Renewal of spirit

West-coast living taught me some insights into maintaining a balanced life. Like almost everyone I know, I find balance to be an absolute - and yet incredibly fleeting - necessity.

While it has taken a few days of vacation time to start getting into 'letting go' mode, I'm finally achieving that combined state of relaxation and inspiration.

Whether reading or vegging in front of a video or listening to favourite music or napping or reflecting, I'm starting to feel that sense of groundedness again.

I've also been following through on ways to build a more spiritual life here in Toronto - something that's eluded me while getting the more fundamental aspects in place. I'm very excited to have found a holistic health centre that I'll be visiting tomorrow. I have just registered for yoga classes and related lectures there as well. Throughout the fall, I'm planning to attend a host of literary events at the Library, plus concerts and theatre around the city. And despite this ultra-urban setting, I'm determined to connect more deliberately with nature, as it's definitely all around.

With the arrival of Autumn, I'm feeling a renewed sense of connection and gratitude. That's more like it!

Precious time

As we get older, time starts to pass more quickly and the milestones accumulate.

This year has been exceptional in that regard - two uncles turned 80 and one 75, my parents are celebrating their 50th anniversary, my sister and her husband their 25th, and some old friends and I just marked 30 years since we started university.

Not one of us feels as though that many years have gone by. And yet these points in time serve to remind us to appreciate our accomplishments and each other. And more than that, to take the time to celebrate it all.

Cheers!

Tranquility

Oh the joy of soaking in the scenery during a summertime getaway. Amid the day-to-day hustle bustle, it's rejuvenating to have some time to just be in nature. Last week while staying at a friend's cottage, I opted to remain fixed on the dock, simply watching the weather go by, reading from time to time, and mostly just enjoying regular visits from a variety of duck families.

An idyllic way to unwind and feel grounded once again. Ahhh...

Marathon weekend with my pals Yasmin & Perry

A few pic's from Ottawa's Marathon weekend - May 23-24. It was spectacular spring weather and over 36,000 runners were there to take part in various runs leading up to the half and full marathons on Sunday.

Perry ran his very first marathon and did really well - very inspiring indeed!! Yasmin and I were the cheering section at both the 20 k and 41.25 k marks - here's Perry blasting past with just 750 m to go!

And here's Yasmin happily cheering him on - what a lot of prep went into this on both their parts!

Hugs to Yasmin & Perry for a wonderful birthday and time away and for allowing me to be part of this very momentous occasion.

Only drawback - I think I committed to running the 5 k with Yasmin next year... hmmm...

A personal view of a woman's life in Afghanistan

A Thousand Splendid Suns is one of the most powerful novels I've ever read. Given all that's taking place in Afghanistan today, especially regarding the lives and rights of women, I highly recommend this beautifully-written, emotionally-driven story.

Featuring two women who find support, love and strength amid the heartbreak and brutality of their daily lives, it personalized for me the political situation that has existed there for decades. While many are torn about participating in the war, this perspective gave me a different view of why some feel we should continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of all Afghans.

It's hard not to ask why so many civilians and foreign soldiers should be sacrificed in the name of this most current conflict. That said, how can we walk away considering the efforts and recent deaths of real Afghan women who have taken on leadership roles, working to improve their country's future? Or the women, and men, who have seen so many of their civil rights taken away?

It seems that despite the setbacks, it's going to take a concerted effort dependent on force first, but also featuring development and diplomacy. I hope a time will come when armies are no longer visible, nor needed.

Inspiring medical care

Toronto is fortunate to count Dr. Mark Nowashinsky among its dedicated citizens. See this CBC piece on his efforts to care for senior patients in the city with house calls, as well as his advocacy for improved home-based health care services. Compelling, inspiring and another wake up to the need for more realistic and effective health care reform in Ontario and Canada. Especially as the ranks of older adults will continue to swell in the coming decades. 

This doctor with a camera is a true visionary. 

Happy International Women's Day

Thanks to Sandra for sharing - have always loved this tribute to women by Peter Gabriel and Youssou N'Dour.

Literacy, learning and the love of reading

Working at a library continues to provide many new insights for me. A major one is the role of literacy in all of our lives.

Admittedly, I have taken my own literacy for granted. Having been raised in a family and society that nurtured learning, I was lucky to have all the opportunities required to build a life based on choice. 

My affinity for books and reading has been a lifelong affair - one that I continue to encourage in my nieces and nephews on every occasion with books as gifts. I've always had a somewhat romantic dream of owning a book store and spending my days learning and sharing the inspiration that comes along with reading. 

Since beginning work at TPL, I've begun to see first hand just what a role we play in the lives of thousands of people. Our services beyond simply lending books are tremendous, ranging from early learning resources to adult literacy to ESL to computer training to youth volunteering groups to literary programs and beyond. From providing access to the basics to instilling the love of reading, libraries everywhere provide such an amazing foundation for society.

What has especially struck me are two things: 

1. There are so many stats regarding how critical literacy is to pre-school age children as it will impact their success throughout school and into their adult lives
2. There are so many inspirational stories of how literacy programs have changed peoples' lives - whether as children, adults and even as seniors

We recently featured several of these 'success' stories in a Foundation campaign including that of a woman who at age 60 went through our literacy program after putting her four children through university. Originally from Jamaica, she was then able to complete her Canadian citizenship exam and now feels liberated by her new found abilities and sense of pride.

Another young woman was part of our leading to reading program when in grade 2 and went on to volunteer at the library in high school before becoming a high school teacher herself.

Lawrence Hill, award-winning author of The Book of Negroes, was interviewed on CBC today and he mentioned that one of the reasons for the salvation of his main character was the early literacy instilled by her father. Stolen from her African village she endures slavery in the American south, amid other challenges, and is sustained by her sense of hope and her desire to read and understand and eventually return home. This struck me as he felt it important to convey this early-learned knowledge stayed with her and contributed to her resilience throughout her life. 

Librarians, staff and volunteers working with individuals every day are nurturing the need for knowledge and personal growth. The spirit of public service that exists throughout our system of 99 branches is quite stunning. While I've worked in other public organizations, I'm still learning about just how deep that passion runs here. As well as the level of the public's trust in this role we play providing free, democratic access to a wealth of information within safe and welcoming public spaces.

And then there's simply the joy of reading that is encouraged through book clubs, author readings and a host of programs that connect readers to books, writers and each other. Pretty inspiring stuff.

Photo: Daily Mail, UK

Reflections on a friend

For the past few weeks, thoughts and memories of Debrah have been flooding through my consciousness. It's been a year since she passed away so prematurely. 

While I miss her, I'm still so inspired by all that I learned and experienced in the time I knew her. Thinking of you my friend.

Gratitude

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful words and support. While it is really difficult not have have Maggy here with me, the memory and influence of her spirit remain strong.

Many of you know that Maggy was diagnosed with lung cancer more than a year ago. Thankfully, we enjoyed 14 more months together instead of the prognosis of two. During that time, we were able to get to know our new home, neighbourhood, friends and closer-by family.

Under the care of both a naturopathic veterinarian (Dr. Autumn Drouin) and a traditional chinese medicine vet (Dr. Rona Sherebrin), she did extremely well. She continued to enjoy her favourite activities including running and rolling in the park, long walks in all seasons, meeting friends, and eating - especially the best thing of all, peanut butter. With the aid of homeopathic supplements, home-cooked meals and acupuncture, her health remained good for most of that time.

My theory is that she wasn't influenced by medical terms or human fears. She continued to live each day in Buddhist-like fashion, embracing anything and everything that came her way. She also maintained a strong will to see, do and experience what she loved even when her physical body started to complain.

Mika's theory is that Maggy held on until she knew I was safely settled in Toronto. I believe that is also true. Especially when I remember speaking with Yasmin following Maggy's diagnosis, hoping I could keep her with me for at least one more year. I'm especially grateful that this wish was granted - to both of us.

Photo: Maggy at her favourite Toronto park, Spring 2008

Weekend to end breast cancer

Maggy and I just went for our walk in the park across the street and encountered one of the checkpoints for this weekend-long effort to raise funds to end breast cancer. Thousands of participants in pink and black were striding along the street to applause, music, balloons and refreshments encouraging them along their route.

We stopped to chat with some of the walkers who said the weekend had gone well and they just had 13 kms to go. One mentioned she wished she could have brought along her labrador retriever 'training partner' who had to stay home for the actual event. She seemed to welcome a Maggy break before striking out again.

Everyone we saw seemed in good spirits and physical condition following the almost 50 kms already under their belts since yesterday. It was inspiring to feel the energy and hear the hooplah around an event that means so much to so many. Good luck to all.

Change

The US Democratic Convention has ended with the expected dramatic speech by Barack Obama. It, plus the preceeding video created by the party, will hopefully go a long way in demonstrating Obama's background, experience, vision and leadership ability to those still unfamiliar or unconvinced American voters.

It was a momentous opportunity to witness an audience of 80,000+ in that Denver stadium, as well as the other enthusiastic gatherings around the country, celebrating the making of history. To see an event of that scale marking this new era in American politics is stunning - especially when we consider the rumoured upcoming Canadian federal election. What a contrast in style, impact, outcome and, frankly, inspiration.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the US from now until the election in November. Can't say that it will be anywhere near as compelling to participate in our own process though. Too bad.

More

Ok, so admittedly I've been watching a little too much television over the past week as the Olympics have been incredibly compelling.

Some more highlights:
Eric Lamaze (Lamazing!) winning gold with Hickstead after a well-known absence from Canada's equestrian team over the past 8 years. A wonderful story of second chances, redemption, faith and determination. This followed his silver medal showing as part of Canada's equestrian team (including 61 year old veteran Olympian Ian Millar and Jill Henselwood) a few days earlier - momentous events both.

Emilie Heymens winning silver in 10-metre diving in a stunning performance that was bettered only by the perfection of the Chinese gold medallist Chen Ruolin.

Usain Bolt winning the 200 metres in his second of three world-record performances. He's a pleasure to watch - both racing and celebrating - despite what Jacques Rogge says.

Jessica Zelinka was impressive to watch finishing sixth (changed to fifth due to a doping charge to the original silver medallist) in the heptathlon. In her first Olympics she has an excellent future ahead of her.

Sprinter Jared Connaughton's passion and grit helped him make the finals of the men's 400 metre as well as the men's 100 metre relay.

Thomas Hall was a surprise bronze medallist, giving it his all before collapsing, in the 1000 canoe race. Seeing him interviewed following, he was excited, gracious and eager to compete again next time. (This was a nice diversion from the disappointed Adam van Koeverden following his eighth place finish in the 1,000 kayak. Hopefully, he'll be able to rise to the occasion tomorrow during the 500 kayak race in which he is the favourite. I'm sure he will).

Tourism BC family member & favourite Riley McCormick came 14th in the 10-metre diving qualifying round sending him to the semi-finals tonight (tomorrow Beijing time)! His teammate Reuben Ross finished 15th and is also diving in the semis.

There are so many others too; however Maggy's insisting we actually turn off the tv, sign off the computer and go outside into the sunshine. :)

Photo: Eric Lamaze and Hickstead winning gold, Susan Walsh, Associated Press

Amazing!

The past day at the Olympics has been outstanding with a mix of inspiring talent and heart-pounding excitement. The highlight of the games for me so far was watching Simon Whitfield race to a silver medal in the triathlon. Jumping up and down in my living room I couldn't believe how he had come from behind the leaders and sprinted to the front looking like he might even have scored his second Olympic gold (Sydney). He was overcome by the German Jan Frodeno in the last few seconds, but his gritty performance was absolutely wonderful to watch. The triathlon is one of the most gruelling events and in my opinion the performances of those athletes are truly amazing.

Another highlight was the bronze medal win by Canadian hurdler Priscilla Lopes-Schliep. Not considered a favourite, she demonstrated determination and confidence in grabbing the medal from an extremely close field of finalists. During the entire race I kept my eyes on her and while most observers had been focussed on the leader American Lolo Jones as she faltered, I saw how close Lopes-Schliep was to medalling. You could see from her reaction following the race that she knew she was close - and a few minutes after analysis of the photo finish she was pronounced to have taken third. (I was jumping up and down watching once again :).

Alexandre Despatie in diving was also a joy to watch as he maintained second place throughout his six dives in the three-metre final and won silver against the tremendous and crowd-favourite Chinese divers He Chong (gold) and Qin Kai (bronze). This was his second Olympic silver (Athens) amid countless national and world titles. Despatie has always been beautiful to watch and it was great to see him succeed in Beijing - especially as he had come back from an injury earlier this year. I find diving to be one of the most impressive and yet stressful events to watch and am always blown away by the combination of athleticism and artistry.

There have been many outstanding moments over the past few days for many other athletes as well. The really fun instances are when we see the absolute thrill and delight of being there and competing well, such as the Russian women's pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva in beating her own world record to win gold, or to see Michael Phelps win his eight golds, or witnessing the rise of spectacular young runners Usain Bolt from Jamaica and Kenya's Asbel Kipruto Kiprop, or... The number continues to mount as the days progress and it's a pleasure to be able to watch these achievements unfold.

Nationalism v. United Nations

Today was a good day for Canada as we finally have three medals to our credit - Gold to Carol Huynh in Wrestling, Silver to David Calder and Scott Frandsen in Rowing, and Silver to Tonya Verbeek in Wrestling. It's exciting to see their delight in winning as our nation takes a collective sigh of relief now that we're on the medal board. Congratulations go out to them and all of the other day's competitors.

While it's tempting to get caught up in nationalistic emotions during something like the Olympics, the wonderful complement to that is the fact that the Olympic games offer the chance for all countries to participate in a United Nations-like forum.

I readily admit I am a proud Canadian. I take pride in what I feel are Canadian values. I love that we espouse multi-culturalism and universal access to education and health care. We also enjoy the benefits of one of the most wealthy economies in the world. As part of the international community, Canada is seen as a terrific place to live based on various measures of quality of life.

However, we also demonstrate inequalities and issues like any other nation and these things cannot, and should not, be overlooked.

Rather than saying "Canada is a great nation," I feel more comfortable saying "We live in a wonderful place that offers freedom, equality and opportunity to its citizens." It would be truly great if those same things could be said not just within our borders but everywhere else beyond.

I feel so fortunate to live here and yet keep in mind that many other nations have so much to offer as well. For me it's not about one nation or another, but the sharing of what unites us all - our humanity.

Embracing it all

Friday's opening ceremonies were simply spectacular. They were thematically rich and seemless, beautifully choreographed, perfectly executed and a pleasure to behold.

Zhang Yimou, renowned film director, created a stunning show that translated wonderfully to television - from the initial synchronous drummers filling the screen like a tapestry, through to the awe-inspiring lighting of the torch.

Watching it with my friend Lily, we were both caught up in the beauty of it as well as in the emotional connection it inspired. That's what I love about the Olympics - the other stuff aside. It's a chance for us all to become united, as part of a movement that's universal. And it's also a chance to get a glimpse into another place, other cultures and histories.

My good friends Mika and Tom are in Beijing and sharing their experiences and photos. I can hardly wait to hear their first-hand stories as well.

And best of all, my friend Margaret's son Riley is there on the Canadian diving team! See her blog for news from a mom's point of view as well as periodic posts from Riley himself. There's a wonderful photo of him during the opening ceremonies speaking by phone to his mom back in Victoria - how cool!

Joni

Just listening to one of my favourite albums Turbulent Indigo while it rains softly outside. Very nice way to spend a relaxing long-weekend Saturday evening.

I love Joni Mitchell - her voice, songwriting, sensibilities, strength and creativity. Not that I know her personally or anything, but what I do know I very much admire. And I have had one personal encounter which, if nothing else, confirmed that I would go ga ga if ever I had the chance to actually speak with her.

A few years ago, in Vancouver, some friends and I were out for drinks at Bacchus - a very popular piano bar on Hornby Street. Located in a boutique hotel, it often attracts celebs (e.g. Vicki Gabereau, Goldie and Kurt). On this evening, in walked Joni Mitchell with a friend and they were coming directly toward me. All I could manage to do was make some strange sound to indicate something was worthy of our attention. She walked toward, beside and then behind me enroute to her table. Which drove me nuts as I couldn't see her any longer. Until my friends suggested that I move seats as I was obviously in crisis. And so I did. And then as a good Canadian I pretended not to be gawking at her while she nibbled on her salad.

I was shocked at how much seeing her affected me. I'd never understood those crying, screaming, fainting fans before, but now I had some new insight into how we can't always predict our own reactions.

The best part though was just how much fun it was to be able to sit there in complete awe of a truly talented, iconic artist. And to realize how much it meant to me.

Note: I'm getting excited all over again just thinking about it!

Across the Universe

Finally got to see Across the Universe and loved it! Very creative and inspiring overall - especially for someone born in 1960 (too young to have experienced that time, but very much influenced by it).

As I watched the credits, I noticed that the director was Julie Taymor who also directed Frida (another favourite). I wasn't surprised to see this as both films are beautifully rendered. Incorporating art and effects in order to further communicate the essence of the story. And I wasn't surprised to see that Across the Universe was directed by an American woman born in 1952.

For many years, I was envious of those who were 5-10 years older than me and and who actually lived the love, peace and music of the 60s era. Funny enough though, in 1979, my first university room mate, Jan (also too young to have lived it), epitomized my ideal of the 60s persona. Long blond hair, sweet and pacifist personality, played the flute and guitar and was seemingly of an earlier time and philosophy. I'm not still in touch with Jan, but last I heard she was living in a cabin in the wilds of Alberta with her husband and son. Although I only knew her for 1st year before she went to another school, I will never forget her ethereal and loving presence.

Throughout my life I've been blessed to know several other like-minded souls who also seem to harken from that time of peaceful, values-based beliefs. Driven by their devotion for the earth, animals and humanity. Sandra, Debrah, Mika, Venetia, Yael, Kim. Of different ages and yet similar approaches. All in their unique ways. And all subsequent to the 60s - which makes me ponder what created that 'peace and love' momentum in that particular decade. Was it a unique culture or was it simply that there were more empathetic people living at that time (led, of course, by early boomers).

Regardless, my heart is still pulled back from time to time to what I grew up knowing as an idealistic and (mostly) peaceful, revolutionary period in our history. And with a soundtrack consisting almost entirely of songs by The Beatles, it's hard not to get all happily nostalgic while experiencing this wonderful film.

A different perspective

While wanting to emphasize the positive as much as possible, I have to admit I might have caught a glimpse of the 'cold and unfriendly' or at least 'conservative' Toronto today. I'm attending a 3-day Canadian Marketing Association conference (ok, that should've been my first clue) and must admit I was struck by the homogeneity of the folks in the room. Let's call them 'the suits' - of which I admittedly was one. A friend at Tourism BC - William who is the 'push the boundaries, e-leader' there - once commented on the difference between attending a web conference vs a marketing conference as the geeks definitely outcool the marketers - especially when looking at the way they dress and how they approach life and business.

One of today's keynote speakers embodied that this afternoon. Google's Avinash Kaushik, described as Author, Blogger and Analytics Evangelist, appeared onstage in blue jeans and white shirt and peered into the audience saying he doesn't even own a suit. He proceeded to present a colourful, dynamic and provocative case for "putting the marketer back into marketing with web analytics 2.0." Like most web people I've met, he's irreverent and challenges traditional business structures and approaches. He laughs at decision-making by 'hipos' (highest paid person's opinions) and counsels innovators to prove them wrong and then move on with customer-centric solutions.

Mostly he prods us to pay much more attention to the 'whys' and 'what elses' versus just the 'whats' and 'how muchs' of online results. And to intelligently use the amazing tools available to do so.

A key metric = bounce rate "- if 67% of visitors to your site don't click through once you should be crying."

Key questions to ask your users:
- why are you here?
- were you able to complete your task?
- if not, why not?

Main message - let customers tell you - capture their voice and don't just interpret their actions.

Important approach - experimentation and testing.

Key takeaway for me - Avinash's blog has been recreated in book form for sale and he and his wife decided that all proceeds will go to charity as he doesn't want to be paid for something that was already free nor for something he loves to do. So in addition to the clothes, this is one of the big differentiators between geeks and suits, at least that's the way it appears.

Next week I get to hang out with web people at MESH - Canada's Web Conference. Tomorrow I'm wearing jeans.

Photo: Avinash Kaushik

Eat, Pray, Love

Thanks to the recommendation of my friend Mika, I've just started reading this best-selling book and am enjoying it immensely. As anyone who has gone through troubling relationship woes or personal transition knows, healing and growth often do take place in these stages. Physical, spiritual, emotional.

I've just finished the "Eat" section, in which author Elizabeth Gilbert nurses her physical and sensual self back to health in Italy, while savouring the language, food, wine and beauty that is everywhere. While Italy provides the ambience, it's the friends, food and fun that help Gilbert come out of the depths of depression that drove her on a year-long journey of self discovery. Her account is heartwarming and humourous as well as inspiring. And it reminds me to feel much gratitude for my own journey.

A few years ago, my first foray into getting over a difficult breakup included getting back in touch with myself. That's when I was joined in my home by a very good friend, Venetia, as roommate, who brought along her love of life, laughter, cooking and socializing and we often found ourselves that first summer sipping wine and enjoying the sunshine on our deck - as though we were on pertpetual vacation. This focus on fun and food and all things light was just what the doctor ordered. As well, Venetia's passion for nurturing the health and wellness of others was my introduction to many of the west coast's health-based and spiritual offerings including aromatherapy, yoga and massage. I also began working with a personal trainer, playing softball and practicing yoga - all which helped me to reconnect with myself, my intuition and my physical wellbeing. Something like what Gilbert's time in Italy accomplished for her.

I look forward to reading the next section entitled "Pray" where she embarks on a spiritual journey to India.