Today’s smiling moment came early as I drove to work.
On my way to work there is a house that is often covered in perched pigeons on its roof. I never understood why. The houses adjacent to this home have a few misplaced birds, and the houses beyond those neighbouring the “bird house” don’t have any pigeons perched upon their rooves. It was always perplexing to me. Why pigeons upon that one house?
Well, today the answer was revealed. As I slowed for the red street light ahead, I watched in wonder as the pigeons suddenly started to flock to this house. As I crept closer in the stopped traffic, I realized why.
There, from the second floor window, was a bare-breasted man leaning out into the cold morning with a small white bucket. From this bucket he was tossing seed to the roof in front of him. The birds swarmed and swooped and filled every inch of the roof of his home. This was a man who was happy to be feeding the birds. He had a huge smile upon his face as he watched them dance around him. This was not a man worried about what kind of damage the birds might do to his home (or to his neighbours’ homes). This was a man in the moment enjoying the moment with the pigeons.
And I, from afar, enjoyed watching him and his birds. He is now officially dubbed “Bird Man” in my world. And I know that every day that I pass his home from this day forward, I will smile.
Thank you Bird Man for this moment.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Moments D195: Closing Doors
Today was an interesting day. Today I chose to firmly close the door on a dream I've had since I can remember.
The process of getting to this point has been challenging. I’ve dug deep into myself and asked some tough questions over the past two months when this opportunity first presented itself.
In the end, I came to understand a couple of key points about myself.
First, I fully recognized just how important my family is to me. (Don’t get me wrong, I obviously love these people but I’m fortunate enough to like them too.) The thought of relocating and seeing them even more infrequently was not something I wanted to really wanted experience. It was a major draw back for me. Even so, for the right opportunity, I would have tested that theory and I was ready to.
But then I dug a little deeper and I realized that I love living in a city that is busy and vibrant and full of activity. And digging deeper yet I realized that I have worked too hard in my life to take a step backwards. Not only does that realization fit financially, but also emotionally. I realized that I've already taken a big step backwards emotionally this past year and I've been struggling to move that forward. There was no way that I was willing to add taking a step back financially as well.
So while, on the surface of it, this opportunity seemed like a dream come true, once I peeled away some of the layers I realized that it wasn’t a good fit overall. I deserve the right fit. I deserve something that better fits my key needs.
And yet, as this opportunity came to a head and an ultimate decision was shared, I was saddened to close the door. Letting go of dreams can be hard. They can also give you room to breathe and grow into new dreams.
So, do I see it as a lost opportunity? No. I smile knowing that I did my due diligence. I dug and asked tough questions of myself. It wasn’t a good fit and that’s okay, that’s life after all. I’m happy to know that I will continue the good fight of personal evolution and I’ll be closest to those I love most.
Moments of self-reflection.
Moments of choosing a path.
The process of getting to this point has been challenging. I’ve dug deep into myself and asked some tough questions over the past two months when this opportunity first presented itself.
In the end, I came to understand a couple of key points about myself.
First, I fully recognized just how important my family is to me. (Don’t get me wrong, I obviously love these people but I’m fortunate enough to like them too.) The thought of relocating and seeing them even more infrequently was not something I wanted to really wanted experience. It was a major draw back for me. Even so, for the right opportunity, I would have tested that theory and I was ready to.
But then I dug a little deeper and I realized that I love living in a city that is busy and vibrant and full of activity. And digging deeper yet I realized that I have worked too hard in my life to take a step backwards. Not only does that realization fit financially, but also emotionally. I realized that I've already taken a big step backwards emotionally this past year and I've been struggling to move that forward. There was no way that I was willing to add taking a step back financially as well.
So while, on the surface of it, this opportunity seemed like a dream come true, once I peeled away some of the layers I realized that it wasn’t a good fit overall. I deserve the right fit. I deserve something that better fits my key needs.
And yet, as this opportunity came to a head and an ultimate decision was shared, I was saddened to close the door. Letting go of dreams can be hard. They can also give you room to breathe and grow into new dreams.
So, do I see it as a lost opportunity? No. I smile knowing that I did my due diligence. I dug and asked tough questions of myself. It wasn’t a good fit and that’s okay, that’s life after all. I’m happy to know that I will continue the good fight of personal evolution and I’ll be closest to those I love most.
Moments of self-reflection.
Moments of choosing a path.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Moments D194: Moon Rise
I love the moon. I have always felt a connection with the moon. Tonight I had a glorious moment with the moon.
I was on my way home from disappointing evening of volleyball. (It’s not that the girls I played with were disappointing - we split our games, but we were short bodies and that makes it challenging to play a good, fun game. It’s messy volleyball at best.) One could not miss the moon. It was, in my opinion, spectacular.
The moon was mid-rise and nestled amoungst the city skyline. It was waning and likely only 70-80% visible. (Quite similar to this photograph.) Even without being full, it was majestic in the night sky. A fireball of orange wisping in and out of the buildings as I drove home. It was fascinating to me and all woes of the week prior, for that moment, were forgotten.
I smiled and soaked it in for as long as I could keep the moon in my sights.
Moments without distraction.
Moments focused with nature.
I was on my way home from disappointing evening of volleyball. (It’s not that the girls I played with were disappointing - we split our games, but we were short bodies and that makes it challenging to play a good, fun game. It’s messy volleyball at best.) One could not miss the moon. It was, in my opinion, spectacular.
The moon was mid-rise and nestled amoungst the city skyline. It was waning and likely only 70-80% visible. (Quite similar to this photograph.) Even without being full, it was majestic in the night sky. A fireball of orange wisping in and out of the buildings as I drove home. It was fascinating to me and all woes of the week prior, for that moment, were forgotten.
I smiled and soaked it in for as long as I could keep the moon in my sights.
Moments without distraction.
Moments focused with nature.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Moments D193: Girlfriends
I am a very fortunate soul to have such a collection of wonderful people in my life. Today’s moment, however, is about the special women in my life. Those that have been with me through thick and thin. Laughter and tears. Darkness and sorrow as well as light and joy.
This past weekend, despite being filled with a couple of exciting fun activities, was a challenging one for me emotionally speaking. Through it all, I had these amazing women by my side helping me to find my strength and to help center myself.
This morning I awoke to a text from my bestie post sleepover at her place. Not only did she take good care of me yesterday/last night, she was not on her way to work, checking in on me and making sure I was okay for the morning ahead. It was soul warming to be sent warm thoughts & positive energy.
This moment was later followed up by a phone call with another bestie. She and I have been friends for (I hate to admit it) over a decade and approaching (quickly) decades. She & I caught up and she gave me some invaluable perspectives on the issue I find myself dealing with. She is brilliant at seeing some small angle that just bursts light onto an issue for me. And this morning was no different for me. The small point was this - “to let the concrete set”. I had poured a foundation and it was now time to let the concrete set. Yes. Simple. But brilliant.
Later this afternoon, my BFF & I went to the matinee of Cirque du Soleil’s -Amaluna. I simply love Cirque and I try to see all the shows that pass through. I very nearly missed this show due to the unsettled nature of my life. But my BFF, who, interestingly, has never seen a Cirque show, picked up two tickets a month or so back. She loved her first Cirque show and I was so very, VERY happy to have been there with her to experience this first. Another girlfriend moment smile.
Later this evening, while I was having a late lunch/early dinner, my bestie and rock in the North called and left me a message. Now this dear soul has had many issues on her own plate and yet she found the time to touch base with me and leave a message filled with love and support. I didn’t get the message until it was bedtime, but it warmed my heart and soul when I heard it.
Yes, I am fortunate to be surrounded by such beautiful, strong, intelligent women that I can call my best friends.
Even in my time of sadness, I have a smile in my heart for these women. I am grateful.
Moments of support.
Moments to appreciate your girlfriends.
This past weekend, despite being filled with a couple of exciting fun activities, was a challenging one for me emotionally speaking. Through it all, I had these amazing women by my side helping me to find my strength and to help center myself.
This morning I awoke to a text from my bestie post sleepover at her place. Not only did she take good care of me yesterday/last night, she was not on her way to work, checking in on me and making sure I was okay for the morning ahead. It was soul warming to be sent warm thoughts & positive energy.
This moment was later followed up by a phone call with another bestie. She and I have been friends for (I hate to admit it) over a decade and approaching (quickly) decades. She & I caught up and she gave me some invaluable perspectives on the issue I find myself dealing with. She is brilliant at seeing some small angle that just bursts light onto an issue for me. And this morning was no different for me. The small point was this - “to let the concrete set”. I had poured a foundation and it was now time to let the concrete set. Yes. Simple. But brilliant.
Later this afternoon, my BFF & I went to the matinee of Cirque du Soleil’s -Amaluna. I simply love Cirque and I try to see all the shows that pass through. I very nearly missed this show due to the unsettled nature of my life. But my BFF, who, interestingly, has never seen a Cirque show, picked up two tickets a month or so back. She loved her first Cirque show and I was so very, VERY happy to have been there with her to experience this first. Another girlfriend moment smile.
Later this evening, while I was having a late lunch/early dinner, my bestie and rock in the North called and left me a message. Now this dear soul has had many issues on her own plate and yet she found the time to touch base with me and leave a message filled with love and support. I didn’t get the message until it was bedtime, but it warmed my heart and soul when I heard it.
Yes, I am fortunate to be surrounded by such beautiful, strong, intelligent women that I can call my best friends.
Even in my time of sadness, I have a smile in my heart for these women. I am grateful.
Moments of support.
Moments to appreciate your girlfriends.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Moments D192: Pancaking
Today was the BMO volleyball tournament. What an incredible 6 hours of volleyball, the level of play was amazing and better yet, we had a lot of fun playing.
I suppose it helps that we won 4 out of 5 games in the round robin.
I suppose it helps that we won our semi-finals.
But I don’t think that was the main reason it was so much fun. We were good, but we were supportive and laughing and playing like a real team. That’s what made it fun.
We lost the final game, but it was a fierce match. It could have gone either way. We ended up 2nd, but I think we were all happy to lose to a game that was back-and-forth as it was. We lost the first game of the set, came back to win the second game and then lost, within a time restricted game (only 8 minutes left to play). So very close. So very, very close!
Today’s smile for me was when, after the tournament was over. One of the refs actually came over to shake my hand and congratulate me on a great“pancake” during the set of games. Indeed, I was pretty pleased that I managed to get to the ball as well and that moment won us a point, but having someone, a ref no less, come to you to note it and comment on it. Big smiles all around.
Moments of volleyball.
Moments with great sportsmanship.
And in case you were wondering what a pancaked ball looks like:
I suppose it helps that we won 4 out of 5 games in the round robin.
I suppose it helps that we won our semi-finals.
But I don’t think that was the main reason it was so much fun. We were good, but we were supportive and laughing and playing like a real team. That’s what made it fun.
We lost the final game, but it was a fierce match. It could have gone either way. We ended up 2nd, but I think we were all happy to lose to a game that was back-and-forth as it was. We lost the first game of the set, came back to win the second game and then lost, within a time restricted game (only 8 minutes left to play). So very close. So very, very close!
Today’s smile for me was when, after the tournament was over. One of the refs actually came over to shake my hand and congratulate me on a great“pancake” during the set of games. Indeed, I was pretty pleased that I managed to get to the ball as well and that moment won us a point, but having someone, a ref no less, come to you to note it and comment on it. Big smiles all around.
Moments of volleyball.
Moments with great sportsmanship.
And in case you were wondering what a pancaked ball looks like:
Friday, November 2, 2012
Moments D191: Photos & Poppies
Tonight’s Albert Watson event was amazing. Albert Watson, the man was incredible and his works are inspirational. For the record, he is also having a showing in a local gallery. I must make sure to find time to check it out.
Today’s moment was brought to me by this amazing artist. The moment he stepped on stage, I felt his positive creative energy. And, he was wearing a poppy. I immediately fell in love with him. Why? Poppies mean a lot to me. It’s one time a year that we stop and remember the vets that fought so hard, manywith their lives, to give the rest of us freedom.
Mr. Watson lives in New York City. He’s recently lived through a trying time with hurricane Sandy devastating his condo building and his home town. And yet, in his tenaciousness, he and his family made it to Toronto for the event. And, he remembered to wear a poppy.
A wee side-bar: Poppy wearing is not very popular in the USA. I’m not sure why this is, but it’s something I’ve been aware of for some time. So the fact that he pushed out of his devastated home town and wore a poppy….I was impressed.
During the next 2.5 hours he continued to impress and inspire. What an incredible life story to share; I know I wasn’t the only one inspired by his words.
During the Q&A, an 18 year old student asked about what types of projects she should focus on to get her career started, but she also commented about having limited time to do so. Albert, called her on this, for like anything, to become good, to push beyond the mediocre, one needs to invest time into it. Make the time. Find the time. Shift priorities. That, like anything in your life, hard work WILL pay off.
Why is it that we are so afraid to work hard? It saddens me, as I see it often. Many are lazy and complain about hard work. And sure, I have my moments too, but for the most part, I know that if I put the time and energy into something I see the results. The hardest part is determining where to spend one’s time and energy for there isn’t enough time to go around for ALL the things one wants to do and/or excel at. Choosing paths, for me, is harder than the hard work.
So today’s post - a celebration of a beautiful soul, an inspiring artist, and a true, gentle man - Albert Watson.
Moments to remember.
Moments in art.
Today’s moment was brought to me by this amazing artist. The moment he stepped on stage, I felt his positive creative energy. And, he was wearing a poppy. I immediately fell in love with him. Why? Poppies mean a lot to me. It’s one time a year that we stop and remember the vets that fought so hard, manywith their lives, to give the rest of us freedom.
Mr. Watson lives in New York City. He’s recently lived through a trying time with hurricane Sandy devastating his condo building and his home town. And yet, in his tenaciousness, he and his family made it to Toronto for the event. And, he remembered to wear a poppy.
A wee side-bar: Poppy wearing is not very popular in the USA. I’m not sure why this is, but it’s something I’ve been aware of for some time. So the fact that he pushed out of his devastated home town and wore a poppy….I was impressed.
During the next 2.5 hours he continued to impress and inspire. What an incredible life story to share; I know I wasn’t the only one inspired by his words.
During the Q&A, an 18 year old student asked about what types of projects she should focus on to get her career started, but she also commented about having limited time to do so. Albert, called her on this, for like anything, to become good, to push beyond the mediocre, one needs to invest time into it. Make the time. Find the time. Shift priorities. That, like anything in your life, hard work WILL pay off.
Why is it that we are so afraid to work hard? It saddens me, as I see it often. Many are lazy and complain about hard work. And sure, I have my moments too, but for the most part, I know that if I put the time and energy into something I see the results. The hardest part is determining where to spend one’s time and energy for there isn’t enough time to go around for ALL the things one wants to do and/or excel at. Choosing paths, for me, is harder than the hard work.
So today’s post - a celebration of a beautiful soul, an inspiring artist, and a true, gentle man - Albert Watson.
Moments to remember.
Moments in art.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Moments D190: DEAL!
Something you may not know about me, I love to plan. Today's big smile came to me while planning an upcoming trip.
I've been overly consumed with work and school and haven't had much time to devote researching options for my upcoming trip to Arizona with a girlfriend.
Our first adventure: A train ride from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon. And yes, we ARE going to splurg and ride in the Observation Dome. Why not, I can't imagine doing it any other way.
The smile? Finding a 20% discount on the tickets. Awesome. It doesn't quite cover the increased cost in going from Coach to the Observation Dome, but it helps and every little bit helps. I LOVE THAT! :)
Moments where you save money and still get what you were after.
Moments to dream.
I've been overly consumed with work and school and haven't had much time to devote researching options for my upcoming trip to Arizona with a girlfriend.
Our first adventure: A train ride from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon. And yes, we ARE going to splurg and ride in the Observation Dome. Why not, I can't imagine doing it any other way.
The smile? Finding a 20% discount on the tickets. Awesome. It doesn't quite cover the increased cost in going from Coach to the Observation Dome, but it helps and every little bit helps. I LOVE THAT! :)
Moments where you save money and still get what you were after.
Moments to dream.
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