A day in the rain..

Volunteered in the rain to help out at Housing Works, an organization which donates all of its proceeds to help the homeless and those in need of aid. I found them by accident a few years ago and fell in love with the bookstore, the atmosphere and energy is very soothing. Today they had a book fair outside, under tents, which dripped. The worse was not really the rain, but the dripping from the tents,which at one point would pour cold water down your back, and get under your shirt...ughh.. Not getting soaked was not an option, which made getting a free cup of hot coffee even more enviable! I had the fun job of going around and punching at the water logged tents so cascades of water would tumble down, sometimes we had a few casualties! Yet all in all most of the people had a sense of humour!
Although, I myself, am a book lover/fiend..I have NEVER witnessed such a thing, in the beginning all was well and organized, then as the tables got fuller,and those who hanged in their for the long haul...these were 1$ a book, all kinds...we started having crowds gathering around us repacking books to take to the specific tables, which in the beginning we had, they were like cats at a butcher shop, or vultures over a dead carcass, looming over your shoulder, grabbing a book here grabbing a book there! Tailing me as I carried the box to its designated spot..Returning after such a trip I find my co-volunteer using his voice as a whip, (back back I say! ) teasing, yet kindly but firmly requesting them to go to the tables..However, it was understandable, the temptation to find "the"book, the first glimpse before anyone else spies it..people were buying by the box loads..I myself had to ferret and hide a few books, with the cashier, and to my astonishment, found myself with 11 books! Some nice art books I must admit and one big sociology book..Oriental Despotism...hmm sounds serious doesn't it!
But all joking aside, it was a well run, disciplined organization. Which when my shift ended, 10-2 a new group came, lucky them the rain had stopped! I along with the rest of volunteers were truly tired and ready to rest...the real staff..still unpaid..stayed for the whole thing. I must admit, I am happy to be a part of this, everyone, seemed to know each other from past years, there was a camaraderie amongst people from all walks of life, young and old!

A quiet trip up north..

Genevieve's Birthday in the park with a smiling Thierry behind...happy 30th!

mmm Genevieve is tasty! A picnic for all ages!

Quebecois Flag..

Heralding Autumn's arrival!
Sigh..love the staircases..seems typical Montreal..

Other than flying my favorite way to travel is by train..
Meditative,
through open windows the landscape flies by..
sunlight filters through trees creating startling landscapes of light and shadow.
autumn is near, the trees have started to change color
yellow, amber, orange.. just on the edges.
Would that I lived in a place like this..
would I get tired of its natural beauty?

This trip to visit Genevieve and Thierry, has left me rested if a bit philosophical.
No technology, for me a retreat from the world at large, their home a wealth of warmth and laughter.
Although a home is only a shell with four walls, it is those inside which give it life!
I have left Montreal if not wiser a little less stressed having extended my trip by one day. Montreal reminds me of France with its cafes and its subtle french atmosphere. Quite homey, with its melange of immigrants it is different to Quebec. Although the accent is a little difficult to comprehend, the people were very polite and smiled. At a little "salon de the" named "fous des dessert", I had a very nice lesson in green tea by its Japanese owner, in french! Where I drank an oolong tea with orchid flower, quite subtle. Of course with a pain chocolat, made with real chocolate..mmm.Lucky for me, I also enjoyed a traditional fondue, made with broth. Being invited to a home cooked dinner is a wonderful way to meet people, and just observe, thankfully Genevieve quickly showed me the trick of tying the meat, so it doesn't fall off. Although there is a tradition of kissing the person on your right if you do lose your food in the broth! Hmm would that lead to a lot of hungry people...
thank you..
In the end everything begins and ends with us...no I have not just come to that conclusion, but it is a lesson which sometimes needs remembering..My body tends to tell me when something is wrong, sleepless nights, fatigue, irritability..but I often ignore her, till its too late. She is someone I have to heal first from the inside out..I have been reminded of this by a cold sore, for some it is a normal occurence, for me it has happened during major life changes, every few years.It is my bodies way of dealing with stress and shaking me awake when I am too 'tetue' to listen! So I have promised less coffee, more green tea, and wholesome foods, a start for now. Although I am positive, the stress and anxiety over my decision to move and no work etc...will be harder to leave aside, although I will try.
I love you all dearly my friends, a double edged sword to have you all scattered about! at least one is only a train ride away...

to sleep or not to sleep

that really is the question..whether or not to dream or perhaps to fall into the arms of morpheus..an age old question since Shakespeares time..what I wouldn't give for a peaceful nights sleep..not to wake up, and think of all manner of strange and exasperating scenario's. The mind works in mysterious ways, but why mostly at night??
so this resident night owl, will write by moonlight, while all the worlds asleep..If anyone finds Mr.Sandman, send him to me, although..living in the modern city "which never sleeps" there are a million and one sounds at night, from people going and coming from work, the wood floors and furniture creaking and settling (disturbing really till you get accustomed to it) the ambulances and trucks down whizzing down the streets..the deli (bakkal like) starting to open at 3 am preparing for the day ahead, to the least a wind chime, tinkling with the wind..all these noises one hears so much better at night, and jumps at the least possible sound...
It's four thirty, and I've been up since three..if ever I had a child, I would be prepared..I'm off to bed, again..I understand why people take sleeping pills..ahh the sound of the industrial sized air conditioner..forgotten that one!
good night to all..j'espere...