Musings (BY BARB)

 

Nothing like travel to bring into sharper focus all the different aspects and meanings of 'home.' A few decades ago, the word "home"was the most emotional in the English language.  Depending on research, it either still is or is second to the word "love". 

And then to have these musings dovetail with being completely enamored with the Jays, and how the team has brought the city and country together.  They became Canada's team. But the unexpected deep sense of connection to the team and the motley crew of likeable players - and their deep connection to one another - was quite inspiring to observe - and I'd also say to feel. 

The Rogers' ads in the World Series captured some of this essence of home, knowing it would resonate with viewers: As in:

"Bring it Home" and 

"home is not just a place on a map......it's a feeling in our heart "(apologies to Rogers and their ads) 

And how could we not get emotional watching that giant Canadian Flag unfurled, on the field by members of the Canadian Military.  My brother in law was in the stands for game 6.  He readily admitted to coming to tears seeing that in person.  Clearly the flag evokes deep feelings of not only pride but our sense of home, belonging and community. 

Now onto a completely different topic.  If you have not seen this article from the Globe, check it out - and let's pat ourselves on the back for continuing to walk and challenge ourselves. 

--https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/retirement/article-how-long-will-you-live-walk-speed-fast-slow/

WARNING (BY PHILIPPA)

 I had to substitute as a moderator for a course these past two Saturdays and therefore
have missed (and really resented missing, I must say!) our Saturday morning cemetery
walk together. So, following up on D’s “rage” blog, I shall share a bit of one of my
favourite poems:

It’s called “Warning” by Jenny Josepth

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me,
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.

So there, I feel much better now! See you next Saturday

I Am Thankful (BY DANIELLE)

 It is Thanksgiving weekend once more. Once more the foliage is beautiful and our TPW
friends are amazing, loving, and special. While I am deeply grateful for my friends and
family, this year I am also grateful for something else. I am grateful for rage. Yes, rage.
At the end of banned book week, I am grateful for those whose rage and courage gets
them up in the morning. Whether it is to stand up in library and school board meetings
to fight against the forces that try to keep books from the hands of kids, or gets people
organized to work in food banks – and then rail at governments that think food banks
are a solution to poverty. I am grateful for the rage that gets kids to form banned book
clubs and picket the school board meetings. I am grateful for the dear friend who in
mourning for a cherished family member is enraged at cancer, the disease that took her
niece’s life. I am grateful for the rage that gets the scientists working to develop
vaccines and treatments for terrible diseases into their labs each day. I am grateful for
the rage that brings hundreds of protesters into the streets in cities in the U.S. where the
military is now patrolling those streets. If you can put on a chicken costume and stand
outside an ICE detention centre, your rage is admirable. It is autumn and the days grow
shorter. Dylan Thomas told us what we need to know. “Do not go gentle into that good
night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

NUIT BLANCHE (BY SHIRLEY)

 Attended Nuit Blanche for the first time on Saturday, October 3. Perfect night for the festival. Walking the city in the dark with a few friends. At first, I thought of Halloween as the children were running around excited at the lights and installations. Stopped to enjoy watching the children swinging on lighted hoops.

Moved on to an amazing installation in North Market. A gentleman was sitting and creating
sand art in the center of the floor. It was beautiful. Sadly, it would be swept away in the
morning in time for the Market to open. Made me think about how temporary and fleeting things
can be. 

This year most of us have celebrations of new grandchildren, weddings and milestone
birthdays. As TPW members we all gather to share the joy and celebrate the with each other.
Let us continue to gather and revel in our times together.

WALKING THERAPY (BY DIANE)

The trees gave me a pep talk this morning
as I walked through the cemetery.

You have to get yourself together, girl, they said.

(trees can be kind in their perception of age)

Get rid of all those grey thoughts,
walk tall.
walk proud,
rejoice in the fact you are walking strong at your age.

(kind with a touch of cruel it would seem).

Sure, you are closer to the end than the beginning
but you've had a good run with more good things to come.
Lighten up, breath in, open your heart.
Suck it up buttercup!

(I guess they listen to us talking as we walk)

Take example from our leaves.
They're dying but going out in a blaze of gold and scarlet.

Now, don't you feel better? they said.

I considered and answered truthfully
I do, I do.
And, because I was raised to be polite, added.
And you?

There was a long silence
then, as I was nearing the end of my walk
the wind stirred the leaves.
I heard a soft chuckle and the words

We do, we do.
Thanks for asking.