creative forces

 Blog # 170...October, 2025

I know I've just posted for September, it's the 2nd today, but I just heard a wonderful 90 minute doc from Iqaluit on  The Current, CBC radio. I was particularly moved by how they speak of  how strongly they feel Canadian while clinging to their distinct culture despite the distance, the hardships and how neglected they are by the rest of us. It's so important to hear their voices as we struggle with our national identity... just saying. 

Don't you hate it when someone describes something you'd love to see, then says it's over? Well here goes - A production of Dear Liar at the Stratford Festival.  A wonderful two-hander starring wife and husband Marla Mclean and Gra eme Somerville. The play was impressive enough, but the setting was spectacular! the Spiegeltent was brought over from Belgium 3 years ago and has housed several dozen performances since - who knew? It's being returned at the end of this season, but will stay in my memory always, the photo only begins to capture it.

The art world took a bit of a rest over the summer, as we all did to live throughout the very hot days. There's always a September surge...the Toronto International Film Fest, Word on the Street and a lot of small local street events. Near where we live, there's a long alleyway, lined with mismatched garage doors with weeds springing up through cracks in the pavement - not the most scenic route. But yesterday, it was alive with artists creating murals on most of the doors, Some celebrating the abundance of harvest season, some reminding us of the sadness of residential schools, others abstract shapes and colours, bo particular themes, just ideas that inspired the artist to create...the randomness of life. The project was initiated by Street Art Toronto or StArt as it's cleverly called, they've been operating quietly for years to make our city more beautiful, an awesome task and I for one, am grateful.

I'm often reminded of how privileged I am, not just me - you are too. I just came back from a week entering into the life of a friend who lives on the outskirts of a small town, lots of large lawns and gardens, and many activities and services for the aging folks who've moved there to enjoy a quieter setting. This week, she entered my life, in the centre of a large city, with less room, more noise, more diversity, less parking. Our friendship of almost 70years has covered a lot of ground, through thick and thin as we sometimes say.  We both appreciate how we can relish our own lives while enjoying a visit into another, sometimes challenging, occasionally uncomfortable, but always worth it, all part of the art of living.

Great to see so many orange shirts today, hope our hearts stay open all year.

See you in November.