Happy holiday season to all

As I leave a challenging year behind, I prefer to think of all the positive things that did happen. I feel blessed with all the wonderful friends who have brightened my days with kind words, patient listening, or just a simple smile. Thank you for being there and for being who you are. These caring moments are like little stars of hope that lighten up the darkness as much as the heavy load, and inspire me to pass on the light to others. Wishing you all much love and peace for New Year 2012.

Freedom

Some inspiring quotes about freedom, that wonderful feeling of not being bound by conventions, expectations, the ability to live fully in the present without being tied down by the past or the future, the empowerment of being yourself, of making choices, and taking responsibility for them.

“No man is free who is not a master of himself.”
Epictetus

"Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth."
John F. Kennedy

"Love does not claim possession, but gives freedom."
Rabindranath Tagore

"Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect."
Eleanor Roosevelt

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
Nelson Mandela

"Art requires neither complaisance nor politeness; nothing but faith, faith and freedom."
Gustave Flaubert















Painting with my camera: a fleeting moment of wonder

Jamming at De Sotos

We all need a break from work and daily pressures. What better way to relax than jamming at De Sotos. Tony Merante and Elizabeth Jackson have created a warm, friendly bistro atmosphere where everybody feels welcome, and many, whether they're singers, musicians, professionals or amateurs, have dropped by and let it all out at the open mic hosted by Anthony Abbatangeli, the most reliable and supportive host you'll ever meet. So, if you love music, come play and sing with us at De Sotos on Thursday evenings from 8 pm ...















Mike Meusel (Bass), Anthony Abbatangeli (guitar), Andi Duncan (vocals), John Bellisario (drums), Shaun Thomas (Sax)
















Ciaran O'Shea (guitar) and Fernando Perri (drums)
















Ray (Sax), Mike Meusel (Bass), Anthony Abbatangeli (guitar),Carlo Berardinucci (vocals), Shaun Thomas (Sax)























Sam Sharkawy (guitar), Anthony Abbatangeli (guitar), Wendy Weiler (vocals)

















Yours truly

Back to the silence of writing

My show is over. It was such a thrill to share Mauritius with good old Toronto, especially English-speaking guests who were charmed by the island, intrigued by its multiculturalism, and thrilled by the atmosphere so français ... at Alliance Française de Toronto. It's fascinating how photos can finally explain what I could not in words to my friends.

I was touched by comments in the guest book: "Luscious, sensual, alive, lovely", "you've been given a good eye for capturing beauty", "simply breathtaking". Those from Mauritian-Canadians were very moving: "Faire moi gagne caffard", "ou ine capture l'essence de la vie mauricienne", "ça donne envie d'y retourner à la perle de l'océan indien".

To close off this show, here's an article in Le Matinal that my dear friend Helena Reich kindly wrote.

It's now time to buckle down and finish my novel. Back to the silence of writing. I totally believe in this quote from Gandhi that, "In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth."

Kréolissime

Alliance Française is celebrating Creole Month with another not-to-be-missed event, Kréolissime, a celebration of dance, music and food from Mauritius and other creole-speaking countries, this coming Saturday at 8 pm at Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road, one block north of Bloor. Here is the invite:

Join us for a friendly and festive evening of Creole culture!

Alliance française de Toronto welcomes its members, students – and anyone who’s in the mood to party – to join us for Kréolissime!, a memorable evening of music and dance. The 17 musicians, singers and dancers of the Canaséga troupe will keep the joint jumping with a repertoire and dance moves straight from Mauritius.Tasty treats from Haiti and Guyana will also be available, and the rum bar will be open for you to sample some tropical concoctions.

Kréolissime !
October Saturday, 22nd, 8 pm – 11pm
Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road
5$; Free for members of the Alliance Française de Toronto + 1 guest

For reservation: Patricia Guérin at 416-922-2014, ext 35 or culturel@alliance-française.ca



Venez rejoindre l’ambiance chaleureuse et festive de cette soirée créole le samedi 22 octobre prochain !

Avant la venue de l’hiver, l’Alliance Française de Toronto propose une soirée pour se réchauffer et profiter de l’exotisme créole.

L’AFT accueille ses membres, ses étudiants et quiconque a envie de faire la fête, à l’occasion d’une soirée Kréolissime! La troupe Canaséga, et ses 17 musiciens, chanteuses et danseuses, vient chauffer l’ambiance; chants typiques de l’île Maurice et démonstration de danse sont au programme. Un stand aux saveurs créoles concocte des encas tout droit venus des îles. Et pour boire un verre, la rhumerie vous propose quelques breuvages exotiques.

Kréolissime !
Samedi 22 octobre, 20h – 23h
Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road
5$; Gratuit pour les membres et les étudiants de l’AFT + 1 invité

Pour réservation: Patricia Guérin au 416-922-2014, poste 35 ou culturel@alliance-française.ca

Media coverage for photo exhibition on Mauritius

Mauritius off the beaten path is getting much attention from the francophone media in Toronto, as well as in Mauritius.

CBC's French television, Le Telejournal Ontario showed a short 30 second clip of the exhibition on October 5th.

I was interviewed by Eric Cader on Pot Pourri, the French program at CIUT 89.5 FM, U of T's radio station, and also by Marjorie Murphy on CJBC 860 AM, Radio Canada's morning show, Y a pas deux matins pareils.

You can also read articles on the exhibition in two French newspapers in Toronto. Guillaume Garcia wrote 'L'Île Maurice, loin des touristes, près du coeur' in L'Express and Raphaël Lopoukhine wrote 'L'Île Maurice, loin des sentiers battus' in Le Métropolitain.

Pamela Glass, a great journalist, and a dear friend who writes for the magazine WorkBoat, also known as Pamela de St. Antoine, the Washington correspondent for Weekend newspaper in Mauritius, wrote an article about my show.


Île Maurice, hors des sentiers touristiques se fait parler d'elle à travers le média francophone ainsi qu'à l'Île Maurice.

Radio Canada, la chaîne de télévision française du Canada, a montré pour 30 secondes quelques photos de l'exposition sur Le Telejournal Ontario.

J'ai aussi fait une entrevue avec Eric Cader sur Pot Pourri, l'émission française de CIUT 89.5 FM, radio de l'Université de Toronto, et Marjorie Murphy sur CJBC 860 AM, l'émission du matin de Radio Canada, Y a pas deux matins pareils.

Des articles sur l'exposition ont paru dans deux journaux français de Toronto. Vous pouvez lire celui de Guillaume Garcia, 'L'Île Maurice, loin des touristes, près du coeur' dans L'Express et celui de Raphaël Lopoukhine 'L'Île Maurice, loin des sentiers battus' dans Le Métropolitain.

Pamela Glass, une amie et une excellente journaliste pour le magazine WorkBoat, qui est aussi connue sous le nom de Pamela de St. Antoine, la correspondante de Washington pour le journal Weekend à l'Île Maurice, a écrit 'Mauritius on display in Toronto'.

Thank you for a wonderful opening reception

Au vernissage avec Patricia et Audrey


Thanks to all who came to the opening reception of Mauritius, off the beaten path at Galerie Pierre-Léon on October 5th. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to over a hundred guests who made this evening a very special one. And thanks to Alliance Française de Toronto, especially Audrey Sommier, Patricia Guérin and Geneviève Trilling for being wonderful coordinators, and thanks to Jean-Claude Duthion, the departed director who chose this exhibition for Galerie Pierre-Léon, and thanks to the new director, Patrick Riba for his support. It was such an overwhelmingly positive evening and a great pleasure to share a little bit of Mauritius with you all.

For those who have not had a chance to see the show, it will be on until October 31st at Galerie Pierre-Léon, Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road (one block north of Bloor).

Merci à tout le monde d'être venu au vernissage à la Galerie Pierre-Léon. Votre présence en si grand nombre m'a vraiment touché. Merci à l'Alliance Française de Toronto, en particulier, Audrey Sommier, Patricia Guérin et Geneviève Trilling pour avoir été des superbes coordinatrices culturelles. Merci à Jean-Claude Duthion, l'ancien directeur qui a choisi cette exposition pour la Galerie Pierre-Léon, et merci au nouveau directeur, Patrick Riba pour son encouragement. C'était une soirée fantastique et c'était un plaisir de partager un tout petit peu de l'île Maurice avec vous.

Pour ceux qui n'ont pas eu l'occasion de voir l'expo, elle continue jusqu'au 31 octobre à la Galerie Pierre-Léon, Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road. 

Mauritius Off the Beaten Path

Alliance Française of Toronto is celebrating International Creole Month with Mauritius, Off the Beaten Path, a photography show by Peggy Lampotang at Galerie Pierre Léon, 24 Spadina Road, from October 5th to 31st, 2011.

Mauritius is one of many Creole-speaking countries. Haiti, Guadeloupe, among others, share similar Creole heritage through French colonization. The language was developed by African slaves who worked on sugarcane plantations and helped with the construction of roads and buildings. Creole, considered a vernacular French, is now recognized as an official language.

Colonized by the French in 1715, and later by the English from 1810 to 1968 when it gained its independence, Mauritius is a country where inhabitants of French, African, Indian, and Chinese origin are united through the Creole language. The melding of races has created a general population, also called Creole, which forms a large part of its working class.

To live in Canada, photographer Peggy Lampotang left this lush island with its azure ocean, but the island has never left her. You may have heard of Mauritius, its famous blue penny stamp, its extinct dodo bird, the miracle of its economic growth, or perhaps enjoyed lying on its pristine beach, the one where Prince William spent his holidays. But beyond this enchanting façade, there are faces of people going about their daily chores, faces that the photographer invites you to discover off the beaten path.

In spite of its financial success and its skyscrapers, Mauritius still harbours makeshift houses assembled from panels of old corrugated aluminum where some live with so little that one is surprised by their warmth. These children who wander freely in the ocean, these fishermen who throw their nets at the crack of dawn, these street vendors who sell fruits, tomatoes, chicken, and noodles, their faces are sometimes marked by a hard life, but their resourcefulness and survival instinct prevail. Does their inspiration come from the intuitive communion with the natural wilderness, and the ever-present ocean?

Exhibition Opening : Wednesday October 5th at 6:30 pm at Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road
RSVP à culturel@alliance-francaise.ca or 416 922 2014 ext 37



Île Maurice hors des sentiers touristiques


L’Alliance Française de Toronto célèbre le mois créole avec Île Maurice, hors des sentiers touristiques, une exposition de photos de Peggy Lampotang à la Galerie Pierre Léon. Alliance Française de Toronto du 5 au 31 Octobre, 2011.

L’île Maurice, Haïti, la Guadeloupe et bien d’autres, partagent le même héritage créole issu de la colonisation française. Le créole a été développé par les esclaves d’origine africaine qui travaillaient dans les champs de cannes à sucre ou à la construction de rues et de bâtiments. Le créole, considéré comme un patois français, est maintenant devenue une langue officielle.

Colonisée par les français en 1715, puis par les anglais de 1810 à 1968, l’année où elle obtient son indépendance, l’île Maurice réunit des habitants d’origine française, africaine, indienne, et chinoise par une langue commune, le créole. Ce brassage donne naissance à la population dite créole qui fait largement partie de la classe ouvrière de l’île.

Pour vivre au Canada, la photographe Peggy Lampotang a quitté cette île verdoyante avec son océan d’azur, mais cette île, elle, ne l’a jamais quitté. Vous avez peut-être entendu parler de l'île Maurice, de son fameux timbre ‘blue penny’, de son dodo disparu, ou du miracle de sa croissance économique, ou vous avez peut-être eu le plaisir de vous allonger sur ses belles plages, là où le Prince William a passé ses vacances. Mais derrière cette façade féerique, il y a le visage, les visages de ce peuple, qui s’en va à son labeur, des visages que ce photographe vous invite à découvrir hors des sentiers touristiques.

Malgré son succès financier et ses gratte-ciels, l’île Maurice abrite encore des maisons assemblées de vieux panneaux en tôle où les gens vivent avec si peu qu’on s’étonne de leur nature chaleureuse. Ces enfants qui gambadent librement dans l’océan, ces pêcheurs qui lancent leurs filets à la première lueur du matin, ces vendeurs qui nous offrent leurs fruits, tomates, poulets, et nouilles, aux visages sont parfois marqués par une vie dûre, mais des visages qui montrent une force et un esprit de survie. Leur inspiration vient-elle de cette communion intuitive avec la nature sauvage et l'infini de l’océan?


Vernissage : mercredi 5 octobre à 18h30 à l’Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road.
RSVP à culturel@alliance-francaise.ca ou 416 922 2014 poste 37

Mauritius

Mauritius is very much on my mind these days. I visited the island with intense emotions a few weeks ago. First there was the high school reunion, which you can see on youtube thanks to Andy Wilkinson, our videographer extraordinaire ... This article in a Mauritian newspaper also sums up the wonderful time. It was so heart-warming to reconnect with school friends, and so awesome to go back in time, singing old songs, and feeling like a teenager all over again.

During my stay, I was lucky to meet a few talented artists, writers, and photographers who are changing the creative landscape of the island by sharing their giftedness with others. Their generosity and open-mindedness was inspiring.

Krishna Luchoomun, an accomplished visual artist who believes in bringing other artists together in non-conventional shows, put together a collective exhibition Art in the Forest by artists from countries along the Indian Ocean. It was a fascinating experience to walk through the damp forest, breathing in its earthy smell, and discovering a tree resplendent in aluminum foil, sleeping beauty waiting in her white bed, fat dodo birds gazing at us ... Ahhh conceptual art ... how it tickles our senses and imagination.

Barlen Pyamootoo, a brilliant writer who obtained the French literary prize, Prix du Roman Francophone for his book Benares, also directed a movie from the same book, that was featured at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in 2005. This author believes in sharing his love of literature with aspiring writers on the island, and created L’atelier de l’Ecriture, a series of workshops which culminates in an annual publication of the best work from these students. What incredible opportunities this dedicated teacher provides for the future generation of Mauritian writers.

Jameel Peerally, an outstanding photographer and teacher who kindly let me accompany him during some of his photography outings with his students, directs his discerning eyes not only to photography but to social justice. His photography book titled Chagossians orphans of the world, shows the plight of this nation's forced exile by the British to make way for an American military base. He is currently having a group exhibition titled In Focus to show the excellent work of his students. He is also spearheading a youth movement to protest the current state of affairs on the island, which you can read in more details in this manifesto. Sending him my support for a peaceful march and hope the movement will achieve positive changes for the island.

And last but not least, I'm preparing for a photography show on Mauritius in October at Galerie Pierre Léon at Alliance Française de Toronto. A bit overwhelmed lately by Mauritius, that tiny precious island in the Indian Ocean. Will post more info about the show soon.

The Rainbow Catcher

I would like to introduce you to my friend Chrisly Cheung, and her collection of short stories titled The Rainbow Catcher. Chris and I have dreamt together about writing and I was thrilled for her that her dream finally came true. She asked me to write a blurb on the back cover, and I gladly did. Her stories are very touching. Vivid details about life in Mauritius act as backdrop to the deeper meaning of each story.

"I met Chris in secondary school and was charmed by her fresh, childlike way of seeing things. Our lives took divergent paths, but our friendship survived through our shared passion for writing. Chrisly's depth of thoughts and feelings, and empathy for others are very much present in her collection of short stories. Her narratives explore relationships, innocent at times, yet complicated, with fate and spirituality weaving in their mystery, shaking our common beliefs, and challenging us to open up to another dimension where illusion and truth have no boundaries."

You can purchase the book at locations mentioned on her website and online at Amazon.com

Summertime

Summertime and the livin' is easy
...
One of these mornings
You're gonna rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And take to the sky

Lyrics by George Gershwin

This song's tune has a sad lingering mood that seems to cling to me this summer, yet its lyrics are so hopeful, with tremendous potential and promises in the air. There's so much sunshine out there in the city, casting its light on people chatting happily in restaurant patios, children running in playgrounds, blooming flowers ...

Wishing you all a wonderful summer.

The Silence of Writing

I was in the country to work on my novel. Croaking frogs, twittering birds, and buzzing insects kept me company. This communion with nature swept away the bombardment of city noise and stimulations, and instilled much-needed peacefulness.

Writing in such silence by the lake is bliss to the creative soul.
















“We cannot see our reflection in running water.” Taoist quote

Forgiveness

When times are tough, I often find solace in quotes that remind me of our universal need for love, kindness and compassion. Forgiving those who have hurt us is not easy but it is part of our continuous efforts at improving relationships and creating a more pleasant world to live in.

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit. ~ Peter Ustinov

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~ Dalai Lama

By swallowing evil words unsaid, no one has ever harmed his stomach. ~ Winston Churchill

Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but manifestations of strength and resolution. ~ Kahlil Gibran

A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses. ~ Chinese Proverb















Contemplation
Le Grand Palais, Paris.

Art in Paris

Ah, a week in Paris. Reading and writing in cafés and bistros, wandering on cobblestoned streets, checking photography galleries, discovering new inspirations. Here are two shows that impressed me most during my visit.

Femmes Éternelles, a collection of 80 photos by Olivier Martel right on the fence of the Luxembourg gardens, is a celebration of women from diverse cultures. The photographer has captured with marvelous insight and sensitivity the depth of these women's souls. At a moment in my life when I feel the weight of women's difficult journeys in a world that seems more favourable to men, it was refreshing and such a relief to see this acknowledgement of women's fortitude, their resilience, their eternal inner beauty. I felt an immediate connection with this photographer and it was wonderful to meet him during his book signing.

Femmes Éternelles, une collection de 80 photos par Olivier Martel, sur les grilles du jardin Luxembourg, est une célébration de femmes de divers cultures. Ce photographe a capturé la profondeur d'âme de ces femmes avec une sensibilité et une compréhension qui me touchent beaucoup. En ce moment, le parcours difficile des femmes dans un monde qui me semble plus propice aux hommes, pèse beaucoup sur moi, et j'ai ressenti un allègement et une affinité immédiate envers ce photographe qui reconnaît le courage, la dignité, et la beauté intérieure de ces femmes éternelles. C'était merveilleux de le rencontrer pendant la dédicace de son livre.




































I love that this show is outdoors and available to a larger audience. This woman who was passing by while doing her errands, contemplates another eternal woman.

J'aime que cette exposition est en plein air et visible au grand public. Cette femme qui passait par là pendant ses courses, admire une autre femme éternelle.
















Enfants des rues, Madagascar, par Olivier Martel


Another show that impressed me was Leviathan, a sculpture by Anish Kapoor. This giant three-sphered balloon inflated up to the ceiling of the Grand Palais is compelling just through its sheer size.

Une autre exposition qui m'a beaucoup impressionnée est Leviathan, une sculpture de Anish Kapoor. Ce ballon géant de trois sphères qui atteint le plafond du Grand Palais nous subjuge par sa dimension gigantesque.















Viewed from inside, it feels as if one has entered a womb ... perhaps a woman's, or the interior of an eye, but it is up to the viewer to experience at a personal level the claustrophobic yet enlightening redness of the balloon whose fabric reflects light coming through the glass dome of the Grand Palais.

Vu de l'intérieur, on se sent dans le ventre ... d'une femme peut-être, ou à l'intérieur d'un oeil, mais c'est au spectateur de vivre personnellement l'expérience de ce ballon rouge claustrophobique et pourtant illuminé dont le tissu reflète la lumière qui passe à travers le dome vitré du Grand Palais.






















Viewed from outside, the sensual curves tower over us, making us feel tiny, insignificant against this somehow grotesque monstrosity that brings out our vulnerability and prompts us to find a deeper meaning in our reactions.

Vu de l'exterieur, les courbes sensuelles sont à une échelle qui nous rendent tout petits et insignifiants à coté de cette sculpture grotesque qui nous rend vulnérable et nous incite à trouver un sens plus profond à nos réactions.

I was intrigued by Anish Kapoor's work, and read interviews about how he enables expression rather than expresses any message in his sculptures. I totally get what he says about artists making mythologies when they inspire people to look beyond the art. Anish Kapoor projects great intimacy in the way he breathes and lives in his work. This artist's preoccupation with space and the way it relates to our soul keeps me wanting to read more about him.

J'étais intriguée par l'oeuvre d'Anish Kapoor et j'ai lu dans ses interviews qu'il veut rendre possible l'expression de la personne envers sa sculpture, et non exprimer un message. J'aime beaucoup ce qu'il dit sur les artistes qui créent une mythologie quand ils inspirent les gens à voir plus loin que l'objet d'art. Anish Kapoor projette une intimité dans la façon dont il respire et vit son art. Cet artiste parle de l'espace et sa relation avec notre état d'âme avec tant de conviction que je voudrais en lire plus sur lui.

Celebrating architecture and successful friends

One of the good things about getting older is to see hard-working friends who shared modest beginnings (like living in warehouses, driving beat-up Beatles, going to repertory theatres ...) achieve success in their careers. Two dear friends, Diarmuid Nash, and Daniel Teramura are now partners in the internationally renowned architectural firm of Moriyama and Teshima Architects and have worked on many impressive projects such as these:
















Canadian War Museum
















Bata Shoe Museum

















The National Museum in Saudi Arabia

Bravo to Diarmuid and Dan for their inspiring designs. The philosophy of their architectural firm truly expresses who they are, kind and caring people with a passion for design:
"In the midst of our increasingly complex lives, we all yearn for simple reminders of our place in the world. We want our senses to be stimulated. We want to experience nature daily. We want to share spaces with our friends and neighbours. We want healthy workplaces. We want honour and respect. These are the kinds of values that inform our work."

About the unforeseen in art

"The unforeseen is the most beautiful gift life can give us. That is what we must think of multiplying in our domain. … Art is inconceivable without risk, without inner sacrifice; freedom and boldness of imagination can be won only in the process of work, and it is there that the unforeseen I spoke of a moment ago must intervene, and there no directives can help."
Boris Pasternak

This quote from the author of Dr. Zhivago expresses so clearly one of the deepest truths about art whether it's painting, writing, music, etc.


















Spring is here, its crisp light peeking through a dried up leaf that sat gracefully on this branch all winter.

Music at De Sotos

Since I last wrote about the open mike that my talented friend Anthony Abbatangeli hosts at De Sotos, singers, guitarists, drummers, saxophonists, bassists, key board players, violinists, percussionists have been dropping by to create their own magic on Thursday evenings.

Music is such a visceral form of expression. It sweeps musicians into a rhythm that acquires a life of its own, and transports us into a state in which nothing else matters but the sounds and sensations that are pulsating through our bodies. It brings out spontaneity, creativity and a sense of camaraderie and warmth that is cathartic.

If you sing, play a musical instrument or just love listening to music to unwind from a hard day’s work, join Anthony and friends for a fun Thursday evening at De Sotos on St. Clair West and Lauder.















My dear friend Lynda Covello, jazz vocalist, sings a duet with Jim Fabro. Budi on bass, Noah on guitar and Bernie on saxophone.

















Tony, our rock star sings Hot Legs. Anthony Abbatangeli, host extraordinaire, on guitar

February in Toronto

There's something fragile about February. Dried-up vine leaves that cling delicately onto branches, icicles that hang precariously from bare trees, crisp pristine snow that flatten into the shape of our steps, and pervading it all, a snappish grey weather that threatens to shatter our cheerfulness.

I took a walk along one of the ravines that run stealthily under the boisterous belly of Toronto. A deep cleansing breath of cold air while observing the elegant lines of the nature trail, and slowly brittle emotions firm up with resolve. One of the reasons I love this city is its balance of contrasts. Hard concrete masses rise above soft organic forests. Coldness and warmth side by side.

Mauriciens enfants de mille races

I've been reading books about Mauritius. Mauriciens enfants de mille races and Mauriciens enfants de mille combats by Jean-Claude de L'Estrac, show how centuries of history mould our social environment and affect us in ways we are often not aware of.

De L'Estrac's detailed account of the island's beginnings, from colonization, slavery, to migration of indentured labourers, exposes the roots of its inhabitants. I could feel the plight and struggles of all these ancestors, these immigrants who faced tremendous hardships, who toughened it, who dreamt of a better life for themselves and their children, whether they were French, Africans, Indians or Chinese. These people helped to build the island where I grew up.

Reading this book brought much awareness of how the history of Mauritius has shaped the person I am. Even though I call Canada home for over 30 years, a little part of me is still attached to the island, that feeling of being indeed a child of all races, un enfant de mille races .

Lynda Covello at The Reservoir Lounge

A great beginning to the New Year. My dear dear friend, Lynda Covello, the lawyer with the sultry, seductive voice, is singing at The Reservoir Lounge on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 7:00 to 9:00pm. More details on her website

It will be a wonderful treat to hear Lynda sing, a great way to warm the heart during these cold days. Since I last wrote about her here , Lynda has impressed me with her determination to pursue her dream. She's put in many, many hours of work, as well as her heart and soul in her singing.

The Reservoir Lounge is one of my favourite jazz clubs, warm, cozy, vibrant. You can feel your body absorbing the musical vibes, and you can even shake it all out on its tiny dance floor.

Please join us for a terrific evening which I hope will skyrocket Lynda's career as a professional singer.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season

December's wintry beauty

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
Helen Keller

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Albert Einstein

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi

A difficult year is ending and the quotes above reflect my current state of mind. December is here with its wintry beauty. This little drop of ice hanging on a dormant branch with buds waiting to burst into spring blossoms says it all.

A very sad loss

Words cannot express the pain my family and I feel from the tragic loss of my brother's wife. Helene was so sweet, gentle, and kind. My heart is crying out while my mind is trying to come to terms with the senselessness of it all ...

But I know she will always be with us in spirit ...
for my brother and my niece ...


"Say not in grief that she is no more
but say in thankfulness that she was
A death is not the extinguishing of a light,
but the putting out of the lamp
because the dawn has come."

Tagore

The High Road

Terry Fallis has done it again. The High Road, the sequel to his award winning novel, The Best Laid Plans is a compelling read. With enough action to flip the pages fast, enough honest, caring, politicians to regain faith in the system (even though temporarily), enough satire about Canadian politics to inform us about the sad, inner workings of parliament, enough feisty seniors and fine young men in wild outfits to discourage stereotyping, enough wit to feel charmed, enough slapstick humour to laugh out loud, and well ... enough romance to go ooohh ahhhh ...

Terry is a friend, and I can't help seeing little bits of his personality in the fictional character of Daniel Addison, that same wit and humour, that same integrity, but with none of the gaucherie that gives Daniel a propensity to slip and fall on icy porches with no clothes on ...

Now, if that's intrigued you, the book can be purchased at any major bookstores or online. It's a light read and feel-good novel. Well done, Terry. Good luck.

Gandhi on love

I was in Mauritius for a short trip and walked for a long, long stretch along this beach at Flic en Flac. It was so calming to watch the waves swell back and forth and splash their foamy frills along the shore. Such a wonderful way to relieve the stress that had accumulated over the last months ...

While I was there, inspired by a friend's fascination for Gandhi, I finished reading The Essential Gandhi, an anthology on his writings, his life, work and ideas. Here's a man who dared to dream of freedom for his country, a man who held on to his belief in non-violence, and just marched with unshakable conviction towards his goal. We need more visionaries like him to lead this world, visionaries who are not sidetracked by the lure of material gains, visionaries who believe in the inherent good in people, and have the ability to bring it out.

This quote from Gandhi reflects what I've always felt about the far-reaching power of love.

"We are bound by the ties of love … Scientists tell us that without the presence of the cohesive force amongst the atoms that comprise this globe of ours it would crumble to pieces and we would cease to exist, and even as there is cohesive force in blind matter so much must there be in all things animate and the name for that cohesive force among animate beings is love … where there is love, there is life, hatred leads to destruction …"

Moving on with love

Time is flying. I feel as if I'm riding on summer 's overheated and restless wings. Going through major changes in my life right now. I'm moving on towards new creative horizons ... Hope to write more regularly in the fall when things settle down.

Finished reading Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil. His conviction that "All living thing desires above all to vent its strength ..." and that self-preservation is only a consequence of this will to power, gave me much food for thought, casting a different light in the current way I see relationships, its struggles, and the reason why some marriages don't work and others do.

However, Nietzsche's claim that men have more depth than women shows that even a deep-thinking man like him can be shallow. His condescending view of women as superficial creatures who want to be possessed, is sexist, and lacks true knowledge of the complicated feminine nature.

He seems to take pleasure in challenging preconceptions by pushing thoughts to the extreme, thoughts that repel, yet intrigue and tend to divert comfortable thoughts towards unnerving directions. For example when he writes, " ... woman would like to believe that love can do everything – it is her characteristic faith. Alas, he who knows the heart divines how poor, stupid, helpless, arrogant, blundering, more prone to destroy than save is the best and deepest love."

We have all experienced at some point or other the destructive aspects of "falling in love". But love is so much broader than the raw feelings of couples. It encompasses friendships and kind feelings for others that bring a spiritual and emotional level of connection that is uplifting ... perhaps the will to love is the feminine version of the will to power.

A sad day for Toronto

I expected peaceful demonstrations and was shocked by the violence on Toronto Streets. It is sad to see so much energy spent on destruction. Here are some quotes that reflect best my thoughts on this matter.


"La violence, sous quelque forme qu'elle se manifeste, est un échec." Jean-Paul Sartre
Violence, no matter in what form it shows itself, is a failure.

"An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” Mahatma Gandhi

“When liberty comes with hands dabbled in blood it is hard to shake hands with her.” Oscar Wilde

"Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages." Thomas A. Edison

"At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love." Martin Luther King, Jr.

World cup fever in Toronto

Toronto is effervescent. Flags of countries participating in the world cup are flapping on top of cars. Some vehicles even sport flags of three different countries. The city feels so international, so warm and expressive. FIFA world cup is just another opportunity for Canadians to celebrate their country of origin. When cars honk at passers by on the street, waving the flag of the country that just won, it's so natural to wave back and share the excitement. It doesn't matter who won. I cheer for all of them. I love this city.

The G20 summit is making the core of the city inaccessible ... a nightmare for car drivers. Full coverage in the papers range from Toronto being on the world stage to fashion tips about how women should dress for a demonstration ...!

Spring has bloomed into summer. I feel as if I'm floating now that I can walk around in sandals and cotton dresses. Hope has bubbled into enlightenment. There is so much positive energy around ... so much love to be shared.

Wishing you all a glorious summer ...
















Clear Lake on a peaceful, soul-searching weekend

Nietzsche on morality of "the herd"

When going through challenging times, I tend to read whatever helps to clear my confused mind and heart. Usually, some psychology or self-help book. But this time, just because it was lying around for future reading, I threw myself into Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil.

It is perhaps odd that I would choose to struggle through such complicated thoughts when my mind is in a state of chaos. But a perverse will that ignores soothing meditation, and craves knowledge pushed past any protest. I charged through the book like a desperate person hacking away at dense jungle vegetation. With the blind faith of finding light. And a few rays of clarity did peek through.

In spite of the arrogance with which Nietzsche tears apart other philosophers, I do admire his deep insight.

The chapter On the Natural History of Morals did not offer solutions to my confusion, but strengthened my own beliefs. Here's Nietzsche's observation on the moral perspective of the community in the 19th century, that I find very pertinent, "... everything that raises the individual above the herd and makes his neighbour quail is henceforth called evil; the fair, modest, obedient, self-effacing disposition, the mean and average in desires acquires moral names and honours."

As an artist, I tend to stay away from the repressive morality of what Nietzsche describes disparagingly as "the herd". I often sadly see reason used as a manipulative tool to conform to moral standards that tend to kill the creative soul. Societal guidelines are of course conducive to peace and order, but we're all individuals and find fulfillment and happiness in different ways.

In the end, it is more important to be true to ourselves while respecting the morality of others without having to conform to them. And I'm glad I'm not living during Nietzsche's era. Things have really loosened up since then...

Spring is here and the trees are showing their sexy lingerie, as my friend Judy loves to describe the lacy pattern of budding leaves. It is time to leave behind the "winter of our discontent" and embrace the new hopes of spring ...

Thanks

Thanks to all who came to the show opening of Canadian Women Revealed yesterday. It was so wonderful to reconnect with friends I haven't seen in a while, to see familiar faces as well as new ones. Your support is so heart-warming. Thanks Tony, Kieran, and Liz for being such wonderful hosts and for serving the delicious appetizers.

To all those who took part in the contest, good luck. For those who haven't had a chance to drop by De Sotos, the exhibition runs until May 30th. Contest closes on last day and results will be announced by June 4th. I will be there every Thursday evening from 6 pm as well as Sunday morning from 11 am to 2 pm. Looking forward to seeing you there ...

Canadian Women Revealed

An invitation to my photography show for Contact Photography Festival. Hope to see you there.























Photography Exhibition: Canadian Women Revealed
Date: May 1-31, 2010
Location: De Sotos, 1079 St. Clair Ave West at Lauder, Toronto
Hours: Tues-Sat 5-11 pm Sunday 11am-11pm
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 1st, 4-6 pm

What defines the Canadian woman? Without the trappings that mark her station in life, can you tell the lawyer from the artist? Is ethnicity skin deep? This exhibition presents portraits of women without their clothes on. The viewer is invited to guess the profession and ethnic background of the women in this suggestive documentary project that challenges personal, social, and cultural preconceptions.

Conquer ... with love

"Toutes les batailles de la vie nous enseignent quelque chose, même celles que nous perdons."
Paulo Coelho

All the battles in life teach us something, even those we lost.


Coming back brought many sad issues to deal with. The passing away of my mother-in-law. The plight of Haitians, after the devastating effect of the earthquake, is still with us. Looking at the brighter side, the effervescence of the Winter Olympics, because it's on Canadian soil, has spread its positive vibes over the city, over our snow-filled country.

And yes, I believe that love does resolve a lot of problems.

"Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love."
Mahatma Gandhi

Wishing you all lots of love for Valentine's day ...

Venus d'ailleurs - The story of Chinese immigration in Mauritius

A bonus to my photo exhibition trip: the documentary on Chinese Immigration in Mauritius, the last one in a series of four was launched a few days before I left.

Here's a preview, and an article on the film by Alain Gordon-Gentil and David Constantin.

I contributed to the documentary while I was visiting China to retrace my father's footsteps. Watching the finished product on a giant screen, in a theatre packed with 300 people was awesome. The music, words, and images seemed as if they were magically put together in this dramatic production that recounts the life of Chinese immigrants, among them my father.

Thanks to Alain Gordon-Gentil's vision, his desire to share with the world the richness of his beloved island's history and culture, we now have a series of four documentaries to better understand Mauritius, its people, and what makes it thrive as a nation.

The documentaries can be purchased from Pamplemousses Production.
Tel: 230-247-1093
E-mail: pamprod@intnet.mu

What a wonderful world ...

I've come back to earth when I landed in Toronto on Sunday. The photo exhibition in Mauritius was such an overwhelmingly positive experience that I felt as if I was floating in another reality, a warm, seductive, tropical one.

The Photography Museum is an amazing little treasure nestled in the heart of Port-Louis, the island's capital. It was such a privilege to exhibit in this old stone house built centuries ago by French colonials. The museum was created by Tristan Bréville and his wife, Marie-Noëlle. Their dedication to photography, and Mauritian history and culture is truly inspiring. They seem to be at the hub of a larger community of talented Mauritians. Through the Brévilles, I've met artists, photographers, musicians, writers, and could finally sense the creative pulse of the island. And love it so much that I'd like to go back there every few years to mingle with those artists and exchange ideas and perhaps work on projects together.

It was also wonderful to renew contact with friends from high school. And so neat to recognize them after three decades. It was always the eyes that brought back memories of them as teenagers, that brought back that instant connection of having shared many special moments together. The eyes, truly the windows of the soul.

We got together for dinner, and my dear friend Angèle brought a guitar. Such a thrill to strum along as we all sang french ballads of Françoise Hardy, Barbara and Georges Moustaki. It's amazing how music brings back memories, and have a way of flooding one's senses with the melancholy of that time.

Friends and relatives were so warm and supportive, making the show a memorable experience. Mahen Bujun, a talented cameraman and a terrific friend, filmed the opening reception but I have yet to learn how to put it online.

There were so many positive reviews and coverage on the exhibition that I felt really spoiled, like a kid wallowing with delight in the warm welcome: radio & TV interviews, numerous newspaper articles.

After the show was over, it was fun to trek around the island, take photos in villages along the coast, and meet Mauritians going about their daily tasks along the breathtaking backdrop of mountains, sugarcane fields, and shimmering sea. I hope to tell their stories in pictures in an exhibition in Toronto next year. Thanks to all who drove me around to show me the Mauritius they love. Harold, Ahfee, Monique, Ahlien, Angèle, Ahlan, Patrick, Eric, Robert, Bernard, Tristan, Alain, it wouldn't have been the same without you.

Thanks also to Christiane and Dominique for introducing me to Rodrigues, an unspoiled island that is part of Mauritius but did not develop as fast. It has retained its natural charm with cows and goats grazing freely near streets, people walking about, their contours outlined against an endless sky, and a constant, ever-present sea.

And thanks to everybody who came to the show, I hope you were inspired by photos of le Canada que j'aime, and will visit some time.
















Guests listening to the opening comments by the mayor of Port-Louis.
Photo by Tristan Bréville

Photography Exhibition in Mauritius

Wishing you all a Happy New Year. Hope we all get one step closer in achieving our dreams ...

I'm starting the year 2010 with a photography exhibition that opens on January 12th. For those who live in Mauritius or will be there in January, please do drop by. I'm looking forward to meeting you all. It will be such a treat to reconnect with friends I have lost touch with since I left over 30 years ago for Canada.

I was so thrilled when the museum director, Tristan Bréville invited me to exhibit my work at the museum. Such a wonderful opportunity to share what I love about Canada, while going back to my roots. It comes at a time when I've been doing a lot of soul searching ... growing up on the island seems so distant and yet it's still so much part of who I am.

I wish I could bring all my Canadian friends with me ...

Wishing you joy ...

As December descends upon us with all its shopping madness, exuberant parties, family gatherings, I would like to wish you a happy holiday with all your loved ones.

I've been preparing for a photography show and coping with many other challenges that left me no time to write on this blog. I would like to quote a friend who has guided me through many difficult times: Find the joy in the moment. No matter how difficult things are, there are precious moments to be enjoyed ... it could be the smile of a stranger, the glistening droplets of melting snow, the uplifting beat of music, the comfort of friendships ...

I'm looking forward to a new year filled with creative projects. All the best for 2010.

Insularitudes de Paul Comarmond

"Près d’une personne sur dix sur la planète habite une île soit près de 600 millions d’individus. Peuplées au fil des siècles par des migrations maritimes et la réalité des exigences du moment, ces îles et ces archipels forment aujourd’hui près d’un quart des états souverains du monde. Un sixième de l’espace habitable et leurs zones économiques est composé d’îles. Elles sont les points chauds de la biodiversité mais aussi de tensions politiques; elles offrent des sociétés et des espaces distincts dans un monde de plus en plus homogène et sans géographie particulière.

Cependant, les sciences humaines et sociales ne semblent pas s’être intéressées à la dimension artistique de la réalité îlienne. Or, Paul Comarmond est né dans une île; ses ancêtres sont venus d’autres régions en cabotant d’île en île. Et finalement, là où il se sent bien, où il puise son inspiration, c’est surtout dans une île. Insularitudes, concept créé par l’artiste il y a près d’un an, est le fruit d’un périple allant de l’Océan Indien à Terre Neuve jusqu’au Labrador. Une trentaine d’aquarelles pour voyager et tâter le pouls de ces régions, tantôt tropicales tantôt glacées mais toujours intenses."


Paul Comarmond, a talented Toronto artist and friend, is showing his watercolours at the Francophone Centre, 20 Lower Spadina from October 5th to 31st.

Paul paints islands, their lopsided houses, their expressive people, their fishing boats, and the ever-present sea with simplicity, yet with details that show his sensitivity to their uniqueness. From the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, from tropical Seychelles, Madagascar, to freezing Newfoundland and Labrador, he takes us on a pleasant and engaging adventure with his confident brushstrokes.

Paul's love of islands goes deeper. He was born on one. Mauritius. But he also sees islands from a global perspective. In his invitation above, we are told islands occupy one sixth of habitable land, that one out of ten people in this world lives on an island, that they are hot spots for biodiversity, and offer distinct societies ...

Food for thought. So, let's embark on this journey and discover these islands with Paul. The Francophone centre is only steps away from Harbourfront. After you feast your eyes and perhaps buy one of his paintings, and you still haven't had enough of islands, you can take the ferry and head off to Centre Island, our own Toronto one ... yeah!

Open Mike with Anthony Abbatangeli

Anthony Abbatangeli, a very kind friend and excellent guitarist is hosting an open mike at Regal Heights Bistro every Thursday evenings from 8 pm to midnight. His band Double A Jazz also performs there during Sunday brunches.

For those who live in Toronto and surrounding area, whether they're aspiring musicians, singers, or just want to have a fun evening filled with music, here's the chance to let it all out.

I'm dusting off the old guitar, and doing some voice exercises - embarrassingly pathetic right now but hey, it feels good singing ... takes the blues away. See you there.

The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis

September seems to be for book reviews. Here's one more on my friend Terry Fallis's book.

It's been over a year since Terry won the Leacock Award for Humour. You can read more on his blog about his incredible journey. I've been slow to post a review but I think Terry will forgive me as he knows I'm a big fan and have sent his book around the world to friends in Mauritius, Paris, Washington and Shenzhen.

Terry's climb to literary stardom is the kind fairy tales are made of. I read The Best Laid Plans when it was self-published, and tentatively making its way into the literary market, way before the euphoria of the Leacock Award, before it went mainstream with McClelland and Stewart.

I'm usually not keen about reading books on politics. But since our sons are on the same hockey team, and Terry is such a nice guy, the quintessential Canadian man, so polite, smart and witty, I thought I should read it. And I'm glad I did.

The political background of the book was just the kind of stuff I could handle. Irreverent, and sometimes stretched to the absurd. I had such good laughs, even feeling some kind of fellowship with melon throwers - I bet many readers share the secret desire to throw melons at pompous and vacant political figures. The satire that ran throughout the book brought much insight into the bungling political machine while infusing a feel-good fantasy about how a country should really be run. There was also the comforting feel of familiar Canadian scenes, the small town, the eccentric professor covered in snow. And to top it all romance, yes with sex scenes and all ...

Now, this is to tempt you not only to read TBLP but to look forward to the sequel that Terry is working on diligently.

Devina par Alain Gordon-Gentil

Félicitations à Alain Gordon-Gentil, un ami Mauricien qui m'impressionne par ses innombrables talents. Son nouveau roman Devina a reçu le prix littéraire Lauriers Verts de la Forêt des Livres 2009 dans la catégorie Révélation. Je suis très fière de voir un auteur Mauricien si bien apprécié en France.

Voici une chronique qui décrit le livre mieux que je n'aurais pu le faire.

J'ai lu Devina en quelques heures. C'est le genre de roman dans lequel on se plonge et ne peut en ressortir qu'après avoir lu le livre d'un seul trait.


Congratulations to Alain Gordon-Gentil, a multi-talented Mauritian friend, for obtaining the French literary prize 'Lauriers Verts de la Forêt des Livres 2009'. It's with much pride that I see a Mauritian writer so well-respected in France.

The novel was so engrossing that it was impossible to put down. The story revolves around the murder of a white woman, and it exposes the underlying tension in the social and racial structure of Mauritius, the island where it takes place. The writing style is succinct, fast-paced, keeping us on edge with the threat of impending violence, yet it moves easily into romantic and feverish overtones when delving into the passionate feelings of the main characters.

The book is in French only but after this success, it will perhaps get translated in English.

Au gré des ondes avec Jean-Paul Léger

Au gré des ondes est un livre que j'ai lu avec avec beaucoup d'intérêt car j'ai vu ses débuts et suivi ses progrès avec beaucoup d'enthousiasme.

Mon cher ami Jean-Paul Léger nous raconte ses expériences de voyage quand il était officier de la marine française. C'est un témoignage écrit avec tant de perspicacité et de détails imagés sur le monde de la mer que c'est facile de s'y laisser emporter. Bien que les descriptions techniques de son métier de radio me dépassent parfois, c'était fascinant de lire les aventures qui l'attendaient à chaque port. Parfois comiques, parfois tragiques, parfois étranges, elles sont toujours écrits avec tant de bonne humeur et sagesse.

Je trouve très émouvant les parties où il parle de sa passion pour la mer, une passion qui commence quand il était encore enfant, quand il aimait partir à bicyclette avec son père pour regarder les effets de tempête sur la mer, et ".. sentir la pluie et le vent cingler" son visage.

Jean-Paul est le mari de ma très chère amie Catherine, une amie d'adolescence avec qui j'ai passé des moments mémorables à l'école, sur les plages .... Notre amitié a subi le temps et les océans qui nous séparent et c'était un grand bonheur de rencontrer sa petite famille. C'est elle qui a captivé notre auteur dans le chapitre sur l'île Maurice: "le rayon vert! Je l'ai découvert dans les yeux d'une jeune Mauricienne..." C'est si romantique ça ... il est très doué, cet auteur.


This book hasn't been translated in English yet, but I hope it will. It's an excellent narrative about life at sea told from the perspective of a young French man who travelled around the world while working for the navy. One of the countries mentioned in his book is Mauritius, the island where he met his wife, a very dear friend of mine.

When Jean-Paul sent me the first chapter of a book he was writing for his sons who wanted to know more about his work, I was so impressed by his writing and his adventures at sea that I knew it would one day become a published book for a wider audience. It was such a wonderful feeling to hold the book in my hands. Jean-Paul's dedication and hard work are inspiring.