My sister took me to Kandl Artistique Yorkville for a candle making workshop for my birthday (I plan on celebrating all year, BTW) this past weekend.
It was so much fun, to choose my own scents – Top, Middle, Base Notes – to create something that will burn for 60 hours.
I named the candle accordingly!
She even had a delish charcuterie board made for the occasion.
It was definitely worth the trip downtown!
What do you think about celebrating milestone birthdays all year ?
As if I can make my sleep last to 6 AM – usually I’m awake just before. And I don’t make my bed because my husband is still sleeping.
I don’t take the train, if I’m lucky it can be a work from home day. And if I have to go into work, then I should have already set out my outfit for Monday.
Listening to the lyrics of this song brings me back. I have a greater appreciation now than I did back in the original day – 1985-86, I was a student, not yet working at a fulltime job, but did take the train to school.
And my Sundays were more fun days than they are today, guaranteed. I mean, a quick date yesterday was an excursion to Urban Barn with my husband to check out beds and dining room tables.
But isn’t this song great?
Wow, a busy week! It went by in a flash, and I have to admit, thank goodness for public transit,
I had a meeting downtown and having the option to take a train and avoid dealing with rush hour traffic and parking was helpful. I love downtown, and had to be up fairly early to make the morning train. I could do that occasionally, but glad it’s not an everyday thing. I know it’s a struggle for those who are moving back into in person work – it seems to be the way of the working world now.
When I was a kid I listened to the radio station 104.5 CHUM FM religiously. Yes, I even had a T-shirt.
I still listen occasionally, but when I saw this classic signage, I had to take a pic. Iconic.
I managed to get to another dance class today, thank goodness! I ate way too much (meetings equals carbs and eating way beyond usual …Interestingly, this week I walked by a “Underground dance studio” along Richmond, and I think it’s a sign. I have been wanting to attend a dance class there for years, since it first opened. Now that I know where it is, I just need to go – at least once.
A not so great thing, my car was dinged at some point in the last week. I guess now that I’m out and about more and parking for work, it was inevitable. But still, not a great feeling. I have to decide if I want to get it fixed, when in reality it may just be the start of many. Unfortunate, as I just bought it out, but you know, it’s a little thing in the whole scheme of things.
I finished up listening to a recent Mel Robbins podcast, and I love the following:
We need to live in our “aliveness”.
How’s your Saturday been?
I need a prompt today – let’s look at five kitchen essentials:
1. My new Coffee Bean Burr Grinder – it is indeed the best gadget EVER! I can’t believe I didn’t get one until I grew up into my late 50’s . There’s nothing like a cup of coffee made from fresh grounds. Perfect way to start the morning.
2. My kettle – also beverage related. we have a cupboard full of all sorts of black teas (Lipton Yellow label, Red Rose, Stash, Twinings), Chai’s and also Herbal teas, like Lemon and Ginger, Orange raspberry, Camomile, Jasmine. Turmeric is in there somewhere too.
3. The Microwave – bad habit, sometimes I take too long to get to dinner, end up warming the food up because I’ve waited too long. Or I take too long to drink my coffee, and it needs a quick zap. We love leftovers, so our microwave is a major essential.
4. Coffee maker – we’ve had this Braun coffee maker for years. I think it’s our second, actually. Drip coffee is our favourite. We do have French press Bodum, but we never use it. Too lazy I guess.
5. The dishwasher – even when it’s just the two of us, it’s an imperative!
(Miss this little guy – he would have turned 17 last Monday )
A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’d read two of Canadian writer Miriam Toews’ books – the most famous one, Women Talking (upon which an award winning movie was made ) and Fight Night. I enjoyed both of them, Fight Night a little more. I wasn’t sure what to expect with A Truce that is not Peace.
This book is a memoir, written in a most unique, unusual fashion, that took me on various paths. Not chronologically written, it bounces around, back and forth, but I did not get lost. I found it fascinating, stream of consciousness writing, very emotional, and powerful. Incredible given the author’s background, and personal tragedies she has suffered (the loss of her father and older sister to suicide) — how she’s been able to navigate life, still be present for her kids and her grandchildren. It was at times so hilarious, and other times shocking. There is the mundane everyday life. And the heartbreak, especially in her use of letters and correspondence with her sister.
It all starts with the question that she is asked, as she is invited to speak at a literary conference.
“Why do you write?” How does anyone answer that?
A very creative mind, and the result is this one-of-a-kind memoir. With the most perfect title.
A solid 4 stars. Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and the author for the ARC, it was a pleasure to read and review.
View all my reviews
At a time 
Three Things Thursday -Podcasts
So many podcasts, so little time. Here are three that I keep on rotation:
I am so Canadian in this regard. Our national broadcaster, CBC, has the best programming both on Television and radio, and online. Q features the most interesting interviews, with musicians, artists, pop culture and cultural icons, Tom Power is one of the best interviewers, he has a lovely approach, a warm Newfoundlander persona – he’s a musician and just became a new dad. He’s had this gig since 2016, and I’m a huge fan.
The podcast interviews are also posted on YouTube!
2. The Readout Loud
I started following this podcast a few years ago at the recommendation of a work friend.
The content was never as dramatic as it has been since the beginning of this year, with the new administration in the US. It’s like a miniseries now, with all the twists and turns in biotech, government, science and business. Informative and attainable.
3. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
I was a big fan of Smartless during Covid – I’ve find it less interesting these days, especially now that we have hilarious Amy Poehler with her own podcast. I love her, she’s great with guests, she would be an amazing BFF to hang out with.
Also on YouTube! Her interview with Mariska Hargitay was such fun!
Honorable mentions:
WTF with Marc Maron – this OG of podcasts, wrapped up recently with the final interview with Barack Obama. A fitting bow on a masterpiece of 16 years of programming.
Mel Robbins Podcast – for some real inspiration and pick me ups.
Any recommendations? What do you listen to would love to know!