I ran forever.

Ran forever today. Seriously I felt like I had been running all day. With 29 k as my goal, D. and I headed out around 10 am after I mapped out a route along the Poco whotrail (also known as the Trabwholay). The trail is amazing. D. followed me on his bike which was great. He really motivated me, especially near the end. I felt spoiled having D. coaching me along, carrying my water bottle and all. I guess I was. I saw another runner along the way and he had someone biking alongside him as well. What we do for the ones we love right?

We went along the streets, through the woods, past some farmland, and along the river. D. took photos along the way.






I started to fade approximately around the 24 k mark. I took more walk breaks. I felt my legs starting to give up. But I made it. I did ask D. to go get the van (he had borrowed the van from work so we could take the kitties to the vet and pick up some gardening supplies on Saturday) because I did not want to walk anymore. I did and then walked some more and then I was almost home when D. arrived with the van. I was deliriously happy to see the van and couldn't stop laughing when he pulled up. Fatigue, relief, delirium or whatever you want to call it had set in.

We had planned to install the compost and that's it for Sunday. I didn't even think I had the energy to do that, but after showering and refueling with a vegan bagel, and some toasted fig and anise bread (amazingly good) with a hemp maca flax smoothie and coffee I felt pretty good. The compost bin took all of 10 or 15 minutes to set up and get started. The sun was shining down through the trees and I was enjoying being in the garden again. I placed a couple of stones and the next thing you know, D. and I are collecting slate stones from the retaining wall that's coming down and laying them out as a path to the compost bin.
D. discovered that the two year old (also named Gigi) who lives upstairs from us had left her shovel in the sand. He found it to be a suitable trowel even though I have two extra trowels from LV. Even though I offered to go get him a trowel, he kept working with the bright yellow plastic one and I must say he worked very efficiently as well.

I continued on with my cultivator raking away bits of sand and rock to place another stone. I used my hands to fill in around the rocks. We each have our methods. We only planned to lay a few stones, but then really wanted to finish the path and we did. Here's the result.
If you remember my earlier photos of this spot it was simply sand and nothing else. It's already a big improvement. I hope our homeowners like it! The steps run up to this spot (also made in the same stone) and curve along the line of the (future) garden. To the left of the path we added some soil, mushroom manure and coir to start a raised bed. Now we were really into the process and realized we would need more rocks and we would need the van to get them. Into the van we got and drove around, up the mountain until we found a spot where D. found some beautiful rocks. By the time we got home we didn't have any more energy to carry them all the way to the garden so we left them just outside our door.

Tomorrow someone is coming in to remove the tree stumps. It's all very exciting. I just hope I can walk tomorrow after all of this.

Friday the 13th

Happy Friday the 13th! Anything strange happen to anyone? So far my day has been uneventful. My bus never showed, but that's nothing unusual really.

It's been ages since I've seen the film Friday the 13th. I revisited it when I was studying horror films. It amused me more than anything and I may have fast forwarded through parts of it. I was watching a lot of films at the time, especially horror -- not really an excuse though because I would sit through a lot of films and not feel the need to fast forward -- but Friday the 13th did make me hit that button just like The Amityville Horror caused me to fast forward. The original was dead boring. Again, it seemed scarier at the time it was released but it doesn't last while other films from that era are still creepy.

Friday the 13th was a big deal when I saw it on video as a teen. It seemed so scary at the time and now it seems so tame (at least the original). The character of Jason evolved and that character's lasting effect is significant and probably there's an essay out there somewhere on that character. Here's a link that shows the film being referenced on t.v. and that's just one form of media. There are other references on the site as well that demonstrate this films lasting effect.

A new plot

All right I've calmed down since the landscapers came and went. This is what we've got to work with now.

I know it's hard to tell what's going on here as in an overall view, but this is only one side of the backyard. I took the photos from the lawn that will remain, but what you see is where we'll garden.

The two tree stumps are going to be removed (not by us, but rather someone competent) and there's a third one not shown that will also be taken out. The stone that is part of the "wall" will be ours to use for whatever (pathways, sitting area...) and they are going to install another retaining wall. I suggested to deb. that they do a two level wall so there'd be one ledge for planting followed by more wall and then more planting above that. She seemed to like the idea. I hope they go for it.

I guess I'm looking for suggestions. It's a completely shaded yard so think hostas and bleeding hearts sort of thing.

When the Landscapers were through...

I couldn't look. Part of my desire to go out for the bike ride yesterday was to get away from the house and the knowledge that the landscapers our landlords hired were out in the yard and I could have no control over what was going on. It's not my garden after all and it's not my sister living upstairs so I don't have any input.

My hope was that the landscapers would be gone by the time we got home, but they were still at it. I checked out the back yard and gone was not only all of the ground cover, but also all of the moss and all of the ferns. The ground under the huge pine and cedar was bare earth. I saw one discarded fern on the walkway and picked it up and put it in a planter, but it looks bleak. It's a yard with a lot of shade and ferns and moss beneath two glorious trees is very natural. Without this greenery below it looks quite stark. I did go out at one point and ask the workers if they could leave any sizeable "stray" rocks since I wanted to use them for the perrenial garden I'd be putting in. They said they would, but I haven't checked to see what's left yet.

As for the front yard, my fears were that while removing the ivy (a job which I had started a few days ago) the near concealed smoke bush would be torn away with the rest. There is a large gaping hole, but the smoke bush survived with some pretty severe pruning. I know it can take this at this time of year, but it looks so exposed and some of the cuts have taken away its full shape. So the line of mixed shrubbery following the walkway up to our house has a gaping hole in it.

I had trouble sleeping last night because I was thinking about the back yard. It looks so barren and I know that upstairs they are fans of the cedar mulch any surface that isn't grass. When did it become about the cedar mulch? i hate that look, it's so shopping mall. I tried to calm myself by imagining all that D. and I can now do with this empty canvas.

First, I'll take pictures and then go from there. I am feeling a bit better today. It does raise some questions about whether or not my landlords will like our type of gardening since some of it was ripped up yesterday. I mourn the loss of ferns and it's ridiculous to go out and buy some now. I'll have to find a wooded area and dig some up while I'm searching for some moss to transplant as well.

A dinner to remember

Sunday dinner is usually pasta night.














This past Easter Sunday was no exception. D. mixed up a pasta dough of roasted garlic and fresh ground pepper and we pressed and cut the noodles for our dinner while the tomato sauce cooked on the stove. He also made steamed asparagus with roasted red pepper and lemon mustard vinaigrette. The wine? A Bandol that he bought at the LCBO and made the trip across country with us. The meal was divine and it seemed very impromptu since we hadn't really planned anything special. I guess D. had be planning all along.

Later we had organic strawberries with a little balsamic and some Soyatoo whipped topping on them with a little Denman Island chocolate to go with the wine.

Happy Easter.

Trail biking

In the middle of doing our taxes today I suggested we get outside and enjoy the sun. I could tell that it was going to be yet another temporary break in the rainy overcast weather and if we didn't go out and enjoy it then we'd miss it. It took a little convincing. Once D. is on a project he doesn't like to stop (Virgo!) and we were well into our Schedule 1s when I threw a wrench into the plan.

Once we were outside we knew it was worth it. We biked to the trail that runs along the Whoville river and meanders through a couple of towns. The river was flowing quite rapidly and the ducks we saw floating downstream seemed to really be enjoying themselves riding the currents. Of course I have no pictures to show because I forgot to take the camera. I'm just not in the habit of having my camera on me and thus there are no scenic shots for the blog. Oh well. You'll have to take my word for it that it's a lovely trail and some of it is very narrow with large moss covered trees reaching up overhead.

There were quite a few people on the trail. I said hello to everyone and everyone says hello as well. It seems necessary for some reason. What's the etiquette on this anyway? I never said hello to people in High Park except for the runners since most runners always say hello to other runners. It's understood that this is done. D. and I biked past a couple and their boxer dog and we all exchanged hellos and I thanked them for stepping aside to let us pass. Then we did a little switchback and encountered them again, but this time no hellos were exchanged. They didn't even make eye contact with me. Can you only say hello once? Again what's the etiquette here? I'm not worrying about it too much, but I'm a little more aware since Whoville is a smaller town and people do tend to say hello to one another. Or at least it seems if you're on a trail or a small side street a hello can be used, but if you're on a main street forget it.

Anywho...it is rare that we have two days off together and while it seemed practical to take advantage of this bonus time and complete our taxes, it also seemed like a waste of a perfectly lazy day. In the end we achieved both and we both learned that we're getting refunds. Woohoo!

More bagels!

D. has a long weeked. I worked Saturday and while I was running around L.V. getting fed up with pointless questions about gardening products, D was home making bread, bagels and calzone dough. When I arrived home he was in the middle of boiling those bagels, prepping them to be baked in the oven. This week he made poppy seed and sesame. As expected they're delicious. He also made calzone filled with roasted parsnip and garlic, kale and tomato (sorry I don't have photos of that).

18 k! My goals can be reached!

Ran a new route today that took me into an area of Whoville I'd never seen which was interesting. Since Sunday is typically the day of my longest run and I knew I'd be aiming for 19 k, I decided that new scenery would keep me having fun since there would be lots to look at.

It was raining when I got up this morning, but I knew if I waited it out I might get lucky and have a window of good weather. At least it's a lot warmer now. I don't dread that initial shock of cold when I step out the door that of course goes away after 10 minutes of running. Anywho...just as I had hoped the rain let up, the sky broke and we even had a little sun. I made sure I was well hydrated and dressed for the long run.

I walked down the hill to warm up and then started off slow. Soon I was over the bridge and the Whoville river and into new and undiscovered terrain. I saw a bunny along one road. It was scampering down the roadside, delivering Easter eggs I suppose. Eventually the sidewalk ended and I was running on a pretty quiet roadside that was quite pretty. When I turned back I realized that the route intersected with the trans Canada trail. Next time I'll run the trail. Once my Achilles feels 100% I'll try the trail.

As I made my way back I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe how good I was feeling and I felt like I could keep going. I considered this briefly, but knew it'd be better to go home and take it easy. I don't want to do too much too quickly.

In the end I completed 18 k. I have a half marathon in four weeks so now I believe I can achieve this.

Along my bus route is a hospital, most of which is not used anymore that is evident by the broken windows of the large, cavernous brick buildings that identify the hospital for what it once was, an institution. I imagine polished wood floors and dully painted plaster walls with harsh lighting and impersonal spaces. Some of the newer buildings are still operating and appear to house many people dealing with mental illnesses. These newer buildings are called "cottages" but look like very standard 70s two-storey houses and, on the occasion when I can see through the windows as the bus passes by, seem to be no more inviting inside than the brick buildings. At least the hospital is there and exists for people who need it.

Anywho...the grounds on which this hospital exists are stunning. There are trees there that seem to exist no where else in this area, probably because it's one of the few areas that have remained hospital property and thus not part of the heavily logged regions here. While the bus travels through the grounds I am usually taking advantage of the travel time to read. However, yesterday I took a pause from my book to look at the trees again since they are changing rapidly now as the leaves are starting to come out and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom now. Along the route I noticed two massive Magnolia trees, the size of which I've never seen before. They must be at least 40 years old. Imagine a maple tree of that age that you've seen and then picture that with Magnolia blossoms about to open on it. It made me quite eager to bike through the grounds and really take the time to enjoy it almost as a park. I expect there will be photos to follow soon.

***

So, I'm headed out in the heat for my run today. It's unbelievably warm. I'm going to try a new route that seems to roll a little more. I've been sticking to the fairly flat surfaces as much as possible to not stress out my Achilles too much. Every run I'm taking one step at a time and if at any time I feel pain, I reassess and figure out if I can and should continue running. Hopefully I'll have another great run today.

Visual DNA

I came across this via Red-Letter Day. I love visual over text...

...and here I am blogging.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Oh I should add that I find it odd that I've done another q & a test to find out what film I was and as it turned out I was "Easy Rider". Is that not odd?

Happy Belated Birthday Gigi!

We didn't forget her birthday but I did forget to post a happy birthday to her on the blog. We decided on April 1st to be her day because her full name is Gigi Buffon. She's definitely a clown and prankster. We love her and celebrate her everyday. Happy Birthday Buffon!

I run therefore I am.

I did it! This morning I ran with no plan in mind. All I wanted to achieve was getting outside to run and run I did. I was quite fearful when I woke up and had all kinds of reservations about going outside for a run. The last long distance I had done wasn't a good run and I struggled much of the way, wondering if I should quit or not. That was a sign at the time and shortly after that my Achilles started to ache. So this morning I talked to D. and tried to get over my fears, but the only way to get over the fear was to go out and do it.

With a nice, easy walk to get me going, I started to run just to warm up a little since the air was fairly cool and I was wearing shorts. Then, I just kept going at a slower than normal and easy pace. It felt really good. I didn't even think about my run/walk system. All I thought about were the last words D. said to me at the door "just have fun" and I did. Next thing I know I'm 45 minutes into a run and wondering if I should head home or not. I did because I didn't want to overdo it and then around 55 minutes I started to feel the Achilles pain so I was glad I was on my way home.

Any event I participate in I want to run with this attitude. I just want to have fun and finish the race. It's so much fun to run a race with so many runners with so many different goals and reasons for running. I want to be a part of that. I love roads being shut down so people can run simply because we enjoy it. I love those quiet moments when the "pack" thins out and I can hear my breath and the rhythm of my feet. I love the moments when I'm not even aware of my body and I glide along in an even pace without having to worry about form, breath or the hill up ahead. Those are the moments I run for. Those are the moments I race for.

I ran over 10 k this morning. While this wasn't my scheduled distance, it was the furthest I've run since the injury. The cross-training and strength training have definitely helped. I felt fit going out today. I was also trying out a new electrolyte replenishing drink called Refresh. I found it at MEC as it was recommended by one of the staff there. I was drawn to a product called "Rain". I guess I have rain on the brain out here so it seemed like it might be a good fit. The MEC staffer suggested Refresh. Red jane was with me and pointed out the order of ingredients was a better option so that was a good thing. Then when I read the label I saw that it was made here in whoville so I was sold. It's so nice not to use Gatorade (yuck) or it's other drink Propel. I had tried another electrolyte replacement drink that the Running Room was promoting, but then found out it had aspartame in it. Double Yuck. So I'll stick with the Refresh for the long distances.

Anywho...once at home, I did my usual stretching and a little core work before showering. We finished off D's bagels and he made me a beautiful coffee. Then I just put some heat on the Achilles and rested it until Svetlana came along and decided she needed to sleep on the heating pad. She's 18 and I'm not going to argue with an old kitty like her. She can have whatever she wants at this point. I just want her to be comfortable.

Now I'm excited about my running again. As long as I continue to listen to my body and build up my distance again gradually I should be okay.

Consuming with more awareness

Okay I know I just recently put up a post about consuming less and now I'm about to write about what I consumed recently. You can read what you want into that and surf elsewhere or you can just read on.

I've been a label reader ever since I became vegetarian at the rebellious age of 15. So I've always been interested in what ingredients are what and this evolved to household cleaners, and my shampoos and make up. It seems so second nature to me to pick up a product and look at the back label to find out what is in it. After talking to people at work I realized that many people don't read labels and have very little information on what's in their food and some don't want to know. They buy the same products they've always bought, standing behind a brand without really knowing why. I suspect advertising has much to do with this. I've always thought that if it's being advertised on t.v. then I most likely shouldn't buy it.

So if I've been trying to keep up to date on what's in my food and household products including how it is produced then shouldn't I be doing the same for my clothing? I slowly went through the elimination process of removing animal products from my apparel with wool being the last thing to go a couple of years ago. This has been liberating and in the process I have discovered all the wonderful and creative products out there that are cruelty free and/or made sustainably and/or of recycled materials. It has also led me to try and shop from smaller businesses thus avoiding the chains and big box stores. However, my home economics and being a product of a consumer culture has led me to those stores that in my gut I know I shouldn't be supporting with my hard earned cash.

I've been an avid second hand clothing shopper as long as I can remember, but I've been ignoring my guilty conscience whenever I've walked into a Gap, Smart Set or Wal-Mart. My relationship with Wal-Mart has definitely been over for some time now because I simply couldn't ignore their destructive business practices that is unfair to its employees. I can't ignore Wal-Marts union busting tactics, its environtmentally destructive practices and the fact that it's chock full of products that originate from some of the worst factory sweatshops in China. Reading Wal*Mart: the Bully of Bentonville has certainly solidified my distrust of this company. So why should I trust anyone else? The bottom line is that I no longer do. And I've made a decision to consume with more awareness of where the product is made and of what materials it is made of.

In a recent trip into Van city I met up with red jane and we walked and walked on a beautiful sunny day. We walked to MEC since I was in need of some new running supplies. I walked out of there with everything made in Canada. I've promised myself that I'm never buying Adidas, Nike or any of those big sportswear companies that make everything overseas and have all been questioned about their relationships with sweatshops. With D. buying my running shoes on ebay they're almost second hand, but I'll need to reconcile this with myself before I think about getting more. People often refer me to New Balance because they're supposed to be better, but research has proven that this is not so. At least for apparel MEC seems to be making a strong effort to work with factories to improve the conditions for workers.

Ultimately, this may make me consume less since I can't walk into any store and buy whatever. I have to really think about what I need (as opposed to shopping on impulse) and if it is produced in a manner that I can feel okay with.

Sitting in my office I look around and see all the stuff that I have accumulated without thought to where it came from. I don't even think of D. and I as people who have a lot, but nonetheless all the little stuff adds up. Taking another look I'm also glad to see a lot of found items and handmade things and this is just in my office. For example, D. made my desk, the dresser I keep linen in we found on the street, the bookcase belonged to my sister, P. and my mum gave me the guitar that was made in Quebec, my sewing machine was also a street find, the rocking chair we found in the alley behind our house, the pottery and paper sculptures are handmade by P.
So it's not all bad. Is it?

I guess I'm pledging in this post to do better and to be more kind to not only animals but to humans and the planet as well. It feels like a small step in a bigger process for me.

If you're interested Co-op America is a good site for info on North American companies. I've included them as a link in my compassion side bar.

Vegan Montreal Bagels

Mmm Sunday morning began with vegan Montreal style bagels and coffee. It's the best Sunday in a while. When I came home from work yesterday D was in the middle of making bagels. A couple of weeks ago when my mum was here we went to visit P. who had made vegan Montreal style bagels and they were so good D. was inspired. When he went to make his weekly sourdough bread, he divided the sourdough starter and used some to make the bagels. I guess that means they're vegan Montreal style sourdough bagels. They are just like the St. Viateur bagels to give you an idea of flavour and texture just in case you've ever had the pleasure of biting into one of those. D. has made vegan bagels in the past but I think these are better than before.

As for the rest of the day...I'm going to rest one more day before trying to run so it'll just be some biking to get the errands done. Pretty exciting life isn't it?

RICE

Yes, it's injury time. I'm laying low and resting, icing, compressing and elevating my left foot trying to ride out this injury.

I'm very frustrated and am having trouble keeping positive about my running goals I've set for the year. So I may have to adjust and set some new goals. I'll give it another week before I do that though.

On a positive note, D. brought home another pair of Gel Kayanos! He surprised me with yet another ebay win. Two pairs of my shoe and he still hasn't spent what it would cost me to buy one pair in the stores.

That's my coach and partner. Swoon.

Spring break. Running break.

Injured again, I've been sidelined from running. It's not serious or very painful, just a minor sensitive spot related to my Achilles. I recognize this pain because if some of you may remember I had this last year around the same time (I think), just before the Mississauga Marathon (which by the way I want to remind everyone what a great run that really is. More people should be aware of it. It's a gentle route and quite beautiful in parts as it meanders through heavily treed areas and ends up along the waterfront).

Last week I struggled with myself over whether to stop running or not since I wasn't feeling pain during a run until I started to get beyond 5 k. In other words, once I started to hit my training kilometers after my warm up I was starting to feel some pain. Being on my feet all day at work, rushing around a warehouse doesn't really help either. At the end of a work day my heel has been aching. Okay that's enough of the poor-me stories. After missing my long slow run (LSD) on Sunday I reassessed on Monday with my coach (D.) and I thought it was best to rest. I sat on the bike at the gym Monday and did some strength work, and felt okay after that. I've been icing and then doing the heat and ice alternating and that seems to be working.

My new shoes arrived last week and I tried a new one on versus and old one and wow what a difference. I could really feel it in the heel of the shoe which is probably how I ended up injuring my Achilles since my heel hasn't had the support its needed. So, D. keep scouting ebay for more shoes. I'm going to start breaking in my new ones once I feel okay to run again.

Today I went back to the gym at the aquatic centre and sat on the bike again doing a hill program and did some more strength work. The good news is I feel fine. I'm keeping off my feet as much as possible on my day off and wearing a heel lift in my shoe.

The aquatic centre was insanely busy since it is spring break and all the little kiddies were lined up at the counter to get in. Fortunately I wasn't using the pool and the tiny gym area is pretty much a kid-free zone. There's a few teen boys lifting weights that are way too heavy for them so it's rather entertaining to see them trying to act all macho with such slight frames, pushing themselves way harder than necessary.

Anywho...after my workout I headed to the showers and changing area that was teaming with children and moms. There was one mom with her young kids, a daughter and son who couldn't have been much more than a year apart in age probably 4 and 5, who kept talking and talking and talking to them. Or was it more for herself. The mom kept referring to herself as "mommy" as in "mommy just has to get dressed" and "mommy will get you a bag of chips when mommy takes you home." This dialogue with herself kept going. Maybe the moms out there can respond to my question, at what point do you become mommy and lose your sense of self? Or is it just some moms that do this. I don't remember my mum doing that when I was a kid.

Anywho...I headed to the showers and had to wait for a shower which was no big deal. But then when I went back to my locker this mommy and her kids seemed no further ahead. Not only that, but she had sprawled all of their belongings across the one bench and the floor around us. "Where's your blue sock? Mommy can't find your sock. Mommy has to look for your sock." My sense of the scene was what's wrong with this picture? I wasn't sure if I should feel sorry for this woman who seemed so scattered she still couldn't dress herself or if I should be frustrated by her need to impose on everyone else with all her crap spread out everywhere. Couldn't she at least enlist one of the kids to help her look for the lost sock? Hasn't she taught them how to dry themselves with a towel yet? I remember being quite self sufficient at a pretty early age. I can't imagine my mum ever having acted like that. Maybe it's because I don't have kids and maybe it was all the chaos going on around us anyway that made me want to get out of there as quickly as possible. I grabbed my bag and stuffed everything, wet and dry, into it and scooted away, searching for a space to change. All the benches were full of mommies and kids and more kids and more mommies. I saw one of the changing cubicles were free and I dashed for it. It was a a bit of refuge from the craziness outside. I purposefully took my time changing because I didn't want to feel hurried like all the moms and kids in there who raced around dressing themselves and drying their hair, dropping socks and searching for lost towels and little shoes. I felt really out of place and knew I didn't belong.

It was a great relief to be leaving the aquatic centre and be in the solitude outside. I guess I wasn't cut out for that life of searching for socks and drying off kids after a swim or giving up all of myself and put all my energy into that little person. Some people call this choice selfish. Maybe it is. I guess I'm set in my life the way it is and am quite happy living as we do. Now if I can just magically heal my Achilles and get running again I'll be really happy.

Just a thought

What if we consume less? What if we shop less because we realize we need less? What if we bought locally because we were thinking of our impact globally?

Everyone seems to be talking about topics I’m interested in, and I hear words such as, windpower, organics, sustainability, greenhouse gasses and global warming as part of our everyday lexicon now. I must admit that initially when the media, federal, provincial and municipal governments all started talking about “going green” it made me a little queasy. I was feeling a little green so-to-speak. It seemed like there was nothing else going on in the world and the environment was the latest disaster. My fear was that this too was a wave of discussion and eventually it would become a memory for next years news broadcast that would begin “Remember when everyone was talking about going green?” Actually the recent swell of environmental interest made me angry because I felt like everyone was finally paying attention to what environmentalists have been talking about for years and it was “too little too late.” However, I am an optimist and I believe in the potential of humanity to create and act in a positive way in order to change.

While I don’t think that “green” is the optimal term to use, I am using it because it does suggest an outcome or environmental benefit that we can all relate to at the moment. Past experience has taught me that the over-use of a term can lead to it losing all meaning. Hopefully the prevalent use of this word won’t lead to it being co-opted by large companies where the term becomes watered down so that the company can twist the word to suggest that their mass production and rapid consumption is good for everybody.

I don’t expect a global greening all at once. Change takes time and effort. My own greening began with my grandmother taking her own shopping bags when plastic grocery bags took over from paper. At first I was just an embarrassed kid because she was doing what others weren’t and I didn’t want to stand out as unusual. Of course that changed quickly when I became vegetarian in high school and chose to stand out in carnivore culture. As far as I know I was the only veg in my school of about 1500. I’m supposing this because I know veggies have a way of finding each other. In university I became friends with an environmental studies student and I learned much from her. I read the Safe Shoppers Bible and moved away from grocery store cleaners, drugstore make-up and shampoos. Yes, this cost me more and I have always paid more for my food and household products, but I’ve always told myself that I have to pay to make my impact on the environment less. Seems odd I suppose.

I’m not very “green” in many ways, but I always strive to be. To a certain extent my income has dictated how I live. I’ve never owned a car because I can’t afford it. If I could afford it would I own one? I don’t think so because I’ve seen people in my income bracket scrimp and save and go into debt so they could get a car. That drive has never been in me. I’ve always biked as a means of transportation or, in bad weather, taken public transit. When I need to I rent a vehicle and I must say I loathe having the responsibility of it.

Backing up a bit, what does this green talk achieve? Everyone talks about what they can do to make their impact less damaging. I am glad to hear people just talking about such issues since dialogue brings awareness and can generate ideas for (hopefully) an improvement in how we live with the planet. We are inextricably linked to the planet. Our survival depends on the planet’s survival. Talk is wonderful, but I’m hoping to see some more concrete action. We need to act now.

We are a consumption culture and we can live with so very little. I believe that part of trying to be greener and live with a less damaging impact to the environment goes beyond buying the right light bulb or a fuel efficient car, I’d like to see more radical thinking like buying less in general. If people made a conscious effort to buy less wouldn’t the benefits to the earth be significant? Do we really need so much? I’d like to see everybody really be aware when they shop. Ask yourself do I really need this? Part of the reason we are in the mess we are in is because we want everything at our fingertips and we want it now. We’ve become obsessed with material wealth and when that goes out of style we get something else, something newer.

I know that practicality is an issue and we don’t all have the choice to shop around for organics or green products, but maybe it’s just a matter of buying locally. Here at home we’ve been long time shoppers of organic produce delivery service and our new service indicates what items are local. Each time we get a delivery we get the amount of kilometers our food traveled to reach us. Part of what I’ve learned is that perhaps we can eat more locally grown foods and thus more seasonally. Do I need oranges in January? No. Apples are abundant here locally so I’ve chosen to eat more apples. It’s never been at the top of my list as far as fruit goes, but now that I’ve been eating them more I’ve discovered many varieties and the subtleties of their flavours and textures. Root vegetables through the winter are also abundant and it causes me to learn new ways to cook with them. Soups and stews are great with root veggies and are the perfect food in the winter. Maybe there’s a farmers market near where you live that you could check out.

Perhaps I’m a little all over the place here, but these things have been on my mind for so long and rather than yammering on to D. about all of this yet again, I thought I should put it out there to those that read the blog. I hope it inspires and hopefully you can give me suggestions. For example, while my food may not have traveled so far, what about my clothes? Recently, I went to Winners to try and find some pants for work and my intention was to not buy anything made in China. It didn’t take me long to get out of there because everything was made in China, Bangladesh, Taiwan or Mexico. Hmm. I did find a pair of pants on sale at MEC that were made in the USA and now I wish I had gotten two pairs because they’re great and they’re organic cotton. They’ll just have to last a little longer. I’ll save money in the end I suppose.

I started out by talking about consuming less and ended up talking about what I consume. Yes, we need to consume to live our lives as we do, but I guess it’s about being an aware consumer and not just buying because it’s in the bin for 2.99 or maybe we just need to simply make the choice to not walk into Wal-Mart, but rather going to a smaller local shop.

I guess it’s not really radical thinking in the end, but rather just being aware of our quality of life for us and for every living creature in the world. What we choose affects everyone else does it not?

Remember in Whoville how all the Whos didn’t care that all their belongings were gone when Christmas arrived? Their gifts and roast beasts had been stolen and not one Who cried “boo-hoo-hoo.” This puzzled the Grinch, but like the Grinch I think we need to be more like the Whos down in Whoville (except for the eating roast beast of course) and remember that each day is about something much more. It’s how we live our lives and the quality of that life that matters. As a result won’t we be greener?

Mom's visit

Back at the coffee shop. I suppose this will go on for several more days or weeks until D and I sort out how we're going to live in the internet world.

Today is glorious and sunny. Did we ever need it after all the torrential rain and flooding etc etc. Okay we weren't flooded, but others were and it's just another mess after a series of messes that the weather has created this past winter. Today gives me hope and it is an indication of what is to come with the summer. It's very uplifting.

So my mom was here for a week. We had a great time. He flight was delayed because of the bad weather "back east" (everyone refers to central Canada and east of as "back east" and I can't help but find it funny. It's as funny as those in the east calling our location "out west" -- I'm sure I've mentioned this before so I'll move on). Anywho...she made it and we had a good week. We went to Nanaimo to see P. and even though I was fighting the flu I had a good time. We mostly ate food with P. He's such an awesome cook. He made vegan BAGELS! Yes, vegan bagels and they were Montreal style bagels with sesame seed and they were chewy and delicious. I took my Tofutti cream cheese and I was in heaven. He gave us some to take home as well. I still have one left that I put in the freezer because I'm waiting for that perfect Sunday when I have lots of time and can sit and enjoy every bite with my morning coffee.

We went to see the "From Totems to Turquoise" exhibit at the Vancouver Museum. It was an incredible exhibit of past and contemporary jewelry from the Southwest First Nations and the Northwest First Nations artists. It was engaging and very educational. The jewelry was stunning and inspiring. I'm glad I went. I can't wait to get to the Museum of Anthropology. Everyone speaks so highly of it.


The week flew by and despite the rainy weather we went for walks and enjoyed ourselves. Mom didn't seem to mind the rain at all. We had a great walk along the inlet. It was beautiful.

And on that note. I'm going to get out in that sunshine before it's gone.

Just hi

So much to write and so little time. I just stopped into that dreaded coffee shop for a tea and some free internet. I should make the trip to the Cornerstone, but hey this is just down the hill.

I just stopped in to say hi and let you know that I haven't disappeared nor did I go to fluville, but I'll return tomorrow with something more interesting.

Safe Arrival

No, not the shoes. I didn't get them that quickly. My mom is visiting and she arrived after a bit of journey from Mtl via Toronto through some nasty weather, but she's here and already sound asleep.

We're going to visit P. tomorrow and take some garden seeds and spend the day with him.

I'll have to post a picture of the picture he and his daughter B. gave us for a housewarming gift. She's a very talented photographer and I loved her work the minute I saw it. She's a bit of a natural.

more later...

They're on their way!

The shoes are in the mail! D. has been watching ebay for my running shoe. He missed out on a couple because the bids were getting beyond pricey, but then...last night he went to the cornerstone cafe while I was at work and bid on a pair of shoes and won. So we're getting them for less than half price (D. said he has to count the price of the soy latte he ordered so that makes it exactly half price). They're coming from another province so we won't have to pay duty on them either. They're also the colour of my Kayanos that I wore for my first half marathon so it's fitting that I should have them for my first marathon.
Can't wait to start breaking them in.

Knit one run two. Repeat this pattern until end.

I've been thinking about yarn a lot lately. I just can't help myself. There are so many beautiful strands out there that I never need to think about wool again. My recent success with the cardigan has inspired me. Also my sis mentioned that a friend of hers was looking for wool alternatives and was amazed at the bamboo silk, soy silk, organic cottons and hemp yarns (like the ones pictured here) that are a pleasure to knit with.

Outside of that my free-thinking time is taken up with running and running related topics. I'm searching for last years model of shoes again and D and I are hopeful to find my shoe at a discount. After all "my shoe" has gone up another 10 dollars this year bringing it to $210 before taxes. Um...yeah...not possible especially clocking the kilometers I am these days.


Now I'm trying to figure out a way to hydrate on the long runs so that I don't have to carry that stupid RR belt I bought. The water bottle sticks up into my spine and if I put it on my hip, it bumps my arm. There's got to be a better way. I was so lucky in the big city with my High Park to Lakeshore route where there was enough water fountains to get me through the toughest run. I've been spoiled.

So combining two of my passions, I'm crocheting a running hat in hemp which is warm and breathable as far as fibers go and I can custom make it to suit my needs. I should have it done once it's warm enough to run without a hat. Oh well, there's next season and it'll be here before I know it.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Conversely, I do miss the uniqueness of our neighbourhood. For all of its problems, I miss the corner lot house we lived in. As you may or may not have heard I have boasted many times about our garden. I became a gardner in that yard. My sister, D. and I spent many hours working that garden, shaping it and re-shaping it until it developed into something we were quite proud of. We had a balance of perennials, trees, rocks and veggies that provided food and pleasure from spring to winter. I only wish I had more time to develop a pleasing winter garden as well, but i've only just learned about that.

One of the most flattering moments was when our neighbour's eldest child, whose bedroom window faced the alley and our garden and who was always fairly quiet and shy whenever we met, told me that she loved our garden and had always admired it. It didn't even occur to me that she was aware of it. Of course if my bedroom window looked down into a garden, I would spend much time looking at it too. So I'm glad we gave her a nice view for the years we were there.

At one point we talked about buying the house from my sister with those neighbours who wanted it as a rental property. Joe and I talked about how the other apartment could go to another artist and we'd have a little film community going between these two houses. Dreaming, we also talked about making that section of the alley pedestrian only and expanding our gardens out over the concrete. Robin wanted more rose bushes of course. She loves roses. We had a few cocktail parties with them either on our patio or up on my sister's deck which had a fabulous view and yet it felt so secluded up there.

Another neighbour had this great dog that I saw grow up from a puppy. He was the happiest dog and I think that reflected the attitude of our neighbour who was always friendly when we met. We often only met while going to and from, but occasionally we'd talk over the fence while one of us was picking raspberries or something. He always dressed up at Halloween as we did as well and we all sat out front and gave candy out to the kids who were completely unphased by our appearances for the most part. There was one year that my sister (remember she's an actor) was so frigtening as a vampire and our house was so scary looking because we had this gnarly vine all over the front (that later we took down) that the younger kids wouldn't come up the walkway. We'd have to shut off the music from the Shining and turn up the lights, putting on smiley faces to get the wee ones to meet us half way for candy. The next year my sister dressed up as a cowgirl so there were no problems with kids approaching that year. D. has this very real looking Frankenstein mask and does a great impression. The kids loved him. They weren't frightened at all. One girl waved to him as she walked away from the house and said "Bye Frankie." They had no idea that I was Bride of Frankenstein (too obscure at that age I guess).

That's only part of the fun.

I couldn't believe my luck. When I woke up this morning it wasn't raining! The forecast had promised a very wet weekend. I was all geared up last night, mentally prepared to wake up Sunday morning and go out for my run in the rain, telling myself that it's the tough runs that will get me through the finish line on race day. I was actually looking forward to being positive about running in the rain. Then I woke up and no rain. Huh? There was even some blue sky patches. So I got ready as quickly as possible just in case the clouds got darker. The rain can move in so quickly here, you have to take advantage of the good weather when you can.

My run started out okay. It wasn't even that chilly. I felt overdressed so I peeled off a layer. It was my first long run with a water bottle on my hip -- the first time ever and it was a pain. I fought with that stupid water bottle belt for the first half (or 40 minutes) of my run. It was really slowing me down and frustrating me because I wasn't thinking about running or the beautiful morning, but rather this stupid water bottle I had to carry. I enjoyed the benefits of having the water on hand and even a spot to put my carb snacks, but overall it ruined my run.

When I headed towards the inlet and ran along the water near the end of my run, the sun came out and it was really quite warm out. The water was perfectly still and the mountains rose up behind. It was very picturesque. At that point I just tried to enjoy my run on the off road trail through what I think is a really lovely part of BC. I also thought about how much I like living where we are. We could have ended up in a condo or some crappy apartment building out this way, but we didn't. We have a great little garden suite.


* * *

We went to Chinatown the other day just to get some rice paper and I was so glad to come home at the end of the day and be away from the city noise. I like visiting the city, but I prefer to live outside of it. I think that's how I really envision whoville. It's a bit quieter. Maybe it's my age and my need to write. I like having a quiet room to write in. Granted I can always find distractions anywhere, but at least I'm not calling the cops in the middle of the day like I use to when the teenagers got out of hand and were gathering in the alley next to our house.

Here are the things I miss about our old city home that we moved away from just four months ago:

There were the gummos across the street. We called them gummos because of the movie Gummo. Anyway, they were always making a racket, having 24/7 garage sales with stolen goods. They stole the wooden fence from the school to put up around their "garage sale." There was a lot of coming and going of suspicious looking characters in that time. They moved or were evicted or something.

The young mum with her teen boys moved in. That was when our Italian flag was stolen during the world cup.

I heard gun shots one night and the police came the next day to look through our yard to see if a weapon had been dumped there and ask us if we'd seen anything. There were at least two other shooting related deaths within a block of our house in the 7 years we lived there.

Then there was the "saw man" who was a carpenter and decided that he needed a workshop on his front lawn across the street from us. This went on while I was trying to write my second thesis so that was fun.

One of the tenants next door had a lot of kids. The young boys use to hang off our fence and watch us while we tried to sit peacefully in the backyard. They always wanted to talk to us and we just wanted some quiet.

After they moved out another family moved in. The father was nice enough, but he cooked these huge chunks of meat on this miniature barbecue and the smoke would force us indoors and we'd have to shut the windows just to keep the smells of cooking flesh out of the house. Yuck. It really did smoke up more than any barbecue I've ever seen.

Another neighbour across the street we called "toenails" because my sister saw him walking on his heels one time and realized he'd had a pedicure. He must have been up at 4 every morning and on garbage day he often would bring his garbage and leave it with ours. He didn't like to have garbage in front of his house. My sister caught him one time and told him if it happened again she'd empty the bag all over the street. One morning we even watched from our windows to try and catch him in the act. We didn't. He did stop for a while, but occasionally we'd still find bags in front of our place.

Someone drove into our fence and took part of it out. D., sis and I replaced the boards, and re-painted the whole fence only to have it graffitied not long after.

Somone also came through the alley and pruned branches off our mulberry tree. I suspect they didn't like how low the branches hung down and grazed the roof of their vehicle. That was our intention. We wanted to slow people down in the alley so we let the branches hang a little more.

The neighbour on the other side chopped off the tops of the lilacs to let more light in on his veggie garden. He never asked. I assumed this is why he did it. He also use to spray his lawn with some chemical so ugh that wasn't good.

There are lots of other stories and incidents that occurred, but I can't get it all in. I'll just save them for another time. I'll try and include stories about our good neighbours too. Fortunately we did have several great neighbours who were always nice to see and gave us a sense of some community in our small space.

Familia

Another film festival night. We saw Familia directed by Louise Archambault. Not a big crowd for a Saturday night, but it was a 9:30 show and I expect it may have been a bit late for some people. No, I'm not kidding.

The story revolves around Michele and her daughter Margot. Michele is a gambling addict who leaves her boyfriend and is then penniless and homeless. While hoping to start a new life in California with a friend who is her daughter's godmother, she starts by imposing on Janine, another friend (and family member by former marriage) whom she hasn't seen in over a year. Janine lives outside of Montreal in a upper middle class home. She buys Michele's sob story and agrees to let Michele and Margot stay the night. However, Michele becomes the guest that won't leave and she manoeuvres her way into Janine's life. This seems to be the only way Michele knows how to survive. Both women suffer and benefit from this arrangement. All of their lives are affected dramatically.

While the title suggests a larger theme about family, the film really focuses on mothers and daughters of different classes. We see three generations of two families and how those two families are intertwined through marriage even after divorce. The film does try to suggest almost every kind of familial combination and dysfunction. While a same sex marriage is not overtly depicted in the film, there is the suggestion of a same sex coupling between Michele and Janine. Michele and her daughter, Margot, are staying with Janine and her daughter, Gaby, (albeit somewhat unwelcome). There is an impromptu small family gathering where Michele and Janine suggest that they are the parented couple in this family because the "father figures" are absent and it really is a household trying to function while these two women work out their friendship/relationship to each other. In essence though the film is about single mothers.

The men in the film are quite pathetic really. I'm not sure if this is a problem with the film or an important point in the film. I'll have to give it more thought. The women in the film are no saints that's for sure, but they do drive the action of the story and as I said it is really their stories that are being told. Each one of them is being "screwed over" literally and figuratively by a man or boy. However once again the film isn't about this and the men are merely obstacles for the women. The film directs our attention to the inner conflicts of each of the women and how that shapes their inter-personal conflicts with each other. The mother/daughter bond forces these women to attempt to find resolution with each other.

By the end of the film we suppose Michele and Margot will have become closer while Janine and Gaby may be further apart than ever. However, the film doesn't suggest it will always be this way, but rather reveals that such a relationship is an on-going process that will always be re-negotiated as new problems arise and get resolved (or not).

What I did not like about the film was the repetition of anonymous faces flashing on the screen at the end. It seemed intrusive of the filmmaker breaking the narrative cohesion in a unproductive way. It added nothing to the film, but rather took away from the strong narrative ending. While D. did not care for the final image of the foetus that was a repetition of the opening image, I did like the final sequence, but not the music that went over it. Again, it took away from the cohesion of the narrative.

Familia is a film worth seeing. Here again is another Canadian film I recommend. Too bad we worry so much about Americans coming here to keep the industry alive instead of pushing harder to build our own stronger national cinema. We have the resources and talent why don't we have a thriving national cinema?

Eve and the Firehorse

Thursday night D and I bought two memberships to the local film society. This gives us access to weekly films at the theatre for a discounted price (although I didn't see a non-member price listed) and perhaps we get the occasional newsletter or something if we ask for it. It's all very exciting. I've been missing the luxury of being able to walk to my local theatre and see independently made films, or go to a place like camera and see some classic horror films as julia and I did occasionally. In this small corner of whoville, the accessibility to such films seemed unlikely because apparently if it isn't playing at Silvercity, it's not worth seeing.
Anywho...

When I saw the poster for a film festival here in whoville I thought, "wow, this is a great chance to see something a little more interesting and in a film festival friendly crowd." Eve and the Firehorse was playing and I have wanted to see this film ever since I heard the filmmaker interviewed on CBC. I heard the filmmaker mention that Lea Pool was on set and I swooned at that (if you haven't seen Emporte-moi you should).

D. and I walked down to the theatre at the town centre and managed to get tickets. It was good to see a full house for the film. The ticket seller said there was free popcorn freshly popped, but we'd have to hurry because we couldn't take it into the theatre. Someone piped in "there's a short before the film so you could stay out a little longer." Uh...I'd like to see the short. Isn't that the point of a film festival, to see the films? Also, in these brief encounters I tend not to get into "no thanks I can't eat the popcorn because I'm vegan" because it opens the can and I just can't get into having to explain what a vegan is etc etc.

Because we were late we ended up in row 1. A nice elderly couple in row 2 directed us to two seats available. We thanked them and took our row #2 seats and settled in. Then it started. I'm not going to be nice here. I'm usually quite forgiving, but naw, I can't be bothered. This geezer behind us starts yakking through the trailers in his normal "outside" voice. "Oh I saw this. It's really good. Just my kind of thing." This was his comments to a cop drama. D. and I are laughing to ourselves at this point because it's funny. It's the trailers. Everybody talks in trailers. Then there's a trailer for the film 3 Needles, which is three narratives set on different continents with subject matter such as AIDS in Africa, and a youth in Montreal in the porn industry. Geezer is silent because he's probably startled at the images. At the end of the trailer he says "I don't think that's my thing. It doesn't look very good." Then the short film starts.
Geezer: Is this the main movie?
Companion (slightly younger): I don't know (pause). I think so. Oh yes, it is.
Geezer: Okay then.

The short film is about a young Chinese boy reluctantly visiting his grandfather on his birthday. In the climactic moment of the film when a photo drops of the grandfather's wife who has long since passed, there's a silent moment in the film.
Geezer: (loudly) Is that his wife?
Companion: Yes it is.
When the film ends.
Companion: Oh I guess that's not the movie.
Geezer: Is it next?

The production house logos start going.

Geezer: I don't like all of that stuff they put before the movie.
Companion: Oh the advertising. Yes, there is an awful lot of it now.
Geezer: Ads everywhere. It's ridiculous.

His voice cuts into the opening shot of the film. He calms down as the film begins to roll. There's a brief moment when the picture jumps. It lasts two, maybe three seconds.

Geezer: They don't know what they're doing up there. (He's referring to the projectionist -- I think).

The film continues. For the most part he's quiet. I think because he has to concentrate on reading the subtitles.

Thank god it was subtitled.



About a young Chinese girl struggling with faith and tradition, Eve and the Firehorse moves along quite well. The death of her grandmother and her mother's miscarriage sends Eve's world into confusion as she blames herself for her grandmother's death and does not understand why the efforts she makes does not help her mother in her pregnancy. While her father is in China to return the dead grandmother to her homeland, Eve's older sister takes an interest in Catholicism while her mother becomes a practicing Buddhist. Eve is led along by the stories in both religions but feels no affinity with one or the other. She exists in the film with one foot in Catholicism and one foot in Buddhism, but for Eve none of it is very serious as she imagines goddesses dancing in the night and even Jesus and Buddha dancing together in the living room while she laughs and then is invited to dance with them. While her main concern is trying to be good, underneath Eve is really trying to cover her grief for the loss of her grandmother.

There are some beautiful moments in the film that are simple, understated and very cinematic. Following Eve through her childhood world, knowing she is different from everyone else is what really keeps one interested in the story. The scenes when we watch Eve say nothing to what is going on around her reminds us of how confusing and alienating the adult world can be to a child. Eve's voice narrates the film which acts to also remind us that we are witnessing the world from her point of view. While Eve shows no overt signs of distress in her confusion, it is her dreams, imaginings and wild story telling that reveals how Eve is trying to negotiate the world around her. It is also those scenes that are the strongest in the film.

I recommend this film not only because there are some wonderful and creative scenes in this film, but also because I encourage everyone to see Canadian film whenever they can.

Don't go by Geezer's reading of the film because in the last shot of the film before the credits rolled, Geezer said "Is that the ending?" Yes it was and it was the right ending.

Supreemavera

This was going to be a picture of the Freya pattern I've knitted but a friend always seems to turn up on my lap, keeping me in one place and slowing down my typing at the same time. I took several pictures of Primavera, but this one caught her off guard and I managed to get one of us with her looking at the "camera". I am wearing the sweater I knit not that it really matters in this picture.

Virgos

I have to put this in. Following a link from Wandering Coyote, I found this quiz. Having a very special virgo in my life and a parent and brother who are virgos I wanted to see if I had been influenced by any of them at all.

You are 67% Virgo

How Virgo Are You?

Solar Powered

The soleil broke through. I waited out the morning drizzle and just as I had hoped, the sky lightened. By the time I laced up my running shoes, the sun was shining through the windows. I couldn't wait to get outside.

At the beginning of my run, just half way down the hill from my house, I saw a coyote standing in one lane of the roadway. Traffic was approaching so the coyote turned around and trotted back to the sidewalk. S/he saw me coming down the hill and hugged closer to the bushes, sniffing about, but s/he was definitely waiting to cross the road. I crossed to the other sidewalk. I thought it would be better to pass the coyote with at least two lanes between us. As I ran past, there it stood waiting for the traffic to go by so it could cross. The coyote seemed to barely take notice of me, perhaps too focused on its mission. I got a good look at it with its one ear bent over like Wile E. Coyote. It was quite scruffy looking like it had just gotten up and was heading to Fivebucks for the morning coffee. It just seemed confused. I suppose traffic is confusing. All of us have to learn the rules of crossing the road. Anywho...after I ran past I stopped and watched to make sure s/he had a safe crossing and s/he did. Down the hill s/he went.

The run went well. The sun kept me very positive and charged. I really enjoy running along the inlet with the beautiful view of the mountains beyond the water. It was completely spring-like today. It didn't take me long before I had to peel off a layer and then continue on in my short sleeves. I even saw crocuses in the neighbour's garden, little yellow and purple ones sticking out of the mulch (Sis, when did it become about the cedar mulch?). I have to keep reminding myself that it is spring here. No more snowfalls or frost on the sidewalks in the morning.

I know 10 k is completely doable for me, but I still can't get over the fact that it still takes all my energy just to do 10 right now, and I'm gearing up for 42! The race is in June! Huh? One run at a time, right? I just have to try and stay hydrated, well fed with good vegan foods, and injury free.

I just noticed that Van City (I know all you Van cityites hate that term but I like it) has a perfectly timed race so that I can do my 21k "training run" on that Sunday in the half marathon race. This is motivation for me and afterall, the joy of racing is what it is all about for me. I'm not sure if the route that typically goes through Stanley Park will be re-routed or not. There's no indication yet that that will be the case. I'll have to wait and see.

I think I have to get outside again and take in a little more sun. Perhaps I'll see Wile E. again. S/he was probably just as eager to be in the sun like the rest of us, having also waited out the morning drizzle before venturing out.

Chidren of Men

A dark dystopian film, the Children of Men stunned me. I loved the book when I read it several years ago as part of my thesis research. I was very eager to see the film since the book left such a strong impression upon me. The film has had the same effect, but as I said it is very dark. Of course PD James' book also depicts a chaotic world, but the film really brings it to the forefront by taking us directly into the middle of the battle quite literally.

Set in Britain in 2027, the Children of Men depicts a world where no children have been born in almost twenty years. As the world mourns the death of the youngest living person on earth, Theo (Clive Owen) gets caught up in the political struggles between government (depicted as a police state with a totalitarian approach to immigration -- immigrants being anyone who is not British since the rest of the world is in complete ruins) and a "terrorist group".

When Theo discovers that Kee, the woman he is helping, is actually pregnant, the stakes are raised and so begins his journey to help her reach the "human project" a supposed safe haven for those who risk getting to them. No one has actually spoken to anyone from the human project since they do not communicate with the rest of the world directly. Theo and Kee must rely on "faith and chance" to complete their journey. And this is what the film is really about.

I won't tell you how it ends, but I will tell you to see it. It is a hopeful ending without wrapping things up too neatly. It's a powerful film. It is very violent and yet has very touching moments within such chaos. I couldn't help but think of places in the world where such violence exists and while people suffer and die they also survive and somehow find hope.

I recommend the film and/or the book. Both were well worth my time.

D. phoned me from work this morning.

D: I saw two coyotes across from our house.
Me: What?
D: I saw one crossing the road and then another one followed.
Me: Hey, I was looking out the window. I didn't see anything.
D: Well not right across from the house. Just down a bit. That little street that's really steep.
Me: Steeple.
D: Yeah there.
Me: Holy.
D: At first I thought it was a dog. It was running across and it stopped to look at me. It just stood there looking at me. Then another ran across the street. Then they went up Steeple.
Me: It was a bit lighter this morning.
D: No, it was dark when I left.
Me: Yeah but it was lighter this morning than usual.
D: Yeah I guess the sun was just starting to come up.
Me: I guess they were heading home.
D: Probably.
Me: How big were they?
D: Um.
Me: Like a Shepherd? Or taller.
D: They weren't that big. They look wolf like, but smaller. (pause) They're not dangerous are they?
Me: They're more afraid of you.
D: Okay.
Me: They won't bother you. They're probably afraid. They're after small stuff. Gigi sized animals.
D: Poor Gigi.
Me: The cats are definitely staying in now.
D: Yeah.

If that kid can do it...

Whoville's local library has a small selection of English dvds. I popped in there the other day because it's next to the Cornerstone Cafe (free wireless -- no strings attached) and I wanted to pick up a copy of the first Harry Potter book. On my way out I scanned over the dvds and didn't see much except for this Canadian film, Saint Ralph. My intentions are always to try and see Canadian films in their first weekend of release since so much is based on how the film does in its first weekend. However, Saint Ralph got missed and then put off etc etc.

The second reason I picked up this film is because I was looking for inspiration for running. A minor hip injury has slowed my training and D. (the coach) has been telling me I've got nothing to worry about, but I still wanted to watch a movie about running that would inevitably situate the hero in a story where he would have to overcome many obstacles in order to achieve his running goal. And that is essentially what Saint Ralph is about.

Set in the 1950s, Ralph (Adam Butcher) is a teenager in a Catholic boys school and is not doing well as a student. As punishment for his many transgressions, he's forced to join the running club, coached by Father Hibbert (Cambell Scott). Ralph lives alone in his house, pretending that his grandparents are taking care of him while his mother is in the hospital. She has either undergone surgery to remove a tumor or is sick from some sort of cancer. It's never explained. When she slips into a coma, Ralph is told it will take a miracle to bring her out of it. He decides that the miracle will be his winning the Boston marathon. He then attempts to enlist the athletic and the holy to help him train and pray for his goal.

The film gets a little too sappy at the end, but it is effective and doesn't feel too fake in its efforts. The story is a little thin and much is left out of the plot that could have been put in to fill in some of the gaps. At times it feels very amateur in its performances, and sometimes it's the younger actors and sometimes its the awkwardness of the writing itself. There is one very good scene between Campbell Scott (Father Hibbert) and Gordon Pinsent (Father Fitzpatrick) that is a discussion about Ralph going to Boston, but is really about the struggle between the younger and older generation and the radical and traditional in Catholicism. Furthermore, it's a scene with two very fine actors really giving it all for the scene. While it's not the biggest moment in the film or the most relevant, it is very strong and it is fully played out while other scenes in the film aren't always completely realized. I often try to apply the "get into the scene as late as possible and get out as early as possible" to my writing and Saint Ralph often misses the mark.

Okay, now no one is going to see it after what I've just written. I do recommend it though because it is a "small" film, and there are some genuinely funny moments. Furthermore, as a runner, I appreciated the training and the differing ideas about preparing for a race. And finally, If that kid can do it...

Free stuff

Free internet.
Free software upgrade.
Free soy chai latte.
I can't believe I'm at Fivebucks and all this is free.
I couldn't connect at home so I walked down the hill on this gloriously beautiful spring-like day and parked myself at Fivebucks hoping to pick up a freebie connection and avoid their "hotspot" fee. Success.
I registered my trial screenwriting software (after getting some tech advice) and got the free upgrade and now ... success (true, I paid for the initial software at the start, but it feels like it's free).
Then, one of the Fivebucks employees carried around a tray of new flavour samples, but when I told him I don't venture into dairyland...five minutes later he brought me a FULL sized soy version (not the little sample shot, but a tall one.
Phew, the caffeine is swimming through the system now. I had a green tea before and now more caf.
I love free stuff.

From wood to synth wool

I made this on Saturday. This is my first ever woodworking project. I took a "Women in the Workshop" course at good ol' LV and had a great time. Women were there for all sorts of reasons. It was a pretty talented bunch. Many of them were very crafty in other areas and some had taken the course before and wanted to make another step stool. The great thing about it was I got to use all the power tools from a table saw to a drill press. I can tell you that I'm hooked. I'm hoping to sign up for the next project and build something else. Now I want my own table saw -- well not quite, but there's this handheld version that the instructor brought in and it was just so cute.

My co-workers were so cute. They kept coming in and would check on my progress, encouraging me, giving me tips. I was a bit slow in my progress compared to the rest of the class, but I am a bit of a perfectionist (as some of you know) and I wanted to understand the why we were putting things together the way we were before putting it together. Afterall, I want to be able to do this again.

At the end of the class we did have the choice of finishing the project with Danish oil, but I thought I'd bring mine home and apply an analine dye (that's a water based stain) that we have a good supply of here since it's D's finish of choice. The picture here is the plain unfinished pine just sanded down. I'll try to remember to post the finished project photos later.

The project may have jump started my crafty side. The next day I picked up some synthetic wool and jumped into a new knitting project. just like that. I haven't knit in ages and frankly I've been concerned about having dangly bits of faux wool around Gigi, but so far so good.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Stranger than Fiction

No Oscar nominations for this film. D. and I went to see it at the local second run theatre down the hill (isn't everything down the hill now?). It's a great theatre by the way. It was a great film as well. I really enjoyed the film as a story and in the way it made me think about how story is shaped and how it shapes itself.

I can't help but think of A. Buchbinder's idea that a "story is a living thing." This film is an example of how this is so. A woman is writing a novel while facing "writer's block." She's quite desperate to find a way to unblock herself as she searches for the method to kill off her main character. She knows he must die, but how? As the film demonstrates, the story will offer the right path if you listen to what it is telling you. Wonderfully, in this film the novel being written really is a living thing.



The main character, Harold Crick, exists and comes to realize that he is part of a narrative when he hears a narrators voice describing him and his actions. After disagreeing with the diagnosis that he's schizophrenic, he seeks the advice of a Literary scholar and the plot unfolds from there (or as in one point of the film, Harold forces himself to do nothing to see if the plot will come to him). Harold journey is to determine what type of character he is in the story, what type of story it is and ultimately can he change the outcome of the story? In his search for answers Harold uncovers who he really is and is able to experience life in a a new way.

Most entertaining for me was the question raised if Harold is in a comedy or tragedy. Not only does the character have to figure out what type of story he is living, but as the viewer we can also ask ourselves what type of story is this and does it fulfill the generic expections? This is where the writer (the writer of the film that is) plays again and successfully demonstrates that there can be a fine line between tragedy and comedy. Perhaps something similar is going on when we are able to laugh hysterically or sob with as much emotion. For the film it fluctuates between both, but has definite comedic leanings because it remains fairly light. Ultimately, on a more universal level, the film seems to say that we are not fully living if we do not let ourselves take risks. We must experience both the comedic and tragic aspects of life.



This film is definitely worth seeing. I know it's the time of year to rush out and try and see as many of the Oscar nominated films as possible (if you missed any or all), but I'd say skip one or two and try and see this while it's still in cinemas. I'm glad we did.

ABC Tag

I've been tagged by red jane so here goes.


A - Available/Single or Taken? Taken.
B - Best Friend? The one who I'm taken with.
C - Cake or pie? Cake.
D - Drink Of Choice? Smoothie in the day and a beer at night.
E – Essential Item You Use Everyday? Coffee cup.
F - Favourite Color? Today it is blue.
G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Ugh.
H - Hometown? Whoville (I've also been know to come from Saint John New Brunswick)
I - Indulgence? divine fine wines, mostly reds and preferably something D. has chosen.
J - January Or February? January. I love the "j" months. I love New Year's day.
K - Kids & Their Names? Three. Primavera, Svetlana, Gigi Buffon.
L - Life Is Incomplete Without? Supportive family and loved ones, the one I am taken with (D.) and, coffee.
M - Marriage date? April 19, 1999.
N - Number Of Siblings? Two. An older brother and an older sister.
O - Oranges Or Apples? Pears.
P - Phobias/Fears? spiders and those millipedey things back in T.O., tomato hornworms. Fears? Fire, losing one of our cats, insomnia.
Q - Favourite Quote? "The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for white, or women created for men." - Alice Walker
AND "Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses." - Dorothy Parker (this has stuck with me my whole life and I don't know why)
R - Reason to Smile? The trees, the sky and the ocean.
S - Season? Spring or Fall? Fresh ground pepper. Spring.
T - Tag 3 or 4 people? mister anchovy, julia and sis. (Julia and sis will have to use my comments space for the tag).
U - Unknown Fact About Me? I'm stumped. there's so much to not reveal. I'll get back to you on this one.
V - Vegetable you don’t like? I'm stumped. I'm not crazy about okra. I guess that's an "unknown fact about me" as well (sorry D.)
W - Worst Habit? t.v. watching, getting down on myself (there could be a link. No?)
X-rays You’ve Had? teeth, knees, wrist, ankle, arm.
Y - Your Favorite Food? vegan bolognese with whole wheat spaghetti, to be specific. Salad is also a favorite since it can be so many things.
Z – Zodiac sign? Cancer.