May 25, 2014: Doors Wide Open

Toronto hosts its annual Doors Open, an opportunity to visit buildings that are often closed to the public.  I visit one of the most surprising gems in Toronto’s downtown core.  Hidden just northeast of Yonge Dundas Square is the Byzantine icon-rich Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, the mother church of Greek Orthodoxy in Canada.  The building was the original home of Holy Blossom temple.  I marvel at the vibrant colours covering the large dome, pillars, and walls.  This church was painted completely by Greek Orthodox monks, the only North American church with this distinction.  To cap off the visit, Greek ladies offer homemade baklava in the church basement.

http://www.stgeorgestoronto.org

May 18, 2014: Off Gridding

Earthships were viewed as an oddity at its inception.  Who would build homes using discarded steel-belted radials, pop cans, and bottles?  Now, they are considered as visionary.  Due to sillyness on my part, my last trip to Taos did not include a visit to the Earthships.  I regretted this enough to plan a second trip to New Mexico.  I book a night in the Phoenix, a colourful Gaudiesque structure that brightens the landscape—partially, as half of it is recessed into the earth for insulation.  The other faces the sun.  Heaters are absent, as are air conditioners.  The earth-filled tires absorb and radiate heat, providing temperature equilibrium within the Earthship walls.  A greenhouse is integral to the design, providing warmth and fresh air.  All this is put to test during my visit.  May 2014 in southwestern USA included a foot of snow. Not frigid, but I would have preferred an extra blanket.

May 11, 2014: Smooth as Butter

I foresee difficulty choosing subject for this blog.  Which of the many off beaten path experiences will I share?

Saturday evening, I make my way to Koerner Hall.  It is not that far off my usual paths -- I use every excuse to wheedle my way into this stunning intimate space.  The concert on offer, however, is off my usual routine. 

I discovered Denzal Sinclaire quite by hazard.  He was the first performer featured in one of those free-with-purchase CDs I received from the Montreal Jazz Festival over a decade ago.  His rendition of Blackbird continues to be one of my favourite interpretations of this Beatles classic.  Such a voice!  Like butter. 

I have been trying to hear him in person for a number of years, so when he was featured to perform with Kurt Elling, a multiple Grammy nominee,  I jumped at the chance. 

The evening turns out to feature two vastly different artists.  Denzal’s smooth lilting voice vs Kurt’s gravelly classic jazz tones.

In the end, Denzal wins my vote.

May 4, 2014: When Life Permits, Follow Your Heart

I enter my new home and promptly mark my territory.  I can hardly wait—not to relieve myself, but to start my life once again as a Montrealer.  My dream of returning began before I left the first time--over 2 decades ago at the end of my studies at McGill University.   Each year, I would make my pilgrimage back to La Belle Province, filling up with bagels and chaussons aux pommes.  Each year, I would lament, “Why am I not living here?” 

Two years, ago, I chanced upon a new condo development.  I walked in to the site office and came out a homeowner-to-be.  Many go on shopping sprees in Montreal.  I just spent a bit more than most. 

I wait—the delays were excruciating.  April 30 finally arrives, the day I am to take possession of my new home.  With two suitcases and my little Brompton, I arrive at my new home in Old Montreal.   

I explore my new neighbourhood.  Christian Fauré, a MOF designated patissier, is just down the street.  “Two Piano 4 Hands” is playing at Centaur Theatre, just a short block away.  Notre Dame basilica is just across the square.  I am going to love it here.  

I could have continued living in Toronto and would have been content.  But when possible, why not try to make wishes come true?

When life permits, follow one’s heart.