Hiding behind hideous masks we all walked around laughing and snapping pics.
Good warm wine and cake with the neighbours and handing out treats finished the evening, but the best is all that work putting together a good costume.
Monday 31 October 2011
Good Old Halloween
Church Street is the best place for a little bit of harmless fun on Halloween night.
Hiding behind hideous masks we all walked around laughing and snapping pics.
Good warm wine and cake with the neighbours and handing out treats finished the evening, but the best is all that work putting together a good costume.
Hiding behind hideous masks we all walked around laughing and snapping pics.
Good warm wine and cake with the neighbours and handing out treats finished the evening, but the best is all that work putting together a good costume.
Tuesday 25 October 2011
Quote - Happiness Is
Last week was my birthday.
It was a rainy day. I called my mother, so far away, and asked what she remembered of the day I was born. She didn't have many details. We talked for a long time. Then we were interrupted by a customer and hung up.
Ravel was playing in the shop, and my desk was covered with some new books I'm working at. The man had a large Sax case at hand, and he tried on several items while looking around the shop. He asked if I was a student of literature, or music. I am neither, not anymore. Upon leaving the man shook my hand and said this:
They say that happiness is spending a minute in the company of a beautiful person.
It was a rainy day. I called my mother, so far away, and asked what she remembered of the day I was born. She didn't have many details. We talked for a long time. Then we were interrupted by a customer and hung up.
Ravel was playing in the shop, and my desk was covered with some new books I'm working at. The man had a large Sax case at hand, and he tried on several items while looking around the shop. He asked if I was a student of literature, or music. I am neither, not anymore. Upon leaving the man shook my hand and said this:
They say that happiness is spending a minute in the company of a beautiful person.
One Year and Counting
We've had a new mayor for one year today.
We talk about the gravy train issue and how well it's being handled at city hall. It's not going very well so far.
A friend of mine made a brilliant analogy to the way Rob Ford is trying to do things in Toronto, and here it is for your pleasure:
The idea of losing some bureaucratic fat is a fine one, but if we compare it to losing body fat, what the Fords are doing is comparable to trying to lose weight by cutting off your leg. You have lost a quarter of your body weight, but you can't walk anymore.
Our friend also said he loves Rob Ford, because he makes him look thin...
3 more years of Ford domination. Who will come next?
We talk about the gravy train issue and how well it's being handled at city hall. It's not going very well so far.
A friend of mine made a brilliant analogy to the way Rob Ford is trying to do things in Toronto, and here it is for your pleasure:
The idea of losing some bureaucratic fat is a fine one, but if we compare it to losing body fat, what the Fords are doing is comparable to trying to lose weight by cutting off your leg. You have lost a quarter of your body weight, but you can't walk anymore.
Our friend also said he loves Rob Ford, because he makes him look thin...
3 more years of Ford domination. Who will come next?
Sunday 16 October 2011
Thursday 13 October 2011
Last Year, Today
Was my father's last day of life. His life lasted 82 years, there was no 83. As I accept this fact, I don't feel sadness.
His life was not short, it was not easy, it was a life full of adventure and passion. I was lucky, as were my numerous siblings. He was not an indulgent father, we were not spoiled, but we were loved and cared for, always, and we did get our share of adventure along the way, on the ships he took to many different countries. There is no cruise ship that can be as good as the real thing - cargo ships. Being the captain's daughter has its advantages. The days I spent on those decks were the happiest I've known. I miss them.
This year has gone by faster than most, and maybe that is a good thing.
His life was not short, it was not easy, it was a life full of adventure and passion. I was lucky, as were my numerous siblings. He was not an indulgent father, we were not spoiled, but we were loved and cared for, always, and we did get our share of adventure along the way, on the ships he took to many different countries. There is no cruise ship that can be as good as the real thing - cargo ships. Being the captain's daughter has its advantages. The days I spent on those decks were the happiest I've known. I miss them.
This year has gone by faster than most, and maybe that is a good thing.
Tuesday 11 October 2011
Code of Conduct at RM
Here's a list of a few things I thought of while swimming today, which I'm going to post on the shop's window so no one could say they didn't know.
There are things I'd love to discuss, or hear about from my customers and some I really don't. I'd like people to remember they are coming into my sanctuary, and they should treat it, and me, with respect.
For example:
Don't expose your homophobia, your antisemitism, your anti-feminist biases. Don't tell me why you hate your ex, or all women in general. Don't tell me why you hate Toronto. I love Toronto, I don't want to have to defend it.
Don't tell me how you hate the poor, or the rich, the leftists, starving artist, and social misfits, or things that are made in China (everything is made in China these days). Don't tell me about your latest drug deal or the heist you are planing.
Do not tell me you hate second hand shopping under any circumstances - that would make it very difficult for me to continue to serve you!
You may tell me stories which include beauty, adventure, travel, compassion and/or illicit sex. I love hearing about the human condition, about love, literature and music, movies and people you admire (unless Hitler or Bin Laden and their ilk are among them - I don't want to know).
Politics are not completely out of bounds, but please remember that there are limits to my understanding. Conspiracy theories about 9/11 are not my cup of tea (possibly because they are laced with antisemitism? I am not sure). I do love talking badly about our mayor - who doesn't?
I'd like to say something about bartering techniques, but I think that would require a book, so I'll limit it to this - be fair and respectful. My prices are, and you should be too.
Hopefully this makes a good indication as to how to be a well behaved RM shopper. Sorry it took me so long to recognize the need to compose a list.
There are things I'd love to discuss, or hear about from my customers and some I really don't. I'd like people to remember they are coming into my sanctuary, and they should treat it, and me, with respect.
For example:
Don't expose your homophobia, your antisemitism, your anti-feminist biases. Don't tell me why you hate your ex, or all women in general. Don't tell me why you hate Toronto. I love Toronto, I don't want to have to defend it.
Don't tell me how you hate the poor, or the rich, the leftists, starving artist, and social misfits, or things that are made in China (everything is made in China these days). Don't tell me about your latest drug deal or the heist you are planing.
Do not tell me you hate second hand shopping under any circumstances - that would make it very difficult for me to continue to serve you!
You may tell me stories which include beauty, adventure, travel, compassion and/or illicit sex. I love hearing about the human condition, about love, literature and music, movies and people you admire (unless Hitler or Bin Laden and their ilk are among them - I don't want to know).
Politics are not completely out of bounds, but please remember that there are limits to my understanding. Conspiracy theories about 9/11 are not my cup of tea (possibly because they are laced with antisemitism? I am not sure). I do love talking badly about our mayor - who doesn't?
I'd like to say something about bartering techniques, but I think that would require a book, so I'll limit it to this - be fair and respectful. My prices are, and you should be too.
Hopefully this makes a good indication as to how to be a well behaved RM shopper. Sorry it took me so long to recognize the need to compose a list.
New Quote
It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it. –Oscar Wilde
He is so quotable, that man. I can't help it...
He is so quotable, that man. I can't help it...
Sunday 9 October 2011
Fast and Feast
This is a mix of a holiday weekend, for those of us who celebrate multiple cultures. It's a good thing. Lots of opportunities to see friends and family, eat together and congregate.
The weather is so very good to us this year. We can't believe out luck.
Red leave, pumpkin pies and very good apples. Life is a beautiful thing.
And while we're here about beautiful things: There lived in my shop for a while an Armani hand made raw linen and silk jacket. Yesterday it left on the back of a very appreciative and handsome man, to accompany him on a trip to NYC. It takes off for a different life now, and everyone is happy.
The weather is so very good to us this year. We can't believe out luck.
Red leave, pumpkin pies and very good apples. Life is a beautiful thing.
And while we're here about beautiful things: There lived in my shop for a while an Armani hand made raw linen and silk jacket. Yesterday it left on the back of a very appreciative and handsome man, to accompany him on a trip to NYC. It takes off for a different life now, and everyone is happy.
Friday 7 October 2011
What To Say
When, after you spend about an hour helping a customer choose between the many great items he tries on, one after another,
and after he begs you to give him a discount for all the reasons in the world: I'll send you all my friends, I'll be a good customer, I get paid in 2 weeks, I only have this much $$$ - nothing I haven't heard before,
after he changes his mind 3 times about what he is actually going to buy, and you have to renegotiate the prices of everything each time,
after you give the desired discount, which is basically a gift to someone you don't know,
after he takes out of his pocket a wad of cash the likes of which you have never seen before and you know all this BS about not having enough money was just a sob story, a lie,
after the person asks you where you are from and when he realizes you are Jewish he looks at you differently all of a sudden, up and down, sizing you up all over again and then says - Jews are so greedy, they are all so rich.
I foolishly did not throw his money back to him and did not point at the door. I tried to defend my people, but the truth is it feels pointless.
and after he begs you to give him a discount for all the reasons in the world: I'll send you all my friends, I'll be a good customer, I get paid in 2 weeks, I only have this much $$$ - nothing I haven't heard before,
after he changes his mind 3 times about what he is actually going to buy, and you have to renegotiate the prices of everything each time,
after you give the desired discount, which is basically a gift to someone you don't know,
after he takes out of his pocket a wad of cash the likes of which you have never seen before and you know all this BS about not having enough money was just a sob story, a lie,
after the person asks you where you are from and when he realizes you are Jewish he looks at you differently all of a sudden, up and down, sizing you up all over again and then says - Jews are so greedy, they are all so rich.
I foolishly did not throw his money back to him and did not point at the door. I tried to defend my people, but the truth is it feels pointless.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
Another Spoon of Sugar
I do apologize (Not)but this Sugar babe is all I can read these days and she is one smart, kind, articulate lady. Here is one pearl of wisdom:
It’s the good ones who smart, and the dumb ones who play it safe.
Dear Sugar, The Rumpus, September 24, 2009.
It’s the good ones who smart, and the dumb ones who play it safe.
Dear Sugar, The Rumpus, September 24, 2009.
Monday 3 October 2011
The Rumpus, and Dear Sugar
While I was looking for the quote I posted earlier, I stumbled upon a wonder of wonders called Dear sugar.
It is an advice column in an online magazine called The Rumpus. I've spent an entire day reading her words and marveling at the scope of this woman's love for humanity, and how well she is able to express that love in words.
Here is one heartbreaking correspondence she had with a grieving father.
Read it with a box of tissues at hand.
It is an advice column in an online magazine called The Rumpus. I've spent an entire day reading her words and marveling at the scope of this woman's love for humanity, and how well she is able to express that love in words.
Here is one heartbreaking correspondence she had with a grieving father.
Read it with a box of tissues at hand.
New Quote for the Cold Days Ahead
There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you. –Maya Angelou
Sunday 2 October 2011
Coats, Scarves and Gloves at Nuit Blanche
It was Nuit Blanche last night, and I braved the chill and dressed myself up and went to town. Truth is, all I had to do was step out, as everything is within walking distance around me. Still, bloody cold night after the warmest September I can recall in this country.
It's amazing to see Toronto come to life, it felt like London on a regular night. Young and old filled the streets, savouring artistic endeavors, having a good time.
From my selection, rather small, admittedly - The Heart Machine was the best. I must have been Fire Worshiper in previous life.
It's amazing to see Toronto come to life, it felt like London on a regular night. Young and old filled the streets, savouring artistic endeavors, having a good time.
From my selection, rather small, admittedly - The Heart Machine was the best. I must have been Fire Worshiper in previous life.
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