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Monday, April 20, 2020

Love through the pandemic

Spring is here
hovering with fear, anxiety 
but love is in the air, in the fresh blooms 
in the sunlight, in the exuberance of unfurling leaves
In the caring and courage of frontline heroes
the warmth of strangers offering their help
the renewed closeness of our dear ones
all who stay home to stop the spread.

Love seeps into our confinement 
 the strained beats of our hearts
deep into our reflective state
it embraces our aloneness
bolsters our togetherness
 to heal our brokenness.

Love weaves past physical distance
it whispers across wavelengths
attentive, patient, hopeful, 
lingers through all seasons
survives any pestilence
it is timeless.


It's fun superimposing images and letting them flow into each other for this photo collage.
I love the random melding of colours and their magical effects.

Friday, March 27, 2020

Low-cost ventilator to help patients suffering from Covid-19

My brother, a biomedical engineer, and the director of University of Florida's Centre for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies, designed with the help of his colleagues, a low-cost ventilator that can be assembled from parts bought in a hardware store.
Please pass this around if you know any person, preferably with engineering background, who can volunteer to build it in any part of the world that is running out of ventilators. It will save many lives.
Please be aware that this product is not fully tested. It's being shared because of the current state of emergency due to Covid-19, and the predicted ventilator shortage worldwide. Updates are available on the site:

https://simulation.health.ufl.edu/technology-development/open-source-ventilator-project/
More info about this DIY ventilator in his interview here:
Let's all do our share in helping to stop the spread of this virus. 
Keep safe with social-distancing and self-isolation. 

A video of Sem speaking on behalf of University of Florida Health faculty to explain the concept.


New update on the ventilator on April 8, 2020





Sunday, March 22, 2020

Spring hope, renewal and love

On a walk by the ravine, 
keeping six feet apart from others,
reflecting on the horrors of the pandemic flu,
the long weeks of social distancing and self-isolation,
I saw hope in this constellation of white buds
eager to sprout from the chaos of dead leaves.
I saw life renewed in spring sunshine,
felt the warmth of those dear to me,
their silent presence 
in my heart.






Tuesday, March 03, 2020

Lin Fengmian: the uncle I wish I had met

In the last week, I saw a few documentaries about the life of Lin Fengmian, a cousin of my father. He is hailed internationally as the artist who started modern art in China by blending western techniques and traditional Chinese art.

I wish I had met this incredibly talented uncle whose work and life fascinate me. But we lived in different countries, and a generation gap, and cultural differences separated us.

He had already passed away by the time relatives showed me the wide range of his work. I was sad that I never had a chance to meet him. As an artist, I felt an immediate affinity for his watercolours, and the moods he created with the harmonious movements of his brush.

I learned from the documentaries that traumatic events marked his life. I imagine painting was a healing force that helped him express his pain, and make life bearable, and even enjoyable.

These documentaries are in French. For those not familiar with French, and interested in his art, you can see samples of his work in those films.

Lin Fengmian: Combattre pour l'art

Lin Fenmian: S'approcher de l'art pur

Lin Fengmian: Hanté par calvaires






Thursday, February 27, 2020

Light and Shadow

When the sun spreads its light over the bare trees in winter
the transient shadows on the snow never cease to amaze
infusing depth and beauty to the landscape.

Same with the light of self-awareness that exposes
our shifting shadows, bringing insight, depth
so we can appreciate our wholeness.


Sunday, February 16, 2020

Authors' Afternoon ending ... passing the torch to Aiesha Bristol

Hello writers and book lovers, I would like to thank you all for participating as featured authors, and guests at the Authors' Afternoon, and making it fun and inspiring. Thanks also to Tony Merante of Stella's Café for providing the charming and cozy venue.

It's been wonderful connecting with you all while hosting the Authors' Afternoon for 2 1/2 years. Sad to say goodbye, but every good thing has to end or take on a different form. The café is becoming a restaurant. I'm moving on to other personal projects, but will keep supporting writers and artists in all creative fields.

Happy to announce that Aiesha Bristol, also known as SoulSis, the talented musician, and enthusiastic, friendly host of Flow Friday at Amp Studio Café (154 Oakwood Ave near St. Clair Ave W) will feature a writer on the 3rd Friday of each month.

Flow Friday runs from 3 pm to 9 pm every week. Writers who are interested in being featured can drop by any Flow Friday to chat with Aiesha, and be part of this welcoming community for creatives. It's best to arrive before 6 pm for a discussion. 

On February 21st, the 3rd Friday of this month, Oz Phills will be the featured writer from 6 pm. There will be an open stage for all forms of creative expression, a drum circle, and a jam afterwards. For more details on Flow Friday, check the event on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/amp-studio-cafe/flow-friday-creative-community/2468801046732976

Thank you all for your support. Looking forward to seeing you this coming Friday, February 21st at 6 pm at Amp Studio Café for Oz Phills' talk about his book, "Blessed By Rhythm".


Friday, February 14, 2020

Love always

Wishing you love today and always ...

We have lots of room in our hearts to love, not only those dear to us, our family, friends, partners, but also, all those who come into our lives. It is in our nature to spread love ... it is free and limitless.

An interesting article that discusses the benefits of spreading love: 6 Reasons to Spread the Love

This article explains the various aspects of love beautifully: What is Love and What isn't? From it, some quotes that I can relate to:

Love does not come with conditions, stipulations, addenda, or codes. Like the sun, love radiates independently of our fears and desires."

Love does not say, "If you want to be loved, you must be nice," or "Do what i want," or "Never love anyone else," or "Promise you'll never leave me."

Love cares what becomes of you, because love knows that we are all interconnected.


Sunday, February 09, 2020

Gratitude

Feeling grateful ...
Winter can be darn cold and icy
but when nature paints the landscape with snow and mist
creating an enchanting and surreal world
I'm under its spell

When we focus on the positive
it's so much easier to let go of the negative.

Sharing this interesting article about the benefits of gratitude.



Winter 's fog and mist
blurs the hard lines of the mind
softens our vision

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

The Coral Heart's lovely journey - Le beau voyage de Coeur de Corail

It was a pleasure to read this positive review on the French translation of my book, The Coral Heart. Thanks again Robert Furlong for helping me with the translation. Thanks to Alain Gordon-Gentil of Pamplemousses Editions for editing and publishing it. 
Quel plaisir de lire ces commentaires encourageants sur mon livre Coeur de Corail. Merci encore une fois à Robert Furlong de m'avoir aidé à traduire ce livre. Merci à Alain Gordon-Gentil de Pamplemousses Editions de l'avoir édité et publié. 

I'm also thrilled that 3rd year students at University of Mauritius are currently studying The Coral Heart and Coeur de Corail for their BA French with Translation. 

Both books are available in Mauritius in all major bookstores. In Toronto, the English version is available at Book City St. Clair and Yonge, and worldwide on amazon.



  


Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Winter Weekend at Niagara Falls


Heavy snow, rain, and slashing winds 
did not stop us from driving to the falls.
Warm inside, we watched through windows
the mesmerizing force of pounding water
heard nature's roar, its continuous rush
felt the thrill of life, of friendship.


At the casino, a different kind of rush.
Bleary-eyed players pushing buttons
feeding bills into garish machines
seeking the thrill of winning
at the risk of losing everything.

Taking risks, an inherent part of human nature, 
makes me curious about why we choose to put ourselves in danger.
Or do we really have a choice when our genes are hardwired to do so?
Or did our childhood environment determine our risk-taking needs?
Some interesting articles that explore these issues:
















Wednesday, January 08, 2020

Authors' Afternoon with Lee Gowan and Ranjini George

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to meet our guest authors
Lee Gowan and Ranjini George

Come by and be inspired by these two fabulous writers who will share their writing journeys 
and read from their memoir, a work-in progress titled:
LOVE, KANNON: OUR PILGRIMAGE TO TOKYO

Looking forward to seeing many of you there. 


This is our last Authors' Afternoon at Stella's Café. 
More information will follow regarding its continuation in a different format, location, and with a new host.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Wishing you Peace and Love in 2020

Best wishes to all my blog readers for the holiday season.
I love Christmas, a beautiful time of joy in giving.
May the spirit continue all year long.

As I reflect on 2019, a year of growth, forgiveness and love,
I feel blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people,
family and friends who warm my heart each day.
May 2020 bring the same to you.
Keep your heart open with love and kindness
and good things will come.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Harbourfront at dusk


Grateful that in this city, 
we can find our way, within minutes, to the water, 
to a vast sky uninterrupted by the ever-present jungle of buildings,
to a tranquil lake that allows us to unwind,
even when the weather is darn cold.

We take in the crisp air, a brisk wind slapping our coats,
whipping strands of hair across our elated faces,
and I realize I love winter, its toughness,
the resilience it brings out in us, 
and I wait for the softness 
of its snow flakes.



Sunday, December 01, 2019

Winter

Winter is finally here. But shades of spring are always around when you're surrounded by the warmth of good friends. Wishing you all a cosy day at home with loved ones. Stay safe.

A collage to bring some dreaminess on this brutally cold day.


I'm gonna run to you

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Womanvoice 2019

Inviting you to Womanvoice, a celebration of women. I will read a few poems from my book Island Lovers. My talented friend Shannon Hancocks will accompany me with her graceful interpretive dancing. 

This yearly event is organized by Honey Novick to honour the women who were massacred 30 years ago at the École Polytechnique in Montreal.  It is a platform to allow women to explore new ideas, find their voices and make friends.

Please join us if you can. Let's encourage women to keep expressing themselves, their intelligence and creativity and not let themselves be intimidated by men who try to suppress their voices.

Looking forward to seeing you there.




A few inspiring quotes by strong women:


We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.
Malala Yousafzai

Each time a woman steps in for herself, without knowing it possibly,
without claiming it, she stands up for all women.
Maya Angelou

Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity.
It's your place in the world; it's your life.
Dr. Mae Jemison

There is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.
Virginia Woolf

I am too intelligent, too demanding, and too resourceful for anyone to be able to take charge of me entirely. No one knows me or loves me completely. I have only myself.
Simone de Beauvoir

Saturday, November 09, 2019

Authors' Afternoon with Naben Ruthnum

Inviting you to meet and chat with our guest author Naben Ruthnum. His best selling thrillers were written under his pen name Nathan Ripley. He will share his writing journey and talk about his books. It will be a thrilling afternoon for mystery lovers. See you there at this free and fun event.

Naben Ruthnum's books will not be available for purchase at the Authors' Afternoon. If you want the author to sign your books, please bring them to the event. They are available in all major bookstores.


Thursday, November 07, 2019

On a trail in Cedarvale Park





On a trail in Cedarvale park
two red leaves on colours dark
startled me with such sorrow
so vibrant and sprightly
yet lost and scattered below
on a bed of soil and weeds
they lay there touching lightly
together, apart, friend or foe
poised, radiant, unaware
of their short lives so near
thriving in the moment
they spread their glow, ardent
with no fear, they dare the future
infusing the air with sweet rapture
two red leaves left their mark
on my walk through the park

Friday, October 11, 2019

Learning and growth



The last rays of summer on a cool fall day. Leaves turning shades of gold and red are so beautiful, invigorating, yet instil a melancholic feeling, preparing us for the dormant stage of winter. Fall may seem the same each year, but the delightful change of colours always fills me with a new sense of wonder.

Still working on my short stories. Lately, reflecting on past loves coming back into people's lives, perhaps to seek the comfort of what they miss from good old times. But when they repeat the same harmful patterns that broke the relationships, and cannot meet you where you have moved on, be strong enough to let go, or guide them in their inner journey. Learning from past experiences means not repeating negative habits. The key to growth is to be truthful to yourself and each other and to be willing to change.

We tend to think that when we get older, it's impossible to change. But there is hope. Check this video. I may not agree with everything Dr. Joe Dispenza says, but I do believe in his theory that when we desire change, we can rewire thinking habits, and create new positive connections in our brain.

Wishing you wisdom and growth in your evolving relationships on this gorgeous fall day, and a very happy Thanksgiving weekend among family and friends.




Thursday, October 10, 2019

Authors' Afternoon with Susan Glickman

Inviting you to an inspiring afternoon with our guest author, Susan Glickman. 
She will be reading from her books and will discuss them with us. 
As usual, this is a free event and everybody is welcome.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Abstract Art

It was dark out there, and lights were reflecting on a window that had some kind of pinkish red pigment. Condensation from a quick change of temperature formed this interesting abstract image.

When we see things from only one angle, we miss so much. If the mind is flexible, a wondrous world opens up, not only in viewing things around us, but also in seeing people's positive potentials.


See all with your heart
through the complicated mess
feel sparks of wonder