Mystery of Life

I've been carrying this little blue sphere (see photo) in my pocket for three days.

Every once in a while I pluck it out, marvel at its shininess, and then gently bounce it in my hand to feel its weight.



Someone left it where I was sure to find it. I don't know who - it's a mystery of life. I like mysteries of life.

But, it's not just any shiny blue sphere. It's a bearing ball.* I love bearing balls as much as I love marbles - well maybe a bit more.

*I usually call them ball-bearings, but Wikipedia corrected me.

The Amazing Technicolour Dream Treat

If you want to make me happy - don't bother with flowers, diamonds, or French cuisine - just leave small, colourful, artsy-craftsy things on my desk.

UMI Café

OM
a strong cappuccino gently served
on a cold day

Morning Heartbreak

"He's covered in some kind of sticky resin. He's screwed."

The pigeon was calm and seemed at peace in this young man's caring hands.

"I am going to have to do him in."

Who or what did this to this poor creature?

The Watcher

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I was pleased when Fourth Dwarf dropped by my downtown tree-top abode today with plans to shop at the Ottawa Parkdale Market and then to stroll to the Cube Gallery to see the Futurists show.

I played my usual game of looking at a painting, then reading the title of the painting, and then looking back at the painting to see what influence reading the title might have had on my perception of the painting.

"You know Dwarfie," I said to my trusted friend, "I often find that I can look at a painting and like it, but then if I read the title I suddenly love it."

One painting in particular intrigued me (picture 1). The title made my heart jump and love the painting (picture 3).

"Hi Andrew," I said cautiously approaching the artist, Andrew King. "I am curious about the meaning of the title of this painting, Kanata Watch."

"Do you live in Kanata?" he asked flashing me a sweet inviting smile.

"Well, I lived in Kanata for years, and a month ago I sold everything and moved to downtown Ottawa. I relate to the little people in your painting. They've opened up their umbrellas and a benevolent wind is carrying them off to freedom. They are escaping... (picture 3). Well, that's just my interpretation according to my experience," I mumbled blushing.

I suddenly felt ridiculous and embarrassed remembering that some artists don't like people analyzing their work.

"Well, you understand the painting then," he admitted graciously and with sincerity.

Loving Welcome - Elder to Youngster

I was recently introduced to an elder. I have not known her for very long, but she is already someone I love dearly. She is fiery but sweetly honest about her feelings and her opinions. She invited me to visit her at her country home last week-end,

"Come and have a tour of my garden, and then I'll feed you supper."

The minute I walked in the door she ran to hug me, and dragged me across her entrance into the kitchen to show me something on her counter. "Look," she said enthusiastically, "look how pretty these Johnny Jump-ups look in the container you gave me at Christmas." (picture 1)

We sat down in the living room and started conversing, but before long she jumped up and again dragged me off to her kitchen.

"Here is a basket for you, here's one for me, now come along - we are going to go harvest some herbs and vegetables for you to bring home." She commanded. (picture 2)

All while chatting and walking, she picked herbs, peas, rhubarb, zucchinis, onions, hot peppers, and asparagus, and she encouraged me to pick along. We crushed herbs between our fingers and inhaled deeply, we nibbled on bits of this and that, and she pointed out flowers and trees. I was in heaven!

I am always in awe when someone I barely know makes me feel so loved and welcome into their home and heart.

Blue Skies - Hoots and Hellmouth - Part II

I was so taken by the energy that these boys put out during the workshop that I knew I had to see them on the main stage that evening and dance to them.

I urged my little sister, Gerbil Queen, to join me. Ever the trusting soul she agreed to meet me later at the front of the main stage. Well, within seconds of their powerful music and clever lyrics starting we were dancing as hard as they were rocking us with their big sound! We even revived our talent at doing the bump to dance to This Hand is a Mighty Hand, a gospel song on amphetamines.

We were glowing and exhilarated after their encore, wishing they would play the whole night. Gerbil Queen turned to me, her gentle eyes sparkling with energy, and proclaimed, "Ils sont sauvages!".

The next day, I went looking for the fellas hoping to get them to autograph my CD of their wicked music. I saw three of the band members coming towards me, and I headed up to them with a big smile on my face.

"Hi guys," I said confidently, "I hear that you are friendly and happy to sign autographs".

"What? Who said that? Fuck off!"responded handsome Andrew "Hellmouth" Gray.

"Ya, get lost," chimed in Sean Hoots (whose gorgeous red curly hair I desperately resisted touching).

"Grrrr-grumble-fffff-mmm" added the sweet looking base player (whose name I don't know).

I got a little closer to Andrew, stood my ground and called him a bitch at which point we all burst out laughing and they proceeded to sign my CD.

I love these guys.

It seems that we Canadians find them very funny unlike their American countrymen.

Below are their autographs - remember how my little sister called them savages? I told them about that, and they seemed to like it. (picture 1)

Oh, can anyone decipher what the base player was saying to me with those musical notes? (picture 3)

Loving Welcome - Stranger to Stranger

A few mornings ago I was walking down James Street, and I noticed a man bending over a person sleeping on the the the walkway leading to the side entrance to the Church of St. Barnabas. I stopped, concerned that the sleeping person might need someone to defend his right to sleep there. I did not need to concern myself.

"Good morning sir. I am sorry to wake you up, but we have people coming to the service in a few minutes and they will need access to this door. You don't have to leave - if you could just move over to the side. You are most welcome to stay."

It is impossible for me to transcribe the gentle kindness and sincerity in the voice that spoke those words. It sent a shiver all through me.

I walked on.

Sweet is Love

Some people come into our lives, and they leave us feeling broken.

Then, other people come into our lives, and they make us whole again.

It was a simple conversation.

"Here, this is yours..."

"Oh!" ...and I was speechless.