Around the Next Corner...

Finding gems in a city like Toronto isn't hard to do. 

The hard part is letting yourself get lost enough to find them. 

The other day, while walking to get some of the city's best coffee at Manic Cafe at College and Bathurst, I stumbled upon one of these treasures; Croft Street.

Not only does this street have historical interest, with a connection to the city's Great Fire, it has contemporary interest as well. The contrasting architecture and the character of its street art drew me in.

In Toronto's Annex (a neighbourhood typically associated with student housing and homes in need of a paint job), there were homes with Saab's, BMW's, and Volvo's in the garages backing onto the narrow alley that is Croft Street. 

A set up similar to what I've seen of homes in the Beaches, these garages were quite exposed; a juxtaposition to crumbling garages, some "doors" just a large fabric curtain, that faced them just opposite.

What was also interesting was, like most gems, there was more than met the eye. In this case, it was a glimmer emanating from the garage doors. Decorated with graffiti; some just quotes, and others showcased detailed scenes. Works of art.

It has been a while since I found a gem like this and it was a good reminder that they exist just around the next corner. Get lost and see what you find. The best surprises in the city seem to appear when you least expect them.

Summer in the City (Reprise)

It's summer again! Well... the end of summer. What better time to look back with fond thoughts and hopes for getting it right again next year.

This summer was one filled with friends, summer camp (that I run), and events all over Toronto. Summer isn't just a season filled with fun in the sun and bad t-shirt tans, but also a time of change, rejuvenation, and the occasional good-bye.

Change comes in many forms. For me it was the end of my contract as a teaching assistant at a prestigious girls schools and the beginning of a new job at yet another private school in the heart of the city.

From Picasso at the AGO, Canada Day fireworks, the Pride Parade, movies at The Open Roof Film Festival, BBQs, birthdays, patio dinners, Summerlicious, watching the Olympics, and laughs at Yuk Yuk's, the summer brought about it's usual fill of good times. I even managed to fit in a massage and meditation class the SpiritWind Internal Arts centre in Kensington Market.

As a martial artist of 14 years, I earned the rank of 3rd degree black belt. After so many years of fighting, I've decided it's time to turn my attention inwards moreso and focus on aspects of the Peaceful Warrior. Dan Milliman and Carlos Castenadas' books have been an inspiration as I pursue this path. Zen Meditation can't hurt either, right?

Feeling rejuvenated and centred, this summer was also one with an important and meaningful good-bye. My friend who I wrote about in an earlier post (who was sworn in to the Canadian Armed Forces back in November) has been signed on to the CAF full time. This means she left Toronto for a base in Quebec to train and prepare for her duties an impending soldier to protect Canada and it's allies around the world.

Now, with the cool breeze tapping us on the shoulder, reminding us that autumn is soon approaching, I look forward to the fresh start of a new school year, and a new season to make other great memories.

I'll be attending TIFF, teaching a new Grade 1 class, and continuing my M.Ed at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)! Hopefully I can sustain my centred-ness and rejuvenation.. at least 'til Thanksgiving.

Where I Built My Home

On a cold February evening, I was laying on my couch and felt the crisp breeze gently brush my hair. In the dim light of my livingroom I realized that I was alone, relaxed. In this silence, I reaped the benefits of having a home to call my own; an oasis in the heart of the city.

I didn't plaster a wall or caulk the bathroom tiles. Instead I moved into a new space and set up my new home, piece by piece. With the help of some incredible friends, my fantastic 1930's boutique apartment at Yonge & Bloor took shape.

All city folk have a place they call home. It might be their local Starbucks, their favourite pub, or somewhere else they feel welcomed and "at home". For some, this place is where they do their best thinking.

We all need a place to call home. We all need a place for our ideas to peculate and take form. In our home, we feel inspired. It's likely the one place we feel that we can truly be ourselves.

I recently saw a replica of Leonardo Da Vinci's studio when I attended the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre. His studio/ atelier/ home- whatever you want to call it- is the place where did his best work.

Maybe we can't always have a large studio like Da Vinci to make revolutionary works of art and engineering. We can, however, create a space that will foster and encourage our aspirations and ambitions. This place is what we call home.

Whether we share our home with others or live in it alone; whether we live in a quaint bachelor suite, a rustic loft, or a Forest Hill mansion, home is where we build it. I built my home with love- you can too.

Though home can at times seem like a lonely place, I remind myself that being alone in a fabulous classic apartment is a luxury that is all too often overlooked.

Where ever you build your home, whether in Vinci/ Italy, or another city, build it with a solid foundation that will not only keep you secure, but will ignite a fire under your passions and allow you to strive toward your dreams.

The Plaid Boots Have Come Out of Hiding!

Toronto is experiencing one of the its most mild winters' its had to date. The lack of snow and above seasonal temperatures have made winter feel more like late autumn or early spring.

On this day, however, after some some light snow began to fall, my blue plaid Rubber Duck boots have emerged from their hibernation!

Several winters' ago, I got these boots thinking they would be comfy and warm. Little did I know they would grab so much attention (ok, I sort of knew they were a little unusual/ amazing!!).

When I wore them in New York, in the winter of '08, I was approached on a 5th Avenue street corner by an inquisitive old lady. She said, "Those are SOME boots! Where did you get them?". I politely and somewhat proudly answered, "Toronto". She looked a little confused so I added "Canada".

She then replied, "Oh, you brought them all the way down from there". To which I said softly, and underbreath, "Ya... I wore them" (by this time the light turned green and off she went).

These boots have survived several winters now and will most definitely survive this balmy winter too. They're unfortunately starting to show some signs of aging though; I think it's time for new insoles.

Whether their plaid, or bright red, take your boots out for a walk. You never know what kind of stories might one day be told of your boots and their adventures in the city. 

A New Year's End

It's been over a month since my last post- to say December was a busy month is a bit of an understatement. I'm sure this is true for many.

It's great to see New Year's as a time for new beginnings and resolutions, but I tend to see it as a culmination and celebration of a year. A time to reflect on everything that happened in the preceding 365 days that brought us to be where we are; physically, mentally, spiritually.

2011 has been a huge year for change in many friends' lives, including my own. It's been a time for positive transformations and transitions.

Wishing everyone the best for new successes and accomplishments to come!

Happy New Year~ 2012! Enjoy :)

A New Year's End

By: Matt Badali

The city gets darker as the year goes on,

We’ve done all we can and the year’s nearly gone.

Resolutions fell short many months ago,

And now we watch wistfully as the falling snow glows.

Evenings come sooner,

As the dark skies loom.

Getting closer in time for a New Year to bloom.

It’s time for the holiday cups to appear,

A New Year’s end is unmistakably near.

We now wonder how it will come to an end.

Will we be happy or have hurt hearts to mend?

The script has been written,

The characters rehearsed,

The year will play out, ourselves immersed.

Whatever it brings, or whatever it’s brought,

We’ll be content, free from harsh thought.

Be nostalgic, think back.

Was there something it lacked?

Be hopeful, not sad.

Think of good times we’ve had.

Though there were undoubtedly tears, heartache, and fears.

Take out the champagne and fill your glass- cheers!

The city lights sparkle as the air becomes cold,

Friends we keep close, in the warmth of their hold.

We think about how it’s New Years’ soon,

As we stare at the night’s ominous whole moon.

Hoping to see into the future; if only a glimpse.

The countdown begins, our gaze transfixed.

It’s been hundreds of days,

In so many ways.

Thinking back on life’s lessons, all so wise.

We can’t help reflect on the lows and the highs.

A New Year will end as a New Year begins.

Bring to it your strengths, and acknowledge your wins.

The streets now silent, empty, and bleak.

Everyone rests and prepares for a new 52 weeks.

Never Too Old to Play With a Parachute

On a bitterly cold night (well, it was actually only 8 degrees, but the wind made it feel colder) I stood in line, waiting to enter the Sound Academy and see LIGHTS in concert.

Many of you probably don't know who LIGHTS is. She's a Canadian recording artist who sings songs you probably do know- February Air, Second Go, and her newest single Toes, which has been getting a fair bit of radio play in Toronto.

I was impressed with her live show, and even though it was an all-ages event, the youngster were far enough away that they didn't cause any unwanted annoyances- at least not to me.

What I was impressed with most of all was one of her opening acts- Rich Aucoin (http://www.richaucoin.ca/). He's also Canadian. He does an amazing job of integrating audio and video, thought provoking messages, and plain old fun!

His logo, a primary colour parachute (the kind you find in an elementary school gym), can be found on almost all of his promotional images. Though probably a publicity tactic, he launched a parachute into the audience during one of his songs; I think it was 'Parachute'. This not only appealed to the "all-ages" crowd, but it was fun to see everyone excited to grab a part of the 'chute and dance under the cover of the bright rainbow coloured fabric.

Technical difficulties aside, his set was fantastic. Songs like "It" and "We're All Dying to Live" had an anthemic quality that got everyone hoppin'.

I said to my friends that, since I'm a teacher, I played with a parachute just two weeks ago. For many playing with a parachute is one of those enjoyments of childhood that dissolve as we get older. We're never really too old to play with a parachute, it just takes a little bit of creativity and a little bit of being in the right place at the right time. Like many things from our younger years, it's something we don't normally have the chance to do- until Friday night at the Sound Academy.

Protests and the City

From coats to coast, nation to nation, city to city, a revolution is happening.

Students being maced at an Occupy sit-in
at the University of California, Nov. 2011

In Toronto, the sit-ins are faced with eviction, in New York they are split by force, in California they are dismantled with tear-gas; what can we expect to happen next?

It would seem that the problem isn't only New York's Wall Street, or Toronto's Bay Street, but systemic and underlying a vast number of economic centres world-wide.

Protest and outspoken-ness definitely has a role to be played in a democracy; I just wonder how much longer the peacefulness will last since the "powers that be" are clearly getting antsy.

Should a dialogue begin, or should we start breaking out the pepper spray? The answer to this should be clear so long as you listened when your Kindergarten teacher explained the classroom rules.

It's alarming to find out that it is actually the law enforcement professionals that are starting to get violent. We should know they are the drones of the higher power and what drives their actions is something lacking in humanity.

Historically, cities have been places where economic motivations underlay any reason for coming together. Since the industrial revolution, urban dwellers have often been oppressed; the majority being factory workers and the like.

Knowing what wealth exists in cities and the growing disparity now between rich and poor, one would imagine that we could develop strategies to help spread the wealth and help our fellow city-zens thrive.



Occupy Toronto in St. James Park, Nov. 2011



At the very least, if we are not able to help each other, we certainly should not be hurting each other. We can use the pepper for the food we are advantaged enough to have, and do what we can to peacefully make change together.

Can you really say that in a major economic centre, there aren't enough resources to initiate some discussion and put in place mechanisms for improvement?

Something cities tend to do is attract the biggest and brightest minds in a multitude of disciplines because they can offer the best resources, jobs, and opportunities for those individuals to thrive. If the best and brightest minds can't manage to alleviate at least some disparities, then that certainly is a dissappointment on a city scale.