The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek. Joseph Campbell This summer I challenged myself – I signed up for a stand-up comedy course. The course is Comedy Girl, an all-female stand-up class taught by seasoned performer and writer Dawn Whitwell. The Level 1 training at Comedy Bar was no walk in…
I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive. Joseph Campbell Not long ago I celebrated my birthday, an event made more memorable by my friendly neighbourhood drugstore, which announced that as a “young senior,” I now qualified for a special…
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. Picasso Creativity isn’t the exclusive domain of the Picassos or Mozarts of our world. In truth, we are all creatives and creative expression comes in all shapes and forms. Here are simple everyday activities we can all do…
The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it. Thich Nhat Hanh As 2016 draws to a close and a new year approaches, a common refrain I hear from many people is what a lousy year it has been for them individually – illnesses, injuries, relationship woes,…
Even Monkeys Fall from Trees. Japanese Proverb I have a “thing” for monkeys. This fascination (some may call it a mild obsession), began in childhood with a menagerie of stuffed toys and dozens of Curious George books, grew into assorted baubles, key chains, tees and ultimately culminated with a trip to Southeast Asia. While there,…
Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Rachel Carson What a glorious summer. The season has been remarkably sunny and hot (a gift for those of us weary of long winters), and I’ve returned from trips to the Bruce Peninsula National Park and the…
To be loved means to be recognized as existing. Thich Nhat Hanh Have we become invisible to each other? This thought crossed my mind on a recent visit to a favourite café. As I sipped my tea and nibbled on a pastry, I quietly observed a couple seated nearby. It seemed strange to me that…
Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow. Mark Twain French novelist Victor Hugo famously thwarted procrastination by writing in the nude. As recounted by his wife, Adele Foucher in her memoir, Hugo faced with a looming deadline for his now classic Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame),…
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well. Virginia Woolf I believe that food is more than just fuel for your body; it’s also nourishment for your soul. This I learned at an early age. My maternal grandmother owned and operated a restaurant and my father, for many years,…
Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. William Morris, designer, poet, novelist I recently returned from British Columbia where I joined my siblings in packing up our childhood home. My parents had sold their house and we faced the seemingly herculean task of sifting…