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 went, last week, in this approach to Remembrance Day, to see a friend of mine in a performance of Vimy, a touching play about 5 soldiers and a nurse whose lives change forever in the spectre of that famous World War One battle.
In one scene, the nurse, attempting to provide a treat and distraction to a distraught young soldier, hands him a piece of hidden chocolate, and says “Try that. Better than Bully Beef, I’ll bet.” [Read more…]
It is almost Hallowe’en, and the acting students have been asking if they can wear their costumes to our next rehearsal, which falls the day before. They always amaze me with their creativity and imagination. I remember one of them making an incredible full body, sandwich costume, complete with foam and fabric condiments oozing out the sides. It always makes for a fun, and surprisingly productive rehearsal, as it gives them another obstacle to work through, while blocking and learning lines. They are an advanced class, after all. [Read more…]
I really love this job.
I just got to spend a glorious fall afternoon, travelling all over a golden, amber and red city, watching the leaves scud past me, and gulping big lungfuls of fresh autumn air. When my fingers got cold and I felt a chill, I would duck into the doors of small shops, and breathe in the heady smell of chocolate.
Yes, it is the time of year again, when making soup, apple crisp and hot chocolate make so much sense.
The nights feel snappy and crisp, and we have turned the furnace back on. [Read more…]