It’s that time of the year, again. I don’t know whether it’s because my DNA has begun forcing itself to the fore as I get older, but I have noticed that for the past few years, as the New Year approaches, I feel a pressing need to return library books, settle any debts incurred over the year, return anything borrowed from a friend, and most remarkably, clean the house from top to bottom (no mean feat for me and a downright torture for my boys). [Read more…]
I have a friend whose birthday is today – a few days before Christmas. He told me has always disliked having a birthday at this time of year as you tend to get ignored and lumped in with all the yuletide festivities – you know, if you receive a birthday present, it is wrapped in Santa Claus paper that will “do for both” occasions, people distracted with preparations for massive gatherings involving carols and kind of forgetting to sing Happy Birthday. [Read more…]
I am baking and ganaching and wrapping up safely (I hope) this week. My boys are helping me to make the final batches. The occasion is a very special one, and one which I have been unable to be part of, for the last two years (due to performing a play). So this year, I am happy to be back, as part of the huge team of amazing volunteers, who put together the annual Oppenheimer Park Christmas Dinner, in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, hosted by the BC Film Commission. [Read more…]
“Meanwhile, let us have a sip of tea…let us dream of evanescence and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.”
“The Book of Tea” by Okakura Kakuzo
I absolutely concur with this very wise author. There are few things in life more conducive to dreaming and lingering than a hot cup of tea. I don’t know whether it is the steam, the aroma of the infusion or the whole process of concocting a cup of it, but I do love the focus and commitment it takes to do it properly. [Read more…]
I was walking past Granville Island Brewing Company on Granville Island, on my way to a matinee performance of Snowman, on a chilly afternoon, appropriately enough. Pressing my nose against their big windows looking into a bustling “neighbourhood house”, I noticed they had put up a big sign, promoting their HOP CHOCOLATE event.
Aww, I get it. Even though I do not drink beer (it’s not an allergy, just body sense memory), I can appreciate the wit, and it gets me thinking about chocolate beer. [Read more…]