Cinderella

Last week was full of all sorts of fun in the city.  Well, Summer in Toronto is that way!  It's not quite Summer, but the temps are much improved from the hellish Winter we endured, and everyone has come out of hibernation. Toronto seems to be a totally different beast when the warmer weather rolls around. You might even see strangers talking to each other!? Everything comes alive and is abuzz with so many music festivals, street fests, art fairs, cultural events...  feels like you can barely get to everything you might like to see.  Had a chance to hit up a few fun outdoor events and topped it off with a visit to the ballet!

Really enjoyed the whimsical National Ballet of Canada's production of Cinderella at the Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts.  Got some cheap seats with Aunt L. and though we were way up there in the 500 ring, it is still a great view and some of the best entertainment value you could possibly find. It always amazes me how physically and athletically talented the dancers are.  Somehow the fabled story was blurry in my old mind, so it was extra delightful to watch.  If you haven't seen it, try to catch it before it's gone on Sunday.  Have seen a couple things this year, but made a mental note to visit the ballet more often!

 ("Walking Women" by Michael Snow.  They look great amidst the city lights.)

Happy Friday the 13th!  Enjoying some quiet time after a hectic week.  Looking forward to another great sunshiny weekend in the city.  Hope you enjoy yours!

xo

M

Holidayin'

This past week was lovely, relaxing, totally stress-free and Christmassy...   not much family was in town, but that meant more time for dear friends.  

Doodled a few random cards...  went for chicken wings and beers with some of my favourite peeps.

Had a small family dinner a few days before Christmas prior to Sister and W. heading off to see his family.  My prime rib turned out reasonably well.  I know what to do to improve it next time. 

Did some leisurely gift shopping and enjoyed the process of wrapping...

I missed my family, especially since this is the first Christmas without Grandma, but I've got to say that it was nice to not have to worry about much over the holiday... wandered the city, did anything I wanted on a whim, and since the 24th have done a minute amount of work...  maaaaybe a couple hours a day.  Feeling refreshed and excited, work-wise, for next year.

On Christmas Eve, Aunt L. and I went out for dinner and then went a catch a movie.

On Christmas Day I joined my friends, the L-O family.  Got lots of invitations from nice friends, as I was a bit of an orphan this year, and I so appreciate the kind offers.  It was a lovely day.  It was great to be a part of someone else's Christmas.  We gobbled good eats, hung out with their little girls, chatted about this and that and reminisced about the good old times when we were young and ridiculous!

Spotted a vintage MoonRox star ornament on their tree!  Still remember the feeling of making those, though it was a good decade ago...

On the 28th, my two friends J. Mo and Anita had guest roles in the Nutcracker!  The ballet was beautiful.  The set was stunning and the costumes intricate and amazing.  I loved it!  And I was so impressed with my two pals!

The Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts is a wonderful place...  must go more often.  Odd to think you can get a last minute or standing room ticket for an opera or ballet for less than the price of a flick.

This was J. Mo's post-show dinner.  Photo worthy...

Got mail from abroad...

Sipped hot tea... I made this cup in 2002...

Did some boxing day shopping...  Bit of a mistake.  The crowds were overwhelming.

Meant to spend more time reading my book and not doing much at all, but somehow the days flew by quickly.  Did get to see some friends that come home rarely, so I think my book can wait! 

Few hours remaining of  2011.  Hope you have some fun plans to ring in the new year... wherever you are!  Excited to see what 2012 will bring...  Happy New Year!!

xo

M

A day with family

Aunt G. and Aunt E. came by this morning to scoop me up so I could join them for lunch with Mah Mah (my grandmother). We went to a place called Wok on Yonge. They serve a hybrid East/West version of high tea. We had our choice of several Japanese, Chinese, Fruity or English teas served with an assortment of dim sum and traditional high tea options. Little bit random, but was a rather enjoyable and very civilized way to have dim sum.
We pumped my Grandmother for stories from back in the day and even my aunts learned things that they had not known before.

In the evening, Aunt L. from the other side of the family took me to the opera! I had never been before. We saw Madama Butterfly. The Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts was an fantastic theatre and the show was excellent. Aunt L. picked up last minute tickets this morning. I had no idea you could see such amazing things for 20 bucks. It was definitely worth the hobble up to the 5th ring! Now I have to try to catch a ballet there one day soon.




Then we went for a snack in Chinatown. I felt just like my Gung Gung (Grandpa) walking around there with the cane that Aunt G. loaned me to assist in the hop-a-long. Know when something you do or say just feels like the motions or words of someone else? He used to fling his cane around to point at things and to stop traffic when jay-walking and not actually use it for it's supportive purpose.

Now I am beat. I've become a napper in the past few days. I have never been one to nap. My fractured foot is still really swollen but not nearly as sore. I think I have figured out the best way to stand on it. What's worrying me now is the wound on my knee that is not healing and just seems to get worse. Gonna google that problem right now!