"It is as if we are in Minsk..."

Life is a pure flame,

and we live by an invisible sun within us.

Sir Thomas Brown

Hello all.

These past few days here in the city we have experienced quite a chill, reminding us how cold these winter months can hold us with its strong grip.

I had the fortunate opportunity to have moments I call "quiet silences". I had met up with a friend of mine, having come from Montreal, and the afternoon was wonderful as we were able to make a trip down to the St. Lawrence Market- something I have not done since leaves were beginning to fall from the trees and snow had not made its graceful presence known.

There was also another factor which enlightened the day: the thick clumps of snow that were falling... carefully, everywhere descending.

Light-hearted conversations were inevitable over walnut-chocolate cake and perogies. It gave me an overwhelming sense of peace to be able to enjoy weekends doing something heartfelt, where weekdays are steeped in non-stop classes, work and moments that define busyness in between.

As early evening came down upon us, we made the trip to go down by the Harbourfront.

Again, snow was descending in clusters, providing everyone an extra layer of white on their hair, coats, hats, and mitts.

As we slowly approached the lake, there was an eery sense of calm, the view in front of me gave me the atmosphere of entering into an abandoned landscape.

Ships loomed, frozen in slumber, giving a ghostly appearance. The lake beyond was white, and I could barely make out what was beyond the distant, where grey, blue and the white mix of snow gave the air of a dream-like feel- as if the ground where we crossed at the intersection to reach the border where land touches water, was moving itself, that we were pulling out on the open icy waters.

At that moment when we were crossing at the light with the heavy drifting of snow dancing all around us my friend says to me, "It is as if we are in Minsk..."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Photo by me- an image of what it looked like by the lake.

We arrived at the local coffee shop that is situated by the lake, where I came many times during the summer, as it gives off the quality of a lake house sort of feel. During the winter, it does give the air of a cottage/lodge feel, with a fireplace, couches and the wooden interior.

With our coffee and apple cider, I came across a nice setting that gave the view of the open lake, hovered with a couple of boats on dock. Night was falling, and so it brought a beautiful quiet feeling, looking past the pane of windows and out onto the frosty cold landscape.

Even now when I find myself catching a second or two of daydreaming, I can't help but recall that memory.

What a difference a season can change the appearance of places where you had such fond memories in previous engagements, yet the emotional release of resplendence remains intact.

Evenings hold the most promising of re-awakenings- this I found to be the most pleasurable of all in Life.

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

Note: Apart from the photo credited by me, other images are via weheartit

A Sudden Manhattan Of The Mind

Hello all!

My goodness how time flies.

Often in the mornings when I see strays of light come pouring in from between the curtains, I realize how powerful the glow of light can be as it streaks on the edges of ceilings, corners behind the doorway, provides a ethereal spotlight on the drawings, postcards and paintings I would hang on the walls.

Walking into the brisk cold air, I find a sense of slow release, watching my breath sail away when I exhale, the tops of trees bare yet unashamed of it's nakedness to the world.

When I get the chance to walk, whether it be surrounded by the buzzing in the city, or a quiet stroll to the mailbox, I find myself reflecting on little orbs of everyday inspiration that illuminates life.

Here are some things that I've come to love these pasts few weeks:

~

I had a very fortunate opportunity to meet Tom Rachman, author of "The Imperfectionists", one of my favorite books I've read, this past Thursday. Rachman being a fellow U of T alumni, it was great to see those who have come before us, and gone off to accomplish extraordinary things.

Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, is actually going to adapt this novel into a film, which I cannot wait to see the final product.

When I asked him thoughts about the film, and if there was any certain actors he had ever thought would play his characters, he says it differs from the image of the characters he had come up with, but will be excited to see how it would turn out. Towards the end I told him my aspiration with my book and the challenges I would often face. He gave me words of encouragement and ended up writing a lovely message:

The February 2011 issue of Harper's Bazaar featuring Nicole Kidman on the cover:

These editorials are simply wonderful and it was so delightful to find her on the cover. I love the whole summer garden feel and she looks absolutely beautiful. I have always admired how strong her roles are in films that illustrate her as a true actress, and she is simply golden.

I have watched her latest film, "Rabbit Hole" and it is truly a powerful film, having to deal with the theme of the aftermath of losing one's child. It is definitely a dark issue, but there is a sense of cope and faith and strength in the human heart that leaves you assured.

Erin Fetherston's Spring/Summer 2011 Collection:

As always, Erin never fails in delivering the feminine elegance that all her designs aspire and succeeds in portraying.

Love Scarlett Johansson's Moët & Chandon photo shoot:

I am in love with this music video. It's Taylor Swift's "Back to December" and the scene where she's in a white interior of a house, captures a simplistic loveliness-especially where she's in her room, and snow is carefully descending on her shoulder, on the white fireplace with the old books- I loved it. Also I can definitely relate to this song, as I too have let go of my first love long ago... I wish I knew what I know now.

I'm having wonderful time so far studying Fashion and Textiles at the Royal Ontario Museum. To be able to look upon actual artifacts acquired by the museum and being able to write about certain costumes and textile pieces is amusing!

Certain scenarios that always haunts my mind:

One of them would be how I would walk into a breathtaking place of splendor, rich in art and history that spills from all four corners of a room. I would then walk further into the room and find a gentleman working on a task or preoccupied, always with his back facing me.

I would then feel my heart churning as I would imagine he would be the missing fragment that I have been looking for all my life. Finally, his face would slowly turn to look at me, and I would picture faces that have melted my heart all these years, whether it would be an actor, a writer, or someone I know in my life, or better yet, a face I have conjured up in my mind. But always the straight and solid back greeting my view and then that significant slow turn.

Another would be that I would walk along the seaside. It would be one of those summer day's that fill you up with the highest trust of beauty life could portray. The warm wind tousling my hair, rippling my turquoise dress. I gaze outwards as far as I could see along the stretch of water to the distant line the meets the sea with sky. A rush of contentment and release would reach deep into the caverns of my heart, and I am complete.

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

-Note: images are from weheartit

Never Let Me Go

Hello all!

I find myself trapped in the midst of a small flurry of activities every so often- more often than not.

Still, I manage to tear myself away and focus on what really matters in life.

For example, I live for weekends, especially the ones that have been taking place lately. I spend time with amazing individuals that I'm so lucky to have, and those who stick with me on the weekdays- they're every bit as lovely as well- they're what keeps me pushing forward when there's lack of motivation.

November is a pleasant surprise for me this far. Certain moments, words, or music can revolve around me like a film of bliss, leaving me left to wonder.

I find myself even picking up certain reads that fill up the holes of the theme I'm currently in.

I did get the chance to take shots on places I've walked around these past couple of weeks. Certain places that were by chance encounters, or places I've known and loved.

I remember I was with a friend when I took this lovely scenery. We came across a small playground, and I instantly thought to sit on the swings, as we noticed two adults playfully laughing at the see-saw. It didn't occur to me until I sat on the swing, how amazing this landscape was. The sand, the edge of the lake at twilight- I loved seeing the blue on the water, an instant tug arising out from me as I looked outward.

Walking by the lake which was unbelievable. To capture that moment when the sun shined down, its rays of light unmistakable in the approaching darkness of evening.

I used to think that when the clouds separated and the rays of light shown through, invisible angels would be lifting souls into heaven, and that's the special place they would come to take them upward, and I would be compelled to run forward to that place, into a world we'll never know until the day we shut our own eyes.

Walking by a bridge- I've come across one where it's actually known as the Queen Street Viaduct. It has a Heraclitus quote that says "The river I step in, is not the river I stand in", and I thought that was incredible seeing that up on a bridge.

My passion for Opera has deepened. It's every bit as captivating as it has been when I was a little girl. Hearing songs as Rusalka: Song to the Moon, Tristan und Isolde- "Mild und leise", Madama Butterfly- "Un bel di vedremo", Gianni Schicci- "O mio babbino caro" - and as well, Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli's "Con Te Partiro" - all release some form of grand memories I've had in my life, and so beautiful to the ears.

For those who love the world of opera and books, this stunning read will touch you immensely as it had been a joy (and a bit sad once I reached the end of the page).

'The Doctor and the Diva' is very beautifully written. I would read it an hour before I went to sleep, and I would be completely immersed in the story, then look up and realize it was three in the morning when I hesitantly put my bookmark on a chapter! The locations sweeps you away from Boston, Florence, Venezuela, Milan, and Trinidad during the early 20th century. There is something so rich about the intertwining of music with history, and how far love can go in time and places.

Love to find such interesting objects. I came across this wonderful looking teapot, and I actually did a full stop and just stared at it in awe- I need this for my home!

Lastly I am very excited for this film to come out- can't believe I missed my chance watching it during TIFF but won't miss it this time around!

Joie de vivre,

Joanne

Ten million fireflies lit up the world as I fell asleep

I'll break my staff,

Bury it in certain fathoms in the earth,
And deeper than did ever
Plummet sound
I'll drown my book.
-William Shakespeare, The Tempest

Hello all!

This week so far has got me sweltering under the heat, and I found my thoughts drifting into elsewhere. Here is a piece I wrote inspired by an amazing weekend away from the city, up where the stars are clear, and all forms of everyday concerns pour into the waters on the lake.

Away

Away from the heart of it all

Lies the penetrating glow of release

In between the trees, hanging low

The leaves like stories, they call to me.

In the still of the night,

You carry me.

My arms laced around your neck

My eyes shut tight as I sink into you

As you carry me down the path.

The moon stares with its penetrating glare,

Into this vast space, you hold me through.

Fireflies drift above us,

It winks at us in secret compromise.

The water, an expanse- it embraces me as I sink.

A butterfly becomes a part of me for just one moment

As it lands without a sound on my finger, its wings carry so much time in this world- for only just a moment.

Further and further in I'm drawn,

Our heartbeats weave their song when I say your name.

This light that bears all that we love from the middle of the room.

I close my eyes, fingers intertwined within mine.

I walk with you as twilight enters the woods.

And then I float while you held me,

Holding me adrift.

For only just a moment,

I float above it all.

And it has become forever when I realize:

You are who I am and this world has become powerless, where we stand.

And that's all for now!