I woke up today with the familiar feeling of angst of “what will I do today” (other than work), where will my intuition take me – what moments of magic and moments of responding to difficult situations will arise? Of course the world didn’t take long to deliver… I had a craving for my favourite English breakfast tea at Fullstop Coffee, so I grabbed my travel mug and headed that way. As I started to walk with my familiar shoulders tensed up, not wanting to tune into the poverty around me, I relaxed when I saw my comedy show poster – only 8 days away!
I crossed the street as a slew of pigeons flew overhead, and saw the woman who always asks for change – shining black skin, lumpy hair, pushing her walker, no gloves on her hands, but this time at least carrying a couple coffees – maybe someone had gotten them for her. I made a mental note to carry around an extra set of gloves so I can give them to her when I see her next.
I got my tea and even successfully found my points card – it was the 10th stamp so my next one is free! In a city where everything is electronic, the actual paper cards and places that only accept cash feel antique-like. I had a longing to stay and listen to the pleasant conversation and bask in the change of scenery, aware of returning to my north-facing apartment that gets no sun. My new place faces south – I can’t wait to feel the sun again through the windows! Not to mention seeing the lake sparkle in the sunlight… and moonlight.
The other day a guy from Columbia came to see my current place, along with his friends, and a beautiful real estate agent (somehow they are always good-looking!). He walked in and his eyes lit up: “Such great energy in here!” he said, asking about the furniture, saying how I’d decorated it so well. He even said the word “Lindo” – I asked what it meant, and he said it meant beautiful. It made me smile, because I often complain internally, or perhaps don’t recognize my ability to make things beautiful when the scenery becomes a blurred constant in the background of my thoughts. It’s nice when someone else sees it. I was also glad it was a single man potentially choosing to live here, because for a single woman, the neighbourhood can be quite rough.
I took him and his entourage down to see the lounge and gym – I had to pause for a moment to figure out which way it was – “You can see how often I use the gym,” I joked.
Back to this morning. I walked back with my tea and passed another woman, no socks, feet barely supported in loosely fitting shoes, openly drinking beer and wobbling. I scurried past, wondering what life she would’ve lived to lead her to this point. Glad that there was a shelter she could return to. Evangeline Residence provides a a clean and safe place for women experiencing homelessness due to mental health, addiction, domestic violence, financial difficulties, and abuse. I’ve heard a firsthand account from a friend who ended up in a shelter and it wasn’t a positive experience for her – although she did fight very hard to make the conditions better. That’s the kind of woman she was.
I got to my apartment, and walked in and saw a man at the elevator that looked unfamiliar. He kept pushing the elevator buttons but not getting in. I stood back and said, “Are you having issues with the elevator?” and he didn’t respond. So I called the super, and only went up once I didn’t see him there. I’m curious to know what happened.
Ok time to rehearse my set – yesterday I put all the jokes on sticky notes and now they’re colour-coded and up on my wall. I feel like I’m forgetting to do a million things but somehow it always comes together! I’m donating a portion of the proceeds to Right to Learn Afghanistan, that exists to make the right to education a reality for Afghan women and girls. They currently work in partnership with Afghan women to offer free virtual courses.
I just watched the CTV Ottawa news, and it was so nice to see features about a school in Kanata and also how they converted the downtown Chapters into a music hall (which will feature not only musical performances but also stand-up comedy). I sometimes forget that I spent 5 years there not too long ago, and it’s a home that I know and miss. I sipped my second tea of the day, and opened my fortune cookie which said: “You have a natural poise and potential for fame.” We shall see about that!
She's Come Undone 