Finding myself back in the city

The city is rather interesting when you have been away from it.

My City, Toronto, is continuously growing. You'd think they would run out of space but they keep building more skyscrapers, each one taller than the other.

Cities are also reknown for their traffic jams. We now have sidewalk jams due to the number of buildings that are renovating their entrances. You can't walk more than a block without being rerouted to another sidewalk!


We also have a very large underground system which provides access to all the large office towers. It now probably spans 5 blocks wide and 5 blocks long. You can basically travel underground when you want to avoid cars and weather however the pedestrian traffic is very busy.

Each day is like an adventure for me. I had to get used to the new train schedule, the various tracks the train drops you off at, taking the 'right' train home, not falling asleep and missing my stop, and the various underground paths. I used to be able to navigate with my eyes closed but now there are more paths plus the storefronts have changed.

You can purchase just about anything when walking through the underground. Clothingk, shoes, toiletteries, toys, office supplies, food and liquor. Life lows in a continuous movement from the time you get into your car to drive to thr train station until you get out of your car in your driveway!

It is taking me some time to get used to this new routine. It began with an exciting perspective but the novelty is wearing off quickly. The worst part about working in the city is the time wasted travelling to and fro. It seems like such a big sacrifice when one values ones time!

Santa's wardrobe

Wouldn't it be nice to have a wardrobe as diversified as santa's?

  
From tradition clothing made of finer fabrics ...

To a monochomatic outfit.

From detailed folkloric ...

To comfy pyjamas!

Thin and tall, short and stout, pot bellied or not ... these santas reflect the slight cultural differences beteen us yet don't cause any wars. Christmas is often associated with Peace on Earth even though many don't have that luxury.

Perhaps concept of santa and it's associated materialism should be seperated from the religious context of Christmas so that all could openly embrace and enjoy this holiday regardless of their religion.  Let us together enjoy one time of the year where we can focus on love, family and friends.

Santas and People

I've already mentioned that I have an extensive collection of santas. What makes this collection so interesting is the uniqueness of each santa. They have personalities just like everyday men.

I have traditional 'European' looking santas with longer less tame beards and wise faces.

Some are more folkloric looking, made of natural fibers, and appear full of vigour.

Then there are the funny jovial santas full of laughter and joy breezing through all the Christmas festivities without a single complaint, ache, or frown.



And lastly the wise and sage santa who has visited us year after year carrying the responsibility of making us (as children) feel some joy in our lives regardless of the troubled times we may live in.

All the santas represent snippets of life, where we have been and where we are, leaving us with hope and tradition.

Santas, santas, and more santas

Christmas has come and gone. Every year I delight in getting out our ornaments. The Christmas tree is always fun to decorate and we've managed to make it a family event where everyone participates. The santas are, however, my pride and joy. I've been collecting them for close to 20 years. My collection has grown quickly since family and close friends have contributed.

Each santa has a unique style and story to tell. Some listen to the children and lull them to sleep and other are writing a list; some are ready to brave the cold and others have finished their 'run'.

I realized a few years back that I'd eventually have a problem keeping track of all these santas and I made a point of writing (somewhere discreet) who gave me the santa and what year on them.



Of Ladybugs and Butterflies

Ladybugs and butterflies - magical insects?

Ladybugs are just so cute!

They travel, sometimes unnoticed, from flower to tree. They always seem to be busy yet don't have that nervous fluttering energy I find with bees and wasps. Besides - they don't bite!

As a child, we'd make wishes when we'd find a ladybug. All you had to do was put it on your index, extend your arm out, spin on one foot and quickly make a full turn while making a wish. Your wish would come true if the ladybug flew away.

Butterflies, on the other hand, represent the eluding freedom that many of us long for.

They flutter here and there, like many insects, yet they seem to have more grace and liberties. Their lives begin attached to the earth and then they morph into flight. Their lifespan is lived in two different forms - a bit magical and symbolic for some.



Butterflies are special for me. They symbolize my own transformation and ways. I too tend to flutter from one interest to another, continuously exploring life and my interaction with it. Ladybugs are also special because they remind me of childhood and innocence - simple and uncomplicated. My blog's name is inspired by butterflies - Pasha is my nickname and also a breed of butterfly and 'pillon' is the ending of the French word for butterflies 'Papillon'.