Debrah Rafel

It is with a heavy heart that I write that a wonderful woman, Debrah Rafel, has passed away in Vancouver at the age of 47. She has been an amazing friend as well as my yoga teacher, coach and colleague over the years. I will miss her very, very much.

My thoughts and love go out to Debrah's beautiful young daughters Ava and Marlowe, step-son Tyler and husband Don, as well as their family.

Literary Lunch on Ice

Today, although on holiday, I ventured to North York Central Library for a meeting and then one of our Keep Toronto Reading events. With the theme "Ladies who Lit," this was one of a number of lunchtime author readings scheduled throughout the month.

The first author, Governor General's Award-Winner Diane Schoemperlen, read from At A Loss For Words, a current-day look at how email correspondence is no substitute for real-time romance, or even love letters of old.

The second author's novel, Town House, features the agoraphobic son of an Ozzy Osbourne-like rock star, and explores the influences of nature and nurture in cultivating anxiety disorders. Interestingly, this very first book by Tish Cohen is being adapted into a screenplay to be produced by Ridley Scott.

Both readings were great, and the audience asked a lot of questions about the process of writing (and having one's writing chosen for film) as well as about societal and cultural influences on their respective themes.

I have to say, though, the highlight of the day for me was sitting in the beautiful concourse of NYCL with huge windows letting in gorgeous sunlight and through which we could watch lunchtime skaters. This is not a typical "Toronto" image and it was a reminder that TO has way more character and charm than it is often given credit for. It was a very enjoyable afternoon combining both my new hometown and new workplace. Very cool indeed.

Life is good

It has been exactly six months since I began my new job, and four months since Maggy and I moved into our new home - and things are great.

I'm taking a week off to hang out with Mags, do a bit more settling in, explore the neighbourhood, and do some of those errands that never get done when life gets hectic. So far this weekend, I've discovered a wonderful Thai restaurant just down the street, Maggy and I have had some good walks, and we're both feeling quite well rested thank you very much.

Tomorrow it's more of the same, plus some shopping and maybe checking out Juno before the Oscars on Sunday. I also want to go to some Keep Toronto Reading events this week (just for fun, not for work) and to take Maggy to a physio appt (to help out with her arthritic hips).

And at the end of the week it's off to a family birthday weekend - bowling with Ben (turning 5!), Claire (just turned 11!!) and Brenda and Bret (won't say what they just turned...).

So all in all, things are going well and we're both quite grateful about that.

Hope you're all enjoying this Family Day in Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan and Louis Riel Day in Manitoba! BC'ers - at least you've had some amazing weather over the weekend, which is more than we can say here in TO! ;)

Just chillin' on a Sunday afternoon

Following two whole days of snowfall, Maggy's park is back to being a fun playground. Great for rolling...













... and playing...










... and uncovering yummy sticks to chew.

Catching up, a breath and a break!

It has been more than busy over the past few weeks. We're launching an important program at work - Keep Toronto Reading - in February. That has meant long days over the holidays and into January to make sure all the programming, advertising, web and promotional components are in place.

Maggy has been a bit under the weather over the past few days, so of course that becomes the priority, though today she has bounced back and seems to be feeling better.

Family stuff, work stuff, home stuff have all needed attention. And thankfully, Yasmin came to visit over the weekend which was a much needed break. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it was the coldest weather so far this winter so we ended up staying inside for a few low-key days of chatting, eating, sipping tea and just hanging out. Every now and again we'd venture out for a few hours into the frigid city, including being dragged by Maggy to the park, but as Yasmin had anticipated visiting the milder and much cooler big city of TO, she had not brought along her below 40 (and practical) Ottawa winter gear. Next time, she'll bring it, or better yet she'll visit again in the spring or summer! Thanks Yasmin for hanging with Maggy and me and let us know when you're coming again. :)

All that said, I'm feeling the need to communicate with many of you 1:1 and will do so in the next while. Hope all is well so far in this new year.

A worthy message...

In the spirit of focusing on what's meaningful, I'm passing along this wisdom originating from Charles Shultz and most recently touted by friends Susan and Faye at TBC.

"The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. They are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care."

A rather nice acknowlegement at any time of year. :)

Positive Thinking

It's a new year and what truly feels like a new beginning.

There's much to be grateful for and much to look forward to. Family, friends, a new job, a new home, finding our way in a new place, and rich connections to the past, present and future. Maggy is doing really well - thriving on her new health regimen and tons of attention.

As much as possible, I'll cherish and nurture this feeling of goodwill and thanks. And wish everyone the same including much happiness and good health and well being in 2008. Cheers!