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Friday, September 04, 2020

Reflections on layers

It's therapeutic to put my creative energy into photo collages 
when I'm emotionally distracted and can't get the unruly mind to focus on writing.

I enjoy the playfulness of overlaying images and love the serendipitous surprises.
Shapes and colours of underlying images meld and appear through each tier 
to form a coherent and visually pleasing, yet intangible whole
and only the person who creates it sees all the layers.

Similar to the multiple layers of experiences that mould us into who we are.
Past shades and lights are within us and seem intangible to others.
Each of us is the only one who can peel the layers 
to perceive the facets of his or her real self.


Let go of your fears
Look deep into the layers
untangle yourself



Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Toronto at dawn


Sometimes I wake up early and for a few precious minutes, I'm under the spell of nature
as I watch these breathtaking colours painting their way across the sky.

I love the peaceful lull, the quiet hush before cars and trucks start spilling onto the street 
and Toronto suddenly roars, hisses and clatters into a demented traffic rush.



Dawn in the city
sweeps away the grey slumber
stirs a new day's fire

Friday, August 14, 2020

Summer chaos and blooms


Feeling optimistic despite all the horrible things happening in this world.
No matter how bad things are, human kindness and solidarity
pop up in heartening ways to renew hope.

Expressing the feeling in the photo collage and the haiku below.

Blooms above chaos
pour over pandemic gloom 
scents of summer bliss 



Tuesday, July 21, 2020

The Power of Kindness

I'm grateful that most of us are doing our share to help Canada reopen
and we're keeping the social distance, wearing masks
and staying home as much as possible.

The long days on our own have been challenging but also an opportunity
to slow down, reflect on our needs, become resourceful,
and be kind to ourselves and to others.


It's been wonderful to gradually reconnect with good friends 
in backyards, parks, ravines, and with dear ones at home.
Sharing some photos taken on a nature walk.


Kindness of nature
lush, enchanting, mystical
 reflections of love












Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Rainbow of hope over Toronto

On the day Toronto goes into stage 2 reopening, a rainbow of hope appears on the skyline.


Hope in all colours
hard times softened with rainbows
love and compassion


Saturday, June 20, 2020

The true voyage of discovery



The only true voyage of discovery would be not to visit strange lands but to possess other eyes.

Le seul véritable voyage, ce ne serait pas d'aller vers de nouveaux paysages, mais d'avoir d'autres yeux.

This insightful quote of Marcel Proust has so many layers of meaning. 
If we look at nature with new eyes, we can discover art in unexpected places, as in this photo.

On a more profound level, to view from others' eyes not only opens up new perspectives in seeing the world, 
but also enlightens us about others' values, lifestyles, cultures, 
which fosters open-mindedness and acceptance. 

Seeing with other's eyes opens our hearts so we can empathize with others' hardships 
and pain, as well as discover the wonders in each of us. 

It's not easy to possess other eyes, as we all tend to think of our views as best, or we get stuck 
in one way of thinking, but it's a worthwhile endeavour to bring more humanity within us.



Close up of a tree bark spattered with lichens and moss
Abstract art in nature

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Spring into summer


A photo collage to celebrate summer's exuberance. 

What a wonderful surprise to enjoy this glorious weather in May.
Much needed cheer from the stress of the pandemic
to give us strength to keep going.
Keep safe everybody.




Spring into summer
Sunshine blasting its brilliance
warms the air with joy




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.