxMxDB6FUFAWwVaCck4I1ZGii3U5zsTFmgr4lBVlFuzY4hqT8D/s400/IMG_0223.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In the space of 20 minutes I saw the fog roll in from the Lake and blanket <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.637,-79.422&spn=0.1,0.1&q=43.637,-79.422%20%28Liberty%20Village%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Liberty Village">Liberty Village</a> entirely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6cNhdzQNi0LguVCH-9E3JqIkMxVkH-p8-ViHOhUYY9o6vExrbACoEPDvQiNBa7R5LSuqX16AuqRIdoj1ifwkpPdFJdCtC3tDNJnPupcR79SffVLRt3mSydIuC8sJLG3HqMtjcmDq2Z3z/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6cNhdzQNi0LguVCH-9E3JqIkMxVkH-p8-ViHOhUYY9o6vExrbACoEPDvQiNBa7R5LSuqX16AuqRIdoj1ifwkpPdFJdCtC3tDNJnPupcR79SffVLRt3mSydIuC8sJLG3HqMtjcmDq2Z3z/s400/IMG_0227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This suggests a post apocalyptic scene. A bit eerie for sure!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF60E7_Y_few0twgUFM__rNSUMrDh8xNz1dW5MndBpIBggddQOprsnU12vNa2NsTjH_1w4Rd4gMsOA7KTIw9ClKxBkHg4w_Gsdy8vAmg0HT2M0ngXpSBJexouCcIXlK1QLYrEYYTF0hdp/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPF60E7_Y_few0twgUFM__rNSUMrDh8xNz1dW5MndBpIBggddQOprsnU12vNa2NsTjH_1w4Rd4gMsOA7KTIw9ClKxBkHg4w_Gsdy8vAmg0HT2M0ngXpSBJexouCcIXlK1QLYrEYYTF0hdp/s400/IMG_0239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The truth is that Liberty Village is in a construction boom and with the construction cranes rising out of the fog this is never more evident.<br />
<br />
As you can see I am enjoying my new camera and having fun with it as I learn how to use it properly. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=82d504ff-812e-4246-b64d-3ef322211d62" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-69153357485416910062011-04-02T22:39:00.002-04:002011-04-02T23:37:24.349-04:00My New Camera - Canon SX220 HSI bought a new camera today and I am very excited about it. It has some neat technology built in to help with low light and night shots and also has a 14x optical zoom which with the 12 megapixels allows reasonable quality zoom photos from a distance. I feel like a spy now from my 19th floor balcony!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQhMDPOEsltoPYc_6VCBjhUI_YyJksDoFrJvS-aCXhrWaKEopTb33qtPCXWCWUx6mum5dCA8lTSxmQW7Fbqh-qDzWPMZBn6so5YYR2nCjrY2Sjrx203PxXuY2R9aYdPsXdEZAlW6wrQsz/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQhMDPOEsltoPYc_6VCBjhUI_YyJksDoFrJvS-aCXhrWaKEopTb33qtPCXWCWUx6mum5dCA8lTSxmQW7Fbqh-qDzWPMZBn6so5YYR2nCjrY2Sjrx203PxXuY2R9aYdPsXdEZAlW6wrQsz/s320/IMG_0150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
When the special "hand held night shot assist" is used the camera takes several shots in a burst and somehow arrives at one decent photo - so you can do a longer exposure without a tripod!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_Pecxvk8i0th3DXuM1Fl_IHUGjNj0qwHadmJwE94Q9wPEZxAjtGBaGOkNPAEl3tbFmT3s-AJXKe-mtTNVRP39Z98CkEyA0T6dFXr3M2fdrrEHpms_rp9TSry704R0UGR2U0dIGZZOPM5/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_Pecxvk8i0th3DXuM1Fl_IHUGjNj0qwHadmJwE94Q9wPEZxAjtGBaGOkNPAEl3tbFmT3s-AJXKe-mtTNVRP39Z98CkEyA0T6dFXr3M2fdrrEHpms_rp9TSry704R0UGR2U0dIGZZOPM5/s320/IMG_0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Can you spot the areas I have zoomed into below from the pictures above?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VhrtGpWeWVELuSmXpUkLVBIehbU8Gd7Vl1Xn9vhlRB77EHGMnEad5KZxMSunkwKW4W6KfMeOZLIiSrp6SzjrxddlP8Z-Axmz-3R21_d0WPwWtMb95P8hyphenhyphencw9H-N_XMQOLfl71f1vNVIS/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VhrtGpWeWVELuSmXpUkLVBIehbU8Gd7Vl1Xn9vhlRB77EHGMnEad5KZxMSunkwKW4W6KfMeOZLIiSrp6SzjrxddlP8Z-Axmz-3R21_d0WPwWtMb95P8hyphenhyphencw9H-N_XMQOLfl71f1vNVIS/s320/IMG_0152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3Zi2E-dudMyUfGrIYC8GhJasp6sLaLAKAbJQbhMDLMfLqYcoXiiQVlJn7eRZDCxHtG3V4v76TYiTST8HiL2rK0hD2d6-r3GbtSmEXSAozs3KelqZfIxe6yPHX6fBAt62eVtoq3j3BUgs/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3Zi2E-dudMyUfGrIYC8GhJasp6sLaLAKAbJQbhMDLMfLqYcoXiiQVlJn7eRZDCxHtG3V4v76TYiTST8HiL2rK0hD2d6-r3GbtSmEXSAozs3KelqZfIxe6yPHX6fBAt62eVtoq3j3BUgs/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnP2qJF299KofIOCV2MXweZZnUbBWWSUa-yeQfIpCXCt8IrYqiNLxsLHuxRcTThyphenhyphenyn2R_jipHLWqjSgbUmJMjRYKHDXwanXfub_I2R-zeoE3YhSMtSKIuGFvQtb0v8qNe0BBiUj5bXojJ7/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnP2qJF299KofIOCV2MXweZZnUbBWWSUa-yeQfIpCXCt8IrYqiNLxsLHuxRcTThyphenhyphenyn2R_jipHLWqjSgbUmJMjRYKHDXwanXfub_I2R-zeoE3YhSMtSKIuGFvQtb0v8qNe0BBiUj5bXojJ7/s320/IMG_0155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBaLcZ3N4K2B8Z3ytA67RWUbIdgtnkE4TILzdMDU9MGw9YRAdYcT9D6YdbagS3SkDJHLe13dSZhMQB-xGzt5Pz6Mn_Lj_DWkpp0OVO93F7fdPBaSFe_lX9UstYX6SOZycN8-brE_Ldz2U/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBaLcZ3N4K2B8Z3ytA67RWUbIdgtnkE4TILzdMDU9MGw9YRAdYcT9D6YdbagS3SkDJHLe13dSZhMQB-xGzt5Pz6Mn_Lj_DWkpp0OVO93F7fdPBaSFe_lX9UstYX6SOZycN8-brE_Ldz2U/s320/IMG_0156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It also has a photo burst mode which allows it to shoot like a machine gun -- the idea being that if the figure is in motion you will get good shots of the action. I wish I had this camera at the hockey game last week - I kept missing the players as they had zoomed right out of sight by the time I pushed the camera trigger.<br />
<br />
Bella wasn't moving when I took the photos below but I put together a collage of the resulting pictures so you can see the effect.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a72c_ryMA1KSSzCtcWMD4yPHSRAtFgjRLTN1xmfu1ZLmRoKQMPBi3p1tpiCRG_pL_tnNjTrT2j4n9xi-TFSdcDxzaqJzZnpTH0em-x9_zYgSPgfyrqTcepW6gS-FDN6V6LhvSC6_n5qd/s1600/2011-04-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a72c_ryMA1KSSzCtcWMD4yPHSRAtFgjRLTN1xmfu1ZLmRoKQMPBi3p1tpiCRG_pL_tnNjTrT2j4n9xi-TFSdcDxzaqJzZnpTH0em-x9_zYgSPgfyrqTcepW6gS-FDN6V6LhvSC6_n5qd/s320/2011-04-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There is also an indoor low light assist mode which should help my next set of pictures from Hugh's Room be of much superior quality than the last ones. With all these camera features and full HD movie capture features as well, this is a real treat for me!<br />
<br />
It is going to take time to learn all the new features, but since my last camera was a Canon it should not be too difficult as the controls are very similar. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGhuFYnwg8qC0p1gD3uowU8bmvdgcXGwAleYS1ZJ9dKk_X3iF4RV84cUvXW2cEeaSAzldcTRAfPoBofEVrzv3dRmicxGWV5pOQdEGBR5HaNvUyAVX6mwighYTBqt80YY40GWCT9Ib0QVJ/s1600/2011-04-021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGhuFYnwg8qC0p1gD3uowU8bmvdgcXGwAleYS1ZJ9dKk_X3iF4RV84cUvXW2cEeaSAzldcTRAfPoBofEVrzv3dRmicxGWV5pOQdEGBR5HaNvUyAVX6mwighYTBqt80YY40GWCT9Ib0QVJ/s400/2011-04-021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>After posting the blog I realized that I had not included a picture of my new camera - and in fact it might be interesting to show my old and new Canon cameras side by side. So I got my BlackBerry out and snapped a few different views of both cameras.Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-60941139704869878972011-04-02T08:44:00.012-04:002011-04-02T10:48:40.386-04:00April is Poetry Month and the Toronto Poetry SlamI have a great excuse to blog about poetry a lot during the next month. My regular visitors know that I have shared a fair bit of poetry over the years, but I fear my regular visitors are getting a bit tired of me pulling a Pablo Neruda out of the grab bag as often as I do. So for something completely different I decided to focus on spoken word poetry and bring to everyone's attention the Toronto Poetry Slam. <br />
<br />
Spoken Word or Slam Poetry<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoken_word">From Wiki</a>: <br />
<blockquote>Spoken word is used as a musical or entertainment term, referring to works or performances that consist solely or mostly of one person speaking as if naturally. Musically, this is distinct from rapping, as rapping incorporates rhythm and sometimes melody, whereas spoken word is more akin to narration or speaking as the person would in conversation...</blockquote><br />
<b style="color: red;">Allan Ginsberg </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZc2mhc_UnpYHjvrwjuw4lcmTYoUyA9SLXsHvs0DNJcsCc27tTiwWJiCdMIwE01k4BrgKhefswQgC-v2xWIDu3GfId-NpGeZ6LHevxCiihlKBSo-779H9lONRg4I9fx6uYgh8IGtRBh_u/s1600/allen_ginsberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZc2mhc_UnpYHjvrwjuw4lcmTYoUyA9SLXsHvs0DNJcsCc27tTiwWJiCdMIwE01k4BrgKhefswQgC-v2xWIDu3GfId-NpGeZ6LHevxCiihlKBSo-779H9lONRg4I9fx6uYgh8IGtRBh_u/s320/allen_ginsberg.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Probably the earliest well known spoken word poet in North America is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Ginsberg">Allan Ginsberg</a>, who was a Beat Generation poet who vigorously opposed militarism, materialism and sexual repression, well known for his poem <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howl">"Howl"</a>, which was originally written as a performance piece. When it was first performed it was considered obscene because of its references to illicit drugs and sexuality and a well publicized trial ensued. The poem is interesting with its many <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beat_Generation">beat generation</a> 1950s cultural/historical references.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP60RWzgGAUt0aVveGDPjiH-g5iPZrAf7c_JCYO8Fsmt5g86Ovo3CMjTF2HDmpnj7W3iHXykr_bBDFh3O_49JeAfia7Kgx6hrrAqWRwTkx7Ys2DAZ07noIPitmrgake3lm2hiRNY7-PV7Z/s1600/allen-ginsberg-best-207x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP60RWzgGAUt0aVveGDPjiH-g5iPZrAf7c_JCYO8Fsmt5g86Ovo3CMjTF2HDmpnj7W3iHXykr_bBDFh3O_49JeAfia7Kgx6hrrAqWRwTkx7Ys2DAZ07noIPitmrgake3lm2hiRNY7-PV7Z/s200/allen-ginsberg-best-207x300.jpg" width="138" /></a>The opening lines give you a sense of the poem and you can go to the <a href="https://notes.utk.edu/bio/greenberg.nsf/0/6f7dd8b9270db5c585256d0d001e0a93?OpenDocument">text of the poem here</a> if you want to have a read - it is extremely long.<br />
<blockquote>I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by<br />
madness, starving hysterical naked,<br />
dragging themselves through the negro streets at <br />
dawn looking for an angry fix,<br />
angel headed hipsters burning for the ancient <br />
heavenly connection to the starry dynamo in the<br />
machinery of night,</blockquote>I have a blog in the making (actually started 2 years ago!) about Jack Kerouac, who is the best known Beat Generation poet and writer, perhaps I will mange to finish and post that this year. :(<br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;"><b>The Toronto Poetry Slam</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU7euDR-LHsdL5Z3LnF-FIA6GfQmu_79IWTDLEbK6DxKzEtUYzxRJMQyCVuEtPeECR7fvjQNSAPCWuNrMyNTvB6uEJR423qpY_qlOvO2nlaZlmjasr_P0QWKV0f-DNBZpy2FPHqZ9xUgj/s1600/ScreenClip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU7euDR-LHsdL5Z3LnF-FIA6GfQmu_79IWTDLEbK6DxKzEtUYzxRJMQyCVuEtPeECR7fvjQNSAPCWuNrMyNTvB6uEJR423qpY_qlOvO2nlaZlmjasr_P0QWKV0f-DNBZpy2FPHqZ9xUgj/s320/ScreenClip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The <a href="http://torontopoetryslam.com/about">Toronto Poetry Slam</a> is a monthly spoken word competition, where the judges vote on each poem presented. The winners of the monthly competitions are entered in the semi final competitions held in March and the annual grand slam winner is decided at the end of April. The TPS is held at the Drake Hotel Underground, except for the Grand Slam which because of the audience size is held at Hugh's Room. I just might toddle off to hear some of Toronto's best at this April event.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://torontopoetryslam.com/">From the Toronto Poetry Slam website</a>:<br />
<blockquote>TPS is presented by Toronto Poetry Project, a collective of ten poets who also produce BAM! Toronto Youth Slam and niche slams such as the Geek Slam, Story Slam and the Haiku Deathmatch. We believe in democratization of art, truth and the old proverb, "The points are not the point, the poetry is the point.". </blockquote><br />
<b style="color: red;">Blue Jay's Season Opener - Spring is Here! </b><br />
<span class="zemanta-img separator zemanta-action-dragged"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/08r8cFvciW4Rw?utm_source=zemanta&utm_medium=p&utm_content=08r8cFvciW4Rw&utm_campaign=z1" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="TORONTO - APRIL 6: A fan of the Toronto Blue ..." height="150" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08r8cFvciW4Rw/108x150.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="108" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 108px;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com/">@daylife</a></span></span><br />
As a segue to the next poem, last night was the season opener of the Toronto Blue Jay' Baseball team. I wonder if any of our sports teams are going to give Toronto fans reason to celebrate this year. The TBJ team has been just as disappointing as our hockey, bball and soccer teams have been of late, I am afraid. Not sure if we are expecting any better from the Blue Jays this year - but it was great to see the expectant optimism as fans strolled toward the stadium baseball gloves in hand. I work across the street from the Roger's Center - our domed stadium. Last night as I walked home, I felt like a fish swimming up stream as everyone was heading to watch the game.<br />
<br />
<br />
This spoken word poem by <a href="http://www.heelstone.com/meridian/chocarticle2.html">Mark Larsen</a>, a New York poet, provides some food for thought. Where would you want your ashes cast after you die? Who will be the one to do this for you?<br />
<blockquote></blockquote><div style="color: red;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: red;"><b>7th Inning Stretch</b></div><div style="color: red;"><b>By Mark Larsen</b></div><br />
You're not gone yet, but when you are, I will sprinkle<br />
your ashes over softball fields in Central Park.<br />
Do you remember telling me that's what you wanted?<br />
We sat on a bench, father and son<br />
keeping score on a Saturday afternoon.<br />
Someone hit a shot so far over the left fielder's head<br />
that it rolled to a stop at your feet.<br />
You picked it up and threw it back into the game.<br />
I realized then you did not throw a ball that well.<br />
I could probably throw a ball farther, and harder, than you.<br />
An inning later you turned to me and said,<br />
"When I die I want them to sprinkle my ashes over these fields."<br />
The 'them' you referred to will be me.<br />
I've never had to sprinkle ashes before.<br />
I wonder how you do it.<br />
Perhaps it's a bit like adding salt to soup,<br />
or barbecue sauce to ribs - no recipes.<br />
I'll bend down,<br />
pick up some infield dirt, taste it,<br />
and know I have just enough of you in the ground.<br />
<br />
Mark Larsen can be contacted at marklar@aol.com.<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=64b71b00-2d5b-4b54-878d-11a66b2576e6" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-34443222320654060272011-03-27T10:01:00.000-04:002011-03-27T10:01:03.927-04:00A Window With A View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXlD538FxBeGj1zZVYGIOaRaPN5SDefCw5DMWBibrZsYKE8ErYK4LUapaRHWk-de658u7cIzIfQonyyGNY3Osvn7IRJH8NtUOmX8McXkejqDCReyhrEEKcpU71TJ52OOtBiXVTNXDzs73/s1600/IMG_1211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXlD538FxBeGj1zZVYGIOaRaPN5SDefCw5DMWBibrZsYKE8ErYK4LUapaRHWk-de658u7cIzIfQonyyGNY3Osvn7IRJH8NtUOmX8McXkejqDCReyhrEEKcpU71TJ52OOtBiXVTNXDzs73/s320/IMG_1211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have a full day of stuff to do, but took the time this morning to gaze out my window and admire the fantastic view. I find the blue expanse of Lake Ontario comforting and an intriguing contrast with the hustle bustle surrounding the buildings in view. There is always something to watch, and as a consequence I find myself absent minded and daydreaming much more often than I did at my old place. Maybe it is the view, maybe it is my mood as I am now officially making plans for a 6 month sabbatical starting next February. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xcDL9ISTaAE_1ZtexNqwL6vbjYuknFBntO6PHJNJL3hTpLjewzak-fyjev59HlmHGpxqAqgwg1H_1rsyxAN80sFlRq7rwvUoFambbtqoipAURXgbqBsrPlEN31o2dPPAlcy7Pw082pjx/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xcDL9ISTaAE_1ZtexNqwL6vbjYuknFBntO6PHJNJL3hTpLjewzak-fyjev59HlmHGpxqAqgwg1H_1rsyxAN80sFlRq7rwvUoFambbtqoipAURXgbqBsrPlEN31o2dPPAlcy7Pw082pjx/s320/IMG_1205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Yesterday was the first season's home game for the TFC -Toronto Football Club at BMO field, which is the red stadium in the background of the picture. The stadium was full of freezing fans and the cheers were audible yesterday afternoon as the two goals were scored which brought them their first win of the season. I guess spring is officially here, even if mother nature is withholding the goods from us for a wee bit yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUeJLJ0-2Z7dZSYRnchnCd4DC9Ul7gcYX43Xa-Dh_bwWsFCqxXfXhDgq3RQYEv4IEpHgxCM8L1VOZtTkT23OdlFGyWcMoMqOKOy1hQbXHwvlYf0vc3yDp9E3T8t__-5hkXj2hyphenhyphenTNASRKr/s1600/Nuit+Blanch+2009+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUeJLJ0-2Z7dZSYRnchnCd4DC9Ul7gcYX43Xa-Dh_bwWsFCqxXfXhDgq3RQYEv4IEpHgxCM8L1VOZtTkT23OdlFGyWcMoMqOKOy1hQbXHwvlYf0vc3yDp9E3T8t__-5hkXj2hyphenhyphenTNASRKr/s320/Nuit+Blanch+2009+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am thinking back to my old place, the Battery Park Condo and the spectacular view I had from my office window there. I got to see the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.6426,-79.3871&spn=0.01,0.01&q=43.6426,-79.3871%20%28CN%20Tower%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="CN Tower">CN Tower</a> and the lights of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.6525027778,-79.3835583333&spn=0.01,0.01&q=43.6525027778,-79.3835583333%20%28Downtown%20Toronto%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Downtown Toronto">downtown Toronto</a> at night and I can't decide which view I prefer. There is certainly something nice about a lake view, however the Toronto Downtown skyline is exceptional and a view to the east with morning sun is actually my preference, I think. <br />
<br />
In any case, the discussion is moot - my wonderful lake view will be gone by the end of the summer as the high rise to the west of me rises up into the sky. At that point, I will be able to see a sliver of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.7,-77.9&spn=0.1,0.1&q=43.7,-77.9%20%28Lake%20Ontario%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Lake Ontario">Lake Ontario</a> from my living room if I look to the left in the spot which will be the space between the two buildings, but the spectacular view that I have now when I sit at my desk will be gone.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3tXggNwD4eSA0UeoTzgO-AR3mJ6sibyG8wFvqs-cHgSFJLrG9VBteOnVf1-e8g7bjCVaIg7VaPfrJLcRzvt-HPIZtdGPt0ofYr4M01PZach9fKqgm_naNXEDtblUQOFzh9wZST0Q86WV/s1600/Nuit+Blanch+2009+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3tXggNwD4eSA0UeoTzgO-AR3mJ6sibyG8wFvqs-cHgSFJLrG9VBteOnVf1-e8g7bjCVaIg7VaPfrJLcRzvt-HPIZtdGPt0ofYr4M01PZach9fKqgm_naNXEDtblUQOFzh9wZST0Q86WV/s320/Nuit+Blanch+2009+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am consoling myself with the thought that there will be another full Lake Ontario view in my future - the "to be built" condo I have purchased for 2016 occupancy will have an unencumbered view south to the Lake and on the 30th floor will be just spectacular, I am sure.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned in a future blog for more discussion of the travel plans I am cooking up. I have a couple of trips planned for this year. I have booked time for a brief trip to Cuba mid April for a week of well deserved rest & relaxation and a week in Iceland at the end of June to see in summer solstice and the midnight sun in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reykjav%C3%ADk">Reykjavík</a>. I am just starting planning for my 6 month holiday next year but it will include 6 weeks in Spain to do the Camino Pilgrim's walk and I am hoping to find someone in Europe to do a house swap with for maybe a month. So perhaps I am spending more time daydreaming because my travel dates are getting nearer and not because of my Lake view. Whichever the case, I my mind is full of dreams these days.<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=cc590362-4a94-4174-b8b1-4e6857818d6a" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-50776650869205900532011-03-26T19:02:00.000-04:002011-03-26T19:02:11.790-04:00Juno Cup Hockey and There Ain't No Cure for LoveI had a great time watching the Juno Rockers play the NFL Alumni last night. The seats were general admission (no reserved seats) and we got a great spot with a fabulous view of the net.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj33yNYQH6Jkabv45ivKwAzApmJ-FOdSTsh_v9yc22htKL2sSUUKbgyz6nHP2zGqkWwBj2PX9PxRasgYF85tU46-73wmZ6dZTJ3xkJ_hzkENzrtD5zaWzzfIFqjAohQhBuf9mMQ9rnoyA/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj33yNYQH6Jkabv45ivKwAzApmJ-FOdSTsh_v9yc22htKL2sSUUKbgyz6nHP2zGqkWwBj2PX9PxRasgYF85tU46-73wmZ6dZTJ3xkJ_hzkENzrtD5zaWzzfIFqjAohQhBuf9mMQ9rnoyA/s320/IMG_1043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There were two 25 minute periods separated by a skills competition which was fun to watch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaETct_V-dAUYLHLKQ9kE0_gDZXgdEv4QAfpTCCyJw_tWar1sLKCQPeSbJ_Wqw86tvToeHwMnuuPKRDfljzhSrGAuOQAt9PCdBbn4uq9_ZAX0Mo4Z6woWVY8sWAYw3QEYBuZN1_Cr_YUP/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaETct_V-dAUYLHLKQ9kE0_gDZXgdEv4QAfpTCCyJw_tWar1sLKCQPeSbJ_Wqw86tvToeHwMnuuPKRDfljzhSrGAuOQAt9PCdBbn4uq9_ZAX0Mo4Z6woWVY8sWAYw3QEYBuZN1_Cr_YUP/s320/IMG_1059.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I don't know who had more fun - NFL Alumni, including Paul Coffey, Gary Roberts, Mike Pelyk and Mark Napier and others playing hockey with Rock Stars or the rock stars playing hockey with the hockey pros. Jim Cuddy, from Blue Rodeo, captained the team of pretty excellent hockey amateurs. Included were Sarah Harmer and Kathleen Edwards who both are surprizingly good players. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpGQDOd2f1hJ_wDXlj9HtXxjDL49_YJzqwDRk5lwAD-pKdBGAnrGu-uBfu8RQlC6k88e0aIuVhMlasatIiIiMTqcpW3_mwEVuDwh9sk35mLUjnU6mTUuVZ3SE-LJ96Mqp_kMsyjrs_JAu/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpGQDOd2f1hJ_wDXlj9HtXxjDL49_YJzqwDRk5lwAD-pKdBGAnrGu-uBfu8RQlC6k88e0aIuVhMlasatIiIiMTqcpW3_mwEVuDwh9sk35mLUjnU6mTUuVZ3SE-LJ96Mqp_kMsyjrs_JAu/s320/IMG_1106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There was lots of action and a high scoring game in which saw we the NFL players take the cup (surprise, surprise LOL).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXs9bcEk75YUgByM04TmoejvGCrgWc019qTvPDF0PZ7fZgmgE4Mxp5bTBbvYYKTMUb1zOnfMG0H-VeCGW6xQsCeXyGImbJbK6oZth4d99EzL_gARbzuUeBNDvd2akfl4k4qfpsgXKlMDd/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXs9bcEk75YUgByM04TmoejvGCrgWc019qTvPDF0PZ7fZgmgE4Mxp5bTBbvYYKTMUb1zOnfMG0H-VeCGW6xQsCeXyGImbJbK6oZth4d99EzL_gARbzuUeBNDvd2akfl4k4qfpsgXKlMDd/s320/IMG_1141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
During the skills competition there was a singing segment included where each captain had to sing a tune and the crowd voted by cheering loudest for the winner. Of course, Jim Cuddy won! And we got to hear a neat a cappella version of "Try" his signature song. Mark Napier, the Alumni captain had to bring his whole team up to sing with him and also needed the help of 2 of the Rockers - Sarah and Kathleen, but they didn't best the Cuddy falsetto voice.<br />
<br />
I took a few pictures which I have shared here, but if you are interested to learn more about the Juno cup I found a great You Tube with interviews of Rock Stars and NHL greats alike which was recorded during their training camp held in February and talks about the Musicounts charity which was the beneficiary of funds raised. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XKd5COcdd1k?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="zemanta-img separator zemanta-action-dragged"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/0fXOgjJdHS6wx?utm_source=zemanta&utm_medium=p&utm_content=0fXOgjJdHS6wx&utm_campaign=z1" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 30: Poet/recording a..." height="150" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0fXOgjJdHS6wx/149x150.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="149" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 149px;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com/">@daylife</a></span></span>I am busy working today so no time to write a long blog but I would like to share with you my favourite musician/bard. Leonard Cohen is both a great Canadian poet and Internationally renowned musician. Given the emphasis on Canadian Music this week in Toronto with it being Juno week and with Poetry month beginning in less than a week, I thought I could sneak him into this blog. <br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fnf4yuXg0ek?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
There Ain't No Cure For Love<br />
by Leonard Cohen<br />
<br />
I loved you for a long, long time<br />
I know this love is real<br />
It don't matter how it all went wrong<br />
That don't change the way I feel<br />
And I can't believe that time's<br />
Gonna heal this wound I'm speaking of<br />
There ain't no cure,<br />
There ain't no cure,<br />
There ain't no cure for love.<br />
<br />
I'm aching for you baby<br />
I can't pretend I'm not<br />
I need to see you naked<br />
In your body and your thought<br />
I've got you like a habit<br />
And I'll never get enough<br />
There ain't no cure,<br />
There ain't no cure,<br />
There ain't no cure for love<br />
<br />
There ain't no cure for love<br />
There ain't no cure for love<br />
All the rocket ships are climbing through the sky<br />
The holy books are open wide<br />
The doctors working day and night<br />
But they'll never ever find that cure for love<br />
There ain't no drink no drug<br />
(Ah tell them, angels)<br />
There's nothing pure enough to be a cure for love<br />
<br />
I see you in the subway and I see you on the bus<br />
I see you lying down with me, I see you waking up<br />
I see your hand, I see your hair<br />
Your bracelets and your brush<br />
And I call to you, I call to you<br />
But I don't call soft enough<br />
There ain't no cure,<br />
There ain't no cure,<br />
There ain't no cure for love<br />
<br />
I walked into this empty church I had no place else to go<br />
When the sweetest voice I ever heard, whispered to my soul<br />
I don't need to be forgiven for loving you so much<br />
It's written in the scriptures<br />
It's written there in blood<br />
I even heard the angels declare it from above<br />
There ain't no cure,<br />
There ain't no cure,<br />
There ain't no cure for love<br />
<br />
There ain't no cure for love<br />
There ain't no cure for love<br />
All the rocket ships are climbing through the sky<br />
The holy books are open wide<br />
The doctors working day and night<br />
But they'll never ever find that cure,<br />
That cure for love <br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=308fd5b5-6541-4abb-ac66-839827453ddf" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-456746777220655920.post-16980470957277648572011-03-19T21:12:00.018-04:002011-03-19T22:55:46.115-04:00A Big Moon in the Sky Like a Great Pizza Pie... AgainI have to wake up early Sunday morning and go to work, so I am going to make this short. In case you are wondering why I might need to go to work at 4:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning - it is the time people would be least affected if the new computer programs we are about to put out there decide not to work properly. So we work these odd ball hours sometimes. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="zemanta-img separator zemanta-action-dragged" style="clear: both; float: none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Full_Moon_%281%29.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Full Moon (1)" height="225" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Full_Moon_%281%29.jpg/300px-Full_Moon_%281%29.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Full_Moon_%281%29.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></span></div><br />
Tonight is a full moon - the Lenten Moon to be exact. Also known as Worm Moon, Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sugar Moon, Sap Moon, Moon of Winds, Chaste Moon and Death Moon. Some of these names are more obvious as to their origin, but others are not. What is with "Death Moon"? Curious, I went on a bit of a hunt and found this poem:<br />
<br />
<div class="bodytext" id="item_body"><div align="center">Neo Pagan Moon<br />
by RM Wey</div><div align="center">Come new year...the Ice Moon,<br />
The Snow Moon...cometh nigh,<br />
The Ides of March...the Death Moon,<br />
Yet the Awakening Moon...doth rise.</div><div align="center">And yonder come the Grass Moon,<br />
The Planting Moon tis wise,<br />
For the Rose Moon...but doth follow,<br />
The Lightning Moon denies.</div><div align="center">The Harvest Moon doth shineth,<br />
As the Blood Moon saunders by,<br />
The Tree Moon be the twilight,<br />
As the Long Night Moon...doth die.</div></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I was hoping to get a glance of it as the moon rose in the east - but no luck as the clouds obscured it. Maybe I will get to see it if it is visible in the western sky when I wake up. The full moon this month is a special treat -- it is what is called a "super moon".<br />
<br />
I have blogged about the Moon before and why it looks so much larger as it is rising or setting in horizon - it is due to something called <a href="http://torontoismytown.blogspot.com/2010/08/dog-days-of-august-and-nerudas-poetry.html">Moon Illusion</a>. I also <a href="http://torontoismytown.blogspot.com/2011/02/snow-moon-and-moonstruck.html">blogged about the full moon called Snow Moon</a> about a month ago and used it to introduce a favourite romantic movie of mine, Moonstruck. I think the moon in the movie Moonstruck must have meant to represent a super moon. A super moon appears very much larger than the usual full moon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1367829/Supermoon-Did-tonights-lunar-perigee-cause-Japans-tsunami.html?ito=feeds-newsxml">From UK's Daily Mail Science & Tech Section:</a><br />
<blockquote><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The phenomenon of the lunar perigee can occur around four or five times a year, but tonight’s more dramatic version happens only once every other decade. It was first dubbed a 'Supermoon' in the 1980s by the American astrologer Richard Nolle, who claims extreme lunar perigees can provoke tidal waves, earthquakes and storms.</span></blockquote><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><br />
A science lesson on super moons.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r1yalg_Apdw?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
I am not going to be able to put together a long blog today, so thought I would just treat everyone to a selection of moon songs. I think there is one here for just about everyone's taste.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5A4WoHxL3GQ?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5BmEGm-mraE?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ltYq-jalYm0?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=488385fe-fca1-44bc-8b42-c69e6ed939bf" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Peggyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07909913811643561413noreply@blogger.com2