A New Nature Discovery

On this glorious Sunday morning, we explored Fletcher Wildlife Garden.

Simon was happy because he saw a new bird.

Margot was happy because there were lots of sticks on the path.

I was happy because it was sunny and I saw funky trees.

And look who had a good afternoon nap:

Whirlwind Week

Phewh! It's over!
Here were the three highlights of my busiest week of the year:

Number One: Macbeth
Intense dress and tech rehearsals, followed by three wonderful performances of Macbeth (I had to miss closing night due to [see #2]). Where have I been spending my Wednesday evenings since October? Why! In a darkened auditorium with cégep students moving and speaking and breathing the Cursed Play. After months of (sometimes frustrating, other times enlightening) rehearsals, it all came to an end too fast. With a cast of 21, it is quite challenging to get everyone in the same room together! To be honest there was a moment (a week ago) that I thought the performance would have to be cancelled. But it all worked out. You just have to have faith in the students!
Note: I, along with dedicated profs and students, do this voluntary. No credits are being offered or work loads reduced. It's all for the love and the belief of theatre. I'm so proud of my work with the witches!

Number Two: Kids' Yoga Teacher Training Certification.
I registered for this training back in March and slightly regretted that it fell on the same time as the Saturday performance of the play. When I signed up, I had no idea of performance dates. This 16-hour weekend training was amazing! It exceeds my expectations and I learned more than I possible thought I would. Not only did I learn about teaching yoga for children (which I had experience in but no formal training) , but also tapping into my creative energy,  exploring my sense of play (which is quite developed thanks to theatre which keeps me on my toes),  deepening my own yoga practice on a more esoteric level, and growing as a teacher. The instructor and creator of Little Feet Yoga, Catherine Lesage, was truly inspirational, passionate and very experienced."It is not what we teach that matters, it is how we teach". This training made me proud to be a teacher. I also think it also made me a better mother.

Simon spent a lot of quality time with Margot.

Thinking of me: namaste

having super fun on the bike trail!

Pure joy!

Number Three: My Birthday
My 36th birthday fell on a Tuesday this year, between two dress rehearsal days. I had a lovely date night with Simon. We went to Play restaurant to share a few small plates (their beat salad is amazing!) and then wandered over to Black Thorn Café for desserts (I didn't like the dessert selection at Play) . Thank you for all those who sent me cards, presents, emails.  I love how you know who I am: books, knitting, tea, yoga. Those are all things that add sparkles to my life! Thank you.

Margot's Leisure Activities

Making an almost perfect row with her puzzle pieces:

 Making a straight row with the blue sides of her blocks:

Reading quietly in her room:

Reading quietly on my yoga mat and eating popcorn:

Reading quietly and demie-nue on the red chair:

Drawing:

Playing with playdough:

Eating muffins:

Cutting paper:

Watching Madeline ,Kipper the Dog or Mary Poppins:

Carrying large chunks of snow:

Wearing her bathing suit around the house:

March Book Review: February by Lisa Moore

Ok, it's about time that I review my March Book. I did finish reading it at the end of the month.

Reasons why I read this book:

-It was the winner of Canada Reads 2013. I didn't extensively follow the debates, only little snippets here and there while driving to work.

-A Valentine's Day present from Simon. Reading it in February would have been more appropriate, but I was reading something else.

Premise:  Based on a historical event: On February 14th 1982, the oil rig Ocean Ranger sank off the coast of Newfoundland. All 84 men aboard died. The novel follows the life of Helen, whose husband drowned on that February stormy night.

It was an easy and enjoyable read. Moore's writing is raw, elegant, clear and poetic. Overall, I like her style: short chapters, structure (shifts back between past and present). I have to admit that I felt indifferent towards the protagonist, Helen. No emotional attachment there. But that didn't bother me as the novel kept me involved and interested in her life and her family's. 

Here's a taste of two passages that I dogeared. 

Life barrels through; it is gone. Something rushes through. The front door slams and then a door slams in the back; something burns on the stove; birthday, brides and caskets; babies, bankruptcy, huge strokes of luck, the tree full of ice; gone.

There had been a hole in the centre of the dining room and all the things a man and woman could say to each other had dropped into the hole, and it had closed over, and the new hardwood floor gleamed shiny and mute.

Spring!

I have been quite slack in posting anything about spring since our winter seemed everlasting this year. Is spring here to stay or is it just a tease?

Verdict: It's almost my birthday which means that spring is here to stay.

Spring: such a short season. It creeps in and then suddenly pouf! it disappears and makes way to full-fledge overbearing summer. Spring is muddy lawns, splotches of dirty snow, buds on trees, warm sun, cool air. It's fresh and alive!

Spring in mid-March in NYC

Spring Khouri-Parham Family Manifesto:

-Nature walks - twice a month

-Museum/Cultural outings - twice a month

-Daily hugs

How Cool is NYC? Very!

There is no place on earth like NYC. Really. The vibrant, creative energy pours out onto the streets! The New Yorkers are sincerely helpful, down to earth and friendly. There seems to be a high proportion of actors, dancers, models and photographers traipsing the streets.

Here are some pics of the Big Apple, away from the tourists.

Amidst the crazy Saint-Patrick's Parade festivities, a quiet spot was found in Bryant Park:

We took a guided tour of the NY Public Library and found some interesting animals...

We walked the High Line (awesome discovery) and saw interesting sculptures. What a great way to use space!

A view from our 6th floor hotel room in Greenwich village. A most fabulous location!

We saw the play Belleville at the off-Broadway famous New York Theatre Workshop. It was a full house on a Sunday matinée.

Yes, I bought yarn at Purl Soho.

Spring Cherry Blossoms on the High Line:

We ate lunch at a diner in the East Village:

Cool staircase:

Our final dinner was at Il Buco. We were seated in the wine cellar, which was (apparently) Poe's inspiration for The Cask of Amontillado.

A Theatrical Experience

It may sound silly and irresponsible that my exclusive  reason for going to NYC this weekend was to see the production Sleep No More by London's Punchdrunk theatre company, but I just had to experience it for myself. And what an INCREDIBLE experience it was!
Words cannot do it justice. You will need to talk/write/call me if you wish more details. Meanwhile, you can check this out:
about the theatre company:http://punchdrunk.com
about the show I saw: http://sleepnomorenyc.com

I went with Simon (who was very brave!) and we experienced two completely different plays. That is what is so awesome about this immersive theatre. No two experiences will be alike and it is impossible to see the play it its entity and in a linear way (i love that!)
As an audience member, you need to make decisions about where to go. A bit like life; you can only be present one moment at a time.
Curiosity, boldness, vitality (and good shoes!)  are all required to enjoy and partake in this highly atmospheric and physical theatre experience.

It made me fall in love with this art form again. How exciting theatre can be! It reminded me of why I loved theatre in the first place: for its daring, emotional, bold experience. Furthermore, how, during a performance it can grab you and swirl you on a personal journey, and when the lights come on at the end, you just want to discuss, express, decorticate your experience with others. Oh! How it brought excitement and youth to life!

To have sparkles in your eyes and not feel how tired your feet are after walking/running 2.5 hours during the production (plus another previous 6 hours exploring the city): that's the sign of something special.