I find there are two main sources to creative blocks. The usual and perhaps most dreaded kind being the days (weeks) when you are simply uninspired and have got nothing. Zip. Nadda. Then, there are the days when you have so many creative ideas/thoughts that you are so high on excitement you eventually begin to bounce all over the place. You may get somewhere but slowly you reach a state where you can’t think straight. Before you know it, you begin to feel overwhelmed. Then you begin to doubt things. Then the downward spiral speeds up and you’ve guessed it… creative block rears it’s ugly head.
I found myself dealing with the latter early afternoon. Rather than sit and work through it and likely get nowhere as I so often do, I opted for a healthy doze of fresh air. When I’m in a “creative zone” I often forget to take the time to enjoy the outdoors as I get so lost in what I’m doing. But, as J. had left St. Lawrence Market missing some of our meat order, I decided to walk back down with him and take my camera along.
As I walked, I found my brain slowing down and just absorbing the beauty of my surroundings. My thoughts began to feel less scrambled and overwhelming. I felt my focus coming back and soon knew exactly what I wanted to do creatively and had pushed aside all the doubt that had crept in. Phew!
Thank you dear outdoors. I need to remember how essential you are to the creative process more often.
Yesterday was one of those days that was perfect on every level. No plans. Beautiful weather. The freedom to let all your to-do’s fall to the wayside while you just let the day take it’s course. Living in the moment at it’s best.
It started with a yummy breakfast made by J, then a quick trip to pick up some Fall clothes and followed up with another marathon dog walk. When we set out on these walks we never have plans or intentions to stay out as long as we do. This time 5 hours. Once again, we took the Don Valley trail but instead headed south.
About an hour into our walk we found a spot that allowed us to hit the creek. Wanting to give the dogs an opportunity to cool off, we headed down. I unfortunately headed down literally… ON MY ARSE. Here’s the proof.
We carried on regardless.
James and I have been discussing buying a house. We’ve considered a few areas in Toronto but something tells me we’ll find ourselves in The Beach where James grew up. We always seem to end up there.
I hope your Saturday was just as relaxing and carefree. What did you get up to?
Happy Sunday.
In late August, J and I spent the afternoon at Riverdale Farm. It’s just a short walk from my home and such a fab little place to leave the city without actually doing so. Sadly, I didn’t get as many photos as I would of liked (I find shooting in the blazing sun so bloody hard) but I was able to capture J and his new friend, the goat.
They spent a good 20 minutes together and they have plans to reunite next month when hopefully I’ll get more pictures.
What about where you live? Have any hidden gems like Riverdale Farm were you can forget the hustle and bustle of city life and escape for a few hours?
The heat is finally breaking here in Toronto. This morning I woke up to rain (which is still going) and a small thunderstorm. While there’s still a little humidity in the air, it’s so nice to feel the coolness the rain has brought. We’re back up to high temperatures again tomorrow so I’m enjoying this while I can.
J and I decided to do away with all our plans this weekend, including our trip to Toronto Island. As we sat over drinks last night at our local, we both realized all we wanted was a weekend at home. Last weekend was jam packed and the only time we spent at home was to pretty much sleep. Other than grocery shopping and a walk around the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, we’re locking ourselves away from the world for a few days.
What’s on your agenda this weekend?
July 9, 2010 //
Filed under: Etcetera
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Tagged: life, toronto
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Toronto is currently experiencing a major heat wave and let me tell you… it’s hot, hot, hot! Yesterday temperatures felt in the 110s. Needless to say most of my day was spent indoors basking myself in the cooling AC. Today is going to be even hotter. Oh my! Days like this I crave Fall but I quickly remember how fast the ugly cold of Winter comes and bask in the sunshine. Unfortunately, many in Toronto lost power yesterday. Thankfully I didn’t and so no meltdown was required.
It has been such a crazy few weeks in Toronto. First the earthquake, then tornado warnings, then the G20 which was followed by Pride Week (which when classed as crazy I mean in a fun sense) and now the mini black-out. I wonder what’s next for this city? Ha!
What’s the weather like where you are? Enjoying Summer?
Photo Credit: leeroy09481
James and I spent most of yesterday on Church Street enjoying the Toronto Pride Week festivities. We actually live right in this neighborhood and this is one of the festivals I look forward to. The Halloween celebrations over there are pretty awesome too if you live in Toronto. As expected, a fun day was had although I didn’t get as many photos as I had hoped. The actual parade takes place today and I’m hoping I can squeeze in some time to head out and take more photos. But, it’s a jam packed day full of shopping, chores and birthday parties so we’ll have to see.
Happy Pride Week Toronto!
As I’m sure most of you have heard or seen, the G20 “protesting” got ugly in Toronto yesterday. I wouldn’t even call what happened yesterday protesting. The destruction being caused is actually deafening the important messages those truly exercising their rights to protest in a peaceful manner are trying to share.
Though I watched most of the craziness on CP24 yesterday, when things appeared relatively calm, J and I headed down to some of the hot spots. It was heartbreaking to see the stores and business I frequent often (many are just a block from me) completely ruined and their windows shattered. I don’t even have the words to describe it. As I headed home, rather than hear the usual hustle and bustle of city life, all I heard was the sickening noise of glass being cleaned up. It was quite surreal.
I don’t wish to get into a debate about who’s right or wrong. But I will say that destroying the city and the businesses of innocent people is wrong. Taking “I was here” photos in front of vandalized stores mocking them is wrong. Committing acts of violence towards others is wrong. Deafening the voices of those trying to share their message peacefully is wrong.
This is NOT the Toronto I love or live in.
UPDATE: One of my photos (this one) ended up on blogTO. While I wish it had been under better circumstances, I’m honored for the include. Cheers blogTO.
June 27, 2010 //
Filed under: Etcetera
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Tagged: g20, life, toronto
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A couple of weekends ago, J and I went on what was supposed to be an hour long dog walk. We decided to try out one of the Toronto Discovery Walks. We took the Don Valley Hills & Dales route. Before we knew it 1 hour had turned into 8 hours. It was such a beautiful and sunny day. One that ended with sore feet, sun burn and exhaustion but one that was worth every minute.
Every so often we’d jump down to the creek to dip our feet in the water. While Riley refused to swim (he’d only go in so far), Bosco and Kayden took full advantage of the chance to cool down.
There were many breaks under the cool shelter of the trees.
When this particular trail ended, we just wanted to keep going and so we took the Eastern Ravine & Beaches trail and ended the day down at the lake.
A perfect ending to a perfect day.
Photo’s taken with my iPhone
