Planes roar through the blue sky for the annual air show at the waterfront, while people find the best vantage point to take in the spectacle – standing on rocks, sitting in the shade on outdoor chairs lugged from home, and sitting amongst friends on blankets spread out on the grass. I pause to watch, on the way home from the farmer’s market, with my fresh black cherry tomatoes (a special variety) and peppers in hand. Living here means you don’t need to camp out for the day – I can walk back to my condo and grab the most alluring spot of all – my balcony!
The farmer’s market was very wasp-y today, and by that I don’t mean the English upperclass, but full of actual wasps! The guy that sells empanadas said that the wasps were relentless, which led to a conversation about Toronto animal & insect species in general and how they are their own breed. The squirrels in Toronto for example are vicious – they come up to you in search of food – no fear! In Ottawa they appropriately run away if you get too close. Also the raccoons here are very wily, and can master latches and door knobs. My friend Gosia once encountered one in her camping tent when we went camping near Lake Huron. The raccoon was casually holding an apple pie, and she screamed for her life. I forgot if the raccoon took the pie with him as he escaped (somehow I always picture these bandits as men, but clearly the females are equally capable).
It’s been a fun week celebrating a dear friend’s wedding – catching up with friends, coordinating rides, dressing up in the most beautiful glittery outfits, and appreciating how love takes its time and brings people together.
Today is a day of rest, which for me means reading a serious book! (Actually I’m reading four books currently). And thinking about it, it’s serious because it’s set in Afghanistan, but also not so serious because the author is funny and clever and creative. I’m at the part when her mother is about to throw a slipper at her for deciding to throw away her Oxford scholarship and stay in Afghanistan instead to help girls get educated. The book led me to a PBS documentary from a few days ago called “Inside Afghanistan’s secret schools where women defy the Taliban to educate girls”. A quote from a student really struck me:
Since I came here, I’ve realized that even if I learned just one word in a day, that one word means the whole world to me. Sometimes you only understand the value of something after it’s taken away from you.
– student from Afghan secret girls school
The other day I learned the word fallacious (which is featured in my stand-up… you’ll have to come to my show to see why). It means “based on a mistaken belief”. A long-standing human rights issue gives the fallacious impression that change isn’t possible, when it fact it is with the right momentum and commitment.
I’m starting a new flamenco class next week, with an amazing local dancer. I’m hoping to learn a passionate and fiery choreography that will keep my feet and spirit moving in the right direction. Hope your feet and spirit are taking you on a fiery journey too!
She's Come Undone 