Let's Go Appreciate --- Eyes to the Sky

Another great morning for a walk! Temperature was 13-16 C and not so windy as I stepped into the street in my 6 year old brown Chucks. (Did you know that Converse is a subsidiary of Nike since 2003?) I still love mine, so comfy to walk in and light on the feet.

With Canada Day long weekend coming up soon, let me take some time to appreciate Toronto. People like me who walk in the morning come from a melting pot of migrants from all over the world. Toronto loves to celebrate its many diverse festivals and events.

Great street district markers

Flags

                                               
Keeping my eyesight towards the sky, I enjoy the splashes of color from the hanging pots of flowers and some urban art makes the walk uplifting as well, if you know where to look.

Cascade of flowers

I spy with my naked eye .....

There is a lot more to see but I took time to enjoy it than take photos. Come take the walk with me, you will be pleasantly surprised by this city called Toronto!

Let's Go --- Walking on the Bright Side

Can you believe it's been nearly three years since I began blogging about my attempts of walking to work from my TTC subway stop? I wish I could share a success story, complete with the before and after photos of a new slim and trim me. Sorry to disappoint, but that's not how it rolled.

Instead life happened and with that the opportunity to walk was replaced by the need to get to work sooner. But the good news is I have started walking again, trying a new route so here are some new insights and observations.

The new route brings me out on Bloor Street and the first things I see are the condos being built everywhere. Looking up there is The One. Look down and I get to experience the pedestrian scramble when prompted by the words "walk sign is on for all crossings."

Pedestrian scramble!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This might be The One!

As I cross over to my chosen sidewalk, I turn up the music in my ears. Music selection is determined by my mood, but mostly jazz, 80's, disco, rock and pop. My trek brings me close to higher end stores that try to entice me with their latest fashion. The early birds distract me from my day dreaming. On some days, I cross over to St. Basil's Catholic Parish for a quick prayer or two!                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

My sacred space of meditation.

  

Rock doves doing their own walk.

More pictures and observations next time. And this is my third week walking, life is good!
 

With You, Near Journey’s End

                                

                             

It breaks my heart to see you like this

In pain, so much pain  ---

How I wish I could make it go away! 

Feeling useless each time the pain overcomes,

Take it all, what little comfort I could give you!

Let me gently wipe your brow, your nose, your lips

Refresh you with cool drinks and wrap you in soft blankets.

Cajole you to take one more bite, one more sip ...

I hide my tears of helplessness from you

Is there naught I can do to make you feel better?

I run at the first beckon of your bell, 

Let me be your hands, your feet, your strength.

Please silence your constant apologies and repeated thanks.

All I do is because of love for you,

For you are a lady of so much loveliness and grace!

Thank you for the many times your life’s path crossed with ours,

Even across the miles we felt you near us always

Your visits and thoughtfulness are forever etched in our hearts.

We hold dear your guidance and care in our times of joy and sorrow

You enriched us in your love a million times over!

As the time draws near, I treasure our final times together

Stolen moments of joy, your smiles, your kindness and love.

For now, I hold your hand and kiss your brow near journey’s end.

Be brave, good & faithful servant

For He our Lord, will hold you in His arms and take you Home, at journey’s end!