Rediscovering a Songwriter

Listen to this song:

There are a few versions of Tom's Diner, but I chose the original Acapella one.

Ah! Suzanne Vega! What a fascinating singer, songwriter, and storyteller. Her sound is simple. Her lyrics filled with interesting stories. She appears to be very grounded and friendly.

I am unfamiliar with her new recordings. In fact, I only own one of her albums, Nine Objects of Desire (1996) , and her book "The Passionate Eye: The Collected Writings Of Suzanne Vega" (1999) ; a volume of poems, lyrics, essays and journalistic pieces.

Tom's Diner is the perfect strolling-in-the-rain song.
It reminds me of a Edward Hopper painting:

An interesting fact (which I just read about): The diner Suzanne is singing about is Tom's Restaurant, located at 112th Street and Broadway in NYC. The same diner was used for exterior shots on Seinfeld.

Monday Morning Meditation

I woke up early (early for me is 6:30 a.m.) and did a 20-minute yoga practice (Baron Baptiste's 20-minute Core Vinyasa CD), followed by his 10-minute guided meditation where the focus is on breath, the third eye, and the hands.
I have a casual relationship with meditation. Nothing as dedicated as my yoga practice. I have done 30-day meditation challenges twice; practiced it almost daily in the last month of my pregnancy (chakra meditation); and sometimes do 5 minutes after or before a yoga class (either in a studio or dvd at home).  I have read about the innumerable benefits of incorporating a meditation practice into one's life, and, as a yogini, I feel like it should be an integral part of my practice. I seem to go through phases: sometimes I'm really into it and other times I can think of better ways to pass the time.
I have to admit that when I did do those 30-day challenges, it was tough at first, but with time (usually at around the 5-day mark) got easier. And I did feel like my mind was clearer, my thoughts less harsh and my mood elevated. I felt great afterwards and had wonderfully peaceful sleeps (I always practiced right before bed)

A daily view from our chalet's patio at Les iles.

When I practice yoga, I'm often present (I'd be untruthful if I said I was always present). My breath keeps me in the moment. I practice meditation in a similar way: I focus and count my breath (example: 5 sec. inhale, 5 sec. exhale + variations) and sometimes focus on my chakras and stay for 8 breaths per chakra. Nothing too technical and text-bookish. I have my own method.
However, I know that meditation isn't for everyone. For instance, my mom (who is also a yogini) tried a few meditation workshops (I haven't even done that! so she gets props for that!) and just doesn't enjoy it. She'd rather be walking Mishka (the dog)  in the Boucher Forest or strolling with Noa on the woodsy path to his house. I'm sure others find meditation or presence while knitting or jogging or writing poetry or painting. We don't need to limit the practice by sitting on a zafu in half-lotus pose in a dim-lit silent room, eyes closed, hands in jnana mudra.
I do believe that incorporating at least 10 minutes of presence into your life is necessary, in whichever form it takes. It's nice to just *be* in the moment once in awhile and exhale.


These days, I'm back into my "meditation" phase. Perhaps I should do a 40-day challenge. Does anyone want to join me?

**Musing**: Morning meditations are a wonderful way to wake up to the day. Beginning your day with quietness (i.e. no blaring radio), focus (i.e. no eyes skimming the newspaper or computer screen), and presence (no running around) is a moment for oneself.

"Travel is the most private of pleasures"

Vita Sackville-West, writer.

It makes you ponder, doesn't it?

And here's a video that is irrelevant to the quote (or perhaps not?...?)
In context: Charlottetown at around 8 p.m. Last evening of our trip. Live Celtic band.
The video doesn't capture the large number of people enjoying the outdoor entertainment. Margot soon became the star as she danced around and smiled continuously. What a fun time we all had!

Same venue. Earlier on during the day.

Wind and Waves

I was quite optimistic when I titled my last post before my holiday. Its REAL title is Wind and Waves 2011. Overall, it was a great trip! Despite the rain and cold (dropped down to 10 degrees C in Iles de la Madeleine), we were all troopers and made the best of it and had fun along the way!
Traveling with a toddler is a very different experience than traveling as a couple. Although it was tiring, it was fun! The walks on the beach require patience; the hikes need extra food and supplies; the restaurant meals do not include appetizers and desserts.

We took loads of pictures (490!) and yesterday Simon and I chose the ones that will make the cut in our photo album/scrapbook. We're picking up the pictures today, the art books & photo corners are ready to go. Today is a hot day so we'll be staying at home and working on our Album.

Here's a sneak peak:

Beginning our journey up Skyline Trail in Cape Breton.

Ile Boudreau - Iles

Chéticamp Island Beach. A few steps from our chalet.

Rain or shine! Our first visit to Dune du sud in Iles.

Sand and Sea!

Well, we're off for a week+!
I can't really say we're going to the Maritimes or Eastern Québec or any specific province... Let's just say we're going East. We're flying into Charlottetown (PEI), renting a car, taking a ferry and attending a Lobster Fest in Pictou (NS) - and that's all in Day 1! Then, off to Chéticamp/Cape Breton for a few nights by the sea and a few day hikes (and more lobster). And then, back to PEI for a stopover at Lane's Cottages (where they make their own ice cream!) before we take the 5 hour ferry to Les iles de la madeleine (Québec) where we will stay at a waterfront cottage for a few nights and enjoy le vent, la mer, le ciel, les dunes et l'espace.
Simon and I haven't gone on a trip since our amazing San Fran adventure in August 2009. We're long overdue!
This trip might not be the South of France :(  or an exciting urban city break, but it should be  an easy-going, relaxing trip where Margot can run on the beach, run in the wide open spaces, and learn to eat at diners!

Margot practicing for the real thing.

 Here's a picture that was taken (by moi) a few days ago in Parc Moussette (Gatineau). Simon and Margot are overlooking the Outaouais/Ottawa river. A taste of what's to come...

A Year in Reading

I enjoy reading. I'm not a fast reader and not as avid as Bex who devours books (and from her writing style, it is quite obvious that she is a bibliophile). Did you know that someone who devours words is a verbiphage? And someone who loves words is a logophile? I wish I had the ability to write and speak splendidly, like so many of you fine readers and friends. What an eloquent quality you possess!

Back to the topic: A Year in Reading.

So, as all (or most) of you know, I started 2011 with a Year in Reading*. Have I stayed on track? Well... It started strongly, but then by April, there was a slight re-organizing of books.
I like having a plan, but I'm not married to it. I approach life that way: I'm adaptable when it comes to switching. I guess I approach change with acceptance.

Here's how it's going so far:

January: Woman's World - check!
February: Atonement - check!
March: The Help - check!
April: The Turning (short stories by Australian Tim Winton) - hum... Wanted something lighter, so went with Les hommes qui n'aimaient pas les femmes (my July pick)
May: Middlesex - hum... didn't want a lengthy read, so decided on The Birth House , not a "Reading List"original pick, but a suggestion from Erin's list.
June: Tempest Tost - back on track - check!
July: A Room with a View (Sept. read)

The books in order. Missing: A Room with a View.

*Year in Reading: In December 2010, I asked a few friends for a list of 12 fiction books they would recommend and associate those with months. I chose 12 picks (trying to stick to the recommended months/seasons) and created my reading list for 2011.

The following pic is for Owen (perhaps they should start a Canada/France house cleaning business!)

A Joy!

Margot is pure joy!

She's hilarious, animated, temperamental, and feisty. She's a high-energy toddler who is go-go-go when awake. Are all toddlers like that? Ouf! She tires out her parents!