Lawnmoving

See more lawncycles in the article from Treehugger.

So maybe it doesn't work that well, and there might be one or two trips to emergency for loss toes, but at least someone's thinking!

Living the 30s

I really do think that life begins at 30. Well, I'm not saying that I didn't live an interesting and eventful one before turning 30. After all, aren't teenager years about discovery and development? Whew, that's over. And the 20s, was that when I was suppose to grow up and mature? Thankfully that's over too.

I'm amazed recently at the number of changes that have happened since turning 30 and that continue to transpire. Change is like travel to me. I'm addicted to both. But no doubt, change can also be daunting and overwhelming, that is, if you think of it that way.

It's interesting the thoughts and blogs that come to be when one is unwell and homebound with a new computer. There's so much happening nowadays and lying here in bed, I am again reminded that I must be patient, as someone who is sick, but confident as I am recovering. A friend recently reminded me of Rilke, and his book "Letters to a Young Poet". I quote two passages that have always struck me as key:

"Being an artist means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn't force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come. It does come. But it come to those who are patient, who are there as if eternity lay before them, so unconsciously silent and vast"

"to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer."

So, the 30s, I suppose it's about being able to respond with a comfort and attitude of beliefs that make it all seem possible. It's about realizing that what matters is the journey, not the destination.

Well, I'm happy to report that I'm not all grown up and the bigger task now is to live

... being ready to face the strangest, most unusual, most inexplicable experiences

... where there is a reasonable balance between challenging and easy, stretched and bored

... not looking outside, but towards inside in my quietest hour

... always saying what I see, feel, love and lose

... knowing when to walk away

... having my eyes open without having my heart hardened

... trusting myself

... knowing to get up, dust myself off, and laugh

... humbly in the reality of today but always dreaming the bigger picture

... knowing that love is difficult and perhaps the most difficult task entrusted to us

... a flowing state of grace

Travellers

I have so many close friends who are either traveling or about to embark upon a journey. May you travel safe and find a private toilet when you need it.

Pato, are you alien or photographer?

Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche translated as 'White Night' is an all night event celebrating art and culture from sundown to sunrise. The original one started in Paris in 2002 and continues to take place every year on the the first Saturday and Sunday of October.

In Canada, la belle ville de Montreal was the first to follow the Parisian lead in March of 2004, in the midst of rain, sun or snow.

Last year, Toronto followed in suite with their first ever Nuit Blanche. I missed it, opting to have dinner out instead which left me retired on my couch for the rest of the evening full of good food and wine. After hearing the positive reviews, which I don't normally listen too, I found myself paying attention to the rant and rave about it and feeling like I had missed out on an important Torontonian ocassion. After all, something had to be pretty good in order to bring masses of people into the streets despite cold and drizzly weather.

So with good weather this year, and only brown rice in my stomach, I had no excuse but to venture out on Saturday night to join the festivities of Toronto's 2nd annual Nuit Blanche.

Conversion of a garbage dumpster into a spa hotel room

Most interesting were the lineups and crowds of people hanging in to see something not so interesting.

With public help, the contents of an apartment are moved to an outdoor location 2 blocks away

Ingenious! Next time I relocate I'll do the same instead of hiring movers.

Telling stories in window frames

I couldn't grasp the story but does it matter since this was still mesmerizing and effective!

Balancing rocks using mental power

If only I had that kind of strength, what would I build?

Something for the kids

Glad to have been able to photograph her fascination and email the photo along. Three cheers to technology of today so that even I can give a stranger a lasting moment to remember.

The Voiceless Choir

I was too busy taking photos and didn't hear them sing.

A downtown drive-in experience under the Ontario College of Arts Building

What would you choose? To be entertained outdoors amongst others or...

The latest concept for sustainable energy

...at home by the television?

Art Gallery of Ontario Party Room

Me, I prefer this option!