National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

I acknowledge that the land I live on is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and other First Nations groups. I recognize that forced residential schooling has caused intergenerational trauma and emotional and physical pain for Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada. I value and respect Indigenous pedagogies and epistemologies. 

Kent Monkman, The Scream, 2017, Denver Art Museum 

Books, anyone?

The weather was gorgeous today. Thanks, Mother Nature! So, this afternoon I biked around my neighbourhood and dropped off some books to the Little Free Library. Bike riding and donating is the best combination! 

"Book donations"

Saturday Reflections

Tell me about your day:

1. One thing that surprised you. 

2. One thing that made you happy or sad. 

3. One thing you wanted to do, but didn't. 

"A scene from my travels" 

Single on Date Night

I never watched Sex and the City. But maybe I should. Sarah Jessica Parker plays Carrie Bradshaw, and she has some rad advice for single people. 

Photo credit: here

Say his name, three times.

I haven't been to the movie theatre in ages. Is that still a thing? 

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has hit movie theatres this month. As a sequel to the original 1988 film by the same name, this movie brings 1980 fun to 2024. Beetlejuice was my favourite cartoon back in the day. Time to get nostalgic! Maybe even go back to the theatre... 

Blog vigil

On Monday evening, Julia Cleveland was walking with her partner in Toronto, when a car struck and killed her. Tonight, I am holding a blog vigil for Julia and all other pedestrians killed by motor vehicles every year. May they rest in peace. 

gif credit: here

Behind the scenes (Secrets of Melissa)

Every night, after dinner, I usually eat a salad and drink a green tea. What are your daily habits? Share below! 

September 24, 2024

Music Monday

Tonight, there are fireworks going off in my neighbourhood. Weird or what? I guess it's time for a music break! Tonight's song is Dermot Kennedy's "Lucky". 

This song makes me cry... In my lifetime, I hope I'm lucky. 

Sing along optional:

If you're so lucky that she lets you know her heart
Be careful how you hold it
If you're so worried that the afterlife is dark
Then make sure that she knows this

She is loved, she is loved, she is loved (loved, loved, loved, loved)

Pre-season hockey begins today

Photo credit: here 

Saturday reflections

How can you resist the feeling of 'not being good enough'? And start feeling 'good' about yourself? 

Photo credit: here

Friendly faces

When you're sad, feeling like you're all alone in the world... a friend stops by. 

"My chipmunk friend visiting me in the garden"

Book Sale (Happy Reading)

This week, there is a book sale at the Toronto Public Library. I have attended this sale a lot over the years. It's a great place to find good books on the cheap.

If you plan on attending, let me know. Comment below!

Wednesday wisdom

Push boundaries, test out ideas, and find beauty in difference. 

melissa fockler (b. 1984)

      Fire in the night sky, 2007

Photograph 

Fall On Me

According to the calendar, it's still summer. But the trees are saying otherwise. 

September 17, 2024

Music Monday

All-4-One "I Swear"

Sing along optional: 

By the moon and stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear

Ouch.

A hornet stung me. The pain is intense.

Photo credit: here

Let's do a wellness check

Question: How are you feeling?

My answer: Not great. I've been feeling blue. I'm at the point where I don't believe love exists. I mean, heart pounding, 'only want you' kind of love. The 'need you' to get through the day kind of love. The type of love based on unconditional love and care. I got to this low point yesterday, then I saw this couple. They were in their late 80s and holding hands. It was so beautiful. Seeing this made me think that maybe this 'love' thing does exist. Maybe... 

'A scene from my travels'

unholy thoughts

i'm not religious 

but i'm waiting for a miracle:

for him to find me 

in a world of plenty. 

Sunday Night Photo Booth (No make-up, no filter)

Photos taken September 8, 2024

Question #33 (Grocery store edition)

Oh, I wanted to dance so very, very much. I was holding a tomato in my hand and Ed Sheeran's song "Bad Habits" started playing over the loudspeakers. 

Tonight, I'm asking you to reveal your darkest truths. What are your bad habits? How might you change your habits, to align with a healthier lifestyle?   

Sing along optional:

My bad habits lead to late nights endin' alone
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
Swearin' this will be the last, but it probably won't
I got nothin' left to lose, or use, or do

Question #32

Question: What's on your bucket list?

My answer: I really want to see Canada, particularly Atlantic Canada. I have wanted to visit Newfoundland for a long time...

Photo credit: here

Reading is a right, not a privilege

Tonight, I dropped off some books to my local Little Free Library. Look for these free libraries in your neighbourhood! 

"My book donations"

Sometimes, a bike ride is the answer.

How was your day? It was beautiful weather this afternoon. 

A scene from my travels 

Inspirational Tuesday (Clint Eastwood quote)

Photo credit: here

Music Monday

Wilson Phillips "Hold On"

Sing along optional:

Don't you know, things could change
Things could go your way
If you hold... on for one more day

Long weekend blues

I'm feeling a little low. I need some good news. Got any? Share below. 

Photo credit: here