As an artist, I would like to inspire others to create or simply enjoy art. In this blog, I'm sharing thoughts and events on writing, photography, art in any form, whether it's music or dance, as well as my own photographs, poetry and artwork.
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Thursday, December 15, 2016
Wintry Toronto
It was a magical day with snow flakes swirling around, spreading a thick fog over the city, covering everything in white. Yes, I know it's not fun when you're driving blindly into a sheet of snow, or struggling against an icy wind blasting across your face. But when you're walking, and dressed warmly, it's truly awesome to be out there against the elements, and watch the snow transform the city ...
In the park, children were tobogganing, their thrilled laughter echoing in the fresh snowfall. On the sidewalk, an older woman was trying to cover her face from the wind, and slipping on the snow. I gave her a hand and led her to the store, and she was all smiles. A passer-by with a bouncy step grinned, telling me in her caribbean accent how much she loved snow. We winked at each other with an unspoken understanding.
She probably gets asked as often as I do how I could bear the cold north when I was born on a sunny island. With the creative opportunities and freedom that Canada offers, winter is easy to bear. I don't miss the continuous tropical heat as I love the change of seasons, spring's blossoms, summer's lush greens, fall's colourful leaves, winter's snow flurries ... they inspire me to no end.
Thursday, December 08, 2016
I love you, Toronto
There's something about the cold weather that makes me want to get cosy and warm at home, but there's so much to do in Toronto that I'm often willing to brave the cold. So many artists, musicians, writers, dancers, actors, filmmakers are spreading their creative and innovative vibes throughout the city that it's often hard to choose which event to go to. From neighbourhood restaurants and bars that feature musicians, and artists' work to contemporary operas and documentary screenings, the choice is endless.
While walking by Queen Street the other night, and watching skaters gliding gracefully on the ice rink with our City Hall standing behind them against the sky, like some sci-fi building about to lift up, I thought of how much this city means to me. So grateful to live in this cultural hub and its multicultural diversity. Toronto has offered me the freedom, and opportunity to be an artist, photographer and writer who can make a living from her art. And the people who live in this city, the kindness of friends I've made over the years have inspired me immensely. I love you, Toronto.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Photography Exhibition and Book Signing of Island Lovers - Poems and Images of Mauritius
Stella’s Lunch Box
145 Lauder Avenue (just south of St. Clair) Toronto
Sunday December 4th
1 to 4 pm
Come by, and meet friends in this charming café, and enjoy the photographs,
poetry reading, and live music in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
If you can't join the event and would like to buy this book as a holiday gift, it's also available at Book City Yonge & St. Clair (1430 Yonge St), Book City Beaches (1950 Queen St. E), Indigo online, amazon.ca, amazon.com
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Supermoon over Toronto Skyline
On Monday evening, I went with a friend to Humber Bay Park to chase the moon. A surreal experience watching the glow creeping behind clouds, rising behind the CN tower before finally making its way up in full glory.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Launch of Island Lovers at Toronto's The Word on The Street Book Festival
I will be with four other authors at the Toronto Hakka Heritage Alliance booth, booth 151, along the lake, near the Toronto Star tent. You can't miss it ...
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Island Lovers in Mauritius
Thank you Mauritius for your interest in my work and for the radio, newspapers, and tv interviews. I'm very touched by the tremendously positive response to Island Lovers. It's been an exhilarating visit on the tropical island where I was born. So wonderful reconnecting with family and friends, and enjoying the lush beauty of the seaside and countryside.
For those who couldn't make it to the launch and book signings, and are interested in getting a copy of Island Lovers in Mauritius, it is available at:
(Caudan, Trianon, Flacq, Bagatelle, Cascavelle, Airport, Grand Baie)
For wholesale orders in Mauritius, please contact the distributor, Harold Venpin at 230-5256-1165
Info on the Toronto launch coming soon ...
Info on the Toronto launch coming soon ...
Tuesday, August 02, 2016
Book launch of Island Lovers in Mauritius
I will be at Bookcourt book store in Bagatelle Mall, Moka, Mauritius on Saturday, August 6th, from 1-4 pm for the launch of my new book, Island Lovers - Poems and Images of Mauritius, and hope many of you who live there will join me.
I took the photos in the book during several visits to Mauritius, and the images inspired me to write poems on the island I left so long ago, an island that still brings back fond memories.
Looking forward to seeing you ...
I took the photos in the book during several visits to Mauritius, and the images inspired me to write poems on the island I left so long ago, an island that still brings back fond memories.
Looking forward to seeing you ...
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Island Lovers - Poems and Images of Mauritius
Slowly emerging from my writing cave ... So excited to share my book cover. It will be out soon in Mauritius, and in Canada, later in the fall. Will keep you posted ...
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Luminato Festival at The Hearn
What a thrilling experience to be at The Hearn yesterday. The Luminato Festival brought back to life this fascinating decommissioned generating station in a celebration of art, music, and dance. I hope this building becomes a new landmark for creative expression in Toronto. The festival runs from June 10th to 26th. Check the activities on Luminato's website
This giant, rotating mirror ball, continuously casting its refracted light over exposed steel beams, wires and peeling walls had a surreal effect,. I felt as if I was in a sci-fi movie, surrounded by ethereal creatures floating around.
Even the windows seem to be works of art ...
Le Pavillon, a makeshift restaurant on the upper floor of The Hearn.
What a resourceful use of the generating station's control room.
Dining at Le Pavillon.
A treat for those who made reservations, but since we did not,
we were lucky to get last minute seats at the bar, and enjoyed the delicious French cuisine.
Majestic hallway, softly illuminated to bring out neat architectural details
One of my favourite sculptures, made of meshed acrylic
Industrial elements throughout the building
For more impressions on the Luminato Festival at The Hearn, check Schuster Gindin's article in Living Toronto
Saturday, June 04, 2016
The Moon
Trying to post once a month, but obviously, I'm not fast enough. I took this photo of the moon on Sunday, May 22nd, the night Mars was visible as a bright red star in the sky. It was fascinating to see the red planet so much closer, and imagine that we could be there one day. However it appeared as a tiny insignificant dot in my camera. I have yet to experiment with astrophotography. But the moon, on the other hand, held the spotlight, the darkness, an essential part of its presence.
Working away on my photo and poetry book... putting all I've got into it and aiming for the moon, but I'd be happy to reach a star or even a meteorite ...
Monday, May 02, 2016
About writing
“Fiction is art and art is the triumph over chaos… to celebrate a world that lies spread out around us like a bewildering and stupendous dream.”
John Cheever
I was walking through Cedarvale ravine a few weeks ago, and I came upon those bulrushes that have bursted into downy seeds since last fall. Still hanging in there, glowing in the soft light of dusk like an abstract painting. This quote from Cheever reflects my state of mind as I edit my poems and try to turn chaos into harmonious celebration ...
Saturday, April 02, 2016
Writing and Photography
Sunset in Mauritius
Friday, March 04, 2016
Photo and Poetry Book
Montagne du Rempart, Mauritius
I'm currently combining two of my passions and working on a photo and poetry book on Mauritius, the island where I was born. Sorry to disappoint those who are waiting for the novel on relationships ... it is still churning in the background and will be next, but the opportunity to have the photo and poetry book published this year came along ...
I wish I could just keep writing and have a fairy godmother to do all the marketing for me, but the reality is that we writers, need to reach out to the public and promote our work. So, today, I added my blog on my Amazon Author Profile to reach out to you, readers. Feel free to comment as we start to know each other better through this blog that I hope to update weekly.
Sunday, February 07, 2016
Letting go ...
“Holding on to anything is like holding on to your breath. You will suffocate. The only way to get anything in the physical universe is by letting go of it. Let go & it will be yours forever.”
Deepak Chopra
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Some photos from Asia
Victoria harbour, Hong Kong
Meizhou, China
Gardens by the bay, Singapore
A river in the shopping mall of Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Manila, Philippines
Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Buddhist god playing music, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Detail of Buddhist temple, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Stilt house in Water Village, Brunei
Sentosa island, Singapore
Parking lot at Sentosa island, Singapore
Sunday, October 04, 2015
Nuit Blanche Toronto
Portraits glued on the grounds of Nathan Phillips Square
Wire sculptures at 401 Richmond Street
It was a cool fall evening, but enthusiastic crowds strolled through downtown Toronto and lined up at AGO, OCAD, and other venues to soak in the creativity of Nuit Blanche.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Relationships
Love has been on my thoughts lately. I'm writing a collection of short stories about what goes on in men's and women's minds and hearts when they are in committed relationships, and cheat. It is often said that life is stranger than fiction. In this collection, I'm extracting the essence of real situations and turning them into fiction.
I apologize to those who have been expecting a sequel to The Coral Heart. It will come at some point, but I was immersed in the1910-1950 period during the many years spent writing The Coral Heart, and it's refreshing to write about present times, and take a break from the past.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
The Prison Book Club by Ann Walmsley
So proud to announce that Ann Walmsley, a very dear friend from my writing group, published her first book, The Prison Book Club, with Penguin Random House.
I was fascinated by Ann's story from the very beginning and it's been an incredible learning journey to support, and witness the progression of this thought-provoking book before it came to life. Ann's clear authentic voice, her warmth and courage resonate throughout this captivating non-fiction that will shatter many preconceptions.
The Prison Book Club can be pre-ordered and will be available soon in Canada, U.S., U.K. and all the commonwealth countries. Check her website for more info about Ann and her book.
Congratulations Ann. I will be cheering for you all the way to literary stardom.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
BuskerFest in Toronto
Aerial performers on Yonge Street
A busker displaying her skills with a hula hoop on fire ...
Summer in Toronto is a continuous celebration on the streets with all kinds of festivals every weekend. BuskerFest was one of them, and I was awed by the talents of these performers.
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